What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day

Rating:
Summary: Eh...so-so
Review: I have read only three of Oprah's book club selections. I think I picked the wrong three. Wally Lamb's "She's Come Undone" was pretty good. "Where The Heart Is" was so-so. And this one was so-so as well. Do most of Oprah's choices contain the abuse of women and/or children? If so, I find that to be a depressing and disturbing pattern.

Rating:
Summary: Well written but too short
Review: I really enjoyed reading this book. It was so interesting I wanted more.

Rating:
Summary: A story to lift up your soul!
Review: I found Pearl Cleage's novel romanticly predictable yet so nourishing to the soul. Each page lifted my spirits even in the mist of heartache. I was captivated by Ava's transformation,learning to live each moment and learning to love herself through her relationship with those who loved her, then seeing her live that love by how she gave to others. My favorite symbol is Aretha's haircut! Wouldn't it be wonderful if the world followed the way of Idlewild?!

Rating:
Summary: Reminded me of "Waiting to Exhale"
Review: This book dealt with several issues facing the African-American community in the 90's, including AIDS, teenage pregnancy and criminal behavior. But it turned out to be a surprisingly funny and touching story. Cleage writes in a similar style to Terry McMillan -strong language, realistic situations and believable characters. I really enjoyed this book. If you liked Waiting to Exhale or How Stella Got Her Groove Back, you will enjoy this book.

Rating:
Summary: I CAN'T BELIEVE I READ THE WHOLE THING!!!!!!!!
Review: One word...pure entertainment! The irony around which I read this book is disturbing. While stuck in a funeral home for 2 hours and 45 minutes, Cleage's book took me out of a dark situation and warmed me up with her funshine!! Thank you, Cleage! My family thanks you. Through my laughter, I was able to brighten up a gloomy situation. Looking forward to your next adventure!!!! ...In memory of Emma...

Rating:
Summary: A disappointment
Review: Despite the occasional pithy vernacular, I found the writing of this book to be stilted and ungraceful. The author spells out every thought, every emotion -- as though the reader has no imagination! Perhaps this is because Ms. Cleage is primarily a playwright, and therefore cannot rely on actors to explain the characters' sentiments. There is nothing subtle about this book. Predictable characters, cliche ending. I was disappointed, and happy to see it come to an end.

Rating:
Summary: Funny, serious and unexpected.
Review: I found this book very entertaining. I loved her writing style she shocked you right off the bat with the language. I found myself cheering on the good guys and glad to see the preachers wife put in her place. Things aren't always as they appear. And I loved Eddie!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: AN OUTSTANDING NOVEL!!
Review: "Sometimes you have to meet yourself on the road before you have a chance to learn the appropriate greeting. . . All you have to do is say yes." Pearl Cleage's debut novel, What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day, introduces the reader to the world of the 90's filled with abuse, teen pregnancy, and even HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Cleage's main character Ava Johnson must accomplish many of her own goals before she will find out who she is and what she wants out of life. She must overcome many fears while living in Michigan, including the fear of falling in love. What Ava believes is the end of living in Michigan is only the beginning of her life there. Pearl Cleage's background plays an important role in the setting of her novel. When she was two years old, her family moved to Detroit, Michigan where she grew up. She graduated from high school and left Michigan to pursue a degree in playwrighting. Three years later she moved to Atlanta, Georgia to finish her studies. Cleage's main character Ava Johnson has a similar background in the novel. Many things in her personal life inspired her to write such a moving novel as this. For example, her recent marriage inspired her to write a love story. Also, she felt that many of her heterosexual friends are in denial about the reality of AIDS and the danger that it presents. By writing a novel dealing with AIDS, she thought she could better inform the African American population and support those who are infected. Her novel portrays a main character with AIDS who develops ways to adapt to changes in her life. Pearl Cleage uses various elements of style to create an entertaining, well-written novel about the problems of a modern African American society. For example, Cleage uses the main character with common narration to tell the story. All of the characters speak with a common dialogue, too. Cleage writes to make the novel understandable to any reader. Cleage's novel also flows fluently from one though to the next thought. The author also includes colorful images and details. For example, Cleage writes "He was standing on the dock in a pair of pajama pants and no shirt, moving slowly from one position to another. . ." These images create a mental picture in the mind of the reader. The author also uses average length, simple sentences to convey the thoughts and actions of the characters. Cleage's realistic view in the subject of AIDS and its effects on others completely transforms this work from a story to a masterpiece. Cleage captures the feelings of Ava on AIDS and how scary it can seem to the person infected with the virus. Ava feels as if she has no one to turn to and that she can be of little help to anyone else. Also this situation has a large effect on Eddie and their relationship. He doesn't know how he can help her and if he wants to risk his liffe to get close to someone that is unsure of her life. Something tells him to reach out and help her yet he doesn't to offend her sense of capability. This work excells because of the realistic setting and storyline. The plot makes the reader aware of the effects of such a devastating illness, yet keeps the reader entertained throught Cleage's witty humor. On the other hand, the greatest weakness of this novels is the constant reminder that unless and until there is a cure for AIDS, the novel won't contain a truly happy ending. Pearl Cleage's novel has made me aware of the effects of AIDS and that no one is safe unless he or she is aware of the specifics of the virus. Pearl Cleage's novel What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day excellently displays the trials and tribulations of an HIV-infected woman in today's society. She has to adapt to many changes in her life including learning how to love. Even with her own personal problems she assists young teenage mothers with the facts of life and many other questionable problems. This true heroine creates an entertaining yet heart-warming story for any adult reader.

Rating:
Summary: I could not believe the book was over
Review: I thought this was a very good story about life in Idlewild, Mi. The author was able to discuss and capture a variety of crisies in cities, big and small. I like how the characters had to cope with changes in their lives and overcome obstacles, Both Ava and her sister were strong women. I was really enjoying the book, and it just ended, there was no closure for me, I wanted to know what was going to happen to the Rev and his wife, Imani's relatives etc. If it could have been just a few more chapters long..... I would not have felt like I was left hanging.

Rating:
Summary: Thougt provoking, Realistic
Review: 'What Looks Like Crazy...', was suggested to me and I'm glad I read it. This book covered almost all of todays issues, which didn't allow for complete development of some issues and characters. But the main character(Ava) and the predominant issue(her being HIV+) were touched on in a surprisinly candid way. The story is about how she learned to deal with the consequence of her mis-directed living. She regretted never having experienced love, and her disbelief and fear when she found it was poignant. This story made you realize everything has a purpose and that timing is everything. The finality of HIV, is what took her home to just live out her life, but it ultimately gave her her first look at caring for other people and the reality of love and loving. I loved the line about Ava and Eddie growing up. An extremely good read.