Rating: Summary: Intriging...yet tasteful. Review: First of all before I say anything about the book, I had previously heard a lot of good things about it. I had read "Men Cry In the Dark" and liked the real images of successful black men, so I decided to check out this 3rd book by Michael Baisen. Bu redaing the ist chapter i learned of the "real" deal of the controversial topic of Black Male Prostitution / Black Male exotic entertainment. The main character, Derrick Reed, is portrayed as a high priced giggilo, following the footsteps of his deceased father. His charater only seems okay only in the beginning as well as his best friend Simon and the lovable and womanizing "Teddy Bear" (Theadore). But the female characters (Ariel, Cynthia, Toni) make no sense with. Ariel is a typical black woman who complains to often and turned down 3 successful black men to stoop so low to get involved with a married man. glad she got the tables turned in Chaptre 35! And as far as Derrick Reed IT WAS SO FUNNY HOW HE GOT BUSTED IN THE END.....
Rating: Summary: HELD MY ATTENTION! Review: After hearing and reading all of the reviews of a "must read" book, I sat down on a rainy day and did just that. I like a good literary masterpiece as well as the next person, however, I must admit that sometimes I read books just because I need to escape the realism of day-to-day living and I don't want to think too hard regarding the book that I'm reading. Having said that, I must admit that while The Maintenance Man(TMM) was not a masterpiece, it was entertaining, captivating, fast paced, easy to read and as such I was able to read in one sitting. I liked the storyline-hey this gigolo had it going on and there were some erotic scenes included in the book-and as such it held my attention to the end of the book; the book was drama, drama, and more drama...also liked the subplots and that all kinds of characters were included.This book fell short of five stars due to the following: · Writing Skills---self published or not, grammatical/typographical errors are a pet peeve in any book. · Character Development---More Character Development Was Necessary; There were opportunities to expand upon Malcolm's character, especially his prior background. · Writing Style--Disappointed by the abrupt ending; I was also disappointed that there was no closure to the story of Ariel and Chris. Overall, MM isn't for everyone. If you're looking for a quick, easy read and a story that allows you to fantasize/escape the mundane daily living and that doesn't necessarily have a message then read MM ....just for the fun of it and don't worry about the bad reviews! Remember this book is FICTIONAL and NOT EVERY BOOK HAS TO HAVE A MESSAGE IN ORDER TO BE A GOOD BOOK!
Rating: Summary: A Fan of the Man Review: I just finished this book and with my hectic schedule it takes me at least 5 days to complete a book. I sat with the intention to read 4 or 5 chapters, next thing you know i was halfway done. This is definetly a great read.
Rating: Summary: Black people please! Review: Okay, I have had enough. For all of you who have read this book and reviewed it, how can you honestly give this book, more than 2 stars and compare it to the writings of Maya Angelou? Either you people are lacking in education or you are so caught up in reading the "New Form of African American Literature" that you are confusing fine literature with average literature. Example: Zora Neal Hurston, Diane McKinney-Whetstone, Alice Walker, fine literature wirters. Michael Baisden, although an entertaining speaker, and good at telling a story is not writing masterpieces! If you are giving his books more than 2 stars you should seriously get yourself library cards and read black classics! Michael's best work to date has and always will be Never Satisfied and that's not saying much. Don't get me wrong he is talented but the way you people go on and go about his writing...where were you educated? As for a speaker, Michael constantly lectures on how women date men who don't read and can't keep a steady relationship...would someone please ask Michael what was the last book he read and why is he still single? Think about it.
Rating: Summary: Maintenance Man Review: I read this book a year ago then turned around and read it again today, this was my first Michael Baisden book and I truly enjoyed it, his writing style is somewhat similar to Eric Jerome Dickey's, but he holds his own. This book wasn't just about one character it had others who were all dealing with different problems in their relationships. If you decide to read this book , (you will never look at a bible the same again) LOL.
Rating: Summary: Sucks. Review: This was one of the worst books I've ever read. It was stereotypical, simplistic and predictable. I didn't think it was possible for a book to be this bad. My favorite part? *note sarcasm* When a girl in the book (one of the main characters...it's been awhile since I last read it) was looking at herself in the mirror before she went out. She danced in front of the mirror, slapping herself on her hips while singing, "You go girl!" Blech. If you'd like to read a book to make fun of with your friends, then this one would be for you. If you have an iota of intelligence, then leave this book at the bookstore.
Rating: Summary: I finished in about eight hours total Review: This book is a fantastic read for anyone who is interested in love from a male perspective. No first-person-female-victim-all-men-are-dogs stuff here. Although the main character could be viewed as a dog, he was a businessman first and foremost (although there was that attitude that turned on instantly), but he also had a heart.... I also don't think that the main character suffered enough, but overall the book was worth the buy and the time spent all night reading it. Teddy Bear was funny to me (although a traditional pathetic stump of a man with a body and women all over it), and I liked how the female lead character realized that "having fun" all the time isn't the best road to be on. This is really a book for everyone from a male perspective. I'm not female-bashing, but it was nice to see women mess up for once in a black book and the author not allow them (or the men) to pass blame onto someone else for their own mistakes.
Rating: Summary: 50/50 Review: I read this book years ago, so I do not remember specific details. I gave this book 3 stars b/c it was a fascinating read. Did I enjoy it? A little, but not really. This is a book that everyone was talking about at the time, so that was my main reason for indulging. It was pretty formulaic to me. No different from any other such book.
Rating: Summary: Could be real life!!! Review: I believe this book was amazing, I couldn't put it down it took me less than 48 hours to read it. I recommend this book to anyone one who wants to read about what could be real life because what I read in this book could possibly be true. Nothing is to way out to believe. If someone is looking for a great book this is the one! I would have e-mailed the writer if I could.
Rating: Summary: Not what I expected Review: I bought this book only because of all the good things I've heard about it! Listen........Don't BUY it. Borrow it. There are way too many characters and it's hard to keep up with everyone.
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