The Leanna Hicks Public Library in Inkster finished the month of July with two events on Saturday afternoon, the 31st. For adults, the library hosted local author and Inkster resident Che J. Ambe, who recently released his new book "Coming to America 2: The Battle for the Throne of Zamunda." For all ages on the lawn outdoors, a Cool Down Ice Cream Party was held simultaneously and offered delicious refreshment to those who attended the book discussion. Ice cream for the event was provided courtesy of the Inkster Fire Department.

The Inkster Fire Department contributed to the fun of an ice cream party at the Leanna Hicks Public Library.

Ambe discussed his book which was released this past February, just a few weeks prior to the release of the film "Coming 2 America," starring Eddie Murphy, on Amazon Prime Video in March. The sequel to the 1988 hit, "Coming to America," was set to be released in theaters late in 2020, but Amazon Studios acquired distribution rights to the film and it was released via streaming only. The film was highly promoted and when Ambe learned of the film's intended plot, he wanted his ideas to be heard and he reached out to the film's screenwriters but received no response. "When I heard that the movie, the sequel, goes to saying that Akeem had a one-night stand in the United States, I said, 'No, Akeem cannot have a one-night stand.' Akeem exhibited exceptional moral character in the 1988 movie and he didn't come to America to look for sex, but that is just my opinion," Ambe says. "That is where I said, 'No, I have to write this story because the writers are missing something in African culture.'" Born and raised in Cameroon, Africa, Ambe brings a unique perspective to the story of pampered Prince Akeem of Zamunda.

A film maker, actor, writer, and journalist, Ambe is not uninformed about the process of telling a story on film. He holds two undergraduate degrees and a Master of Arts in television and film production from Wayne State University. Prior to moving to the United States in 2007, Ambe worked as a journalist, a documentary film maker, and actor, all with a focus on African culture and environmental issues. He also wrote on the traditional and cultural practices of several kings and kingdoms in the region. "I come from Africa. The movie in 1988 had a special place in African culture. It portrayed African culture at that time in a more positive light," he says, adding that when most people think of Africa, images of lions and straw huts usually come to mind.

His book, "Coming to America 2: The Battle for the Throne of Zamunda" is his way of taking a turn away from comedy and fantasy and adding an alternative realistic view to the tale of Prince Akeem. He uses the characters from the original 1988 film to create a counter narrative to the film's recent sequel and along the way offers commentary on social issues such as homelessness, family, and immigrants in the United States. "I moved from that fictional comedy to a more realistic storytelling. Those things that I say in the book are things that you can verify in African succession," he says. "You can really enjoy the book if you've watched the 1988 movie."

The Leanna Hicks Public Library has copies of Ambe's book to check out and it can be purchased at Amazon.com