Rating: 
Summary: A Christian Perspective on Racial Prejudice
Review: Accolades to Sharon Ewell Foster for her well written book. I liked the African-American style and I felt it was refreshing. The characters were believable. Foster did not try to make saints, just ordinary people dealing with major issues and critical times. The closest person to being a saint was Aunt Patrice with her 'sermons', but she was so down to earth, that her wisdom did not strike me as false. I liked how Foster showed different kinds of people dealing with the racial prejudice. A girl brought up on the ideals of truth has to try to make it meet with reality. A wife of a corrupt sheriff is caught between love , fear and the truth. (I really liked Miranda, she was the type of person I feel is not really examined in Christian literature) I appreciate how Foster did not rush the reconciliation and took care to consider the different feelings involved. I think the book could have been divided into two parts. The first part labeled Chicago or Alena, because it was mainly about Alena's struggle against her bitterness. The second part labeled Mississippi. After Alena's personal conflict, the book seems to move to the conflicts within the community of blacks and whites. The anonymity of the white people, "the one who always agreed" and the "green-eyed" one, was original and helped clear away the clutter of names. It made the issue more about everyone rather than Mrs. So and So. Good job, Sharon Ewells Foster.
Rating: 
Summary: A noble effort
Review: Although I felt that the book was good once you got through it, I felt that too many pages was dedicated to Alena's anger and her blatant disregard for others. I understand when one looses a friend to senseless violence. Then she really couldn't voice it down there. I was not sorry when that sheriff died because he allowed hate to consume him. Plain and simple.I did like the aunt's explanation on male-female relationships. a good inspirational read
Rating: 
Summary: Good but not great
Review: Although I thought this novel was good, I felt the author was somewhat simplistic and pedantic in her description of the main character. Although the review pegged this as the story of a woman coming of age and her issues surrounding racism, hope, despair etc., I found the novel to be more about the racism, hope, despair and forgiveness of a group of people. It wasn't until towards the end of the book that I really began to enjoy the story, not for the character but for the theme of people forgiving in the face of atrocious behavior perpetrated upon them. To a certain extent, this novel reminded me of some of the novels written by J. California Cooper particularly with its emphasis on religion and forgiveness. At times, the novel did not seem to flow from one area to another and there were also times when situations were not fully developed and intergrated in the story, which made it difficult to see where and how things fit into the "big picture". All in all, OK.
Rating:
Summary: An engaging new author ....... first novel
Review: At first glance, Passing By Samaria might simply seem to be a book about racial prejudice during post- WWI America. Even though Sharon writes passionately about racial prejudices, her characters come alive when they struggle with man's inhumanity to man and God's grace; whether black, white, yellow, Jew, Greek, slave or free. Alena, Aunt Patrice, James, Pearl, Deac and Bates are just a few of her memorable characters that shout for a sequel. The story is engaging and well researched but the dialog gets a bit muddy in spots. I am looking forward to more from this first-time author. Congrats to you Sharon!
Rating:
Summary: A winner from the first page
Review: From the first page of Passign By Samaria I knew this book was a keeper, a moving, intense story that will stay with me a long time.
Rating:
Summary: I loved it!
Review: I loved Passing by Samaria. I found the book to becomparable to the the classic, "To Kill A Mockingbird." Thecharacters and the action are so intense I found my heart pounding half the time, and my eyes watering the other half of the time. Foster's use of imagery and dialogue represent a time in African American History most have forgotten about, and others are embarrassed to remember. I applaud Foster's ability to encourage forgiveness in her readers, and in looking forward to a day when we can all be brothers' and sisters' under one GOD. I look forward to future novels written by Ms. Foster. Because she has definitely earned a life-long fan and admirer in me.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Delivery
Review: I read this book on the recommendation of several others who had read and were praising it. As strong as their praises were I wasn't expecting to be impacted by it the way I was. The book is simply beautiful in its delivery of this inspiring story. I am committed to reading all of Ms. Foster's books as a result of my pleasure with this one.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Gift
Review: I received this book as a gift for my 30th birthday. I had it for about a year or so before I finally read it! I had no idea what I was missing. The characters really come alive in this story. The author does a beautiful job of weaving in scriptures and songs that inspire. And her message is strong and clear. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I have read all of this author's other books and I am anxiously awaiting her next release!
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Gift
Review: I received this book as a gift for my 30th birthday. I had it for about a year or so before I finally read it! I had no idea what I was missing. The characters really come alive in this story. The author does a beautiful job of weaving in scriptures and songs that inspire. And her message is strong and clear. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I have read all of this author's other books and I am anxiously awaiting her next release!
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic, Samaria EH? Only the brave.
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and it challenged me about my Samaria. I hope I have the courage to stop by and not pass by anymore.
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