Don't Block the Blessings

Patti LaBelle did a great thing by selecting Laura Randolph now Lancaster to convey her life to the world. When you pick up Ebony magazine, the first article you read is "Sisterspeak." She definitely has a writing style that keep you subscribing or buying one off the magazine stands. Yeah, you read the other articles, but hers is definitely the first article you read. I would have bought the book regardless of whomever. Patti's life story was icing on the cake. I have read the life stories of many, but none so captivating and heartfelt. She made me say, "Patti, Patti! I could not read fast enough and was disappointed when I finished - I know this good thing had to come to an end, but I was addicted to the story. We all know Patti can blow. She is the best performer I have seen. When you pay you for a concert, you don't always get your monies worth, but with Patti you are guaranteed. This book is a guarantee, just like her performances. Why do you think she is always on anything Essence magazine is doing?

At age 34, 5 years ago, I read this book (hardcover) and it was the first book I have ever read cover to cover. Don't get me wrong, I can read - I just could not sit down long enough to finish a book (or retain anything for that matter). I have always loved Patti LaBelle but had no idea just exactly how inspirational she really was until I read this book. I couldn't put the darn thing down. I would lay in bed each night and lose track of time reading this book. It is an easy read as well as an insightful one. Her honesty and to-the-point message continues to inspire me - so much so that after I finished that book, I was so excited that I had actually finished a book, that I had to run out and buy another book. I have not stopped reading since. I can't find enough time in the day to do all the reading I want to do - and I have Patti LaBelle to thank for that. Patti girl, you have inspired me to read, taught me it's ok to be who I am and reminded me to love those around me because we never know how long we will have them in our lives. Thank you, thank you and thank you for opening another door in my world and showing me how not to block MY blessings!

I AM 23 YEAR OLD AFRO-AMERICAN.AND OF COURSE A DIE HARD PATTI FAN.I WOULD LOVE TO SAY I'M HER #1 FAN, BUT I KNOW EVERY LABELLE FAN FEELS THAT WAY. I REALY HATE TO ADMIT,BUT I DONT READ OFTEN AS I SHOULD,AND THAT'S BECAUSE MY MIND TENDS TO WONDER OFF IF THE BOOK FAILS TO CAST A SPELL ON ME.WELL PATTI FANS OUT THERE;THE HIGH PRIESTESS OF GOOD VIBRATIONS BOOK DID JUST THAT.I PURCHSED THE BOOK THE FIRST DAY I SAW THE DIVA ON OPRAH BACK IN OCT OF 96.THE DIVA IS SO HERSELF;FUNNY,HONEST,AND OPEN.I WOULD ENCOURAGE ANYONE TO READ THE DIVAS BOOK.IF YOU'RE LIKE ME AND HAVE A PROBLEM WITH BOOKS KEEPING YOUR ATTENTION; I PROMISE YOU PATTI IS SO FUNNY SHE'LL HAVE YOU LAUGHING OUT LOUD,ESPECIALY THE INSERT WHERE THE DIVA RECOUNTS SINGING SO HARD AT ONE OF HER SHOWS,THAT SHE WET HER SELF AND ON TOP OF THAT,THE DIVA EVEN TOLD THE AUDIENCE.THE AUDIENCE DIDN'T CARE,AS DEVOTED FANS TO THE DIVA WE'LL CONTINUE TO SEE PATTI WHEN SHE TURNS 100 AND STILL WATCH HER TRY TO ROLL ON THE STAGE(HA,HA) AND AS WE KNOW THE DIVA, SHE WILL TRY IT.I'M GLAD I WAS ABLE TO GIVE A REVIEW OF MY FAVORITE VOCALIST'S BOOK.IT IS A MUST BUY AS WELL AS HER COOK BOOK.GOD WILLING I WILL MAKE MY OWN MARK IN THE ENTERTAINMENT WORLD AS AN ACTOR;AND I WILL MEET THE DIVA,AND IT WILL BE AN HONOR TO TELL HER HOW MUCH I RESPECT HER TALENT,DEVOTIAN TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS.AMERICANS OUT THERE THE DIVA PROVES THAT WHEN YOU BECOME A STAR,THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU CHANGE WHO YOU ARE ON THE INSIDE;YOU CONTINUE TO HONOR GOD,LOVE YOURSELF,LOVE YOUR LOVEDONES,AND PASS ON LOVE TO EVERYONE THAT YOU COME INTO CONTACT WITH.IF GOD WILLING THAT I MAKE IT AS AN ACTOR,I PROMISE TO BE A POSITVE ROLEMODEL AND AN INSPIRATIONAL LIGHT LIKE MRS LABELLE.TO THE DIVA HERSELF:IF YOU READ THIS REVIEW YOU ARE VERY WELL LOVED AROUND THE WORLD BY LEGIONS OF FANS,AND YOU ARE THE #1 DOWNHOME ELECTRICFYING,HAIR RAISING,GET OUT OF YOUR SEAT,SLAP YOUR MAMA DIVA!! AND IN CLOSING OF THIS REVIEW.TO VH1 YOU HAVE SHUNNED PATTI LABELLE FROM THE DIVAS LINE UP 2 YEARS IN A ROW,AS LOYAL FANS WE EXPECT TO SEE PATTI ON ONE OF THOSE DIVA FUNDRAISING CONCERT.(REMEMBER THE WORD DIVA WAS WRITTEN IN THE DICTIONARY WAS BECAUSE PATTI LABELLE WAS BORN).....................

Don't Block the Blessings is an excellent book. When I began to read the first couple of words, I knew that this would be one book that I would not be able to put down. I often found myself reading the book while taking tests, taking a bath, while exercising, and sometimes while riding in the car. I think that the reason it caught my attention was because some of the issues that Mrs. LaBelle faced, I have gone through also. Although I am only sixteen years old, I have been in similar situations. Like Patti, I have often feared death, and I let that bother me for so long. I have lost an aunt, tragically, and me not being able to say to her what I needed to say still haunts me. After reading the book, I've learned to deal with my problems, as did Patti. I know Mrs. LaBelle will remain a true inspiration in my life because through her book, and through God, she has helped me to learn to never block the blessings. I believe that if America were to live by this motto, it would be a much better place. We need more people , like Mrs. Patti LaBelle, to speak out and help make this world a better haven. I commend her and may God continously bless her. I will remain her number one fan!!!

Patti is truly a gem to be cherished. She is truly a living testimony. Through the tears and the pain, heartache and betrayal, Patti rises above it all, to show that there is gold at the end of the rainbow of life. This book is no less than remarkable, compelling, and exceptional. As you read, it leaves you, not only not wanting to put it down, but selfishly wishing for a sequel. Patti's life has only just begun, and through "Don't Block The Blessings: Revelations of a Lifetime," Patti shows us, without reservation, that we can truly overcome anything, as long as we don't block the blessings. Everything in life happens for a reason, and if you learn from each life's experience, you will transcend and begin to appreciate people, as well as yourself, just don't block the blessing.