Reader's Corner reviews: Sunshine on Sugar Hill by Angela Gilltrap

Reader's Corner reviews: Sunshine on Sugar Hill by Angela Gilltrap

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Taking you to the Apollo

Now I figured for most of you, a tour through Harlem is something you have not really considered, or indeed, considered and figured it a little too nerve wracking. So, in case you can't afford the airfare or are simply a big scardy cat, I've decided to take you on a little tour. Starting first at Harlem's most photographed and famous landmark the Apollo..

You may have seen the images broadcast throughout the world of people dancing on the streets outside the Apollo to celebrate the life of the late, great King of Pop, Michael Jackson. While tressle tables of merchandise appeared seemingly out of nowhere, (I swear that stuff was printed in an hour!), the vendours set up outside this famous landmark to do a roaring trade.

You see, the Apollo has always been one of the big draw cards of 125th Street which is the official hub of Harlem. This iconic theatre has launched the careers of greats such Stevie Wonder, James, Brown, Billie Holliday, Lauryn Hill and many others. It still hosts Amateur Night on a Wednesday night and is listed as Manhattan’s third largest tourist destination. It's now defined as a historic landmark and for good reason, for tourists and locals alike the Apollo is a huge part of the history of Harlem and although, most days I walk past it non-chalantly there are times when I have a 'Harlem moment' to stop and go 'that's pretty damn cool!'. I strongly suggest you go and find out for yourself. They hold tours where you can go backstage, select concerts and of course, amateur night is Wednesday nights.

ApolloTheater.Org. 253 West 125th Street, between Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd & Frederick Douglass Blvd (also known as 7th Avenue & 8th Avenue ) New York, New York, USA 10027. P: (212) 531-5300.

Book gets thumbs up from Plopculture.Blogspot.com

Most people rarely, if ever, read the acknowledgements page of the novel they're reading. I do. Mainly because I know how much the people around you mean when you are doing something as time/energy and emotionally consuming as writing a book.

As my little pile of freebies gets smaller and smaller, I have to write lists to make sure the appropriate people finally get a copy of the book I have been talking about, crying about, having a mental breakdown about for the last two/three years.

Mr. Meyerson (as he's known in the acknowledgements) certainly helped me get through the worst of it. Being signed on to instant messanger can be quite a burden as he was soon to find out. I tested everything out on him from funny bits to serious stuff. ie. This is funny right? Isn't it? Or is it just me? Have I been writing this crap for too long? By myself? Do you think it's funny? Do I need to get out more? No, really you can tell me.

Patiently he told me when it was funny and when it wasn't. He stopped work momentarily to tell me I should take a break. I am forever grateful. Check out what he had to say on his fabulour blog:

http://plopculture.blogspot.com/2009/07/little-belated-sunshine-arrives-for-my.html

Sunshine On Sugar Hill awarded 4 stars

Sunshine on Sugar Hill has been awarded 4 stars in Good Reading Magazine. Here's what they have to say:

"It is far from the glamourous story of a young Australian woman finding love and success in an exotic location, but that's what makes it so appealing and a stand-out among the many other memoirs in this genre. In a vibrant and entertaining way Angela shares her highs and many lows along the road to loving her new home and the people in it. It's definitely work a read." - Melissa Wilson

I finally understand Paris

I was recently holed up in the fabulous Peninsula Hotel in Beverley Hills.

Note: I go from lifestyles of the rich and famous, to those of the poor and homeless on a regular basis.

After asking Jason, my lovely hotelier all the important questions - is breakfast included and how does the shower work - I set off to catch up with a good friend of mine Matty Meyerson of plopculture.blogspot.com.

Somewhat disorientated I asked at the front desk if my directions were correct.

“Well, Ms. Gilltrap, we actually have a complimentary driver, would you mind being driven?”

Um, let me think about it. How does, “Hell no, sound?”

Sitting comfortably in the back of my black Rolls Royce with my lovely driver up front, I flew past the many stores of Rodeo Drive actually understanding Paris Hilton for the first time in my life. If I had this life, I would totally be a shallow, stupid bi-atch with a penitent for small dogs too.

Arriving back at the hotel sometime after, I returned to my room to find something quite odd - either there was a new brand of luxury linen called ‘AG’ or they had had the pillowcase embroidered with my initials.

Answer: they had embroidered. I had it wrapped to go on check out. Hee hee hee!

Very big in Poland right now

Although the book is yet to be translated into various languages, Poland seems to have their eyes on the prize. If you speak Polish don't forget to check out the fabulous net-mag Cut & Paste that has an interview about the book:

http://www.cutandpaste.pl/cut-and-paste-corner/26-angela-gilltrap-wywiad

Behind the Book Series - Casey Gillespie

Behind the book with Casey Gillespie, 29, 5’9”

What page do you first appear on?
I believe it’s 176, but I’m going to have to check again (note my bitter tone).

How do you feel about that?
Again, note my bitter tone, sweetie. I feel a bit jilted being your non-sexual life partner and all. Plus, I’m funny. (And tall.) I should have been introduced much earlier, and when you finally get it published in America I expect to appear in the first 50 pages!

Is it true that you say sweets and/or sweetie a lot or was I exaggerating?
Sweetie — seriously, what are you talking about?! I do not! Total and complete over exaggeration (sweetie).

Who would play you in the movie?
I’m pretty sure that Kate Winslet — having just won an Oscar — is the only one who would truly be able to understand the depth and complexity of my character.

What’s your favorite story from the book?
Well, besides each and everyone that I appear in I’m quite partial to the Laundromat/Korean embassy story. I remember you sent me a text that said, “Laundromat sign says ‘please empty pockets of paper, coins, bullets…’” I still laugh out loud.

Do you think you’ll get a spin off?
All leading ladies disguised as the best friend get spin offs, so yes. I see a trilogy plus movie deal.

Was the 'Casey' in the book the 'Casey' in real life?
You mean demanding, intolerable of stupidity, bossy, sarcastic and tall? Yep, that pretty much sums me up.

Is your name Casey?
Don’t ask me dumb questions, sweetie — I’m blond.

What makes this book better than a handbag purchase?
Well, clearly because a handbag will only give you one — possibly two — months of real joy. As soon as the next season rolls around you are going to want another handbag and said handbag will be tossed aside or donated to the homeless (where do you think the term “bag lady” came from?). The book, however, provides a plethora of timeless moral implications about life, love, friendship, heartache and how to avoid being a drive-by fatality. Plus, it’s really, really funny. When was the last a handbag was funny?