Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Rita Lorraine Hubbard, The Original H.I.R. (Historical Investigative Reporter)

If youve ever wondered about the meaning of your name, desired to change your name, or agonized over choosing the perfect name for your precious little African prince or princess, there is a new resource that celebrates the naming ways of Africa.  The African Book of Names:  5000 Common and Uncommon Names From The African Continent, by Askhari Johnson Hodari, Ph.D. is that resource. 

Hailed as the most current and comprehensive book on the subject of African names, The African Book of Names examines and defines wonderful and mysterious names from 37 African countries and 70+ ethno-linguistic groups.  Dr. Hodaris passion for her subject shines as she helps her readers choose names based on a variety of themes, including religion; birth order; physical and/or spiritual characteristics; beauty, courage, bravery whatever is most important to the researcher at the time of the search.  She even offers a checklist of do's and donts to consider when choosing a name, and teaches her readers how to conduct their own African-centered naming ceremony.

The African Book of Names is a necessary and timely resource, especially at this moment in history, when we with loving arms embrace our first African American Commander-in-Chief.  Writers, researchers, adults seeking to re-invent themselves, parents in search of the perfect names for their newborns&even readers who simply want to know the meaning behind the glorious name of Barack Obama, will all benefit from this goldmine of information.

Hats off to you, Dr. Hodari, and your wonderful contribution to African American literature.