Book shatters myths of 'mail order brides

Novel puts positive spin on interracial overseas introductions

Bellingham, MA - African American author Kelvin L. Reed freely admits that his latest novel, Midnight Sunshine," about the romantic relationship between an African American male and Asian female who met as pen pals, is a positive story about the so-called mail-order bride" experience. After all, his Asian-born wife and he have been happily married for eight years.

Best decision Ive ever made in my life," the 45-year-old writer declares with a smile. Before I wrote the book Id heard stories about exploitation, racism, fraud, abuse, et cetera, but my wife and I were happy, and we knew other couples like us who were happy. I wanted to offer an alternative for men who havent been successful at finding their soul mates."

Set in Boston, Midnight Sunshine" follows a fictional engaged couple as they struggle to become acquainted before the 90-day limit on the womans visa expires. The book isnt critical of Black women, Reed explains; it simply explores the lengths to which some people will go to find love, even if it means searching outside of their own racial or cultural group.

Searching halfway across the world isnt for everybody, but it worked for me," Reed insists.

Reminded of newspaper and magazines articles reporting a Black male shortage for Black females seeking husbands, Reed was asked if he recommended that other men, including Black men, search for a mate through overseas introductions to Asian women.

Absolutely," Reed quickly replies. Nothing wrong with keeping your options open."

For more information about Midnight Sunshine," go to www.peraltapub.com.