Rating: 
Summary: Exciting, mesmerizing and endearing
Review: When I first read the book I was thrown by the subtlety of Channer's writing. There did not seem to be any forced understanding of what it was to be from the Caribbean. I think that there are many perceptions of Caribbean people. I believe among that the books such as "How Stella Got Her Back" was a well written book but it did not truly explore how people from the Caribbean are. Like many other people of this world, I believe that Caribbean people have a unique history that can not be discussed as simply giving the world reggae and calypso but there is a heart and soul to the Caribbean which Channer was able to give the reader in an insightful form. I thoroughly enjoyed the book which I am still reading because I want to savor each and every page. Being a person from the Caribbean there are not that many true reflections of who we are as a people in books today. In addition, Channer gave a realistic portrayal of the way that Indo-Caribbean people are treated by black Caribbeans which is something that is usually not discussed outside of the Caribbean community. The discrimination that Indo-Caribbean sheds light on the question of whether blacks in power of a government would use it to take advantage of others. Channer's book is a must read for people from the Caribbean and people not from a Caribbean in order to gain understanding of the people not just the music that Caribbean people produce.
Rating: 
Summary: IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!!!
Review: DON'T JUDGE THIS BOOK BY IT'S COVER. I HAD NO INTENTION ON PURCHASING WAITING IN VAIN BECAUSE THE COVER GAVE ME THE IMPRESSION THAT THIS WAS A MALE VERSION OF "HOW STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK" WHICH I DIDN'T READ. BUT I WAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED. THE STORYLINE WAS REFRESHING. FINALLY A BOOK ABOUT BLACK LOVE THAT DOESN'T INSULT YOUR INTELLIGENCE.
Rating: 
Summary: I must be the only one who didn't fall in love with it
Review: I finished "Waiting in Vain" weeks ago but its taken me this long to figure out what I wanted to say about it. After reading the rest of the reviews, to be quite honest, I'm still not sure. I liked the book and found its premise interesting enough. However, I wasn't "moved" by it, as the rest of the readers seem to have been. I felt that in some, places the vivid descriptions detracted from the story. Other parts were simply "overwritten". One reader wrote that this was a novel that needs to be read twice in order to be fully understood. Perhaps that is the case. I refuse to believe that my lack of experience with West Indian culture made it impossible for me to understand and connect with Waiting in Vain. In fact, although I had mixed feelings about the book, for some strange reason, everytime I attempted to give up on it and start another novel, something called me back to it. But as much as I tried, I never fully captured what Mr Channer was trying to convey.
Rating: 
Summary: I am such a lucky boy!
Review: I'm a very lucky boy. My mother told me this when I was two years old. As it turns out she was right, because Waiting In Vain-the very first novel that I've ever tried to write-has emerged as a national bestseller. Writing a bestseller was never my goal. I wrote the first word with a simple intent-to write a novel I would be proud of. So, foregoing the freeways of commercial success, I wandered off in my own direction; and in the fullness of time, with many stops for musing along sparkling streams of consciousness, I came upon my main character, Fire, eating a mango. Fire led me across oceans to London, Jamaica and New York, and introduced me to Sylvia, Ian, Lewis, Claire, Blanche, Margaret, Phil, Nan and I-nelik-who in turn introduced me to the people in their lives. So what is Waiting In Vain about? Simply put, it's the story of two writers-Fire and Sylvia-who meet by chance and wade into a transatlantic affair whose ripples flood their lives with change. It's a love story. But it's not a romance. And it's not a relationship novel (not that there's anything wrong with them.) By choice and inclination I am not a genre writer. Genres are tightly focused in range and vision. And I like to explore fictional characters in the same way that I explore the people I meet in real life-holistically-from many different angles, through many different lenses. I have done that here. So the novel will lead you in directions that you won't expect. I began the novel in 1992, finished it in 1994, and spent the next four years doing revisions until I was satisfied that I had fully explored the complex totality of Fire and Sylvia's love-a love that is spiritual, intellectual, romantic, platonic and sensual. So who is Fire? I've been asked this question several times. I'm finally ready to reply. Fire is the physical manifestation of the values that will lead us to that place where we'll once again be free to truly love ourselves and each other. It is so good to know that I have your support. Take care. Write soon. With gratitude, honor and respect, Colin Channer
Rating:
Summary: What a Passionate Love Story!!!
Review: All I can say is "Can I please meet a man like Fire?" The characters in this story were so well developed, especially Fire and Sylvia. Their love story is so passionate and exciting I found myself rooting for them to make it throughout the whole book. Their story gives me hope that true love really does win out. What a great book!!! I can't wait to see what Colin Channer comes up with next. I am definitely recommending this to my Book Club.
Rating:
Summary: If you need a little FIRE in your life read this book!
Review: This has got to be the best book that I have ever read. I stumbled upon it in the bookstore by mistake. To be honest I bought it because of the picture on the front cover. From the moment a opened the book until I finished it, I was totally captured by the main characters, especially Fire. I found myself reading it during class (instead of listening to my instructor) and at work. Fire's character was phenomenol. I was truly dissapointed when the book ended; I wanted it to go on forever. I truly hope the author brings Fire back to life in some of his later writings. An excellent book indeed!!! Go out and buy it quick. What the heck, I think I'll read it again
Rating:
Summary: Mind Grabbing
Review: I was hesitant in my initial selection. Once I started reading I had to be in total quiet to take it all in and even had to re-read. I had to put it down several times to understand and come to grips and then move on. But each time I put it down it called me. Heck I was late for work because I couldn't leave home without it.
Rating:
Summary: The best love story written in years!!
Review: I can't give enough high praises for this novel. It should be a best seller and will definitely be on my permanent favorite book list. Mr. Channer has expertly developed each and every character. The love story is exciting, sensuous, sad and captivating all at the same time. The Caribbean cultural influence was interesting and educational. He needs to quit his day job and write full time. Although the book is wordy and lengthy, I could not put it down and did not want it to end. You must read it!!!!! You will not be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: The best sex I've never had
Review: An absolutely, positively must-read for every single woman with a dream, and every single man who would like to live a dream. This book creates heroes the likes of which we've not seen in African American fiction; strong men, who feel and aren't afraid to express their sensitivity and understanding of women. Bring this book on a date if you really want to find your mate.
Rating:
Summary: Phenomenally Touching and Realistic
Review: Colin Channer deserves special recognition for this masterpiece. The characters come to life and inspire us in ways that are unexplainable. The characters become symbolic and give us hope to believe in Love. All praise is due to Mr. Channer, his book should be made into a movie. I will always follow his work, he is indeed a master. Respect to Mr. Channer.
| 
