Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Read!
Review: This is one of the best novels that I have ever read. I was amazed at the faith and zest for life the character "Joyce" possesses, after so many tragedies in her life. This is a MUST read. Pearl Cleage is very talented, and I am looking forward to reading her next novel. I usually don't read all of the "Oprah's Book Club Books", but I am certainly glad I read this one!
Rating: 
Summary: If you're looking for an entertaining easy read, this is it!
Review: I read this novel in one sitting and thought it was great. Cleage used some throught provoking comments throughout the book. Eddie was a wonderful 'gentle'man. I was surprised at how disturbed I was about the fact that Eddie was prepared to murder again even after his new"Buddhist"lifestyle. I would have preferred to see Cleage have Eddie choose a more peaceful solution to the problem of Frank and Tyrone.I loved the last paragraph!!
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant
Review: This is a story of hope in what appears to be a hopeless world. There is something which all of us are called to do so as to make this world a better place. Joyce took the challenge and at the end of the day, though it wasn't easy,she managed to save so many lives. It is not what we are that matters but rather who we are: a difference illustrated by the differences between Joyce and Rev. and Mrs Anderson.Thank you Pearl for this gift to us.
Rating:
Summary: good insight into today's times.
Review: Having read Pearls' nonfiction "Mad at Miles" several years ago; i am glad to see she is no longer angry. this book is an excellent choice to read with young adults to discuss the complexities of growing up among drugs, sex, and no opportunities.
Rating:
Summary: Truly touched my Soul!!!!!!!
Review: I first read this novel after reading several of Pearl Cleage's non-fiction books. I was astonished at her ability to produce yet another piece of work that carried you with each and every page. The characters are poignant and genuine. She portrayed the good, the great and the ugly with such gleaming and meaning that you wished each and every character got their just do! Ava is sensationally witty with beautiful insight, without the gum popping attitude. Eddie is every person's dream. You felt the intensity of this brother. Joyce was wonderful as your everyday but not so everyday doo-gooder. The story line of true love was brought to life believably in a world that few of us wants to find it possible to exist but we know that it does(whether we want to believe it or not!) Everyone's world of love looks different and that is evident by Joyce, Mitch, Ava and Eddie, oh and little Imani! Each and every character had to fight for their life with every breath whether you agreed with the character or not. Absolutely superb. The story line, while it had you on the edge of your seat trembling, had no over-done and dramatic twists that left you saying "huh?" The twists' left you saying "WOW!" Wonderful novel for the intellectual reader and the feeler. Kudos, Ms. Cleage!!!!! I know "what looks like crazy on an ordinary day! Thank you Ms. Cleage for letting me see what it looks like..."a lot like love if you catch it in the moonlight"...!
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Fabulous!!!!!!
Review: At first I thought a book about an HIV positive black woman was just too heavy for the solace I was hoping to garner from reading it on the crowded number 5 train to and from work. So I did what I always do to decide once and for all if a book is worth reading; I read the first two pages or so right there in the bookstore. Before I even got half way down the page I decided that the woman was amusing and that I liked the talking-to-your-best-friend style in which the book was written. I must admit that I was not thrilled with the lesbian reference on the first page, but I shrugged it aside. Afterall, it was not meant to be mean-spirited, but was voiced to give the character the space to analyze her reluctance to couple with women. The characters in this book are well developed and skillfully depicted. There is actually a *good* black man in this novel, and more than one to boot. The characters are real!! This book is right on!!! I read it in one setting, I just couldn't put it down. I recommend it HIGHLY!.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I've read in a long, long, time.
Review: I absolutely loved this book! The blend of humor, grim reality, and hope are what this book is all about. It was romantic without being sappy. I have read several of Oprah's Book of the Month and they are always well worth reading. I also want to read more of Cleage's work. She is a gem of a writer.
Rating:
Summary: Encouraging
Review: Thank you Ms. Cleage and Oprah! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from start to finish. I don't think its a literary masterpiece but it was definitely worth every moment of it. After reading it I felt enriched having met the characters . Even though it was a work of fiction its positive messages have stayed me ever since. So much so that while in the bookstore the other day I was encouraging complete strangers to buy copies. Its messages were so moving that I wanted to share them with as many people as possible.
Rating:
Summary: Great dialogue and humorous narrative voice.
Review: Pearl Cleage sure has a way with words. The narration, dialogue and characters are so real, I felt as if I were right there in the story with them. Cleage has a humorous narrative style that can tell a serious story in a refreshingly funny way. Ava's story is truly inspirational, and reminds us of what is truly important in life. I had never read any of Cleage's work before. After Oprah recommended this book, I checked out the synopsis and reviews at [...] and liked what I saw. I'm glad I discovered another author to add to my list of favorites.
Rating:
Summary: An all-too quick, but MOST enjoyable read
Review: Unlike the masses, I did not pick up this book because Oprah said so... a co-worker was reading it, and could not stop raving. After finishing the book, I now know what the rave was about. I became totally caught up in life in Idlewild and with Ava's journey. Soon I found myself reading and laughing out loud (on a crowded NYC subway, no less). I have yet to pick up another novel, for fear of being disappointed. I look forward to more works from Ms. Cleage, her voice and humor are a welcome addition to my library.
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