"These are proverbs about life, not about race. Here are memorable truisms full of wit and wisdom. These are pithy proverbs anyone can understand and powerful proverbs everyone will be able to use."

"When I am attentive in my living, I learn....but to be given all these lessons of ancestral wisdom through Lifelines is a sacred honor. If I had any doubts as to where new inspiration and direction for my composing would be found, I can rest assured that it is within this brilliant gift. Asante sana."

"Lifelines is a rich and fascinating exploration into the vast well of African wisdom throughout the centuries. The authors have superbly culled and categorized an exquisite array of ancestral insight and knowledge. This book not only reflects Africa’s intellectual contribution to humanity, but it inspires and encourages self-reflection while educating one on history, geography, and social customs. Lifelines provides the necessary perspective and clarity we need in these complex times."

"Lifelines is an indispensable gem to have wherever you are. But most importantly, it is the life-line our youths need to buffer their rough edges. What a marvelous gift the authors have compiled for us. Nuff Respect."

"These black proverbs will make you laugh, nod in agreement, remember your grandparents’ wise sayings or simply mutter a heartfelt “amen.” Crammed with pithy advice, Lifelines sheds wisdom on just about every situation from childbirth to adultery to choosing friends. Hallelujah and pass the proverbs."

“There is a lot more to Dr. Askhari Johnson Hodari’s book than its list of more than 5,000 African names. The book is also about the meaning of names, the power of names to change us, the role of names in connecting people to their histories, the expectations that names inspire, and the way names reflect the cultures that create them. On every level, this book succeeds.”

“Dr. Askhari Johnson Hodari captures the essence of African cultural identity and expressivity with this wonderfully rich treasure trove of African names that are at the root of African creativity and intellect. The African Book of Names is a testament of affirmation, confirmation, and reclamation, both transformative and empowering, returning us to our ancestral home.”

“Askhari Johnson Hodari is to be congratulated and celebrated for simplifying African Americans’ process of reconnecting with a most fundamental aspect of who we are—our names. The African Book of Names has the potential to serve as a catalyst for understanding and embracing our heritage more fully than ever before.”

“We love to come up with unique names for our children—I even know a ‘Uniquequa.’ Dr. Hodari has now provided us with a book of unique names that have meaning. To name is to claim. Let’s claim our future by giving our children meaningful names.”

“Most impressive is the way The African Book of Names remarkably and ingeniously resonates the life, history, culture, and spirit of Africa from all corners of the continent. And the icing on the cake is the included two-hundred-year naming calendar. This book is a ‘must-read’ masterpiece.”