Your Blues Ain't Like Mine Abridged

Rating:
Summary: Riveting and Intense
Review: There is nothing HAPPY in this book at all. But it's well written, and the story draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the end. I had to stop after every couple of chapters and kind of regroup emotionally because it was so intense.

Rating:
Summary: A little confusing, but worth the read
Review: This book had its ups and downs. Since all the characters are disfuntional the book turned out great.

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Summary: Now you know why Your Blues Ain't Like Mine.
Review: This book is a definate must have. From the opening line to the last sentance, Campbell keeps you interested in the lives of her characters. Although fiction, this book speaks of the lives of many Black southerners including the mass exodus to Chicago as well as those who stayed to endure the hardships of being Black in the South. The contrast of the lives of "upper" and "lower" class white southerners put an all too real spin on the views of society. Some of these views are still in place today. The family of Armstrong Todd showed us that a united family can achieve. They also showed us that without that unity the family would surely fall. The intersection of the lives of Ida and Clayton made the story complete in the lives of southern america. It has been several months since I read the book and it is still the first book I recommend to my fellow bookworms. My one rule for reading a book is that, "If I can put it down and don't remember to pick it up again, it is not worth reading". I picked up this book time and time again. In fact, it was harder putting it down. I usually enjoy horror (anything by Stehpen King). The descriptive styles of writing in both authors are similar. I was simply pulled into the lives of the characters of the story. Well done Ms. Campbell...well done!

Rating:
Summary: A very touching novel...
Review: This book is bound to keep your attention because it begins and ends with something serious happening. It is a remarkable book encompassing the way black's movement from South to North specifically from Mississippi to Illinois, and the many changes that this time has brought forth. Many of the changes in the book was brought forth by the Armstrong Todd incident which was similar to the real life event of Medgar Evers incident. Although it is a fiction it brings to mind many real life issues that still persist today. When will we ever overcome racism and hatred, which is the far away cry in which some of the characters seem to be shouting to the reader. I feel that this book is a great book and I recommend this to everyone with an open mind...it is a must read book!! I totally enjoyed reading this book because it never left you hanging and idle...

Rating:
Summary: Reflections of the horrid truth.
Review: This book may have been written as a fictional piece of literature, but it has more than one rather vivid portayal of the crimes committed in the south and how they manifested their way to rule a black society. The way that this book relates to factual events, such as the case of Emmitt Till, it is shocking that these things truly occured. Also, how those events effected generations of people. In this book the reader can truly see that with the different people of the book, not one of their songs of blues is like another. Ms. Campbell ... A+ job!

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Summary: This book was an amazing portrayal of women.
Review: This book takes you on a roller coaster ride of life and emotions of the many aspects of the lives of women. Some women soar even at a time of adversity while others continue on a downward spiral. Campbell manages to capture the emotions of these diverse, but very much the same, women in a way that the reader can actually feel their pain. This is not just a novel about Black people by a Black author. This novel reflects struggle for happiness in the midst of pain. This book is a must read for all.

Rating:
Summary: Finally a Realistic Book on Racism
Review: This book will find itself as a literary legend in times to come. I was consumed so by this exciting piece that I found myself loosing track of time. This was an easy reader that dealt with the issues of class and race with the best possible tool. The tool of realism. Thank you to the author that captured my imagination from the very first page. This is truly one of my favorite books and I am a lover and avid reader of Black Fiction

Rating:
Summary: Campbell Strikes Again
Review: This is a great book full of heartache and pain. A mother loses her first son through racist hate. Then she goes on trying to make up her mistake.The reader feels her pain. Great work!

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: This is a great book. Excellent writing. I bought this book while on holiday in Toronto last summer and I finished it in one day. I simply could not put it down. After that I rushed back to the bookstore to find her other books. I now have my friends hooked on Bebe Moore Campbell.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Piece of Work
Review: This is my absolute favorite book by Ms Campbell! The story spans several generations but not once are you bored reading it- it's difficult to put this book down. Now this is a book that should be made into a movie! THe characters are believable and the story is well written. Congradulations on an excellent book!