Waiting in Vain

Rating:
Summary: A stale read.
Review: Waiting in Vain was disappointing because of the many cliches and predictable scenes. Sylvia was the most pathetic, helpless woman I've read about in a long time. Is that how men view women, as helpless, overly emotional creatures needing a savior? Also, is man's definition of romance always centered around sex? How about stimulating conversation about real issues. However, I did appreciate Fire's observation of class distinctions and his recognition that privilege can afford one a carefree approach to self-actualization. I can also appreciate Channer's use of Patois in the story, but it does not compare to the innovative approach of Zora Neale Hurston.

Rating:
Summary: A GREAT READ
Review: I couldn't help but respond to the reviewer who called themselves 'nufchat'(July 25,1999). I read this book and loved it (so did many others). Nufchat sounds like a frustrated writer to me who can neither stand the heat ( a great book) or get out of the kitchen (writer a better one themselves).

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful summer read
Review: Waiting in Vain is a wonderfully lyrical, passionate read. Channer's beautiful writing style makes all of the characters come alive. For once an author of color has written about a black male hero who is able to exhibit sensitivity, passion, intelligence, and love. His descriptions of Jamaica, Brooklyn, and England are so poetic and real that you feel you are right there with each of the characters. I could easily hear the voice of each of the characters and by the end of the book I felt like I knew them well. This is a love story, but it is not just a story of romantic love. It is about how love is a basic in every part of our lives. Men, as well as women will find this book enjoyable because as you read you will feel good. You can hear Channer's sense of humor as well as his passion for his craft throughout each page.

Rating:
Summary: Well Worth the Wait!
Review: Colin Channer's Waiting in Vain provides the reader will a complex view of love and relationships from a male perspective.

Channer brings a warmth and compassion to the work seldom seen in writings by and about African American men.

Channer demonstrates that men can love, be romantic, be afraid and all of the other range of human emotions. The novel reveals the gentle and loving side that exists in all men, but is often hidden because of societal conditioning and threats to manhood both real and imagined.

The characters are well developed and reach from the pages to touch the heart of the reader.

A must read for anyone who loves good literature with an erotic flavor.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent character development
Review: I borrowed Waiting in Vain from a friend and was so sad about having to return it. While reading I felt as if I had developed intimate relationships with the characters. They were extremely well developed and three dimensional, and the author presented them in such a manner that their failings weren't a big deal, but mere character flaws that attributed to the wholeness of a person. I felt as if I went back home to Jamaica again, and I knew everyone there. The scenes were so familiar and warm; the prose comforting, and the reader gets a sense of realism that's unfortunately absent from many of the books on the shelves today. I really enjoyed Waiting in Vain and eagerly await more work from Mr. Channer. He is a true talent and a rare find.

Rating:
Summary: Passionate, Sensual, vibrant, awakening, hopeful, and more
Review: I just fininshed reading the book two days ago and I am still daydreaming about the passion displayed in the book. For those who felt that the details were overated, I encourage you to be honest about your own passions and just let go, explore the possibility that this could actually happen. The overwhelming desires that caused Sylvia and Fire to explore the possibility of a life of love were heroic. I can relate to the couple in the park who saluted them. I don't think that I would ever be brave enough to allow my passions to consume me but it sure felt good to live the scene in my mind as Sylvia and Fire relented to each others utmost wherever they were. It was refreshing, I reread several pages. I also admired the friendship that Fire and Ian had, that is true love, the kind that Johathan had for David. Reading this book allowed me to temporarily forget about the cares of the world, it caressd me. I thank God for this book. God Bless you sir. I met a journalist at the bookstore yesterday and I highly recommend the book, the look on my face when she asked me was the book any good told the story. I highly recommend this book, I look forward to his next novel.

Rating:
Summary: Passionate, Sensual, vibrant, awakening, hopeful, and more
Review: I just fininshed reading the book two days ago and I am still daydreaming about the passion desplayed in the book. For those who felt that the details were overated, I encourage you to be honest about your own passions and just let go, explore the possibility that this could actually happen. The overwhelming desires that caused Sylvia and Fire to explore the possibility of a life of love were heroic. I can relate to the couple in the park who saluted them. I don't think that I would ever be brave enough to allow my passions to consume me but it sure felt good to live the scene in my mind as Sylvia and Fire relented to each others utmost wherever they were. I met a journalist at the bookstore yesterday and I highly recommend the book, the look on my face when she asked me was the book any good told the story. I highly recommend this book, I look forward to his next novel.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: This is one of the most fulfilling books I've read in a while. Brilliantly worded, this novel is a poets heaven.

As a Caribbean woman, I enjoyed the use of the Jamaican creole that I found to be very reflective of my own. I laughed out loud with the characters when they noted the way a West-Indian woman used her mouth to indicate direction(true dat meh son!)

I fell in love with all the characters, the good and flawed, because they were all complete.

I also appreciated how the author forced me to make assumptions about the race of a character, only to find out, when I least expected, that I was totally wrong. This technique made a very strong statement about sterotypes without actually making a statement.

Colin Chaner, I will read anything you publish. And Fire.Wow!!

Rating:
Summary: Nufchat
Review: Prior to writing my review, I browsed the comments from others and was taken aback by the statement of a reader, that upon meeting Mr. Channer he called her "darling". I really do not think that the character Fire would have done that. Somehow, it seems uterly demeaning and chauvanistic. As we continue to read, we must remember that we are bodies of multiple personalities and it is evident that Mr. Channer was bold enough to depict many of his. A carefully planned and written book although very unrealistic. As Mr. Channer continues to write, his true character will emerge. As for now, women should not employ Fire as a gauge for their selection and determination of men; and men should not feel as though they should embrace some traits that the writer himself is void of. Keep writing Channer, and in the fullness of time we will determine if our Waiting has been In Vain.

Rating:
Summary: an excellent first novel which I've recommended to friends
Review: Waiting In Vain is an immensely appealing first novel. The domestic and international settings as well as the diverse cast of characters keeps you intrigued. My heart belongs to Fire, though. He's the perfect blend of sensuality and complexity which makes him quite a memorable character. Kudos to Colin Channer! I eagerly anticipate his next novel!