About the Author.

"I, Deborah J. Burris-Kitchen, Ph.D., am a Professor of Criminology and Department Chair at Tennessee State University in Nashville. I am also an activist who fights against violence, racism, exploitation, and greed."

Deborah: "I am a Wife, Mother, College Professor, Social Justice Advocate, Author, Triathlete, and Marathoner."

The collection begins with the poem "To be Short, Blonde, Female, and White."

A few words can only describe the physical appearance of a person. 

A woman who painfully observes the behavior of the limited, ignorant, and prejudiced.

Equality and justice are uplifting values. Some people carry these values in their souls. If such a man had been your father, then you Understood an essential part of our misunderstood world.

"Your actions taught me how to love everyone, and many times, without a word being spoken."  -Note to My Father-.

Abuse, violence, and mental and physical trauma are confronted head-on, ranging from an elevated and elegant approach to a justified revolt. Alcohol and rape set off a chain of bizarre events. And the inevitable tragedy that awaits as a turn of fate.

"My sister and  I  were born on  July  4th,  1960.  We were identical twins. We both weighed 2 pounds and 6 ounces. It was unusual for babies that small to survive back then. We were kept in an incubator for nearly three months. We were finally released from the hospital when we reached over 5 pounds. My mother tells us the story that she had to buy us doll clothes until we could finally fit into baby clothes. We both remained small for our age, but my sister more than I.”

Beginning with her first years in a community, the author and, especially, her sister were frequently the targets of dirty jokes, jokes made because of their small stature. Ironic looks. Smirking smiles. Later, the author discovered what disrespect, rejection, and stigmatization meant. In such a position, you can easily slip. You shut yourself up, blame fate, and try to sneak through life.

Deborah chose not to be silent. She understood that a hidden gem, covered by the dust of prejudices will never be reflected in a ray of light. 

With intelligence, talent, and originality, Deborah built a pedestal, climbed on it, and from that height told us a story. Through a unique blend of sincerity, vitality, and elegance, words find their way into the hearts of readers in ways they never expected.

Those who understood this story thought about things they had not thought about until now. Only then is a book considered a success. When that book made you think about what the author wanted to convey to you.

The others, those who have not yet understood anything from this book, have become poorer. And much smaller.

                                                                                                                                    brinas

https://www.amazon.com/dp/163988713X