Rating: Summary: For Entertainmnet Purposes Only Review: There isn't much new in Harris' latest novel "Any Way The Wind Blows". Yancey and Basil return as central characters in a story that seems more like a feature from a tabloid gossip column than a piece of well crafted and creative literature. While Harris is certain to mention just about every popular African American music and movie star on the scene today, he fails to deliver any new insight with this novel. After reading his previous novels, this one seems like a collage of themes introduced in his earlier work. While I found his previous novels entertaining, just like any good gossip can be, I had a hard time, while reading this novel, getting past the feeling that I've heard this story before. The novel is filled with clichés and didactic in tone. Both of these literary faux pas diminish the story and oversimplify the plot. At times, it seems the characters are only devices for Harris to preach his views on relationships and the role sexuality plays in them. Often times, it's hard to discern if the characters are giving the author the dialogue, or if the author is putting his words in their mouth. Although deceit, trickery, and unfaithfulness can provide the makings of a good novel, the author has to creatively blend the elements to produce the type of novel that both connects with readers and has literary merit. I'm sure the novel will satisfy the need to connect with readers and will no doubt be a bestseller; but it falls short on literary merit (which doesn't mean it's not an entertaining read). I hope Yancey, Basil, Raymond, and Ava will be laid to rest with this novel. I'm looking forward to new ideas and fresh characters in Harris' future work. He's told this story too many times.
Rating: Summary: No more fairy tales! Review: I was disappointed when I learned E. Lynn Harris would be continuing with the Basil/Yancey storyline in his latest book. As with all his other books, I couldn't put it down. When I got to the end, I found it to be somewhat unrealistic and fairy tale-ish. The idea of Rosa keeping a pregnancy from Basil because she thought he'd want to get married was totally unrealistic!! What woman in their right mind would expect a major player like that to want to settle down?? And he seems like Basil and Yancey are trying to be good people now....what's up with that?? Overall, the book was good, but don't put too much stock in the ending!
Rating: Summary: E. Lynn, You done it again! Review: E. Lynn has truly done it again!! And in this book, it seems as though Yancey and Basil has put whatever ghosts they have had within them to rest(somewhat). In Basil's point, it didn't seem clear whether or not he came to terms with his bisexuality, or whether or not, he still had a job with the firm he helped to start, or whether or not the situation was cleared up. I would hate to see E. Lynn labor on another book dealing with that.(perhaps a short one) As for Yancey, it seems with the help of a loving man, she found the honesty and candor to come straight with her business, but did it make a better person out of her? Who knows. I tell you, I read this book in about a good day's time. I found it hard to put down,(Bart was something, he made Basil look like a chior boy). Ava, who just never leaves you bored, was still her same, and honey, she may need a book of her own. Too much. No, it didn't give us pat answers on these characters, but at least, you knew they were headed for better and not for worse. This book won't disappoint, but I am giving it the four stars because it left some questions unanswered.
Rating: Summary: Which Way Is the Wind Blowing? Review: I have been a fan of E. Lynn Harris since "Invisible Life" came out (pardon the pun) At any rate, I picked this book up yesterday afternoon and I finished it last night. I loved the way he allowed time for individual character development (some old some new) and how each person was a piece to the big puzzle. I think the cliff hangers he left throughout will pave the way for the next book--but nonetheless a good read.
Rating: Summary: Buckle Up. Mr. Harris is going to take you for a ride... Review: I finished the book in 4 hours. I couldn't put it down. Evertime I turned a page I had to turn another and before I knew it I was finished and waiting for more. Mr. Harris you have done it again. I feel like I am apart of the Henderson, Tyler, Braxton, etc family. I was crying at the end of the book because I was so overwhelmed with the honesty each character shared and the arrival of Basils' new baby girl. I can see Mr. Henderson and Mr. Tyler sharing a life with the new baby girl. I can also see Mrs. Braxton new Bo getting involved with Bart. The Lord has truly blessed you. Many prayers Mr. Harris.
Rating: Summary: VISIBLE LIVES Review: Mr. Harris has done it again and the characters are as vivid as your own family. Basil and Yancy will make you understand the complexity of human nature and wonder about your own insecurities. As I read this book ( in 12 straight hours) I transformed myself to every location. I could feel the emotions of each person as if I were experiencing them first hand. The series of books that have led up to this one changed my perspective on lifes truths and who people really are. Understanding the complexity of sexuality and lies and what both can do to if placed in the wrong hands makes me wonder about my own life. Books are made to educate and this is a definite education in life.
Rating: Summary: Any Way the Wind Blows Review: Mr. Harris has done it again. This book is a must have. He keeps you on the edge of your seat. I love to read but his books are the only ones I can read in one day. You will not be able to put this one down. He has brought back some old characters and added some new ones. I suggest that if you have read the other books you have to add this to the collection. I can't wait for the next one. Thank you Mr. Harris for another great book.
Rating: Summary: E.Lynn Does it Again Review: This book was the bomb I loved it. I predict that he is going to write another one to continue this one. I'm glad I bought this book on the first day it came out. It will be worth your money. Its definetly a page turner and will have you laughing
Rating: Summary: Here we go...... Review: What could happen to John Basil Henderson after meeting Yancy Braxton and her mother? Plenty. Harris has once again given his readers another breath taking story. After the wedding disaster, you would assume that Basil and Yancy went on with their lives. Well sort-of... Yancy is off to become a successful recording star. Yet, her #1 song has some very questionable lyrics. (and the CD was great... try to find a copy if you have not had the chance to hear it) Basil's sporting agency is growing and he also seems to be more mature, but he is still the same old Basil... and that is where Bart Dunbar comes in. Bart is a struggling model/actor who falls in love with Basil at first site. (or so he thinks) Once Basil turns him down, all hell breaks loose. And then he meets up with Ava, Yancy's mother, and then your mouth drops at all that happens. But I think you will be surprised at the way the story ends.... This story will make you laugh out loud but also as all of Harris stories, you also end up wanting to cry for someone. Returning to the story are Yancy's old roommate, Windsor and Raymond. There are several new characters, one that kind of reminded me of Kyle from "Invisible Life". I believe there is still more to come from all of these characters. I love E. Lynn and his stories. My only regret is that I read them so fast. I can't wait till he visits Baltimore for his book signing. Peace and Blessings!!
Rating: Summary: It's time to hang it up!! Review: Mr. Harris has been a part of my reading world for the last 7 years and it pains me greatly to say this, but he is really losing the edge. I have seen a downward spiral since "Abide with Me", subtle as it was. Those of us who have been with Harris since the beginning will have to be honest and admit the same; the books are just not doing it anymore. I continue to buy with the hope that things will get better, but they haven't. I know that for many, this review will be for naught, as people will continue to buy his books, just on his past reputation. Do yourselves a favor and go back and re-read passages from the first four books and compare to the most recent and you will see what I mean. In prior books, Harris spent so much time developing his characters and making them seem so real and tangible, that we were drawn into their world and became obsessed with Raymond, Nicole, Jared, Kyle etc. Now, the characters are just out of control sexual predators that are bent on revenge and full of hate. I never thought I would say this about Harris' work, but unless he stops beating this dead horse , I'll have to put him out to pasture.
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