What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day

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Summary: A laugh out loud kind of book.
Review: Though it will certainly not become a classic, I loved this book. It dealt with some serious issues but retained a sense of humor through the whole thing. Although I was laughing from page one, there was no way I could miss the seriousness of the issues faced by the African-American community and our country as a whole.

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Summary: Great Read
Review: Thoughtful and well-written. I read it at the airport during a long layover. Even though my attention span in noisy, crowded places is short, I was mesmerized by the characters and their individual stories.

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Summary: Savy,realistic and hopeful portrayal of a Black community.
Review: An interesting read. I identified with almost every character either through growing up, through co-workers, or through my professional contact with HIV/AIDS patients. I felt that I had really missed something as an only child and wanted to know that "sister-love" she had with Joyce. I felt as if I had a girlfriend speaking to me when I read this book, so in some ways for me it was like a long phone conversation. I kept hoping that if I was real good, then for Kwanzaa, maybe I could get an Eddie Jefferson also. But like Joyce, I'd had a Mitch in my life and really empathized with Joyce's loss. Gerry Anderson was a prime example of how evil can feed upon itself, perpetuating a cascade of heartache and tragedy. The concept that "you can't save everyone" were not lost, in the characters of Tyrone and Frank. I applaud the realistic approach Ms.Cleage takes of someone living with this disease and not consumed with it's possible final outcome. I would only criticize her lack of mention with regard to seeking a new qualified health care provider once she moved from Atlanta and the importance of combining her care with complimentary modalities as well as traditional, which of course was the character's choice to make. This was not the African-American's greatest novel but it was so chuck-full of identifyable "stuff" that it evoked all the emotions I seek in an entertaining, educational and uplifting experience. Thank you, Ms.Cleage, thank you.

Rating:
Summary: An OK read, but not the best.
Review: "What Looks Like Crazy".... is supposedly a great book. I didn't think it was too great. Sure, it was easy reading, but it was not very interesting. It took me longer to read than most books. Ava was a character who you almost felt sorry for, but something held you back. I did however like the character of Eddie. He was described to a "T" and was in my opinion the best character in the book.

Rating:
Summary: Generally, a good read
Review: I liked this book. I especially enjoyed the character of Ava, and her witty and insightful observations. My only quibble is with the character of Eddie -- I thought some of his actions were inconsistent (I'd explain in more detail, but don't want to give away the plot).

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Summary: Uplifting, yet it ends too quickly.
Review: It was difficult to recognize that the topics in this book have become problems in even the smallest of towns. I enjoyed reading about the three main characters' strong and steady response to take back their lives one small step at a time. I just wish I could have learned more...but who doesn't feel that way at the end of a good novel?

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Summary: Very enjoyable for an Oprah Book
Review: Typically I don't enjoy Oprah's books. It seems to me that most of them have to do with a victimized woman that you should sympathize with but can't (i.e. Here on Earth). I bought this one on a whim and have REALLY enjoyed it! I read it quickly and was hooked by the character of Eddie. What a great pair. I haven't read anything of this kind of work and it opened my eyes. I'm glad Oprah picked it.

Rating:
Summary: Fabulous!
Review: Usually weary of mainstream "Oprah" books, I read this book on a whim after a rave review from a friend. I loved it! The title struck me and I started reading. 24 hours later I was finished and totally satisfied. My favorite part of the book was the last line..so inspiring!! Enjoy !

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Summary: Best book I have read in years!
Review: I had stopped reading a few years ago but recently decided to start again. This book was so real life today. I bought it and read it in a weekend. I loved the characters, and her style of writing made me not want to put it down for long. I have sinced passed it along to a co-worker who is reading it.

I look forward to reading more books by Ms. Cleage.

Rating:
Summary: Pleasant diversion on a Saturday Afternoon.
Review: I couldn't decide what to think after I finished this book initially. At times it was sad, and at other times uplifting. I wanted to pity the heroine, but she really didn't need my pity. Would that we all could find such love and understanding...