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Summary: A MOVING READING BY AN ACCLAIMED ACTRESS
Review: Acclaimed actress Ruby Dee has an enviable roster of credits: she co-starred with Sidney Poitier in several films, and she's an Emmy Award-winner. Miss Dee gives another award winning performance in the reading of this story of a 70-year-old woman who is forced to relive much of her painful past so that she might save a child. As a child herself living in Rushholme Addy Shadd learned the history of her community, which was settled by runaway slaves in the 1800s. When she is a teenager circumstances compel Addy to leave the home she loves. But, the name of her town becomes a mantra to her: "Rush home, rush home." Fate intervenes when a five-year-old girl, Sharla Cody, is left at Addy's trailer doorstep. Surely, Addy thinks, she is not up to raising this child, yet she takes the waif into her home and heart. Sharla brings more than a presence into Addy's life, she brings an amazing gift. - Gail Cooke
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Summary: A Very Beautiful Book
Review: Extremely readable from page one, your heart will be capture with this wonderful novel from Canada's new literary star. I think this novel will be one of the best fiction of 2002.
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Summary: Beautiful First Novel
Review: I couldn't put this book down- it's one of the most engaging novels I've ever read. For all of you who enjoyed The Secret Life of Bees, this is a perfect read.
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Summary: I could not put it down---- Recommended Read for Women
Review: I found this book by chance. I was drawn to it by the cover. It just looked inviting. I frankly had no idea what it was about and had never heard of the author. Once I started reading and transition through Addy's and Sharla's life, I just could not put it down...It showed the power of the human spirt to stay focused and positive. I kept thinking how could she take any more heart ache...I cried and kept on reading. The book was familiar and reminded me of Roots, The Bluest Eyes, The Sound of Music and Circle of Friends all wrapped up in one. What an amazing and yet truly uplifting story... I have added this author to my favorites list. Can't wait on until her next book.
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Summary: Good Debut Novel
Review: I got this novel in July, read the first couple of pages, put it down until yesterday. Personally, it is a sad thing that a child goes through neglect through a parent, and in this case, Addy and Sharla both received the receiving end of this. My only thing is why didn't Addy tell the truth of her rape? Why didn't she tell about the deed? It was so horrible. Then, to give birth to it, and the man you love, just lets it die because he felt it was a "monster".Pitiful.Then she goes on the train and gets accused of stealing a ring that rightfully belongs to her and get put off the train, so close to the Rusholme she was born in. Then picking up this young girl Sharla, and accidently coming home to Rusholme and meeting Sharla's paternal family. What a story. Slow in some parts, but overall a good story and debut novel.
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Summary: Thou Shalt Rush Home
Review: I only meant to read the first couple of pages to see what the story and writing style was going to be like when I opened this book, but I found myself immediately involved in the lives of Sharla Cody and Addy Shadd. Sharla is a five-year-old child and Addy is a seventy-year-old woman. Their lives are joined together when Sharla's mother asks Addy to watch the child for the summer, then abandons her. Having Sharla in her life and home brought back memories for Addy of her childhood in Rusholme, Ontario, Canada, and later years in Detroit, Michigan and Chatham, Ontario, Canada. Sharla reminds Addy of her own daughter that she did not see grow up. Although they had a rocky start, Sharla and Addy become friends as Addy bestowed some of her wisdom on Sharla. Sharla in turn learns to be a loving little girl now free of abuse. Most of the story is Addy reminiscing about her first love Chester Monk, her rape by a family friend, her lonely existence as the town outcast, her marriage, her children, friends and her job at the bakery. Addy's memories of these good and bad times surface as she dreams during her naps. While sleeping she has conversations with her brother, Lil Leam, who served as an advisor and helpmate to Addy. Unbeknownst to Addy, she is also talking aloud in her sleep and Sharla is taking in it all. I think the author did a fantastic job of making clear and precise transitions between the past and present. She includes a little history about the Underground Railroad and the city of Rusholme, a black community in Ontario, Canada. Her writing style easily engages the reader as the dialogue between the characters tells the story better than anyone else ever could. This book is highly recommended.
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Summary: A lovely book
Review: I really enjoyed this book. The story was interesting and gave me a greater understanding of how Black people lived in South-western Ontario after the Underground Railroad. From that perspective I found it really fascinating. The relationship between Sharla and Addy was beautifully described and moved me to tears sometimes. The ending was a bit of a coincidence but these things do happen in real life sometimes. The only problem I had was that too many sad things happen to Addy. When the train jumps the bridge, it was too too much misfortune in one person's life. It felt too melodramatic, but I still feel this was a most worthwhile read. Thank you, Lori!
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Summary: Heartwarming First Novel by Lori Lansens
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this novel by Lori Lansens. However, I will admit that the introductory chapter had me worried that this book would be depressing. Yet as I read on I found that the damage done could be undone with faith and love, as so much evil in the world can. There are many great lessons to be learned throughout the story as Addy Shadd, a strong woman with a big heart, regresses into her past and the reader gets a glimpse of how she learned these life lessons. One of the things I enjoyed most about this novel was its realness. There were hardships and trials yet there were times of true and complete happiness just as there are in everyone's life. The characters in this novel went through struggles, learned from them, and went on to revel in the joys of life. The aspect of the writing style that I enjoyed most was the way the author brought us into the past as Addy herself was drawn into it. As Addy becomes more entrenched in her past, the story begins to spend more time in the past as well. I would highly recommend this book to anyone!
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Summary: Fantastic Read
Review: I too really enjoyed this book, it was easy to read, but still had me sitting up until late at night to finish it!
Great characters & the storyline was really moving. I do agree that the ending was a bit cliche, but it really didn't ruin the book at all & sometimes we all need a bit of a happy ending!
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Summary: Amazing!
Review: I was taken in by the very first chapter. Never have I connected with such a character as Addy Shadd or felt so strongly about a character's story. From the first chapter I was left in tears and continued to be brought in by happiness, sorrow, grief, and redemption. With the backdrop of African American history, real life struggles and dreams, and the connection between old and young, I would highly recommend this book. You won't be able to put it down.
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