Rating: 
Summary: It DRAAAGGGED On
Review: A Taste of Reality was the 4th book which I read from Ms. Roby. After reading Casting the First Stone, As Good As It Gets, and It's a Thin Line, (all of which I would give 5 stars) I was disappointed with this book. Although Ms. Roby tackled some very important issues in the workplace the story line was very weak. It didn't immediately grab my attention and the book just seemed to have dragged on and on. I only continued reading after I got midway and decided to finish. It seems the main character with all her educational background was just too naive to things happening right in front of her face. I was also hoping/waiting that her husband get a "A Taste of Reality" as well.
Rating: 
Summary: Should be called "A TASTE OF REAL LIFE!
Review: I first heard about Kimberla Lawson-Roby at a bookstore in the African-American section when I was talking to a lady who advised me that she heard "Casting the first stone" was an awesome read. And the sequel "Too much of a good thing" was even better. I read both of those books and decided to read other novels by this aspiring writer. I was definitely not let down. Roby tells real life stories about racism, abuse and even jacked-legged preachers. "A taste of reality" was an excellent book to pick to read during black history month. If you have not read it I advise you to do so. Discrimination still exists and the way the story was told in this book is as real as it gets. Even the way Roby tells of how black men choose a dark woman as their mate before they make it is truly a real issue. Think about how many celebrities have done this and then once they become famous they choose women of other races. In the end Anise was victorious. She did what she should have and faught for her rights. She did as an intellegent black woman should do in this day and age. Hats off to Ms. Roby for another insightful novel. Keep them coming and I'll keep reading them.
Rating:
Summary: It DRAAAGGGED On
Review: I have read the last 3 books by this author and they are all the same book wrapped in a different dust jacket and story. Girl is having problems with her cheating/abusive husband, girl meets someone that she is attracted to, girl is too "holy" to pursue this new man because she is still "married" even though the husband is not at home anymore, and we all know she will end up with the guy one way or another. All girl's problem traced back to a man. She also says some things that stereotype black men that are factually wrong and offensive. Most black NBA, NFL, MLB players don't have white wives or girlfriends. That statement is simply not true. Most succesful black men don't look at white women as tropies or prizes. When I read these statements I couldn't believe my eyes. She was basically saying in this book that black men use black women to get where they are trying to go and then we dump the black women for a white women once we get there. Huh? She can't really believe that. Under other circumstances this book may have entertained me but reading the author's work back to back made me feel like I was reading the same book over and over.
Rating:
Summary: I just was not feeling it.
Review: I just could not get into this book. I felt like Ms. Roby was trying to write about a topic that needs to be opened, but it just did not work. Maybe if the situations in this book would have been differnt I would have appreached this book more.
Rating: 
Summary: Can't fall asleep? Read this novel.
Review: I read several novels by this author, but this one was too boring and boy did it drag out. Kimberla discribed things too much. How much can you say about a phone? Yes racial and sex discrimination in the workplace should be addressed, but I just wasn't feeling this stroyline. I also think Anisa was a winer. Why was it so important that she get that particiuar position? In real life when management is against the applicant getting a position, it leads to nothing but stress. No matter how well you do the job, it won't be good enough which means very bad performance evaluations. This book was selected by the host of my reading circle and I just couldn't get into this book. I read 6 chapters and just wasn't feeling it so I went straight to the epilouge. After reading it, I would have saved time reading this much about nothing story.
Rating: 
Summary: Undecided!!!!
Review: I've enjoyed previous books by Kimberla, but this one was quite different from the norm. Although it kept my attention, it's not her best. I look forward to reading more of her works.
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining, but...
Review: It was an entertaining book. I read it in a day. However, I found Anise unrealistic. She definitely did need "a taste of reality." She wanted to use Frank to get information but all of a sudden she was in love with him? And what was up with Frank anyway? It was very uncomfortable reading about him asking her out constantly. It was very close to stalking, in my opinion. Then all of a sudden, he dumps her! I also don't understand why Anise would trust Lorna for so long. Lorna obviously had an agenda or otherwise why would she be pushing Anise to sue every other minute? Do the work, Lorna, and take action yourself! I would've liked to have known what happened to the woman from purchasing. Did she ever get another job? The ending should have wrapped up the story for all of the characters. I liked reading about a Human Resources department, although people who don't work in HR may not know or care about the difference between a HR Assistant, a HR Coordinator and a HR Specialist. In short, it's a good entertaining book but it comes up short because Anise is not that believable and the ending leaves us hanging. And don't get me started about David.
Rating:
Summary: A Real Page Turner From Beginning to End
Review: Kimberla is a great story teller and writer. I've been a fan since I first read Casting The First Stone, which I found out about this book by overhearing two women taking at a shoe store. The one lady was telling the other lady that she just had to read CASTING THE FIRST STONE, that it was so good. I don't know about the friend, but when I left that shoe store I ran and got the book myself. I've since caught up on all Kimberla's books. A TASTE OF REALITY was moving, emotional, griping, loving, powerful and intense from word one until "The End". The problem with the books that Kimberla puts out is that they are so good, but then you have to wait for the next one to come out. However, for me that's not much of a problem, because I'm a fan of hers and I will patiencely wait. So if you want to settle down into your favorite recliner and cuddle up with this book and the nearly released Part two to CASTING THE FIRST STONE, entitled TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING,then you are in for a smooth ride. Enjoy!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Nothing new...Ms Roby scores again!
Review: Kimberla Lawson Roby has mastered the art of poignant and emotional writing. In A TASTE OF REALITY, her fifth novel, she gives readers another great storyline with strong characters. This time around, Roby tells a rather routine tale of a woman named Anise Miller who seems to have it all: a solid marriage, good friends and a well-paying job. Can't find too much wrong with this scenario, right? Well, the protagonist will beg to differ. In fact, she is frustrated, annoyed and angry. How does a woman with seemingly everything allow ennui to set in and ruin a perfect situation? Well, many of us will be able to better understand Anise and sympathize with her once we learn of the many problems she is experiencing. Unfortunately, she must deal with racism and cronyism in the workplace and, to make matters worse, her best friend is trying to undo what she's built a lifetime to establish. Roby is able to tell the story using different points of view. Despite a slow start, the story does pick up speed and heads for its predictable ending. There is a method to how Roby ties in plot, storyline and characterization --- and it has always worked for her. For those who want to ride the gamut with Roby and taste reality along with her, this will be a title you'll enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Everyone Needs To Sample A Taste of THIS Reality!
Review: Okay! This is not a NEW topic - but look at the latest cover of Time Magazine. Racism is still an issue in this country and Mrs. Roby reminds us that racism is just not black & white but also black on black. This story hits home for me as I was subjected to negative actions at my workplace where I was the only Black. I found the writing style of this book to be both capitivating and fast paced. My mother also read my copy and she lived through racism (she was born in the South). My Mom throughly enjoyed the story. My NAACP Card reads: "If you think the struggle is over is over...think again" Until this blemish on American society is cleared, I am thankful to those like Mrs. Roby who keep these issues alive.
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