Crystal Arlene Kuykendall, a gifted and gracious servant leader, has completed her new book **“The Crystal Pumpkin”**: an autobiographical work that captures the essence of the culture, experiences, struggles, music, entertainment, art, poetry, religion, charm, and nuances of Black life, Black love, and Black survival.
Importantly, the author provides a riveting portrayal of events in local and national history as seen through the lens of a young Black girl who grows into adulthood in Chicago. The characters are real, and their lives, like their stories, are unforgettable.
The lessons provided are universal, and the messages are moving and memorable. This delightful semi-autobiography has adventure, mystery, intrigue, shock, comedy, crime, drama, tragedy, and a scintillating love story.
It provides a factual account of an era that featured struggles for individual and collective identity, purpose, and social justice during an earlier and simpler time.
The author explores the dawning of her identity amid self-doubt, family secrets, childhood fantasies, the specter of racism, and her educational and professional challenges as a public-school teacher and university faculty.
Her pursuit of education and her explorations of social justice, civil rights, and antiwar endeavors are chronicled in her experiences of a “new day” when she comes of age during a tumultuous time.
Her activism, high school and college experiences, and travels to the Bahamas and Western Europe mold her dedication before shocking and tragic developments alter the trajectory of her life.
Author Crystal Arlene Kuykendall is an engaging educator, human relations expert, attorney, motivational speaker, business owner, loving mother, ordained clergy, transformative poet laureate, and endearing author.
She is frequently lauded for her educational leadership, child advocacy, and social justice endeavors. Those who witness her charismatic charm and dynamic delivery have been eternally inspired during over two thousand speeches given in forty-nine American states and on four continents.
Those experiencing her moving messages laugh and cry when she weaves her magic behind a microphone. Readers who experience her creative writings and sensational stories are similarly inspired by her poetry, academically challenging publications, and soul-stirring storytelling.
She is also the author of six research-based books, including the highly acclaimed national bestseller ***“From Rage to Hope: Strategies for Reclaiming Black and Hispanic Students.”*** The creator of the poem ***Her Dream Deferred***, she is in demand by audiences of all ages.
Dr. Kuykendall is a Chicago native who now resides in Maryland. She holds six advanced degrees, including a law degree, master’s degree in divinity and sociology, and a doctorate degree in educational administration, as well as an honorary doctorate, honoris causa.
She also held executive leadership positions in four national associations before becoming the founder of her own businesses. In over thirty years of sage observations, service, and inspiration to merchants of hope worldwide, she has received over 350 plaques, awards, keys to cities, and commendations for her services and savvy rhetoric.
**“The Crystal Pumpkin”** is her first novel. Kuykendall writes, *“The shrill screams, sobbing, and wailing of weeping women could still be heard. Her mind would not release those sounds of deep anguish and outrage. Her heart ached continuously with a heaviness that once again caused another sleepless night.
Despite the elusive sleep she coveted, she sat straight up in bed as the twilight of dawn blanketed the small room. She mustered the strength to face what was indeed a new day. The bright yellow sun was still rising on this unseasonably warm September morning.”*
Published by Page Publishing, Crystal Arlene Kuykendall’s poignant tale invites readers to experience the educational, social, and personal challenges, struggles, setbacks, and victories of the main characters during an unforgettable era.
The treasured stories and sentiments shared are unique and timeless.
Readers who wish to experience this thought-provoking work can purchase **“The Crystal Pumpkin”** online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or media inquiries, contact Dr. Kuykendall, directly by **clicking here.**
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Crystal, your debut novel taps into every human emotion. I’ve known this all along, and now have every evidence that you personify 2 Timothy 1:7. From page one to its closing, I was emotionally as well as intellectually vested — delighting in the artistry, the music and the cultural revelations referenced. Thank you for taking your readers on this “no holds barred” journey. I lament the way it ends and look forward to a phoenix-like sequel. Because you’ve come a long way Sistah — feeling, I’m pretty certain, the spirit of your beloved Kirk.
Soror Evon
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Crystal, It was an honor to read your expression of true love through your active and vivid account of your early life in “The Crystal Pumpkin.” My reaction is being uplifted by your ability to overcome obstacles and live a life to prove it. My important learning from the book is that how we live our lives does matter to the world. Our help had to come from many sources. Our worlds were not all just intact families, but the whole community. You make it clear that no matter what a person’s station was in life they can contribute positively or negatively to a child’s life. Your examples are real and exemplary for children of our age. You were not discouraged by the negative forces to stop learning, forced to think higher by the light givers in your community. Your message of hope is loud and clear. Your book has become another tool to help others understand how they can each reach out and touch another young soul. Thanks so much for sharing your memories. I loved remembering every house party, church song fest, every teacher, college by grace, sorority involvement, and all the social activism. You shared our world for those of us that know all of this is true. I loved “The Crystal Pumpkin” and I send love to my friend and share your vision of hope for our future generations.
Kaye Jeter, Ph.D, J.D. Retired Dean, Central State University
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I am hardly able 2 put this totally encompassing novel down....IT IS OUTSTANDING! KUDOS 2 U!!
Frances Luckett-Hunter Retired Principal
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It’s 5:07 AM. I just finished your captivating book. I was determined to finish it before I went to bed. I hope you are doing a sequel. I need more! I don’t possess the words to convey to you the impact ”The Crystal Pumpkin” had on me.
Angel Bynum Founder and President | Angel Greeting Cards
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“The Crystal Pumpkin” by Dr. Crystal Arlene Kuykendall, is an awe-inspiring account of hopes, dreams, love, defiance, affirmations, serendipity, grief, grace, suspense, revelations, and ascensions. It tells a story that is impacted by historical references reminiscent of great literary classics. It allows you to experience unbridled laughter, the gamut of emotions and an ending that leaves you speechless. It is a dramatic account of uncensored triumph over unimaginable setbacks, obstacles and trauma and is a glowing memorial to choosing one's own path and following through. This is a must-read! Buckle up.
Eric Frazier Retired Principal and Author ”A New Education Paradigm”
