Rating: 
Summary: She Keeps Getting Better
Review: I am so surprised at the reviews about this book. I thought everyone would feel the way I do. I couldn't put it down and there were times when I tried to, but couldn't. Ms. Roby writes about real every day issues. I don't understand anyone who says she spent too much time on racism. America spends too much time on racism. This was an entertaining, fictional read with a REAL Taste of Reality! I wish we could get past reading for entertainment only. Isn't it great to be entertained and learn something too? Keep writing, Ms. Roby. I can't wait for your next read.
Rating: 
Summary: We've come a long way baby...but not as far as we think
Review: A Taste of Reality, by Kimberla Lawson Roby, is an engaging and entertaining tale about a woman who is struggling to deal with the pressures of racial inequality in all aspects of her life.Anise is an 30-something African-American woman working for a manufacturing company in a small town outside of Chicago. She has a lovely home, a charming husband and supportive friends and family. All is well until Anise attempts to apply for an executive position in her company. Even though she exceeds the qualifications of the other applicants, Anise meets resistance from the top executives in her company. The reason: her skin is too dark. When Anise turns to her husband and friends for support, everybody seems to have secrets of their own. Is there anybody she can trust? How can one woman do battle with "the establishment" who is determined to win at any cost? I loved the character of Anise and could feel the daily turmoil she went through. I also could relate to the decisions she made in dealing with her career as well as her personal life. However, the other characters did not seem to be as fleshed out. I did not understand their logic in some of their decisions but this may have been helped with a little back story. This novel also deals with a number of important social issues; sexual harassment, racial discrimination and interracial dating to name a few. The issues are handled well but there may have been too many to pay each the attention they needed. As with Roby's previous novels, A Taste of Reality was an enjoyable, fast-paced read with a realistic end. I would definitely recommend this novel to book clubs because it would spark interesting discussions on the many themes presented in the book. This book is actually a 4.5 on the APOOO scale. Reviewed by Nicole
APOOO Book Club
Rating: 
Summary: *KIMBERLA NOT AT HER BEST*
Review: I have read Kimberla's book in the following order...1)Cast The First Stone, 2) Here and Now, 3) A Thin Line and 4) Behind Closed Doors and I Thank God I didn't read Behind Closed Doors First because it surely was a writer's first book. Comparing "A Taste of Reality" to "Cast The First Stone" one would think they were written by two different authors. The entire book was wayyyyyy over worded with Anise running around like a fool and I think Kimberla forgot to write a ending because my book didnt have one at all. I'm sorry I wasted my money on this mess and wished I had borrowed it from a friend. After waiting for about (2) years for a good read from Kimberla and for her to let me down like that is a waste of anyone's time and money. I can't promise I'll even read any other books. Can someone please tell me what was the purpose of that book? I didn't learn anything that society has already proven will continue to exist as long as there are Blacks/Whites. Kimberla---please expand on Cast The First Stone before writing any other books. There is were your BEST WORK was done. ---and just to think this was my BEST WRITER EVER!
Rating:
Summary: could have been better
Review: I am an avid fan and reader of all Kimberla Lawson Roby books, waited so long for this book and I was very disappointed in it. Story, I thought focused too much on racism,which I know still exists, just didn't expect the book to put so much of an emphasis on it, the ending was so corny, not much of a story at all. Overall I am so disappointed, wish I had borrowed this book from the library instead of purchasing it.
Rating: 
Summary: It was just "OK"
Review: I have to say that I agree 100% with the reader from Oakland,CA. The beginning of the book let's you know what the issue is,and gives you a hint as to where it's leading but halfway through the book its the same thing just being repeated over and over to someone else. I kept asking myself now that we know what's bothering Anise what is she going to do about it. This was a very easy read. I've read all of Ms. Roby'sother books but this was certainly not her best.
Rating:
Summary: Read this book!
Review: Kimberla Lawson Roby is a brilliant writer and she does it once again with A Taste of Reality. She really brings the characters to life and you feel like you know them personally. This is a book you won't want to put down. And, the ending is great!!
Rating:
Summary: FAST READ
Review: I STARTED AT 6PM AND FINISHED AT 2:30 AM....I HAVE READ ALL KIM'S BOOKS AND THIS WAS PROBABLY MY SECOND BEST..... THE ENDING KIND OF THREW ME OFF GUARD BUT OVER ALL IT WAS A GOOD READ....
Rating:
Summary: not very enlightening
Review: This book could have easily been titled "A Taste of The Repetitive" cause the overstated plot was repeated over and over again. Initially early on the author states clearly what the issues are for the main character, so seemingly one would think that the plot would move quickly. However, this wasn't case and even half way through the novel the main character was still naively having the same dialogue about the same issues without moving towards any hint of a resolution. I grew increasingly fatigued by the single character narrative and the constant dialogue with the same characters about the same issues.
It was as if Roby got stuck and didn't know how to move her main character, Anise, along. I do not recommend this book at all. Two-thirds through the book I simply gave it up. It wasn't stimulting and did little to keep me interested.
Rating:
Summary: YES!!!!YES!!!!YES!!!
Review: I JUST STARTED THIS BOOK AND I'M SWEPTED OF MY FEET. ONCE AGAIN MS ROBY YOU HAVE FULL ATTENTION. I'M ALREADY WAITING ON YOUR NEXT BOOK!! FOREVER A FAN
Rating:
Summary: She Did It Again!!
Review: Kimberla Lawson Roby is fast becoming my favorite Female Fiction Author. Her books always capture you from the first page to the last. "A Taste of Reality" is no exception and the ending will throw you for a loop!
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