When Cultures Collide, a Young Girl Pays the Price

This press release is an introduction of a great novel entitled Queen Kinni. It is based on a true story in which author, Beverly Burchett, offers a page-turning tale that is sure to grip the reader from beginning to end. Fans have claimed that once you begin reading, you will not be able to put it down. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) July 13, 2012 - St. Albans, NY - Brutal, heart-stopping and ultimately inspiring, Queen Kinni (Blackcurrant Press Company), is based on the true story of a girl of Gambian heritage born in Harlem. Author Beverly Burchett will be in attendance at the Harlem Book Fair on Saturday, July 21, 2012 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., signing this young adult novel and her other titles.

Burchett skillfully weaves the vastly different cultural expectations of traditional Gambian life into the narrative of Queen Kinni, exploring such significant topics as women's rights and basic human dignity. Her experience with a young adult audience has been enriched by her work in running a drama program she runs in St. Albans, Queens for pre-teens, teens, as well as adults. Readers will find this character inspirational, an unlikely role model for everyone who struggles to see their civil rights prevail.

Kinni Bragia is the title character. "Her entire life has been predestined by the likes of a bunch of old dead bones, those of her long ago buried but not forgotten superstitious ancestors," explains Burchett. "The roots of Gambian tradition stretch some 6,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to New York City in order to strangle the life right out of her."

Kinni discovers the dreams and freedoms that are every American citizen's birthright are not readily understood by those raised elsewhere. With courage and spirit, she stands up to a family that will go to almost any length to make her submit. Although the consequences of her independence are seen as a terrible curse passed down through the generations, she learns that sheer will and determination will allow her to not just survive, but thrive as a modern American woman.

In 1981, Beverly Burchett placed second in a poetry contest at the Billie Holiday Theatre and her love of writing was born. A graduate of the renowned High School of Performing Arts, she has acted in a number of national commercials and a few popular films, including the movie Fame. She has published four other books, including Open Doors, Smart, Sexy, Spiritual, Strong, and Random Acts of Kindness. She is also a published lyricist with several songs to her credit, including "The Globe is My Home," and solo album Psalm Songs.

The story is based on the life of her co-author, Fatou K. Goumbala, who lives in Harlem, New York and Los Angeles, California.

Available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Baker & Taylor and world-wide electronically
Queen Kinni
(Blackcurrant Press Company)
ISBN-13: 978-0981711119
$12.50

Please see www.blackcurrantpress.com

TIP SHEET

Victoria Gonzales for Reader Views: "...a good, well-written book. The author's tone and style are very unique."

Frank Cunningham: "this book takes you on a journey that crosses both worlds and cultures....it leaves you wanting more."

Peter B. Torres: "...moving and inspirational....through adversity and struggle Queen's spirit remains strong and steadfast....I recommend this book to everyone and anyone."

Beverly Burchett, Author
Blackcurrant Press Company
contact ( @ ) blackcurrantpress dot com
www.blackcurrantpress.com
(718) 723-7430

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