Rating: 
Summary: A Black Love
Review: New York City is the locale for A LOVE NOIRE, a sophisticated thirty-something romance of Ph.D student Noire Demain, and West African investment banker, Innocent Pokou. One would imagine these highly intelligent individuals are a likely duo, but on the contrary they are like oil and water. Noire is socially-conscious, studying Comparative Literature at New York University, while Innocent is climbing the corporate ladder post-haste with his newly acquired title of vice president. As Noire and Innocent move past their apparent differences, (she clad in her natural 'fro and he in his perfectly tailored suits) their beliefs and individuality are challenged on a daily basis by each other, their families and career ambitions. Under the guise of attending an empowerment meeting at Betty Brown's Bookstore per best friend Jayna, Noire, sat restlessly in her seat while listening to author Marcus Gordon belt out the dos and do nots of finances to the African-American bourgeois. Innocent sat by her, attentive to Marcus' economic commandments and aware of Noire's apparent lack of interest. What seems to be a rocky start transcends into an amusing conversation and mutual attraction. Innocent's best friend, Marcus, is nonetheless too happy of this new union and feels Noire is out of her league as Jayna is excited at the prospect of Noire shedding her artistic and bohemian lifestyle for a more corporate appeal. All is well until dinner parties and a weekend at Edisto Island on the Fourth of July bring about political debates and social hierarchy amongst their friends. Immediately Noire and Innocent realize their lives are far from parallel and it takes more than love and a meeting of the minds to make a relationship successful and lasting. A LOVE NOIRE, examines the intricate relationship between Noire and Innocent. Both protagonists endure a plethora of impediments collectively as well as individually from family, friends and sometimes business associates. Ms. Turnipseed's vivid imagery takes readers to Côte d'Ivoire West Africa, Jamaica, New Orleans and Edisto Island where she briefly gives history of the Gullah people. This reviewer found A LOVE NOIRE to be a breath of fresh air and enlightening. Turnipseed's ability to capture the raw essence of two people who explore their bodies and wits with such intensity but remain emotionally distant is astounding. I highly recommend A LOVE NOIRE, especially to readers who relish writing from authors like: Terry McMillan, Diane Mckinney Whetstone and Bernice McFadden. A LOVE NOIRE is what happens when opposites attract and the angst associated with classism amongst the African-American elite and urban intellectuals. A LOVE NOIRE is A BLACK LOVE. Reviewed by Nicki Lancaster
APOOO BookClub
Rating: 
Summary: Contemporary Romance
Review: Noire Demain is a Ph.D. student who has reluctantly agreed to attend a function at Betty Brown's Books with her friend, Jayna. Noire finds herself bored and uncomfortable around the bourgeois group of people, until she sees Innocent Pokou, an educated, investment banker who is originally from West Africa. Despite obvious differences, the two are drawn to each other. Noire is more an earthy, bohemian type, whereas, Innocent is sophisticated and worldly. A LOVE NOIRE takes the reader on a journeys through life and love. We encounter the highs and lows of Noire and Innocent's budding relationship as they travel through New York, New Orleans, South Carolina, Paris, and Abidjan. Erica Simone Turnipseed has written an excellent debut novel that sheds light on a view of contemporary relationships amongst the upper/middle class. She delves into social issues that affect African Americans such as 'the color complex,' class struggles, and our connections to Africa, all while exploring a sexy romance. I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking to read a modern, classy romance with a touch of sophistication. Reviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Love Story
Review: This book had me wrapped up from the begining to the end. Love was displayed on all levels. I was thoroughly impressed.
Rating:
Summary: A Love Noire/A Love Supreme
Review: This is much more than a work of fiction; it is a commentary about the differences and similarities that thread people of African descent between and beyond the Diaspora. If you are a student of the human condition, this book is for you. Rare is the novel that can so carefully weave together seemingly disparate characters, and so carefully and richly texturize the story with art, culture, fashion, contemporary news and (not least of all!) love. RUN don't walk to buy your copies!!
Rating:
Summary: Is love enough?
Review: This is the question the author asks, without really asking. Noire & Innocent are two amazing people who find love despite their cultural, economic and political views.They have lived different lives but once they come together they know that what they have is exceptional. But the quesiton is still in the background..is their love strong enough to overcome so many important differences that they have. I loved this book and the "real" problems/dilemas that this couple has, wihthout the typical "urban" characters that seem to be in so many books that are about us. Erica Simone Turnipseed did a wonderful job and I really hope she continues this story about Noire & Innocent so I can believe that "love is all you need"
Rating:
Summary: Is love enough?
Review: This is the question the author asks, without really asking. Noire & Innocent are two amazing people who find love despite their cultural, economic and political views.They have lived different lives but once they come together they know that what they have is exceptional. But the quesiton is still in the background..is their love strong enough to overcome so many important differences that they have. I loved this book and the "real" problems/dilemas that this couple has, wihthout the typical "urban" characters that seem to be in so many books that are about us. Erica Simone Turnipseed did a wonderful job and I really hope she continues this story about Noire & Innocent so I can believe that "love is all you need"
Rating:
Summary: Praise for A Love Noire
Review: What a spectacular debut for Ms. Turnipseed! From the moment I picked up this book, I just simply couldn't put it down. The plot and themes are so intriguing, that I felt I knew Noire and Innocent personally. Turnipseed's characters are so tangible and life-like, that their personalities and complexities come forth as though emanating from a silver screen. Spanning three continents and a host of historic and cultural references from the Edisto Island, South Carolina to the Caribbean and Central America, Turnipseed takes up on an exiciting journey of love, passion and in a not-so-bad way angst. Each page brings a new surprise as subplots unfold to reveal new and interesting tidbits about the cast of variegated characters who show us what it means to be young and in love with the world as a stage of infinite possibilites.
Rating: 
Summary: A Sleep Aid That Doesn't Require The Intake Of Medicine!
Review: With the possible exception of College Boy by The Urban Griot (aka Omar Tyree), A Love Noire was the most boring book I've read in 2003. When I saw the cover, I thought "This is going to be great". Well, the cover IS great. Unfortunately, the BOOK isn't! I could only read a few pages at a time before sleep overtook me but I did struggle my way through it eventually. Read it if you want to, but, I've warned you to not bother as best as I could!
Rating:
Summary: A Sleep Aid That Doesn't Require The Intake Of Medicine!
Review: With the possible exception of College Boy by The Urban Griot (aka Omar Tyree), A Love Noire was the most boring book I've read in 2003. When I saw the cover, I thought "This is going to be great". Well, the cover IS great. Unfortunately, the BOOK isn't! I could only read a few pages at a time before sleep overtook me but I did struggle my way through it eventually. Read it if you want to, but, I've warned you to not bother as best as I could!
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