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Summary: A fascinating historical novel about New Orleans.
Review: Ciji Ware has captivated two distinct New Orleans time periods. Prior to the Civil War and the present. She has tied the two together in a well written historical novel on preservaton of historical buildings. Her main character/s, Corlis and Corlis Bell McCollough are both strong and realistic even though "time travel" from one period to the other is involved. I loved how she tied all the families together. (After all, this is N'awlings, Sugar!) A good, fast read...one I would recommend highly!
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Summary: Fascinating and beautifully crafted
Review: Ciji Ware's characters are unforgettable, and the many twists and turns of the plot make it a gripping read, lush and atmospheric. Brava, Ms. Ware! Can't wait for your next one.
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Summary: Melissa
Review: From the first page until the last, I couldn't put this book down. Part contemporary romance, part historical, part mystery, Ms. Ware skillfully wove the elements together into a marvelous read. It's obvious she has researched New Orleans' past and present extensively and thus gives the reader an understanding of the city's unique personality, the rich backdrop for an intricate tale with fascinating characters. I can't wait for the sequel
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Summary: This is a real page turner!
Review: From the first page until the last, I couldn't put this book down. Part contemporary romance, part historical, part mystery, Ms. Ware skillfully wove the elements together into a marvelous read. It's obvious she has researched New Orleans' past and present extensively and thus gives the reader an understanding of the city's unique personality, the rich backdrop for an intricate tale with fascinating characters. I can't wait for the sequel
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Summary: A Refreshing Look at Life and Love in New Orleans
Review: I loved this mixture of a present-day love story, an insight into the workings of cultural politics, and a unique view of the history of pre-Civil War New Orleans. The history in particular opens up new doors because we get a chance to see the growth and development of the Old South from the intriguing perspective of women and minorities who contributed to that world along with the "dead white men" -- whose participation many mistakenly believe to be the whole story. Beautifully researched, this book provides insights into two distinct Louisiana worlds: the world of the past and that of the present; and it weaves the two together with two sexy and sassy love stories. The method of spiritually linking the two together may seem a bit strange to some; but as a literary device, it works very well. The book is briskly written and just drags you along. It's a fun read.
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Summary: Good Story Gutted by Poor Dialogue
Review: I really wanted wanted to hate this book. I had a very difficult time taking characters seriously who say "yep" and "whadcha" and "gonna" and "biz" and so forth, not including the "gettin'" and "'bout". I realize that this story takes place way down South in "N'awlin's", but effectively conveying an accent or drawl in written dialogue is a tricky and dangerous thing. As my theater teacher used to admonish, don't affect an accent on stage if you can't do it authentically. Well, the same can be said for this story. Not only was the dialogue loaded with silly and sophmoric slang, it was also tainted with wretched attempts at drawl and accent.I was determined to read the book after having spent money on it, and despite my feelings I actually became involved in the story. I especially enjoyed the visions from the past, although I could have done without the herione's moronic musings on the possible sources of the 'time-traveling' episodes. I wouldn't recommend this book. In fact, if I could go back I don't believe I'd opt for reading it. But I have to give Ciji Ware credit for involving an unwilling reader in her story.
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Summary: Good History, Weak Plot
Review: I respect Ciji Ware's historical research on New Orleans, and like to get that sort of thing in a book. I also like time travels as a rule, though this one is strange, as the 20th Century character only goes back to witness the rather dull life of a female ancestor in early New Orleans. Only real good stuff the society of people of color, and how they survived. Developers as villains in present day can work, and would here, I think, if there was more narrative drive to the book, and more sense of a plot that was moving forward. Halfway through the book I gave up on it, as not enough was happening in it for me. However, Ciji Ware is an intelligent writer, and that shows. I just want to be better entertained.
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Summary: Melissa
Review: It has been a while since I read this book. I remember that I couldn't put it down. I tend to be very critical of books about Louisiana and particularly New Orleans. This book was as real a it gets. She portrays New Orleans in a truthful manner. I really loved this book. Read straigt for two days and nights. Literally couldn't put it down.
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Summary: An Absorbing Read
Review: Midnight on Julia Street by Ciji Ware is an exceptional read. It's a love story on more than one level. In the developing relationship between King and Corlis, the reader learns of the fight for the preservation of The French Quarter. Ms Ware's meticulous research is reflected in the accuracy of the portrayal of New Orlean's unique history, especially as it revolves around the Free People of Color and their major contributions to the city's founding.It is a complex love story: not only between King and Corlis, but also the degree of passion and dedication required in preserving specific real estate from the wrecking ball. Midnight on Julia Street is two stories, seamlessly told as one, an absorbing read, indeed.
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Summary: This is a great read!
Review: MIDNIGHT ON JULIA STREET is like getting two books in one. Ciji Ware has expertly woven two stories together, similar to FRIED GREEN TOMATOES by Fannie Flag, with one storyline in the present and the other in the past. The characters are well developed and the writing is very visual allowing the two stories to unfold before your eyes.
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