Rating: 
Summary: One of the Best for 2001!
Review: It's been a very long time since I read a book and wanted to start reading it all over again, but that's what CHURCH FOLK did for me. I've read ALOT of books by authors we know and love, but this first-time author has written a book that's left me wanting more! A product of the Black church myself, CHURCH FOLK makes one reminiscence to the many events I saw take place, good, bad and ugly, over the years. I especially enjoyed the fact that Theophilus was not afraid to show his feelings and emotions toward Essie, although he was the Reverend. He displayed human qualities and emotions that some ministers pretend they don't possess. And some of the drama that took place really takes place in church. This book was hilarious, touching and one I highly recommend.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Read and Highly Entertaining....!!!
Review: Wow, was I shocked at how quickly this book caught and held my interest. Ms. Bowen did a wonderful job with this book ... creating very believeable characters and events. I am still tryin to pronounce Theophilus name though....LOL I enjoyed the relationship Theo and Essie eventually evoled into. I also thought Ms. Bowen showed a very REALISTIC sides of Christianity. Not only for Theo but as a church group. This does make you shake your head of the goings on in our church world and with CHURCH FOLK. I believe that you will enjoy this book. At first I thought it was gonna be tooo preachy and not all real...but was totally surprised.... IT IS A GREAT BOOK!
Rating:
Summary: Simply Wonderful
Review: Church Folk is a wonderful novel. The characters in the book can easily be recoginzed in congregations all across America. The book was funny and inspiring. I enjoyed reading every single page.
Rating:
Summary: Uplifting eading experience
Review: In 1963, Reverend Theophilus Simmons decides to rest and recuperate in Charleston, Mississippi after a week of revival preaching. Theophilus needs some alone time and several helpings of the best rib tip sandwich anywhere in the Delta area before returning to his Memphis flock. At Pompey's Rib Joint, Theophilus meets cook Essie Lee Lane and feels a miracle has occurred. Soon Theophilus and Essie Lee share a long distance relationship, fall in love, and marry. However, life as a Reverend and his wife is not made in heaven, as the social demands of the wealthier patrons put a squeeze on the couple's need to help the poor. Then there is his former lover Glodean to further disturb the mix. CHURCH FOLK is an engaging, deep glimpse at the African-American Southern Churches during the early civil rights movement. The story line provides an amazing portrayal of the era, but also emphasize sexual promiscuity among religious leaders. The use of profanity might turn off some readers, but the words fit the vernacular of the tale. With strong lead characters being tested by their congregation, Michele Andrea Bowen paints a vivid picture of a bygone era only four decades ago. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: A Book That Deals With The Real!
Review: Every weekend I try to devote a few hours to reading a book by an up and coming author. I lucked upon this book while looking for another, and I have to say, I was not disappointed. Ms. Bowen held no punches and gave readers a glimpse of the good,the bad and the holy in the Church, in a way that still left a good taste in the mouth of those struggling with the question of "is it worth it if all of that is going on in the church." All of the characters, especially Essie and Theophilus,felt like people I grew up knowing and going to church with and without a doubt, Walk Worthy Press and Ms. Bowen can hold their heads up high with CHURCH FOLK. I will be waiting with much anticipation for the next book by Ms. Bowen.
Rating:
Summary: Michele Bowen is a writer to read!
Review: I just finished this book, and I loved it! And I'm white! Michele Andrea Bowen knows a lot about her subject, the church and its "folk", and she tells us about it all in a most entertaining style. Just it is, this book will make a great movie! It left me wanting to hear what happens next with these sexy characters, and that, for me, is the mark of a great book.
Rating: 
Summary: Let's go to church y'all
Review: I really enjoyed reading this book. It makes you realize that preacher and ministers are not saints. They deal with temptation the same as all of us. At first I thought that all of the activities that the ministers were involved in was an over exaggeration, but I quickly changed my mind. I thought about some of the ministers that I've known throughout the years. The author did a excellent job of placing the reader right there in the 60's. You Go Girl!
Rating:
Summary: Michele Andrea Bowen Tells It Like It Is!
Review: Its about time that a book featuring a Christian based theme delivered a story with truth as the foundation. The Black church is an amazing institution. However, it has long sinced denied and ignored the real challenges that face that Black community. This book gives readers a glimpse into the rich culture of Black Christian life. It also speaks of the struggles, the betrayal, the pain and cover-up of wrong that exists in the Black church. The characters are real: they are people we know and love. ...
Rating:
Summary: Church Folks-shocking!
Review: This is a great book for anyone with a church history. I thought I have heard it all in my few years in ministry. This book definitely opened my eyes to scandals that have/could happen in ministry when ones eyes leave the Lord and is placed on position, power, titles, money, status, and greed. This book is real! It shows the hearts and minds of men. You have a few honorable characters and too many dishonorable characters. This is a must read for all. My coworker and I both read this book in 1 week.
Rating:
Summary: The Cover Girls Book Club
Review: When reading the book, at first, I thought the story would center on Rev. Simmons, Essie and Glodean his former love. But truly this book was a pleasure to read because it told the story of " Church folks" and how we allow our pastors to get away with "murder" until the final day when we must remember what being a true servant for the Lord is about. Any one reading this book, won't be able to put it down. It is a good read. It is heart pounding good stuff.
| 
