HARRIS, Denise Michelle

PERSONAL: Born in Stockton, CA; children: one son. Education: California State University, Hayward, B.A.; New College of California, M.A.

ADDRESSES: Home—CA. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Warner Books, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020. E-mail—[email protected].

CAREER: Writer. Has worked as a Christian preschool teacher and in advertising sales for ANG Newspapers, San José Mercury News, and Weather Channel.

MEMBER: National Association of Black Journalists, Alpha Kappa Alpha.

WRITINGS:

Sweet Bye-Bye, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2004.

SIDELIGHTS: Denise Michelle Harris's first novel, Sweet Bye-Bye, is a story about the search for faith that is heavily rooted in her own struggle to find her path to contentment. The novel focuses on Chantell Meyers, a spoiled woman who receives a wake-up call at age thirty when her father suddenly passes away. Chantell reassesses her outlook, searching for a less-material way of living her life, and makes a vow to God that she will be a better person.

Nicole Sealey, in Black Issues Book Review, remarked that the book's conclusion is "loosely contrived and relatively cliché," but went on to add that Harris "entertains and encourages her readers through humor and insistent faith." In a review for Booklist, Lillian Lewis wrote that "good characterizations and a compelling plot make this a fine read." Harris commented on her novel in a press release for eMediaWire: "I hope it will inspire my readers to live better lives through the help and guidance of God."

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

PERIODICALS

Black Issues Book Review, November-December, 2004, Nicole Sealey, review of Sweet Bye-Bye, p. 73.

Booklist, September 1, 2004, Lillian Lewis, review of Sweet Bye-Bye, p. 61.

Library Journal, September 1, 2004, Tamara Butler, review of Sweet Bye-Bye, p. 130.

ONLINE

Denise Michelle Harris Home Page, http://www.denisemichelleharris.com (May 3, 2005).

eMediaWire, http://eMediaWire.com/ (May 3, 2005), "Denise Michelle Harris."

Time Warner Bookmark, http://www.twbookmark.com/ (May 3, 2005), "Denise Michelle Harris."

Walk Worthy Press Web site, http://www.walkworthypress.net/ (May 3, 2005), "Denise Michelle Harris."