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Summary: Well Done Colin Channer
Review: Colin Channer in his debut novel has captured the essence of a real Jamaican brother. Yes ladies, this definitely is not the stereotypical Jamaican man we usually see depicted in music, movies or books. Brothers like Fire do exist, and this novel helps us look forward to the day when we can attest to that. Colin Channer has done an excellent job of laying out a fluent believable,"you can exhale now" story and in the same breadth, exhibits a writing style that keeps you up at three in the morning because you can't put the darn book down and can't wait to find out what happens next. Again Well Done Colin Channer!!
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Summary: One of the best written books I have ever read.
Review: Colin Channer did an excellent job of using words to create a wonderful and exciting atmosphere that keeps the reader engulfed in the story. He makes Fire a character you are pulling for and hope to see his earthly and grounded traits in real people. I thought the book was very sensual and beautifully written. I hope all of Colin Channer's books possess this wonderful writing skill. I look forward to reading his next novel.
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Summary: Remarkable tale of two persons struggle to become whole
Review: As Fire explored his sexual energy, both the feminine and masculine, the dance between the two erupted into blazing tale and trail of physical, mental and spiritual creativity. As Sylvia surrendered to her true feminine self, moving beyond her typical female seductress self, the sparks that radiated grabbed Fire and put him in step with her rhythm. Waiting in Vain is a truly remarkable oddysey into a man and woman's strugggle to become whole with themselves and each other; to find that space of intimacy wherein the dance is a waltz between love of self and love of other.A must read for anyone trying to find the path towards relationships with others in which each retains their personhood; in which there is space and freedom to grow.
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Summary: This book was provocative & passionate.
Review: This book was very real. I could relate to the locations NY, Jamaica & London. While reading the book, I could see myself in these places. I've been to all but London, but from what I know about London, I still could relate. It's nice to know people can still fall in love w/a complete stranger. Not even know who they are and then later finding out they have the same passion. It was a love story w/a some real drama. I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a exciting reading. I'm telling all my girlfriends about this book. I read the book in a week, and I live a very busy lifestyle. So far, two of my girlfriends bought the book and can't put it down. I'm looking forward to reading Colin's next book. It can't come out fast enough for me.
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Summary: 'Waiting in Vain' - A first-class effort
Review: Colin Channer's debut novel, 'Waiting in Vain,' is a wonderful treat for those who love a good, well-written story...and moreso for those of us who are West Indian or who have West Indian roots.Channer's use of language is excellent. At the same time that he deftly weaves his readers into the fabric of the story, he also allows them to stand back from it and observe. His casting of a black man in a light that highlights his intelligence, sensitivity, and romantic side is a welcome change from the usual stereotype. I've just finished the book, and am starting on my second reading... One love, Colin.
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Summary: Awesome! It Touched My Soul!
Review: Wow! My deepest appreciation to Colin Channer for such a gift as "Waiting in Vain." The book was touching in the sense that the main character, Fire, was such a genuinely lovable, sensible and caring guy, confident enough in who he was to reveal his tender sensitive side (oiling her scalp, cooking a meal, sending her a hand drawn book of sketches, etc) and confident enough to "break the rules" and show his passion for Sylvia in front of the world. Fire helped Sylvia to see that there was a "richer" life to be had, not one built on money, status, superficiality and appearances, but built on honesty, trust and love. The love between the two characters was so strong. Hard to believe such a connection between two people can happen so fast. Powerful. While the other characters did bring substance to the book, I choose to focus on the love between Sylvia and Fire. The passion, the heat, the power of it blew me away. I hope Colin writes another book soon. I just finished reading "Waiting in Vain." I'm going to read it again. The love you created between Fire and Sylvia is something we all want. I hope everyone finds the Fire or Sylvia that's out there for them. Colin Channer, bless you!
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Summary: #1 ON THE JAMAICAN BESTSELLERS LIST
Review: With 180 reviews to date submitting an average rating of 5 stars, there seems very little I can add to recommend Channer's "Waiting In Vain" that hasn't already been said by his very many fans. What I feel priviledged to be able to announce is that when Channer visited Jamaica in August, he took his birthplace by storm--"WAITING IN VAIN" IS GOING INTO ITS SIXTH WEEK AS #1 ON THE JAMAICAN BESTSELLERS LIST AND OUTLETS JUST CAN'T SEEM TO KEEP CHANNER'S NOVEL ON THE SHELVES! "Waiting In Vain's" success in Jamaica has no doubt been due to Channer's keen insights into both the male and female psyche, to his excellent artistry, to the incredible sex, and to the sheer excitement of the novel's reggae beat. And it is oooooohhhhh soooooooo Jamaican... incorporating all the qualities of the best Jamaican art...yet with immense universal appeal. Jamaicans have claimed "Waiting In Vain" just as they have claimed Channer himself who won the hearts of all who heard him on the radio and of all who were priviledged to meet him. Channer is a vibrant and absolutely unforgettable human being who has only just begun his journey...a journey which is sure to make an impact not to be forgotten.
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Summary: A love story with a difference.
Review: Incredible writing, I could not put it down. The character Sylvia was particularly interesting to me. She was very real and faced a lot of issues that I can relate to. I'm glad that you did not make the Fire-Sylvia relationship an easy one as both had a lot of personal stuff to deal with. I'm also glad that you went back to all of their childhoods, as that part of our life can determine so much of who we become. I look forward to your next novel.
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Summary: West Indian messiah
Review: Re: Waiting in Vain; Colin Channer West Indians who are hungry for good fiction will react to Colin Channer's debut tale with much of the joy of the Second Coming. West Indian women will do what they have been longing to do for decades...ie, exhale. Waiting in Vain is a story of love lost and found told in stunning style. It is much more than mere romance, however, exploring, with startling perspicience, the state of mind of the modern West Indian who really loves home, but has the need to globe trot in order to reach his full potential. Issues of ambition, of success and failure are fully dramatised.Channer's passion for Jamaica, his place of birth is evident, and supplies perspectives that these islanders will grin about. Channer, a deep thinker, will also thrill with his forays into the workings of the male/female mind Women, in general who have given up on the male of the species will, perhaps, experience cautious hope, again, after reading the emotive story. Men will revel in the books rampant celebration of sexuality. Channer pleases everyone with a well-scripted tale, though the story wimpers in the end where too explanatory an ending creates anti-climax. He also appears momentarily, to lose grip with his female characterisation, leaving the I-narrator's beloved a mere object of his turbulent thoughts in the final scene. Yet, like Fire's boat which land's safely ashore, Waiting in Vain, concludes comfortably. The book is a class act, which titillates right down to its moving end.
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Summary: A Love Story for the Millennium
Review: WAITING IN VAIN is a modern day love story. The main character "Fire" makes the reader feel like fire (hot) as he pursues the love of his life. His journey for love is complicated by past loves, friendships, broken bonds, disappointments and tragedy (just like real life). But in the end, love prevails. Colin Channer has managed to create a character who entails all of the characteristics that we look for in a mate. He appears to know more about what we want or need than we sometimes know ourselves. I could have not described or imagined a lover as fitting as Fire. The book has a universal appeal in that men and women of all races, creeds and nationalities can appreciate sensuality and romanticism. It is a testimony to how we as individuals are influenced initially by our parents (family) then, our culture, society, friends and lovers. However, when its all said and done the old adage still applies-"to thine own self be true". There are lessons to be learned and enjoyed by all which make this novel a must read for men and women alike!
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