Rating: 
Summary: Must Read
Review: Exquisite Expression Book Club. I was feeling this book from start to finish. The imagery brings the moments to life, you feel the emotion, heat, passion and pain. This was my book club's second read and I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome read--wonderful journey!
Review: When I read this book, I fell in love with it right away. It has beautiful imagery and Colin Channer has done well in forming his characters and making them real. Sylvia reminds me of myself and Fire of my ex-boyfriend. I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend that anyone who wants to take a wonderful journey to read this book!
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Summary: Believable modern day love story with a strong social voice
Review: A modern love story written in poetic language that touches most present day social issues and yet remains very entertaining. Channers use of language is riveting, inspiring, and touches the soul deeply. An excellent book to add to a modern fiction collection.A must read for those romantics with a strong social conscience who yet want to remain grounded in reality.Excellent writing. Channer is a genius at creating believable but inspiring images.
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Summary: Blown Away
Review: My review is short and sweet. I fell in love immediately with Fire. I saw alot of myself in Sylvia, therefore, I knew that I would make some changes in my life. I read and re-read parts, especially somewhere around page 240 which was the section where Ian tells Fire what type of men they are. I have never thought of men in the way Ian described but when Colin Channer read that section at our book club meeting everything Ian said and referred to made perfect sense. More than likely alot of women read this book, but, I think that the men need to check it out as well. I was on the C train when I finished reading the book, I did not realize I was smiling and this woman approach me and said good book? You are smiling and I told her absolutely--she asked who the author was and what was the title and she said I am going to buy it and read too!
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Summary: the dynamics of real men
Review: Waiting in vain is refreshingly real. The characters of Fire and Ian show clearly how men struggle with their emotions in relationships with each other and with women. colin manages to portray a dynamic black man in Fire who is unafraid to be sensitive and has the great capoacity to love a woman the way she needs to be loved. it is especially wonderful how the interaction of these characters is so realistic as i feel as if i know Sylvia ,Fire and Ian. Colin also has a way of evoking sympathy for his characters especially ian who is extremely flawed but you have to love him as his inner turmoil stems from a childhood where he was always playing second best with a worthless mother and a homosexual father . This book is a dynamic love story with underlying tragedies but most importantly colin displays a deep understanding of humanbeings and our need for acceptance, love and a sense of belonging. This book is a must read .Enjoy the beautiful journey into Jamaica and appreciate the sweetness of a strong black man and renew your belief in love and its possibilities .I am now searching for my Fire.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful
Review: I first read this book in the summer of 2000. I was so much in Love with "Fire". Eventhough I have read hundreds of books since them, I still come back to this one. I just finished reading it for the third time and it is even better. Channer really has a "love affair with words' that is hard to describe. He captured you from the opening line and never let you go.I eagerly wait for the next book.
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Summary: HOT PASSION
Review: I HAVE JUST FINISHED READING WAITING IN VAIN. IT WAS SO GOOOOOD!! THE NEXT DAY I STARTED READING IT AGAIN. SYLVIA AND FIRE ARE GREAT CHARACTERS. THEIR PASSION WAS HOT, HOT, HOT. I READ A LOT OF AFRICAN AMERICAN BOOKS, AT LEAST FOUR A MONTH, THIS BOOK IS ONE OF THE BEST.
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Summary: A "Good Feel" Read
Review: I caught Colin on an interview a few weeks ago on cable, and was compelled to get the book. I am not proud of the fact that recently I have not read as much as I should. However, with this book; like Pac-Man, I could not get enough, and was not let down from the 1st day to the very last words! As an African-American "young-mature" male, born & raised in Brooklyn, I found it fun to relate to the book in so many ways. As I live here in what I affectionately call "The Little Caribbean"; East Flatbush, the flavors, textures, sounds, smells, vibes conjured up in a way that only Colin can, were so vivid in the book. From the jagged edge of SoHo, to the streets & winding roads of Kingston,......... and everything in-between. As a former "suit", I found it especially interesting to feel Sylvia's pain throughout the book. This book is not the typical man/ woman story. This book explores relationships on many levels; romance, love, money, class, race, power, sex, inner-self. It's about living life for others, and living life for oneself. And finding your role in it. I'm sure many readers are taken to Fire, as was I. However, this book has many, many heroes. Diego for one! Sylvia especially, for another. Like I always say; "You can't score the touchdown sitting on the sidelines". If there is one person who reads this book and says "I can't relate", I'll show you a liar! Big Ups Colin! Job well done. My faith has been restored, and my emotions ran from laughter, to fear, to excitement, to tears. Tears of joy & pain. (I think I got my money's worth)! Thank You Brother.
Rating:
Summary: Shades of a beautiful view!
Review: Jamaican Flava with a little pepper! Hot! Okay was it just me or did every woman turn back to the cover as the description of Fire rolled off the pages? This is what love is all about! The passion absorbes you from the beginning! Channer is a natural Monet! He captures the true meaning of of a sensual story. I truly enjoyed it from cover to cover. I am looking forward to his next brush stroke of a novel!
Rating:
Summary: The Wait Is Over
Review: There aren't many occassions when I feel the need to express my thoughts in depth about a novel."Waiting in Vain" is truly a love story like no other. A story for the hopeless romantic yet it can convert those who have given up on love. Never have I felt so at home with characters male and female alike. Characters of strength and depth, drenched in reality.Language so fluid that I sometimes forgot I was reading a book! A definite must read.
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