Welcome to the Savannah J Book Club
Your Hub for Monthly Recommendations by Local Authors,
Hand-Picked by Star 99.7’s Own Savannah J

Everyone’s heard of Oprah’s Book Club, where she recommends a book, generally a novel, to her audience. Star 99.7’s Savannah J is doing the same for the Lowcountry, focusing only on local authors and their works. An author herself, Savannah is well known in the Charleston area literary community. Every few weeks, on a Tuesday morning during her Savannah J & Friends segments during the Steve Harvey Morning Show, Savannah will make a book recommendation, then post interviews with the authors here. It’s your chance to dive deep into the rich well of storytelling talent and  important perspectives we have right here in the Lowcountry.

If you, or someone you know, is a local author and has had a work published, let Savannah J know by emailing her (SavannahJ@star997.com) the:

• Book title
• Author’s name
• Short summary/description of the book
• Any links pertaining to the book (about or online seller pages, reviews, etc.)

And check back here regularly for Savannah’s latest pick by a local author!

Sponsored by Dermatology & Laser Center of Charleston:

Book Club Recommendations, Summaries & Interviews by Month:

AUUGUST 2022

I’m Different and I Like Me by Angela S. Clark

Available at Amazon.com This book is a great self esteem book for all children. It shows and explains how we are all made different, and that’s what makes everyone unique. It explains how children of all ethnic backgrounds are special in their own way. It also encourages children how to embrace their own uniqueness what ever it may be. This book even touches on children dealing with illnesses such as leukemia and alopecia. Every child that reads this book is guaranteed to be encouraged and empowered with their self-esteem after reading this book.

About the Author Angela S. Clark, I am a mother, singer, author, Actress and chef. I have 3 beautiful children who are all gifted and talented. My children are definitely my inspiration of writing my children books. As my third children’s book is at its last stage of being finalized, I anticipate it being completed by mid-September. I write to inspire and build the self esteem of all children, and to encourage young people that they can become and author one day.

JULY 2022

Game Recognize Game by Geno Jones

Available at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com & Authorhouse.com Geno Jones has been #1 in the ratings as host of his own radio show for nearly seven years, but with the release of Game Recognize Gam, he proves that he is not just a successful radio star with the gift of gab. Game Recognize Game offers a man’s perspective on the game of love as he gives the real on why men do what they do in relationships. The book’s ending has a compelling, powerful, personal account of how the mistakes, heartache and pain from the past became teachable moments for how to be a better father, husband and man in the future.Raised in Chicago by his single mother and grandparents, Geno was trained using the old school book of love. Once a real lady’s man, Geno has experienced his share of playing games. Now happily married and the father of two daughters, he is dealing with a new deck as he showers his family with love.Charismatic, compelling and funny, since 2006, Geno has produced live relationship seminars in Los Angeles, Chicago, and throughout the South with stellar reports from women who have been scorned by love. He has also been a featured guest on local and syndicated radio and talk shows, including the Oprah Winfrey Show. Without the hype, this new book sheds light on what women really need to understand in order to find and keep a “good” man.

About the Author Better known as “Geno on your Radio,” Geno is a Chicago native turned longtime Lowcountry resident. His previous show, The Geno Jones Show, was the #1 afternoon drive show in Charleston from 2006 to 2016. His signature voice now carries you through the weekday middays from 10 AM to 3 PM.Raised by his grandparents and a single mother, he’s the only son of three children. He is also the father of two beautiful girls, which inspired the birth his book/audio book titled Game Recognize Game. “My mother and grandmother taught me compassion and how to treat women, and I want my daughters to know how they should be treated,” says Geno. He adds, “Even in my most hardcore, pimp-or-die days, I could only go so far because I would always hear the voices of the women who influenced my life.”With plans to take his show on the road in live seminar forum, Geno will no doubt soon be considered an expert on male-female relationships, or perhaps a “love doctor.” In fact, many women who have read or heard Game Recognize Game admit that if the info had been available to them sooner in their lives, many unnecessary wounds would have been prevented. The live Game Recognize Game seminar/motivational speaking tour has been attended by men and women in Charleston and at the Expo for Today’s Black Woman in Chicago and the Black Expo in Los Angeles. Geno has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey show – check out the video on his website. A triple threat, Geno is an actor and comedian as well recently opening for the legendary B.B. King, Katt Williams among others since in Charleston, and starred in the feature film, “Hanging with the Big Boys.” Charismatic, compelling and funny with a rare ability to connect with his listeners, Geno prides himself in having maintained a #1 show in Memphis for six years prior to relocating to Charleston in 2005. He has also has had #1-rated morning shows in markets, including Detroit, Pittsburg and Los Angeles.

JUNE 2022

Dear Diary, I Couldn’t Love Him Enough by Chante’ Dove

Available in Kindle on Amazon.com Dear Diary, I Couldn’t Love Him Enough, is a raw and honest personal recollection of the devastating emotional, physical, and mental effects of loving an abuser. This real life account allows reader to take an intimate look into Chante’ Dove’s silence journey, and witness the humiliation, tears, anger and defeat that is domestic violence.

About the Author Chante’ Dove is a proud mother of 5, Domestic Violence Survivor and Author. She has devoted her life to inspiring and motivating today’s youth through ministry. As an entrepreneur and budding motivational speaker, she aims to educate others on identifying the “red flags’ in toxic relationships. She uses her story as an example, for others to truly understand the importance of walking away, sooner than later. Today her best moments are spent “living,” being a mom and seeking healthy relationships.

MARCH 2022

Finding Beauty in Ugly Situations by Desiree Middleton

Available in paperback on Amazon.com I will tell you a story, a story of a girl, born with a purpose that would take years before it could really be understood. She would grow into a woman of undeniable strength and courage, birthed through the ugliness she faced from the monstrosities of life. A woman given a task that only she could fulfill, equipped with powers that she would learn to unlock, because only she could access the key. This woman told a story to many, leaving them with a newfound courage and strength to continue to fight the ugliness knowing that something beautiful was awaiting if only they would make the decision to JUST KEEP LIVING! Ever felt like giving up and succumbing to all the ugliness the world seems to display? I have been there too! This is my story. A true story of pain, love, loss, depression, rape, molestation, abuse, life, death, the good, the bad and the ugly. The journey through some of my most traumatic life experiences but birthing an amazing end. Journey with me through this beautiful chronicle where I hope that you find hope, strength, love and an eye for beauty like you’ve never been able to see before.

About the Author Author Desiree P. Middleton, born in a small rural town thirty plus miles away from Charleston, SC. called McClellanville. The only daughter and the youngest of two boys, Desiree’s parent’s Patricia and Kevin Middleton Sr. recognized that their daughter had a gift at an incredibly young age. Her mom, a local schoolteacher and journalist at heart, would practice writing and sight words with Desiree before she could read and comprehend clearly. This developed and nurtured her gift of reading and writing, bringing to her many accolades and recognition for her outstanding writing skills and reading comprehension well above her average grade level throughout her school years. Desiree, at the age of thirty-five, currently resides in Summerville, SC. with her three daughters, Armani (15), Amaya (14) and Taylor (4). She has thus far completed three published books, her first, Finding the Beauty in Ugly Situations, which entails and reflects upon very tumultuous life events that she experienced from childhood to adulthood, yet finding not only the strength to overcome these obstacles, but to also find the beauty in all of life’s circumstances, looking at the glass half full rather than half empty. Her second published book, Letters to My Deceased Father, was birthed through much grief when Desiree lost her Father in 2020 due to a brain aneurism. She used the downtime due to the global Covid-19 pandemic to heal her grief through her writing with these letters of each day of the emotional rollercoaster felt from her father’s illness to the day that he passed away and after. Her third and latest project, Married to the Enemy is her first urban fiction novel, and one that she hopes will put her on the map as a bestseller.  Desiree is known around her community for being a motivator, entrepreneur, and one who chases her dreams. Becoming the founder of a female empowerment group called the W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L Organization, which focuses on helping women deal with and cope through trauma, such as rape, sexual abuse, domestic violence, teen pregnancy etc. as Desiree has experienced all these things and encourages women to know that life does not end here, life goes on even after you have been through the worst. She is now focusing her attention on continuing to develop her career as an author and her newest project, the From Pain to Purpose Movement where she plans to host events, workshops and internet television series based around turning your pain into your purpose, Desiree hopes to launch her newest project soon.  She admires the works of the late Maya Angelou and has memorized many of her poetry. Her biggest bucket list dreams is the hope to one day be able to sit with Oprah Winfrey over tea, travel to Africa, work on writing film and sitcoms for Tyler Perry and dance with her favorite old school artist, Charlie Wilson. Desiree enjoys spending most of her free time with her daughter’s and her mother. She loves traveling to different wineries and attending brunch with friends. Her favorite quote and one that she noticeably lives by is “Well-behaved women seldom make history”, she lives her life out loud and unapologetically.

MARCH 2022

Finding Beauty in Ugly Situations by Desiree Middleton

Available in paperback on Amazon.com I will tell you a story, a story of a girl, born with a purpose that would take years before it could really be understood. She would grow into a woman of undeniable strength and courage, birthed through the ugliness she faced from the monstrosities of life. A woman given a task that only she could fulfill, equipped with powers that she would learn to unlock, because only she could access the key. This woman told a story to many, leaving them with a newfound courage and strength to continue to fight the ugliness knowing that something beautiful was awaiting if only they would make the decision to JUST KEEP LIVING! Ever felt like giving up and succumbing to all the ugliness the world seems to display? I have been there too! This is my story. A true story of pain, love, loss, depression, rape, molestation, abuse, life, death, the good, the bad and the ugly. The journey through some of my most traumatic life experiences but birthing an amazing end. Journey with me through this beautiful chronicle where I hope that you find hope, strength, love and an eye for beauty like you’ve never been able to see before.

About the Author Author Desiree P. Middleton, born in a small rural town thirty plus miles away from Charleston, SC. called McClellanville. The only daughter and the youngest of two boys, Desiree’s parent’s Patricia and Kevin Middleton Sr. recognized that their daughter had a gift at an incredibly young age. Her mom, a local schoolteacher and journalist at heart, would practice writing and sight words with Desiree before she could read and comprehend clearly. This developed and nurtured her gift of reading and writing, bringing to her many accolades and recognition for her outstanding writing skills and reading comprehension well above her average grade level throughout her school years. Desiree, at the age of thirty-five, currently resides in Summerville, SC. with her three daughters, Armani (15), Amaya (14) and Taylor (4). She has thus far completed three published books, her first, Finding the Beauty in Ugly Situations, which entails and reflects upon very tumultuous life events that she experienced from childhood to adulthood, yet finding not only the strength to overcome these obstacles, but to also find the beauty in all of life’s circumstances, looking at the glass half full rather than half empty. Her second published book, Letters to My Deceased Father, was birthed through much grief when Desiree lost her Father in 2020 due to a brain aneurism. She used the downtime due to the global Covid-19 pandemic to heal her grief through her writing with these letters of each day of the emotional rollercoaster felt from her father’s illness to the day that he passed away and after. Her third and latest project, Married to the Enemy is her first urban fiction novel, and one that she hopes will put her on the map as a bestseller.  Desiree is known around her community for being a motivator, entrepreneur, and one who chases her dreams. Becoming the founder of a female empowerment group called the W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L Organization, which focuses on helping women deal with and cope through trauma, such as rape, sexual abuse, domestic violence, teen pregnancy etc. as Desiree has experienced all these things and encourages women to know that life does not end here, life goes on even after you have been through the worst. She is now focusing her attention on continuing to develop her career as an author and her newest project, the From Pain to Purpose Movement where she plans to host events, workshops and internet television series based around turning your pain into your purpose, Desiree hopes to launch her newest project soon.  She admires the works of the late Maya Angelou and has memorized many of her poetry. Her biggest bucket list dreams is the hope to one day be able to sit with Oprah Winfrey over tea, travel to Africa, work on writing film and sitcoms for Tyler Perry and dance with her favorite old school artist, Charlie Wilson. Desiree enjoys spending most of her free time with her daughter’s and her mother. She loves traveling to different wineries and attending brunch with friends. Her favorite quote and one that she noticeably lives by is “Well-behaved women seldom make history”, she lives her life out loud and unapologetically.

FEBRUARY 2022

How to Keep a Black Man by Jarray Walker

Available in Kindle and paperback on Amazon.com Are you a woman trying to truly understand how to keep a black man? What does it take? Can it really be accomplished? How would you know if you’re the one for him? Are you ready to step into a realm to get those answers? Do you feel that you already have the answers? If you have them, is your relationship perfect? Learning to love, respect, honor and keep a black man is possible and wanting to know how is one of the most important things many women are interested in. So, take a journey through the why’s and how’s with Shys Debiocci. No matter where you are in your relationship walk; even if it’s perfect for you; this book is the book to read and remember… NOTHING IS PERFECT!

About the Author Cincinnati, OH native Jarray Walker discovered his passion for writing while he was in third grade. Mr. Walker is an established writer with decades of experience. He began by writing poetry and musical lyrics for artists.Mr. Walker allowed his trials, tribulations, and experiences in life to guide him through his first novel, “2 Ways 2 Hustle.” Since the publishing of his first book in 2015, Mr. Walker has become a two-time award-winning and best selling author. Far from being a rookie in the game, Mr. Walker has traveled to numerous cities for interviews and book tours, gaining great exposure. Mr. Walker has also recently garnered substantial acclaim for his newest release, “How To Keep A Black Man,” now available on Kindle & Amazon.Besides writing bestsellers, Mr. Walker spends his time as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. He mentors and speaks at public schools, donates to charities, and gives back to the community by volunteering. He is a firm believer in maintaining fundamental structure in the community. Mr. Walker also spends his time showing off his other skills and pushing his educational song for the black community called “I AM BLACK HISTORY.” He is for the education of people and his incredible work ethic has no limits. He is currently making his mark in Charleston, SC.To stay updated on upcoming book releases and new projects, or for booking information, follow him on Facebook @Shys Debiocci, Instagram @shysdebiocci and TikTok @big_shys.

DECEMBER 2021

I Want It All: Practical Principles to Living Your Best Life by Troy T. McClain, Jr.

Available in Kindle and paperback on Amazon.com Time is the most valuable commodity that most of us waste and wish we had more of. Don’t waste another moment of living in the shadows of mediocrity or beneath your optimum potential! In the words of Dr. Myles Munroe, “Live FULL and die empty”!It’s not only your time but your turn! This book is for anyone who wants to be better than the person they were yesterday. I Want It All: Practical Principles to Living Your Best Life is an inspirational guide to overcoming obstacles, praying through adversity and overcoming the temptation to live a life that is anything less than everything you want and who God created you to be. Through a collection of personal stories and well-placed encouragement, Troy T. McClain reignites the fire in readers to find the meaning in their pain and accomplish their goals.

About the Author Troy, a captivating author, minister, speaker, political activist, mentor, and trainer that specializes in shifting mindsets from mediocrity to greatness. In 2015 he wrote and published his first book called, “I Want it All: Practical Principles to Living Your Best Life Now’” where he shares how he overcame obstacles and challenges. He is a 2017 Graduate of Liberty University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in religion minoring in Christian Counseling. Because of his strong belief in education, Troy also obtained his Diversity & Inclusion certification from Cornell University, additionally completing his John Maxwell certification rendering him a John Maxwell Certified team member. Troy is an expert at providing interactive, engaging tools for schools and organizations that have resulted in changed behavior, greater self –confidence and awareness, and most importantly, an increased graduation rate among male students. Troy has served in various capacities serving his community including a radio personnel WSPO Heaven 100.1 family and his show was live every day from 3-8pm. In 2016 Troy along with business partner started a series called “The Awakening Series.” Once a month they would highlight local black businesses to bring exposure and give them a platform to inspire and motivate aspiring entrepreneurs to start a business. In October of 2018 he proudly became a member of the greatest fraternity The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., that same year he also graduated from The Clyburn Fellowship. Troy then went on and served as the South Carolina Democratic Party Regional Field Director and recently worked for two Presidential campaigns.  A native of Charleston, SC, Troy has a powerful testimony of overcoming challenges faced in school and life despite being labeled with a learning disability and failing three times.Troy’s story drives his passion to inspire, motivate, train, and equip others to believe IT IS POSSIBLE! It’s not about how you start but how you finish. Troy has spoken extensively to various schools and organizations across the Southeastern Region of the United States and abroad traveling to Haiti on several occasions to serve there as well and because of his relentless passion to serve he’s been awarded with several awards through the years for his consistent dedication to the community for making the world a better place.Being the second oldest child of seven, his faith and family is the glue that keeps him grounded. Troy is committed and dedicated to his community where he founded his mentorship program called “The I AM Foundation” (now named Legacy Builders Org). His focus is to cultivate and culminate the greatness that lies within each young man with a mission of education, career development and strategies to impact and reshape communities.

NOVEMBER 2021

Magic Mirror by Christine Washington

Available in Paperback on Amazon.com or Directly from the author at cswashington14@gmail.com Christine Washington’s fourth book is a children’s book about miracles, growing up and the facts of life. It follows the story of a beautiful little girl who looks for affirmation in the mirror each morning. That is until tragedy strikes. Along her journey, we see how confidence is built up from the inside to the outside of Miracle.

About the Author Author, Poet, Spoken Word Artist, motivational speaker and “community groomer/organizer – here in Charleston. Christine Washington has published four books which include two bodies of works of poetry, “Brainstorming” and “The Palmetto Rose That Grew from Charleston,” along with a book of Short stories “Unfairly Tales.” And most recently, “Magic Mirror.”She says, “I see myself as the ‘positive product’ of an underprivileged urban environment. I know all too well about the benefits of having good resources of people and organizations in place when needed and that is why community involvement is extremely important to who I am and who I strive to be. Reading and writing has always been a key part of my life; my ‘saving grace’ as I often refer to it. I use my love for literature, as well as my platform to help with literacy issues without our schools  and communities as tool to encourage open expressions of creativity, as well as to promote love; while increasing awareness.””There are many more things I hope to accomplish in the years to come,” she says. “But, most importantly, I really want to inspire, like I was inspired!”Christine’s favorite quote is, “The sky is not the limit, when the possibilities are endless!” You can follow Christine on Facebook at @ReddDreadd and Instagram @_TeamQueen.

SEPTEMBER 2021

Diggin’ for Intimacy: Sex, Sensuality, and Loving God by Arlecia “Dr. Lecia” Simmons, Ph.D., M.Div.

Available in ebook and paperback on: DrLecia.comDr. Arlecia Simmons’ second book, “Diggin’ for Intimacy: Sex, Sensuality, and Loving God” invites readers to journey alongside the writer in exploring their own beliefs about intimacy and sexuality. “I say it’s the book church girls didn’t know they needed because it explores issues that don’t get discussed in religious homes or churches. We just had to figure it out, and for many, it ends in some not-so-great outcomes,” says Simmons.As an ordained minister whose first profession was print journalism, Simmons recognizes the power of storytelling and invites students to chronicle their own experiences with reflection questions at the end of each chapter. The book encourages women, especially the Christian and unmarried, to engage in a heartfelt conversation about sex many aren’t having because of anticipated shame and judgment. Regardless of how hesitant readers may be to enter conversations around sex, Simmons’ take provides a safe space and a solid framework for developing a new, God-centric approach to intimacy, dating and relationships. For more information about the book and Dr. Arlecia, visit drlecia.com.

About the Author Arlecia “Dr. Lecia” Simmons, Ph.D., M.Div., is an award-winning journalist, author, speaker and community leader who’s taken her storytelling gifts from newspapers to the pulpit to books. In addition to being a published author, Dr. Lecia is a marketplace ministry consultant and inspirational speaker for various organizations and the author of “Diggin’ for Treasure: Jewels of Hope When Pressure & Time Collide,” her first book.Simmons earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Winthrop University. After graduation, she worked as a journalist and public relations specialist before earning a Master of Arts in Journalism degree from USC. She nurtured students as a journalism educator at UNC Charlotte, Claflin University, the University of Iowa and Paine College and earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Duke University Divinity School.Dr. Lecia has been awarded a South Carolina Press Association Award and North Carolina Press Association Award and has contributed to Culture, Community and Educational Success: Reimagining the Invisible Knapsack and The Formula: Game Changing Strategies from Everyday Experts, Vol 2. The Charleston native is also a Gullah Geechee Ambassador who shares her culture through presentations and her Branducation Tees, as well as the founder of “Ministry of Joy and Wellness,” a digital media community promoting health, laughter and wellness during the coronavirus pandemic.

AUGUST 2021

In Defense of Dinah: Coming Out of the Shadows of Shame by Lori “LJ” Johnson

Available in paperback on: Amazon.com BarnesandNoble.comIn Defense of Dinah: Coming Out of the Shadow of Shame deals head-on with the issue of victim-blaming by examining the rape of the character named Dinah told in Genesis 34. Through better understanding Dinah as a woman and the bible’s perspective on her experience, In Defense of Dinah is a demand for respect and reclaiming the honor of women. It aims to provoke the community and call The Church to take the lead in shifting attitudes toward rape victims by becoming more sensitive to and ending the habit of victim-blaming. Lori “LJ” Johnson’s first work, the book shines the spotlight of awareness on the hidden impacts of rape and offers prayerful help for leading the reader or someone they love out of despair. It balances practical steps to recovery with a warm-hearted introduction, or reintroduction, to the tender love of our Father God. Through the lens of her own personal story – and that of Dinah’s, Johnson guides readers tenderly and biblically through the process of healing from rape, abuse and the outright victim-blaming that often follows.

About the Author Lori “LJ” Johnson is an active Lowcountry resident who has responded to the call to give voice, dignity, renewal of purpose and self-worth to those who have been sexually violated and abused. In addition to being a published author, she is also a well-known local radio personality on gospel station Heaven 100.1 FM and actor in local theater productions.

Lori “LJ” Johnson Interview with Savannah J: https://soundcloud.com/star997/savanah-j-book-club-in-defense-of-dinah-lori-johnson-interview