What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day

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Summary: A wonderful guide to becoming a Free Woman (or a Free Man)
Review: This book hit me again and again with plain truths and language so real it had me feeling like i was EAVESDROPPING on people, rather than just reading about them. A fast read, but one that leaves an impression. I read it over the course of a single evening - in two large gulps, but it would have worked just as well spread out over a month - morning meditation style. Like Alice Walker's _The Color Purple_, Cleage's book resonates with good ol' womanist philosophy. There's a lot you can take away from this story, and a lot it can make you want to do with your life.

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Summary: I loved this book. It swept me away to Idlewild MI.
Review: This is a darling of a book. The first couple of charpters were a bit slow but once I got past that, I couldn't put it down. I was sorry to see the end. It's an easy read. This book put me - mind, body & soul - right there in Idlewild. I was right there, stretched out on the dock like a cat; right there conditioning Eddie's locks; I felt it all. My book club's review of this book wasn't complete until we'd cast the whole movie. I hope it does make it to the big screen. This would be an excellent movie. P.S. Movie Producer: Don't forget to call for great casting suggestions.

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Summary: Wonderful first book
Review: This book was much better than I ever anticipated. I had passed over it several times in the book store and finally decided to read it. It exceeded my expectations and left me wanting more from this author. The book handled several realistic problems and made wonderful solutions for all of them. I read this book in a couple of hours because I couldn't put it down. I'll be reccommending it to everyone I know.

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Summary: Unbelievable Pearl Cleage.
Review: This book was one of the very best books that I read in 1998. Pearl handcrafted these beautiful characters to mirror the world in which we live. Actually, the book is a novel while being critical social commentary on most of what ails us today. One of the main characters has contracted AIDS and is only stopping by to visit her sister. The author poignantly touched on the topics of gangs, gangsters-in-the-making,and incarceration. She beautifully handled the delicate topic of morally bankrupt preachers and the women who love them. I love the way she created a deep spiritual brother who loved a woman who is admittedly ill. Additionally, the writer has a much-needed command of the English language. Thus, the book is extremely well written. I have bought numerous copies of this book for my friends of both sexes. There are not enough available stars (5 is insufficient) for me to indicate how much I enjoyed this book. Run right out and purchase it today. I was sad when I finished it and I am sure it will be one of the few books I read a second time.

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Summary: complex, but lightly written
Review: What looks like crazy yada yada, is a book of complex but ordinary issues today. It explores living with HIV, the effects of the drug culture in black society, living with youthful widowhood and pedophilia among clergy lightly but with enough depth to start you thinking, but also offering up some real and workable solutions. Good book, I read it in about 2 1/2 hours.

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Summary: humorous treatment of a tragic subject; fast read
Review: Looks closely at the societal ills of the black middle class and black youth, with a very light touch. Well written, engaging and honest

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Summary: Surprised, but not surprised!
Review: I couldn't put this book down; I felt drawn to the characters. It was recommended by a friend who had read it for her book club. I was familiar with some of Ms. Cleage's writings, primarily in Essence. What could have been a thoroughly depressing read, is, in the author's hands, a story of love, hope, and family--the good and the bad. It was a pleasure to read--funny and serious at the same time! A wonderful first novel, and I hope there are more to come.

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Summary: Don' be closed minded. If you read it, you'll LOVE it!!!!
Review: I just happened upon this book in the book store and thought it sounded kind of interesting, but after I read the first few chapters, I was hooked - I just couldn't put it down! I have recommended it and will continue to recommend this book to my friends. Many of them have read it and needless to say, they also were hooked. Soon everyone on Northern California will have read ( and loved) this book! I thought the book was very well written and the storyline was not at all predictable. I can't wait for her next novel. Keep up the good work Pearl!!

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Summary: Great book! Fun, interesting, and thought-provoking!
Review: What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day, is a truly extra-ordinary book. There are many issues the characters must deal with, and each of them are portrayed very well. It's a very real book, dealing with HIV and AIDS, crack and addiction, and love between three fascinating people. Imani made me cry, but the ending was worth it. Highly recommended!

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Summary: What a great find
Review: I found this book on the "new book shelf" of the library and could not put it down until I had finished reading it. This was a very honest look at major issues confronting communities today, and was done with much compassion. Eva's story alone had me in tears several times, both in sadness for her emotional pain and in joy as she learned to live and love. I feel that my eyes have been opened to some of the frustrations confronting Black Americans who really care about their communities, to ideals worth fighting for, to the horrors of "crack", and to the needs of our neighbors who are dealing with AIDS.