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Rating: 
Summary: Better than "The Ya-Ya Sisterhood" . . . .
Review: . . . . but that is what's known as damning with faint praise.
I have to admit, this book kept me turning the pages. As a slice of American life, it was enjoyable. Although Jodi was the least sympathetic of the characters. Are Christian women really such uptight prudes like Jodi is? She was shallow and not very introspective throughout the entire book. No wonder she didn't seem to have any friends until the Yada Yada's took pity on her. And her husband Denny is a saint to put up with her constant nagging.
Other than that, this book was a very interesting look into what it must be like to be a Christian in America today. It was nice to see that life for American Christian women is not too different than my life as an American non-believer.
Of all the women, Florida is my favorite, someone I could see being friends with, definitely. I also liked all the other women except Yo-yo, who is a two-dimensional, stereotypical paper doll of a non-believer.
I'd like to let Christian readers know that we non-believing moms have all the same concerns and feelings and loves and hopes that you do. We lean on our friends in times of need, just like you do. The only thing that's different is we don't speak to a God who may or may not exist.
Rating: 
Summary: Great, Awesome, Yada Yada...
Review: I picked this book up at a Christian bookstore looking for something interesting to read on a whim. I love to read, especially and as a Christian I like for the books to positive and uplifting. Imagine my surprise with this page turner which had me hooked from the first page. The characters are well written and I could see parts of me and my friends in each one. Just like the characters, we are all at different stages in our Christian walk and have different ideas and interpretations in the way that we pray, praise and worship. This is a must read if you like page turning fiction.
Rating:
Summary: I was totally caught up...
Review: I stayed up later than normal every night because I just couldn't find a stopping place.
This is a wonderful story about how a group of women become entwined in each other's lives, and you will feel like you are right there. Laugh, cry, praise, and pray right along with the women in the story. It's so real, it's hard to believe it's fiction.
There's a character to fit every race, personality, and life background. Drugs, alcohol, religious piety, grace, forgiveness, surrender, friendship. Look deeper into your own prayer life, and feel the power of God.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I've read in a long time!
Review: I was so amazed by this book. I bought it just because I was looking for something with a Christian basis but wasn't too heavy. This is an AMAZING book. I haven't ever cried this hard while reading a book. Truly touches the soul. I would definately recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn the true meaning of worship and the gift of friends.
Rating:
Summary: Three Cheers for Yada Yada!
Review: I'll admit, I'm a jaded reader. I came to this novel thinking, "O great, a Christian rip-off of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood." Man, was I wrong! This is the most important novel for the women of The Church I've read in many years, touching tenderly yet with no apology issues such as racial division, pride and all of our need to come face to face with our own sin and admit "I am just a sinner saved by grace," as undeserving as a drug addict, a prostitute or murderer. I was encouraged to worship the LORD with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, to call upon Him for all things. The faith of Avis and Adele and Florida, Nony and Delores, ripped into my soul like it did Jodi, the main character. This was more than reading a book, this was a flashlight from heaven lighting corners of my heart I didn't even know existed. I pray this book gets into the hands of people all over the world, people of all colors, creeds and lifestyles. Lisa Samson, author of The Church Ladies and The Living End
Rating:
Summary: A Truly Refreshing Read
Review: Neta (NEE-tuh) Jackson's THE YADA YADA PRAYER GROUP can be recommended on many levels and from many perspectives, but the one that has stuck with me in the week since I finished the novel is her fresh, nonjudgmental take on interracial and interfaith relations. All too often, the most well-meaning Christians preach peace among different races and religions, but we don't practice it --- we're far too busy staying comfortable in our own denominations and churches that mirror our own habits and beliefs (and anyone who has read conservative pundit David Brooks's analysis of "red" versus "blue" America, referring to liberals and conservatives, will know that this is true).Jackson not only practices what she preaches (she and her husband/writing partner Dave attend an interracial Christian worship community), she writes about it, too. Her protagonist, Jodi Baxter, and husband Doug live in Chicago's diverse Rogers Park neighborhood, having moved there in order to answer the Lord's call to build bridges across the racial divide. Caucasian Jodi, a third-grade teacher, decides to attend a spiritual women's conference with her principal, African-American Avis. The two women couldn't be more different: Jodi is casual, bubbly and enmeshed in a happily chaotic life with a spouse and two teenagers, while the elegant and low-key Avis lives alone and seems to be quite happy to keep it that way. But if Jodi and Avis seem to be worlds apart, they find that their differences are infinitesimal compared to those between themselves and the women with whom they are thrown together in their conference prayer group. From irrepressible Florida to reluctant Yo-Yo to near-perfect Stu to nervous Chanda and beyond, this is a group that could have only been brought together by administrative chance --- or by God's hand. Almost immediately God's hand is felt when one member's son is injured and the group decides to keep a nightlong prayer vigil by the woman's side. After that experience, "Prayer Group 26" (as they were designated by stickers on their conference packets) decides to keep in touch via email --- and to take on their special name, derived from a chance remark by Yo-Yo and shown to be nearly perfect by Ruth (a Messianic Jew whose Yiddishisms are a funny counterpoint to the African-American women's speech patterns). Soon the "Yada Yadas" have made all sorts of plans, including a round robin of visits to each other's home churches. But their true camaraderie is not without problems and pain. Misunderstandings and miscommunications are frequent, and Florida's quest to be reunited with her long-lost daughter causes one of the worst of these. Still, each time the Yada Yadas find fault or don't connect, their powerful individual faiths shine through. Jackson's depiction of these very different yet very sincere faiths is one of the shining strengths of her book. The author does not try to pretend that just because we are one in Christ Jesus, we are one and the same. THE YADA YADA PRAYER GROUP is a truly refreshing read. However, it's also a book with a deeply felt message. All along, we have seen the prayer group through Jodi's perspective, and her perspective is that of a woman who has led a happy and comfortable life. She brushes away the dissatisfactions that surface from time to time or tries to deal with them in a super-efficient, elementary-school teacher way. Finally, Jodi winds up --- very much through the fault of her own --- in a situation that cannot be dealt with via email, or swept up into a casserole like so many leftovers. It's what she and the Yada Yadas do then that makes this little novel a must-read. --- Reviewed by Bethanne Kelly Patrick
Rating:
Summary: Changed my outlook on life....
Review: This book was amazing. I could relate to the main character so much, that I learned her lesson also. I'm so in love with the book that I'm going to read it again. I can't wait for Neta Jackson's newest release in August! I'd reccommend this book to any woman of any age, race, religion, etc.
Rating: 
Summary: A check yourself read
Review: This book was good from the beginning to the very end. I had no idea that the story would take a major near the end. I was so inspired by the many scriptures that were highlighted throughout the book. This is a good christian novel that will help any christian along the way.
Rating:
Summary: Yada, yada, ladies!
Review: This book, about a group of women forced together by divine destiny, is one that should be recommended for every woman that is afraid or intimidated to step outside of their comfort zone in their little corner of the world--get out there and get to know other women from other cultures (saved and unsaved) and see what you learn them and---yes---about yourself!!
To explain the 4 rating: it was not the most gripping read for me, the ending was too quick and too predictable, and the time span in the book seemed to drag on forever. Without those, this would be a 5 for me. It was refreshing to read about characters that I know, work with, associate with, pray with and pray for, and are all around me in everyday situations. I loved the scattered-yet-precise character development--kept me on my toes and looking for small tidbits of information for future situations in the book.
I commend Ms. Jackson for having the courage to write a simple novel about salvation and grace--two themes many Christian writers don't explore very practically. No theology, no Strong's concordance needed, no Bible scholars required. Just simple, tried-and-true message of Christians being saved by grace--not works (or perception of your own 'goodness').
This is definitely NOT a regurgitation of Ya-Ya as other reviewers have suggested! This takes a very different turn and explores the friendships that evolve among women from very different walks of life that start a the most intimate relationship outside of marriage (a prayer group) knowing absolutely nothing about each other...and what comes out is pure beauty! I hope you'll find the same as you read Yada Yada--enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Yada Yada ,Yeah Neta Jackson!
Review: With great sorrow, I finished reading Ms. Jackson's book. Like a previous post I read, I am very happy to learn there are more books to this series coming our way! The author's masterful, fun, lively, power-filled and honest story about the importance of sisters in Christ--of every shape, color and background--coming together to pray for one another is inspiring. Whether you're interested in simply reading a good story, searching your own realities about prejudices (in a gentle way) or longing for more prayer with other believers in your life, Yada Yada Prayer Group will bring light to your quest. Way to go Neta Jackson!
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