Family Gumbo...the story of dysfunctional love

A short sympathic tale, Family Gumbo reveals love, hate, jealousy, and envy. With its dramatic structure, minutely observed characters, and delicate irony, LaShonda's first book has invited comparison to the works of Maya Angelou.The essence of time produced a spiritual connection between Justin and Shakira. This spiritual bond lead to a happy marriage in the year 2001, the month of September and yes, the day the nation came to a standstill, “the 11th!” Justin and Shakira did not know that at the time their supposedly unpredictable marriage was taking place in Las Vegas, a group of Terrorists was attacking the Twin Towers in New York. Justin, “The Philosopher he was known to be” was four years older than Shakira and had believed this was a sign of marital destruction.

Mrs. LaShonda Johnson has always had the passion in her to write. She wrote for friends, family and contests that she had entered. Moreover, over the years as Mrs. Johnson experienced puberty, new experiences, and family issues she began to write often; ending in a collection of poetry, stories, and skits. Mrs. Johnson was later encouraged and supported by her husband. While working full-time she and her husband started brainstorming on ideas of writing a book. There were several days of little to no sleep while juggling work, her family and working on her book.