coming-of-age
Perfectionism is a Misnomer
“At its root, perfectionism isn’t really about a deep love of being meticulous. It’s about FEAR. Fear of making a mistake. Fear of disappointing others. Fear of failure. Fear of success.”
—Michael Law
And there’s nothing wrong with striving for perfection in our lives. In fact, it’s quite admirable. However, it’s also important to distinguish between what’s attainable and what is not. More importantly, though, we should refrain from burdening ourselves with unrealistic expectations—which oftentimes results in failure.
Let’s take a look at striving for perfection through a more holistic approach:
I truly believe there’s a special place for perfect people. Having said that, I also believe it’s not on this earth.
Primarily because . . .
The Vineyard We Knew
We so frequently think of the Black community as suffering from lack of everything: money, self esteem, dreams for the future, that it is good to be reminded that some folk had a different possibility. Martha’s Vineyard offered the community another view of the world. These are serious folk with serious ideas for the future. They are not just sitting on the dock of the bay, as it were. Kevin Parham joins the group of young middle class writers who are flying on the wings of their future while holding tightly to their roots. The Vineyard We Knew is a totally wonderful look at a community that has been much too silent about its contribution and possibilities.
Nikki Giovanni
So Grateful To Have Received a Review in Publishers Weekly!
The Vineyard We Knew: A Recollection of Summers on Martha’s Vineyard
Kevin Parham. Pria Publishing, $15.95 trade paper (318p) ISBN 978-0-9849485-0-5
 |
 |
Supported by 33 photographs, Parham, a professional musician, warmly describes the idyllic African-American childhood summers spent with six cousins on Martha’s Vineyard, before it became a vacation spot for the rich and powerful. The memoir is a tribute to Parham’s grandmother, Carrie White, the family’s strong-willed matriarch, who had brought her brood to the picturesque island off Massachusetts since the 1930s, setting up seasonal residence in an old two-bedroom house. Parham details the spirited interaction between his cousins while painting a candid portrait of his hard-working mother and ultra-hip stepfather. His lyrical descriptions of the Vineyard—with its bicycling, boats, fishing, clamming, and crabbing—and anecdotes of youthful exuberance are peppered with classic tunes, dancing, early love, cheap wine, and house parties. (BookLife)
Reviewed on: 10/13/2014
Release date: 07/01/2014
Release date: 07/01/2014
Buy this book
Kevin J. Parham 