Water in a Broken Glass

Rating:
Summary: Could not believe it
Review: I usually do not write reviews and I do read alot. However this book warranted my immediate response. I just finished it today and I could not believe how well written it was. Without giving away the plot I feel that all people especially African AmericanS in the life can benifit from reading this book. Once you've read it! All you'll have to say it, IT'S ABOUT TIME! Thanks Ms. Rose...can't wait for the sequel!(hint hint)

Rating:
Summary: This Novel DEFINITELY isn't broken! GREAT debut novel!
Review: Like a lot of readers, I judge a book by its back cover. If you can entice me with the back, then you at least get a chance of having me BEGIN the book. Admittedly, the back of Odessa Rose's novel, WATER IN A BROKEN GLASS, wasn't what drew me into the novel, because once you have read it, you know that the back cover description just DOESN'T do this novel justice.

WATER IN A BROKEN GLASS is the tale of Tonya Mimms, a wonderfully talented sculptor, who has always felt that something about her sexually wasn't as 'normal' as all her friends. In her mission to be what everyone around her WANTS her to be, as well as the haunting thoughts of a high school incident that leaves her sexually-confused, Tanya finds herself immersing her entire being in the world of sculpting, and at all cost, avoiding love. Unexpectedly, she finds herself in a rainy day encounter with the handsome Malcolm Holland, a man who quickly becomes a part of Tonya's life, and whom Tanya falls head over heels in love with. Just when she thinks her life of career and love is complete, she meets the dark and beautiful Satin Pierce, a woman who has her once again, questioning her sexuality and what she truly wants out of life. Will Tonya finally learn to live for herself...or will she be swept into doing as others SAY? That's the big question in this romantic drama.

I was extremely impressed with Rose's grasp of language and description. An example can be found earlier in the novel, when Tonya has met Malcolm and goes on a bike ride with him:

"...I let out a little scream and grabbed him tightly around his waist, but I couldn't hold all of him. It was almost as if everything this man was and would be couldn't fit in my arms. And if I really wanted to hold onto him, I'd have to take pieces of him and streak them through my hair like dye, dab them behind my ears like perfume, stick them in my mouth like tongue kisses, and wear them on my legs like stockings. Oh, my hands could do wonders with his body, I thought."

Rose vividly describes her characters, and it was so easy to see them as the drama unfolded. Not only is WATER IN A BROKEN GLASS a romantic drama, but it also goes into self-discovery, coming-of-age, sexuality, self-esteem, with the ultimate moral theme being to follow your heart, to not let others keep you from your true happiness. Who you are and what you do may cause conflicts in your life, but in the end, if you aren't true to yourself, you're living a lie.

This was one of the first novels I've read where homosexuality played a theme with the main character(s), and Rose did an excellent job in writing the scenes and feelings of the characters in a tasteful and realistic manner.

It's a nicely paced novel that is both entertaining and thought provoking.

Shonell Bacon....

Rating:
Summary: Bold writing...
Review: Ms. Rose does not harness any words as she writes, Water in a Broken Glass. This is a unique book...not for the everyday reader. The character, Tonya, questions everything about herself...mostly her sexuality.

In a bold move, Ms. Rose submits her awesome literary work to the avid reading audience. Bravo! -LC

Rating:
Summary: Bold writing...
Review: Ms. Rose does not harness any words as she writes, Water in a Broken Glass. This is a unique book...not for the everyday reader. The character, Tonya, questions everything about herself...mostly her sexuality.

In a bold move, Ms. Rose submits her awesome literary work to the avid reading audience. Bravo! -LC

Rating:
Summary: Refreshing and Compassionate
Review: My best friend encouraged me to read this book and I have never felt as much compassion for anyone in a book as I did for Tonya. I cried with her, I rejoiced with her, and gained a whole new perspective for individuals living "in the life." Odessa Rose's words read so beautifully and poetically that I hated for this book to end. Purchase this book. You won't be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Refreshing and Compassionate
Review: My best friend encouraged me to read this book and I have never felt as much compassion for anyone in a book as I did for Tonya. I cried with her, I rejoiced with her, and gained a whole new perspective for individuals living "in the life." Odessa Rose's words read so beautifully and poetically that I hated for this book to end. Purchase this book. You won't be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Unexpected twist
Review: Odessa Rose adds an unexpected twist while drinking the water from the broken glass. This writers creation of kinship between same sexes was brought out with such diplomacy. Odessa's desciption of feelings makes one really pay attention to the secrets within ones self. You can feel Odessa's struggle as she slowly undresses her hidden passions. Odessa is very creative as she allows you to see Baltimore and the world of Art through her eyes. Odessa I wouldn' be surprised to see on Oprah's bookclub list. I truly enjoyed this reading and I hope that this is just the first of many to come.

Rating:
Summary: Carefully Sipping the Water
Review: Odessa Rose's debut novel, "Water in a Broken Glass" is a highly enjoyable exploration of a young African American artist's struggles with creative and personal issues. The characters are lifelike, and the plot is compelling. Ms. Rose has both a keen eye and ear for the details of life in Baltimore. Her descriptions of the lead character's fear and anxiety as she travels into the unchartered realm of a lesbian relationship capture the danger and delicacy with which one might sip much needed and desired water from a broken glass.The character's creative struggles are equally interesting, as she comes to terms with her heritage as an African American artist. Ms. Rose's smooth, flowing prose and her perceptive grasp of the characters' interpersonal relations make "Water in a Broken Glass" an extremely satisfying start to what should be a productive career as a novelist.

Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT
Review: The author herself wrote to me and ask me to read this book. I was not Dissappointed this book was truly unique and enjoyable I read it in less than 8Hrs. Cheers to Mrs. Rose

Rating:
Summary: Gay book in bisexual clothing
Review: This book is one in my long search for a true bisexual work of fiction and yet again I am disappointed. This book is not about bisexuality and more about the coming out process. The word bisexual is used only once in the entire book, and then, only in a very negative sense.

That was my only real problem with the book. Tonya is an excellent character and those surrounding her are good characters as well. I felt the book well captured the multitude of emotions associated with coming out to yourself. The book felt real.