TUMBLING

Rating:
Summary: Hidden Pain
Review: Almost everyone has deep, dark secrets that they feel should never see the light of day. For some it may be childhood feelings of insecurity, rejection from a should-be lover, the scars of abuse gone unchecked, or shame beyond measure. But, how often do we take the time to peel those layers of hurt and pain away from our psyches as we attempt to go on about our daily lives?

Not often, and such is the case for the characters of "Tumbling", Diane McKinney Whetstone's brilliant debut novel. "Tumbling" centers around one of our most basic desires as human beings--the desire to love and to be loved in return.

Set in a blue collar community in Philadelphia, ""Tumbling" explores the lives of several ordinary citizens--ordinary meaning that they all have their crosses to bear.

Noon, abused as a child has lost the right to her "womanliness." Herbie, her husband, is the hapless victim caught up in a no-win situation--loving his "good" wife, while seeking fulfillment in the arms of a sexy, nightclub singer named Ethel.

When Herbie comes home late from a jaunt at Club Royale and finds a deserted infant on his steps, he and Noon's lives are given new meaning. They are blessed several years later with a playmate for their only child in the form of another abandoned castaway.

With plenty of love to divert their attention away from themselves, Herbie and Noon are content to raise their children with the very best that they have to offer.

However, their refusal to deal with and resolve past issues comes back to haunt them, and what was once maintained in nice, neat, organized bundles becomes the crumbling plaster that makes the walls come tumbling down.

-Rosalind Stormer, author of "Healing the Breach"
Flavah Reviewer

Rating:
Summary: I was captivated by this book!!!
Review: I actually "stumbled" upon this book at the store and I am glad I did. Ms. McKinney-Whetstone's writing is excellent. I loved her descriptions and I felt like I was actually living inside the book when I read it. I love the close knit relationship between Fannie and Herbie and longed for Noon to be able to get past her problems to love her husband. This one is definitely a no-put-downer!!! I look forward to reading Tempest Rising.

Rating:
Summary: Why Did I wait so Long?
Review: I had this book on my bookshelf for almost 2 yrs before i finally decided to read it. I could have beat myself. The adventures of Noon and her family made me want to laugh and cry. Despite all the lies and secrecy and an unconsumated marriage. Noon still holds her head high and raises two children orphaned on her doorstep and tries to keep reign on her cheating husband. Through it all in the end Noon and her family realize that they are just that a family.

Rating:
Summary: A must read!
Review: I loved this book. The characters made me wish that the book would not end. I could read this book again and again.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!!!
Review: I read this book years ago, but never wrote a review. I remember it being so good, different from the same tired storylines that are out now. I would reccomend this to anyone who wants to read a quality book.

Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: I really loved this book. This was my first reading of Ms McKinney-Whetstone, and I was very pleased with the results. I can't wait to read her other books.

I truly enjoyed the storyline, however, I was just a tad disappointed that one of the major storylines in the book was so predictable; and, the fact that Herbie stayed around for as long as he did with Noon's problem seemed a bit unrealistic. But, other than that, the book was great. I loved Fannie's character, she was so funny. I also thought that Liz added a sense of depth and realization to the family. Once the storylines were fully developed, I found that it was hard to put the book down.

I would recommend this book to anyone that is tired of the same ole, same ole, i've been wronged relationship novel. This is an easy read, light-hearted novel.

Rating:
Summary: Fun read
Review: Our Book Club (OBC) in Sacramento, California is reading this book for our meeting on October 7th. So Diane if you see this, you are certainly invited!

Diane McKinney Whetstone has done it again. I thoroughly enjoyed Blues Dancing yet I kept hesitating about getting to Tumbling. I think it was the title that through me. Now I know better. Anytime I see her name, Diane McKinney Whetstone, I'll know I better not fight it but just get the book. Tempest Rising is next.

Just like E. Lynn Harris' books - once you start, you have to finish the whole series.

I like the way the author gave each of the characters a voice. Noon and Herbie - I couldn't wait for them to finally do the do. But 20 years? That was hard to believe that he would have hung around that long - even with a chick (Ms. Ethel) on the side. Fannie's foul mouth and Liz' hatred toward her whore of an aunt was very real. I was glad the story ended when it did. Diane closed it out really well.

Rating:
Summary: Heart-Warming Read!!!
Review: This book has got to be one of the most heart-warming books I have read in a long time. Noon, the daughter of a preacher-man, was raped when she was 12 years old and was left unable to bear children. She lives with this horrible secret for the rest of her life even after she is married to Herbie. Herbie, confused as to why his own wife won't have sex with him, falls into the arms of Ethel, and blues-singer in the club that he frequents often. After Ethel lives mysteriously, a baby is left on the front steps of Noon and Herbie's home. They named her Fannie. Years later, another child was left on the front steps of the home by the name of Liz. This begins the story that will have you crying, laughing , and it surprises you with a twist at the end of the story . Happy reading!!!

Rating:
Summary: Please Give Me More!
Review: This has been one of the most captivating books that I have read in a long time. This book captured my interest from page one and maintained it until the last page. This book left me wanting more after the book was over. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that desires to curl up on the couch with a cup of hot coco and, enjoyably, become lost in another place and time. A+++

Rating:
Summary: Tumbling
Review: This is by far one of the finest novels I have ever read. The writing was superb and the characters were so well developed. The story line kept me glued to the book until the very last drop. I laughed, I cried, I sang and savored this delectable masterpiece. Perhaps, the most brilliant part of the novel was the way DMW used the theme of tumbling throughout the novel. I look forward to reading more of DMW novels. I reccomend this novel to anyone that enjoys a great literary work.