Social Impact with Emma » books : A Jamaica Gleaner Blog

The Kingston Book Festival is On The Horizon: March 5 – 12, 2016

February 26th, 2016

Does your brain need refreshing after all the politics? I know mine does. I am feeling weary. What better way to indulge in mental relaxation and pleasure, then, than to participate in the Kingston Book Festival? The first public event, a “Love Affair With Literature,” will be on Sunday, March 6 (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 […]

Author Mary D. Johnson Talks About Spirituality and Danger

January 18th, 2016

Mary D. Johnson has a kind and gentle face. Yet there is determination in her voice, and when she begins talking about her writing, she becomes more animated. The stories are clear in her mind; and she makes it very clear that writing is, at least for now, her main purpose in life. Ms. Johnson […]

Of Christmas Gifts, Black Dolls and Stereotypes

December 28th, 2015

Christmas Day has come and gone, and all those gifts have been unwrapped (or ripped open), admired, and enjoyed. Or, in some cases, returned to the store from whence they came. What did you give the children in your life, I wonder? I ask this question because there has been a discussion in social media (and […]

Writing for Kids: Some Challenges and Possible Solutions

August 4th, 2015

At lunchtime today I made my way to the Ranny Williams Centre on Hope Road, where the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s Independence celebrations were in full swing. A drumming group with energetic young dancers was on stage as I arrived – performing to hundreds of empty yellow metal chairs in rows. I found this rather […]