Rating: 
Summary: Realistic Romance
Review: I enjoyed this book immensely. It's a romance that takes your mind to many places. Colin Channer makes it so vivid and clear, that anyone could relate. Once you start reading, it's hard to put down. You just want to continue to see what's going to happen. If there is a such thing.....it's definitely a 6-Star book.
Rating:
Summary: Book Club Choice
Review: Poetic and Lyrical. You'll know Mr. Channer loves words the minute you start reading this novel. His main character, Fire, can only be described as sensitive and sensual. You MUST read this book...nothing further needs to be said!!!
Rating:
Summary: Island Flavor
Review: As a first novel, it's one of the most thoroughly researched that I've ever written. An extra is that Mr. Channer writes in poetic style, which creates a smooth lyrical flow. He brings an intimate knowledge of New York, Jamaica, and London to paper and intertwines those locations to create dramatic effect. The story brings together the main characters, Fire, a handsome, confident, and self-sufficient Jamaican artist and Sylvia, a beautiful, status-conscious New Yorker. The author allows the story to build with strong character development and all the possibilities of new love. It's a great love story and a "must" read. I couldn't put it down until it was finished. Then I reread some of the juicy parts just because it felt good. "Waiting in Vain" made me want to "get my groove back."
Rating: 
Summary: Thrillingly IN-DEPTH and THOUGHT-PROVOKING reading
Review: After reading through only the fifth chapter of this book, I was compelled to e-mail the author and share with him, my excitement and appreciation for such good writing. Colin Channer coupled skillful writing with something meaningful and real to share with his readers about the joys and pains of human relationships. He then layered that with sociological and socioeconomic issues that do not stop in America, but span all across the globe. I am one who enjoys reading to expand my mind and reading "Waiting In Vain" provided me a great opportunity to do so.
Rating:
Summary: Waiting In Vain
Review: Waiting in Vain was a wonderful read. I was on a quest to find new fiction written by black males when I saw "Waiting In Vain" on the shelf. The character development was awesome. I was inspired by the depth of the relationship between Fire and Sylvia although they had not known each other very long. Although some of the characters lived 'tragic lives' the love and commitment demonstrated was paramount.Fire's relationship with others gave testimony to the fact that you cannot save others and when you look in the mirror, you are looking at the person most responsible for your peace of mind. A must read. I have loaned it to family and friends and recommend it every chance I get. As a matter of fact, I have read it several times and probable will again. I anxiously await Colin Channer's next novel out soon.
Rating:
Summary: Waiting in Vain
Review: "Waiting in Vain" captured my interest from the first page and I had a difficult time putting this book down. I loved the characters and the depth that was given to each character. This is a book that I would not hesitate to recommend to a friend and one I can see myself picking up to read over again. I can't wait to read Colin Channer's next book!
Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Review: Colin Channer has written the most beautiful, moving and prolific novel. I hesitate to call it a love story, although I certainly is, because it is no much more. It is romantic, erotic, sensual and thought provoking. He introduces us to an eclectic cast of the most interesting characters. Then he takes us on an excursion from the U.S. to London, Jamaica and back; and entertains us royally along the way. Colin gives a voice to many of the thoughts that we all have had but could not put into words. At one point Fire, a main character is having a discussion with his lady and she asks if he likes hip-hop. He responds that he likes it a little but will not purchase it to keep in his personal space because" hip-hop is the only black music that doesn't have a healthy engagement with women. It is not self assured when dealing with women" and I thought that's it. That's exactly what bothers me about it. If you think romance and more importantly love is "a second-hand emotion". Read this book.
Rating:
Summary: I fully enjoyed it
Review: I truly enjoyed the book. Excellent descriptions of Jamaica. It was a joy to read about a man as thoughtful and loving as Fire. There were several issues running through this book. For instance: color, economic status, lifestyle, interracial dating, to a degree. I would have liked to have explored Fire's parents' relationship more. At one point in the book I thought that Sylvia was the girl that Fire explored his budding sexuality with as a youngster. All of the characters were developed enough for the reader to get a good idea of what they looked like. As I stated initially, I truly enjoyed reading the book and look forward the next one.
Rating:
Summary: Descriptive and Poetic!
Review: This novel was mouthwatering. It was descriptive and poetic...the way the author described the waves hugging the shore and how he made the island come to life made me proud to be a islander. I had never known a love like Fire and Sylvia's until recently, thus I have been anxiously awaiting his next novel. Colin makes the man sensitive and caring, the way so many black men are. I don't know what the issue was with Ian but, demons come to take back what you offer them, thus he took his life. Keep writing Colin, I'm an instant fan!
Rating:
Summary: Catching Fire
Review: As I start to write this review, I am worried that I will not find the words to adequately express how much I loved this book! I have read books where I have loved and rooted for characters as friends. This was the first time I saw myself and my thoughts in characters, and felt understood. It was great to read about characters who were well-traveled, enjoyed learning, loved music and books, yet were down to earth. Waiting in Vain is a beautifully poetic novel about love, loss, self-discovery, and fulfillment. Mr. Channer provides emotional and academic stimulation; he also touches on class and political issues. I was so engrossed with sitting in on the lives, feeling the breeze, and tasting the fruits that I forgot I was reading. The book also gave me hope, in that if a man could write with such passion, love, and sensitivity there is a chance I will find my fire. Buy this book! You will not regret it, most likely you will thank me.
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