Rating: 
Summary: Fire !
Review: I most definitely have added Colin Channer's book, Waiting In Vain, to my most enjoyable and unforgettable read list. His character, Fire, is one of the most sensuous, talented, just-what-a-woman-wants brother that I have ever encountered in a book. I also truly enjoyed the references to Bob Marley (whom I will always love) and the Jamaican culture. This is a must-read book for all of your readers (male as well as female) who like a healthy dose of Fire in their lives. My Momma used to say, "Old firestick burns easy"....this book heats it up!
Rating:
Summary: Dont Judge A Book By It's Cover
Review: "Waiting In Vain" is a very intelligent book, focus on the Carribbean, England and of course US allows me to come alive with the characters. This book is a real eye opener, It shows the importance of happiness and success over status and/or rank, how wonderful life can be if live simple by who you are. I am however disappointed at Sylvia for not finding out the connection between Lewis and Virgil. The second most honest and tasty book I have read in 2001. Well Done Mr. Channer.
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Summary: Worth The Wait, It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This!!
Review: Waiting in Vain was one of those novels that I could NOT PUT DOWN. I tried to save the book for a long plan ride, but only to find myself reading just one more page that turned into three/four chapters later. I would stay up late in the wee hours reading the book, you would find me at Starbuck's yelling at Ian for taking for granted the love that Fire has for him; berating him for ignoring his mother, Miss Gita's, while she pleas to him for his forgiveness. Obviously, I could not put the book down, I had started living my life vicariously through Fire, Sylvia, and Ian. I wanted so much to be Sylvia, having someone like Fire who was so poetic, so compassionate and strong. Anticipating each and every move that Fire and Sylvia would take was even more exciting than the book. I had visions of myself in New York at that phone booth wearing Sunflower buttons; breathing in the smell of molasses. Crying a river of tears in Kingston when Ian fell to his final self-destructive pity party; wondering why Sylvia would even think to go to St. Lucia when the only man for her is Fire. The book was so believable, the characters so real, they could have been one of my friends. This is a book if you are wondering if chivalry is really dead. The answer is definitely in the imagination of Colin Channer's book, "Waiting in Vain". Kudos Colin!!
Rating:
Summary: Serendipity
Review: I certainly got more than I expected when I picked-up WAITING IN VAIN. I was hoping for something to pass the time while on a trip. Instead I got a great book filled with passion, romance, regret,struggle,loss and redemption. There is a lesson to be learned about the depths of the human heart. Colin has characters who are very well developed and a story line that keeps the reader captivated. An over-all great book!
Rating:
Summary: A Look into the Soul
Review: I missed him. To say that I have been touched by Fire (the main character) would be an understatement. Having completed Waiting in Vain, I find myself with a void to fill and finding it difficult to do so. A.J. Heath proved to be a protagoinist to be set in a class by himself. Two scenes remain with me. One is when Fire arrives in New York from London simply because he wanted to see her, with tulips in hand. I felt Sylvia's surprise, joy, and perhaps apprehension. The second is the morning after Phil's mistaken attempt at suicide. When Fire walks into Sylvia's bedroom and finds her fitfully asleep in the nude, I found new respect for him when he turns to leave rather than take advantage of that which he had not yet been granted permission. Fire encompasses a perfect man, despite his shortcomings. He left me with the impression that such men do walk the face of the earth and that waiting for him to cross one's path would not be in vain.The development of both the setting and characters allowed me as a reader to become so much a part of what was happening. I was able to see the thoughts, dreams, and fears of each character. They showed me all there was to see about them and invited me to grow with them as they ventured through their experiences. Not only was I able to see the characters for who they were, I was also invited to take a mini-vacation without leaving my home. The richness and beauty of the language added charm and mystic, holding me in rapture page after page. I have never visited Jamaica, but I have any even stronger desire to do so. To walk in Fire's shoes, smell the air he breathed, take in the sights his eyes held.... Colin is the island's greatest advertisement. I am greatly anticipating Channer's new novel, looking forward to another venture into the hearts and souls of characters that he brings to life.
Rating: 
Summary: Romance for the Modern Woman
Review: Colin Channer's "Waiting in Vain" is an incredibly insightful look at romance in the post 90's era. From the first meeting between Sylvia and Fire the reader is drawn in and kept on the edge of their seat eagerly anticipating the next move. If you have found that someone who makes you believe in soul mates you will find yourself smiling and nodding your head unconsciously at the interaction of Sylvia and Fire - you have so been there. If you have ever loved the wrong wo/man and hoped beyond hope that s/he will change just to be with you - you will totally understand Margaret and Ian. What I also love about this book is that the writer stays true to his characters , there are times when you wish he doesn't but he does. This I think is a defining trait of the true artist. I love the Jamaican scenery!!! I could actually identify the places, the scents, the accent. This is truely Jamaica portrayed with love but without sentimentality. All around this is a feel good book that leaves you wanting more - a must read for the romantic in all of us.
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Summary: "Waiting in Vain", a soul-touching journey
Review: Colin Channer's "Waiting in Vain" is one of the best books I have read in a while. Fire and Sylvia are real people. Mr. Channer created these characters but I see myself and my friends in them. I have never been to Jamaica or experienced their language physically, but Mr. Channer took me there mentally and emotionally. I would recommend this book to everyone. It takes you on a wonderful journey to your past. Past life, past loves, past pain and leads you to a present love that is worth it all.
Rating:
Summary: Great Novel
Review: "WAITING IN VAIN" is an intellectual and very exciting novel
that will have you captivated from the first page.
Mr. Channer is simply a phenomenal writer. The way he explores
relationship and all aspects of it can be very therapeutic.
I relate profoundly to these characters and did get a sense of accomplishment from this novel.
Thank you Mr. Channer for such wonderful writing and I eagerly await your next novel.
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Summary: All that, a bucket of chicken, and a large orange drink!
Review: I found this book in a little bookstore in my hometown of Durham, NC. It had just come out in hardback and I needed something to read during the holidays. This is one of the best purchases I have ever made! Colin Channer is a true wordsmith. His descriptive phrases, uses of metaphor, and display of both literary and political knowledge is astounding! I love the backdrop of a Jamaica that is not the one so cheerfully displayed by the tourism board. Mr. Channer's artful weaving of Jamaican history and culture provides the perfect backdrop for not only the love story of Sylvia and Fire, but also the friendship between Fire and Ian. This book is about relationships: new and old, how they evolve, and how they end...or not. Mr. Channer does a brilliant job of examining the ties that bind and sometimes gag, whether the focus be a platonic relationship or a romantic one. Ian is wonderful as the tragically flawed genius, just as Diego is the supportive, astute, flamboyantly gay and successful director. Sylvia is practically an archetype of today's American black woman. Fire is the fantasy of every woman: smart, good looking, romantic, in touch with his feminine side while being supportive of his woman. Can he be brought to life? Virgil and Lewis offered more sinister undercurrents which did not detract from the story at all. I-nelik was great in his role as Conscience. I can go on and on, but I can only use 1,000 words. Buy the book!
Rating:
Summary: Jamaica On My Mind
Review: Finding the words to describe the way I feel about Colin Channer's Waiting in Vain is hard because it affected me on so many levels. I found the storyline to be fascinating, yet very believable. The highlight of the book however, is the language. The language is so beautiful and poetic that it touched my soul. I was totally into the patois(Jamaican dialect).It added so much to the story. Being a Brooklyn New York native and a woman who is partial to accents from the carribbean, I identified with every word and phrase. Mr. Channer has a talent for writing that is so unlike any other authors that I've read, and I have several favorite authors. His words paint pictures in your mind that are undeniable and long lasting. They take you on the journey that the characters are on in a manner that feels so real. When I was done with the book I felt as if I had been on a world tour through Brooklyn, England and the breathtaking island of Jamaica. As a matter of fact I still have Jamaica on My Mind!!
Hats Off to Colin Channer as I anxiously await his next book!
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