Rating: 
Summary: Redemption Song
Review: Destined to become a classic, "The Redemption Song", by Bertice Berry, her debut novel, is about a man and a woman who meet in a bookstore and argue over a rare book (the only one in existence) written by a slave. It has all of the ingredients for a good read:*Iona - The slave woman who wrote the book, but was never taught how to read or write. Is this a gift from God? *"Children of Grace" - The book Iona wrote almost 400 years ago. Inside of its pages, the reader finds, "The Recipe of Life". A recipe which tells blacks how to get ahead in life. *Ross Buchannon - The man in the bookstore. An anthropologist on sabbatical, researching the history of black love. *Josephine Chambers - The woman in the bookstore. On a rare day off from the office, Josephine decides to search for a book, one which possesses a secret place in her soul. *Joe - The slave who fell in love with Iona. Sold and separted from his true love, Joe learns how to read and write. He writes letters to Iona which she never receives. The last letter, still in existence, was signed, "I love you. You make me feel like myself". *Ms. Cozy - The Bookstore Owner who refuses to sell the book. For Berry's first try out into the world of fiction, she has plotted a well written story. She skillfully weaves back and fourth into three timelines. There is the past with Iona and Joe, the present with Ross and Josephine and the present's past (i.e., Ross and Josephine's childhood and teen years). For me the book was a little eerie. I had the feeling this work of fiction was somehow true, especially, "The Recipe of Life". Look at the first part of the recipe: "'Black people...have to accept that we are entitled to be happy...We've become so accustomed to misery that we think we're supposed to be unhappy. And if there isn't any misery in our lives, we'll either find some or create some.'" The only minor dissappointment I had with the book was with the adult characters of Ross and Josephine. I wanted more about them. Their adult characters could have been more fleshed out. For example, Josephine works a 9-5 but the reader is not quite sure what she does for a living. I want to say she works in the corporate (marketing?)world but that part of the character is not really clear. Who does she hang out with on the job and at home. Who are her friends? The same with Ross. I wanted some interaction with him and the people from his world. Who are his friends? The book is only 181 pages but could have easily gone another 100 pages, maybe more detailed information on the present lives of Ross and Josephine. I loved the book. This Bertice Berry is a writer!!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Wow! What a Riveting and Poignant Tale!
Review: When I finished Redemption Song I felt satisfied, I felt enriched, I felt breathless! Redemption Song is a historical novel written with a romantic flair. Is it Fate or Coincidental that two people would meet at Miss Cozy's bookstore looking for the same book-Children of Grace. Children of Grace is a love story that encompasses generations and decades that was written by a slavewoman named Iona. As Fina and Ross journey together through Children of Grace with the help of Miss Cozy they discover how their lives are intertwined by coincidence and the union of Iona and Joe. Redemption Song is redemptive in that while discovering and reading the story, Fina and Ross gain an understanding about how to better love each other, their race and especially African American children. For a chance of pace, read Redemption Song a story about the unconditional power of love. It's a small book with a powerful message and one that will leave you with an important history lesson as well as knowing that you are truly loved.
Rating:
Summary: Spiritual Love....
Review: I have no idea what to write about a book that gives you everything you need in a little over 100 pages. I heard a saying a long time ago; A book is a gift that you can open over and over again. This is one of the best gifts I have ever received. Thank you Ms. Berry. Redemption Song was also a history lesson never to be forgotton. In order to progress forward, we have to know our history. Which is exactly what Ross and Fina did after their chance meeting at Black Images Bookstore or was it by chance. I loved this book - 192 pages filled with MORE, filled with HOPE filled with a great storyline. This book seeps in your soul and remind you of the power of books. Ms Berry you are magnificent!
Rating:
Summary: Redemption Song
Review: Destined to become a classic, "The Redemption Song", by Bertice Berry, her debut novel, is about a man and a woman who meet in a bookstore and argue over a rare book (the only one in existence) written by a slave. It has all of the ingredients for a good read: *Iona - The slave woman who wrote the book, but was never taught how to read or write. Is this a gift from God? *"Children of Grace" - The book Iona wrote almost 400 years ago. Inside of its pages, the reader finds, "The Recipe of Life". A recipe which tells blacks how to get ahead in life. *Ross Buchannon - The man in the bookstore. An anthropologist on sabbatical, researching the history of black love. *Josephine Chambers - The woman in the bookstore. On a rare day off from the office, Josephine decides to search for a book, one which possesses a secret place in her soul. *Joe - The slave who fell in love with Iona. Sold and separted from his true love, Joe learns how to read and write. He writes letters to Iona which she never receives. The last letter, still in existence, was signed, "I love you. You make me feel like myself". *Ms. Cozy - The Bookstore Owner who refuses to sell the book. For Berry's first try out into the world of fiction, she has plotted a well written story. She skillfully weaves back and fourth into three timelines. There is the past with Iona and Joe, the present with Ross and Josephine and the present's past (i.e., Ross and Josephine's childhood and teen years). For me the book was a little eerie. I had the feeling this work of fiction was somehow true, especially, "The Recipe of Life". Look at the first part of the recipe: "'Black people...have to accept that we are entitled to be happy...We've become so accustomed to misery that we think we're supposed to be unhappy. And if there isn't any misery in our lives, we'll either find some or create some.'" The only minor dissappointment I had with the book was with the adult characters of Ross and Josephine. I wanted more about them. Their adult characters could have been more fleshed out. For example, Josephine works a 9-5 but the reader is not quite sure what she does for a living. I want to say she works in the corporate (marketing?)world but that part of the character is not really clear. Who does she hang out with on the job and at home. Who are her friends? The same with Ross. I wanted some interaction with him and the people from his world. Who are his friends? The book is only 181 pages but could have easily gone another 100 pages, maybe more detailed information on the present lives of Ross and Josephine. I loved the book. This Bertice Berry is a writer!!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: A Modern Love Story from the Past
Review: This splendid fictional debut puts two strangers at the same place, for the same purpose and puts them on the same mission-to change their lives to help the enigmatic future of African-Americans. Ross Buchanan and Josephine "Fina" Chambers fall in love as they realize their meeting was not happenstance. The two meet at the African-American bookshop Black Images and reach for the same book at the same time. Both are determined to keep the book, so the owner Miss Cozy must solve their quandary. The book is not for sale but she allows them to come everyday to read the book together. Miss Cozy participates with the couple as they all become closer, especially Ross and Fina, turning the pages of a book written by a slave woman. With each experience Ross and Fina find their own characteristics that were once confusing to them and experiences that can be compared with Iona, the slave whose gift of writing came to her when she picked up some paper and a writing utensil. Each discovers that their connection to their ancestors is the key to changing the future for the better. The lesson to be learned is that we as African-Americans must learn from our history and ancestors if we want to progress, and we must start with our seeds, our children. Also, we must learn to love and accept that we are entitled to happiness. I enjoyed this book because it challenges you to delve deep within yourself and see what has been holding you back over the years.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Author!
Review: I was inspired by this author! Dr. Berry spoke at the Annual Convocation to begin the school year for my district and wowed every teacher, administrator, parent and child with her personal warmth, wit, humor, and insight. I have never laughed and cried so hard at one of these opening meetings in all my years in education. If you want to be inspired and brought to a new level of thinking, buy her books then book her to speak to your group! You will never forget her.
Rating:
Summary: Cathartic sob producer
Review: After hearing Ms. Berry as the key note speaker at the Texas Elementary Principal's (TEPSA) convention in Austin last week, I was compelled to purchase and read her book. Even though there is a salting of mysticism in the story, the real moral of the novel has to do with life lessons on how to accept yourself for who you are... I sobbed through the last half of the book. Thank goodness the house was empty! If I had known how to reach Ms. Berry and thank her, I would have!
Rating:
Summary: Music to My Ears
Review: This book is for the hopeless romantic who believes in the impossible. I loved the poetic prose of Redemption Song because it helped set the mood... simple, sweet, spiritual, and slow (bearing the sweetness of syrup - not molasses). This book touched my heart deeply, and I'm not exactly sure why, because it was so mesmerizing! It is true that good things come in small packages. Redemption Song is packed with good things!
Rating:
Summary: Mesmerizing Love Story
Review: Okay, I admit it. I read The Haunting of Hip Hop before I picked this one up. But I am glad I did it that way. While I thought the Haunting was an amazing idea and very creatively progressive story, this book just blew me away. Here was me, perched on the steps by the doorway of my split level 1960's home. Four hours later: I had read and re-read this novel. The weaving of the manuscripts from predecessors with the modern abruptness, which somehow still finds its way to romance, was masterful. The revelations are striking and even I, who does not believe in romance, was cheering for the story's couple. Read this book. Believe. Some things are just meant to be.
Rating:
Summary: Very Powerfull and Touching!
Review: Many of the reviewers of this book have been touched by this book because (in addition to other points) they were of African American descent. I was touch because I am not. The book is very simply written but so powerfull. It lays out a message which should be heeded by all. The importance of learning from the past and taking care of the future of the human race. It has been a long time since I have read a book and felt that I had enrished myself rather than wasted my time.
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