Rating:  Summary: Loved Them All! Review: I am a fan of all the authors who contributed to this body of work. I thoroughly enjoyed each of the stories in a different way. Admittedly, I was partial to Colin Channer's story; I'm Still Waiting. In his expert manner he weaved a tale that was sexy, hot and right on point! He has a way of writing that makes you want to pour yourself right onto the pages of the book and become one of the characters. That is not to say that I did not find the other 3 stories to be fantastic. Eric Jerome Dickey is also one of my favorite male authors and he did not disappoint! E. Lynn of course did his thing the way only he can do it and Marcus Major delivered a story that I engrossed myself in and truthfully did not want to end. This book is a must read!!!
Rating:  Summary: The Editor Should Have Been "Real" Review: Maybe it's just me, but Colin Channer's story was not the best one featured in this book. One day maybe he'll be as great as Toni Morrison (which is the author who kept popping into my head as I read), but for right now his writing is WAY too detailed. The ending seemed rushed, like "Oh yeah, this is supposed to be a short story so I'll just end it here." If this story was about the love this man still had for his ex-wife and the music industry, why the hell did we really need such a focus on Patience? This story needed an outline--if it wasn't about Patience getting it together and achieving another hit album (which was obvious from the ending) then why the hell did we even need his narration for her thoughts at all? Her character should have been WAY more minor. I know I went off on Colin Channer's story, but I just noticed that the other reviews on here weren't "keeping it real." Honestly, I don't care too much for E. Lynn Harris, but his story was definitely the best one in this novel. I know some people have issues with the homosexual love affair, but if you can get past all that--it is a really good story--not to mention well-written. Eric Jerome Dickey's story was well-written as well and I enjoyed it as much as I did E. Lynn Harris, but Marcus Major's story was o.k. at best. His story just seemed to be missing something, and he wasn't real clear with the overall conflict. It seemed to be thrown in there just so he'd have one. The stories were pretty good--except for Colin Channer's. Honestly, I read most of it, started skipping pages and read the ending and don't feel like I missed a thing. Collin should "Be Real" next time and hire an editor that will be more honest with him--cut that mess short next time and make an outline.
Rating:  Summary: 4 play Review: Yes! Four stories by four up and coming writers- it is worth your money and your time. HOWEVER- Do yourself a favor and read the last story first (Channer: I'm Still Waiting) and read M. Major second (Amil and Kenya). Read the others when you have time. I'm Still Waiting is by far the best written and best thought out of the four novellas- with well defined characters- beautiful scene descriptions and an actual plot. Enjoy!
Rating:  Summary: Colin Channer- I'm still Waiting Review: I really enjoyed all the authors contributions, however Colin Channer effort, really struck some cords with me. He writes with such emotion and passion. His knowlege of the history of reggae music is also very attractive. I am now on the hunt for more of his work.
Rating:  Summary: Needed To Be Better Proofed Review: I enjoy the writings of E. Lynn Harris, but unfortunately after getting through a little over half of his story I just could not take anymore. There were countless typos that were far too distracting to enjoy it.
Rating:  Summary: 3 out of 4 is not bad. Review: The first story (EJD) did not grab my attention at all. And the ending was missing something... The second story (MM) was hot. I was feeling the whole mack thing (reminded me of my old self). I will be on the look out for some of his books... The third story (ELH)was very good also. The ending did make me say "hell nah", but to each his/her own... The last story (CC) was a bit longer than the others. It started out slow and I was trying my hardest to finish it. I was looking forward to reading my next book. Smile. But then mid way in, it picked up and I found myself getting into it. After I finished his story I give it a thumbs up, althought the beginning of his story could have used some work. All in all, 3 out of 4 is not bad, so therefore I recommend reading this book. Personaly, I felt that MM's story was the best with ELH a close second. CC finished third and EJD came in forth. Good read.
Rating:  Summary: Colin Channer brings The Realness! Review: For real people, Colin Channer's story made the entire reading process a joy! I could see the characters, smell the saltwater even. His is a beautiful love story as old as time. 'I'm still waiting' at first penetrates, then twists itself into you; the imagery lingers with me even now - real, but sweet.
Rating:  Summary: NOT REALLY REAL Review: WELL I WOUL DSAY THAT THIS BOOK LEFT A LITTLE SOMETHING TO BE DESIRED. THE STORIES NEED TO BE STRETCHED OUT INTO FULL NOVELS, THEY SEEMS TO BE NOVEL THAT WERE CHOPPED UP. THREE STORIES WERE GOOD.
Rating:  Summary: as real as it gets Review: Got to be Real is one of those books that you turn the ringer off the phone and put on your fluffy slippers and lay back read. In this book we have four original love stories, by four VERY ORIGINAL writers. This compilation was a great idea for one main reason. It's an introduction to writers, their style of writing etc. ERIC JEROME DICKEY, cafe piel, is a unique love story, it wasn't his best work. If you are familiar with his books, you will know that there was something very different about this story. It lacked the quick wit that EDJ fans have come to know and love. COLIN CHANNER's contribution to the book was a laid back story of "the one that got away" . E. LYNN HARRIS, was at his usual best. While the above mentioned authors did a great job with their respective stories, the PROPS have to go to the new kid on the block MARCUS MAJOR. Marcus's prequel to Good Peoples ( his first novel) was by far the best of the bunch. If you've read Good Peoples and 4 guys and Trouble ( MM's second novel) GTBR is a GREAT introduction to the Moore brothers. His style of writing will make you laugh, cry and feel for the characters. I LOVED Kenya and Amir. Marcus's writing is refreshing, it flows real well. All in all this was a pretty good book. Ebony Page turner bookclub
Rating:  Summary: Wonderful! Review: I preordered this novel when I heard several of my favorite authors had come together for this compilation. This book had four different love stories that were written by four very different writers. Each story reflected their differences. Oh, what wonderful stories they were. Eric Jerome Dickey's story is a departure from his usual humorous and crafty dialogue. It is well written and the dialogue is great, but avid Dickey fans will immediately read the difference. Marcus Major's story is the love story of Kenya and Amir. I actually read Good Peoples before this compilation, so you know I was scratching my head until I realize that it was the prequel to Good Peoples. Major writes beautifully and he has a way of making you laugh and cry at the same time. All I can say about E. Lynn Harris' story, is Thank Goodness! He has returned to writing in the style that I became accustomed to when I read his very first novel. A love story with heart. The love scenes have returned to this story, because in most of his recent novels he has tamed them down, but not in this story. I loved this story. Those who know me, know I love anything written by Colin Channer. I find his writing profound, beautiful, and rich with descriptive phrases. He can turn a phrase into its most eloquent form. His writing is so classy and eclectic. His style is so different and yet so awe inspiring. When I read anything by him, he transports me into the story where I feel his words. I feel the heat he has generated. I just feel. This compilation of short stories is a wonderful way to inspire your own love story. Wonderful!
|