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Summary: "Waiting In Vain" is suductive and poetic.
Review: I have a book club in Detroit, and when Colin came for the book signing it was hypnotic! The novel "Waiting in Vain" is like a well deserved vaction. Colin has managed to allow the reader to feel the words instead of just read the words. I'm "Waiting" for the movie and the next novel. Can you say Bestseller!
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Summary: The Best Romance Novel of the Year
Review: I was in the process of reading two other books for a bookclub meeting. This book knocked them both out of the running. It was so HOT I couldn't put it down. It was my AMEX card -- never left home without it. It is a woderful account of a Carribean romance, with the right touches that would make a Jamerican like myself shiver with memories of Jamaican lifestyle, Jamaican men, and their sensitivity that goes unnoticed in this country. Well written Mr. Channer!! BigUp to your masterpiece. "Come down wid a nex one mon!"
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Summary: Colin Channer has raised the bar for all writers of color
Review: After reading Waiting In Vain, I went to my bookshelf and thumbed through the books by black authors that I've been collecting for the last six years. I was astonished at what I saw. None of these works, none of these authors, by themself, or taken together, were as accomplished as this debut novel by Colin Channer. I felt really stupid after reading Waiting In Vain, it made me realize that I'd been buying books by authors like Omar Tyree, Eric Jerome Dickey, Sheneska Jackson, Yolanda Joe and Benilde Little simply because I wanted to see characters like myself in fiction, and was therefore willing to settle for illogical plots, two-dimensional characters, amateurish writing and dialogue straight out of the most cliched soap operas. In contrast to the work of the aforementioned writers, Colin Channer's Waiting In Vain is an intelligently written novel filled with clear-eyed observations and well-developed, three-dimensional characters presented in situations that are true to life, even as they surprise us with their freshness and originality. Channer is a master of language. With words alone he transported me to London, New York, Cuba, Jamaica, and Paris. This novel was such a sensual experience. I smelled the garlic and curry in the food; I heard the melodies and rhythms of the music the characters listened to; I felt the coolness of the tile floors and the stucco walls. And Colin has such a wonderful sense of metaphor, and I appreciated this especially in the sex scenes. Without stating things directly placed me in the moment--in the bed, up against the wall, on the phone breathing hard. And that is something that I don't get from a lot of these other new writers of color. None of them know how to write sex well. The sex is either too direct or too wooden--neither of which is a turn on. This book turned me on. I'll never eat a mango the same way again. It'll be a while before I look at a yam again without trembling. From now on when I see a shrimp I'll see a very special part of myself. Waiting In Vain is the best novel that I've read in a while. It's spiritual, sexy, englightening and a great escape--all in one. Colin Channer has the mind of writers like Zora Neale Hurston, Jean Toomer and James Baldwin, but he is using it today, so his writing is fresh, immediate and contemporary--yet classic. If he were a car he'd be a sports Mercedes. If he were piece of clothing he'd be a black Armani suit. If he were a singer he'd be Marvin Gaye. If he were single goddamit, he'd me mine.
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Summary: A NOVEL I COULDN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT!!!
Review: This book was WONDERFUL!! I was never able to come to a point in the book where I felt comfortable putting it down!!! Sylvia,Fire, Ian,Margaret, Lewis and all the other characters I had the pleasure of "meeting" were so realistic it was like I had known them and listened to their stories for years. Everyone should be so lucky as to meet the characters in this wonderful novel. I will be "WAITING IN VAIN" for the next masterpiece written by Colin Channer!!!
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Summary: VERY SENSUAL, WONDERFULLY WRITTEN NOVEL
Review: This is a MUST READ! I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book. The words were so eloquent, refreshing, sexy, and realistic. Each chapter held my attention, and had me craving for more until the very end. Congratulations Colin, and I look forward to reading your next novel. Please bring Fire back!!!
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Summary: A rich, provocative salute to life in the Africain Diaspora
Review: What a treat awaits the reader! This is not your ordinary read! Deftly drawn characters of great depth and the complex ways in which their lives are intertwined, great imagery (especially for those of us who know Jamaica, London, New York); poetic, sensuous, sophisticated, language (I loved the interplay of Patois, American and British English); a sophisticated plot filled with intrigue and an engaging story line all combine to make this a challenging read! Every woman wants a Fire in her life! The main character, Fire, is strong, sensitive, funny, fulfilled in his work as a successful writer, passionate, and charming, an artist without the angst! His pursuit of a romantic liaison with Sylvia, the pretty magazine editor he meets and flirts with on the street in New York, is the essence of the story. However,,,, the strong cast of supporting characters: friends, family, lovers past and present and poignant subplots, all vie for the reader's attention. The story is contemporary issues laden: the plight of the working artist in contemporary society, relationships: from friendship to older woman/younger man to the subtle under currents of implied homosexuality, drug abuse, child sexual abuse, are some of the issues brought to the reader's consciousness to explore, discuss, debate or flee from. Colin has written a richly provocative, romantic salute to life. "Waiting In Vain " is an important literary work that explores and touches the souls of us in the Africain Diaspora in ways too many to enumerate. This work will stand the test of time and you will find, as I have, that you will return to it, to read it again and perhaps again. Colin, this book was sooo good! I can't wait to see what other stories you have to tell!
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Summary: A superbly written,incredibly sensuous reading experience.
Review: Waiting In Vain by Colin Channer makes an awesome and welcome entry into the new unchartered landscape of true romance. His poetic nature of storytelling brings vivid images to both the mind and spirit. The Caribbean-born author and characters speak to an aspect of our culture that is typically not heard. Caribbean-Americans are usually lumped into the greater African-American experience when in actuality we bring an entirely different flavor and dynamic to it. This novel has given our culture a resounding voice. I was captured by the intensity of Sylvia and Fire's relationship, so much so that I could not put this book down until it was finished. The storyline is complex and engaging in it's simple message of love. Love gave life to their desperate search to find happiness within themselves and each other. This novel was a journey to self-discovery and a find that was definitely worth waiting for.
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Summary: Tastefully done - Terry McMillan watch out!
Review: Waiting In Vain was thoroughly delightful to read. The characters had depth and sensibilities that were quite relatable. Fire and Sylvia's attraction, passion, and tension reminded me of the romance novels I was addicted to as a teen. As a matter of fact, this novel is quite addictive. And Fire - what can I say about him - he certainly was a knight in shining armour, who got the girl in the end. I hope there will be a sequel.
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Summary: Sexy Page-turning Adventure with Complexity
Review: Colin Channer has written a book that allows the reader to glide through the pages while grappling with the weaknesses of the human condition. Through his very well-developed characters, Mr. Channer introduces us to the pain of child abuse, addiction, homosexuality, greed and loss. At the same time, he takes us on an exciting journey that highlights the most important experiences of all...love, awareness and acceptance. Colin has given us superb writing and storytelling at its best. Waiting In Vain is a must read for summer or any other time of year.
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Summary: Falling In Love and Lust - - Yard Style
Review: The prologue alone is enough to entice any reader to submit their souls to Colin's brilliant, erotic and even risque images. One is taken on a journey to places we thought we knew, and meet people that we swore that we have met. It is only in the afterglow that one realizes that the vision was influenced by an honest, mature and romantic storyteller. Colin redefines this style of literature, producing a novel that hardcore yardies can stand up and fire two shots for.
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