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Summary: I loved it!! A must-read for all.
Review: For the first time, I feel that i've read a complete book. The fresh, honest,no-holds-barred voice of Ava grabbed my attention from the first sentence. Fortunately, that voice was shared by Joyce, Eddie and even Mitch. It was refreshing to read about true, lasting relationships between men and women, as well as mother and child. Also, the message concerning AIDS, violence, and responsibility in the community came right on time. This book provides an eye-opening, unbiased view of facets of the black community, from tragedy to hope.
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Summary: A book that stirs your soul and gives hope.
Review: I throughly enjoyed this book. Could not put it down. The characters were real people. Highly recommend this book to everyone. Everytime I hear the name Imani I think of this book.
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Summary: Highly overrated - what was Oprah thinking?
Review: Contrived plot, inconsistencies in the story, predictable and sappy ending. Expected the quality of Quindlen and Lamb, the other Oprah Book Club entries I have read, and I was sorely disappointed. Don't bother.
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Summary: somewhat simplistic, but enjoyable and heartwarming
Review: Pearl Cleage writes a story of all-too-real modern characters who would normally be seen as tragic figures, the like seen everyday on talk shows. Instead of playing out a standard tragic fate, her characters find peace and happiness through self-discovery and helping others. While the story is written a bit too simplistically, it is upbeat and a fast read. Also infused with touches of humor, I found myself smiling while reading much of the book.
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Summary: I still can't stop thinking about it...
Review: Cleage's "What looks like crazy..." is one of those books that I still haven't been able to get out of my head, even a few days after having finished it. I was so impressed by Cleage's straight forward way of dealing with issues that confront so many people day-to-day, as well as the representation she gives to Black Americans through the voice of a Black woman. Beautiful. It has changed me as if I was in the Sewing Circus. Really wonderful. While it may not be for the faint-of-heart, I can't recommend it enough.
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Summary: Insightful, raw, and honest. An excellent book.
Review: Cleage wastes no time in letting the reader know right away who the character is and what the reader is seemingly in for. However, the true theme of the story is revealed once Ava begins to discover herself hidden inside the fears that she won't confess and the home she once left in pursuit of a real life for herself. The story has plenty of unexpected twists and brutal reality, although at times it seems somewhat contrived, particularly near the end. However, the author did a fantastic job presenting us with woman who faces, with grim determination, her inevitable demise and yet runs from happiness because her own fear is greater than the awful disease she carries. What results is a woman who finds out that the truly brave are the ones who cannot see tomorrow but step to meet it anyway. I very much enjoyed this book, and I look forward to more from Pearl Cleage.
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Summary: A total thrill to read this great book.
Review: This book is a must read book. I am sure Terry Mcmillian has something to worry about. I could not put this book down. It was a well written book. I did not have to reread pages to understand the characters in the book. It was a true pleasure to read this book. What was so great about this book,I was not bored. I know Pearl, will continue to to write wonderful stories that will keep us wanting more,more,more!
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Summary: What Looks Like Crazy is EXTRAORDINARY
Review: What looks like crazy on an Ordinary day was much more than ordinary. Pearl Cleage writes so well she makes you think that every single person in the book could be the main character. Many describe her writing as Intelligent because IT IS. Ada Johnson is one smart hairdresser, and I loved her HIV, Bald-headed, Vodka Drinking SELF. However, this book was about so much more than Ada Johnson. It was clever and entertaining while educating the reader. I look foward to reading many more books by Pearl Cleage.
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Summary: It was just all right
Review: The book was okay, but it could have been better. It was interesting but at times seemed to drag on. There were a few times that I was tempted to just put it down and move on to another book. To me, it seemed there was just too much going on. Maybe that's why the characters weren't as strongly developed as they should have been. I would have been very interested in hearing more about the families of Tyrone, Frankie and his girl friend. Knowing their history probably would have made it much more than just a good guy vs. bad guy novel. Also part of what happened at the end, although slightly believable, seemed to occur much too quickly to be considered anything other than convenient. I must say though, that the situation did make me want to keep reading to find out what was going to happen.
Rating:
Summary: Very moving and realistic and very entertaining.
Review: Absolutely wonderful! You find yourself thouroughly engaged from the very first sentence. This is a work of art that makes you feel like you have stepped into the writer's skin, and regardless of race, religion, or class, you instantly relate to the "herione." The term "herione" here describes a woman who could be, and in many instances, is--any one of us. Pearl Cleage writes in a style that is at once simple and profound, getting subject matter across while engaging your emotions in a subconscious way. You will find yourself feeling this book long after you have read it, and the memories it leaves in your mind are sweet, poignant, and sometimes too real. My only regret is that this book is not 800 pages long! Write more soon, Ms. Cleage!
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