Rating: 
Summary: Scratching........
Review: This book is definately one for the collection. It begins and ends the story that we have tried to complete almost our entire life, " What am I looking for?" The book puts so much meaning in the term "itch" that if you don't read it you will be scratching alot longer than you need to.
Rating:
Summary: An Enjoyably Quick Read
Review: The Itch was a good quick read that kept my interest to the end. Although the situations in the characters' lives could have been covered a bit more in depth, the story still kept me wanting more. I really hope there is a sequel, to see how things will work out for Abra with her new self-discovery, and how Natasha continues on with her life after Miles.
Rating: 
Summary: Scratching in the right spot!
Review: THE ITCH was a quick, fun read that had a satisfying ending for Abra, who now knows that true happiness lies within ourselves, and Cullen, who now knows that every itch scratched hard enough becomes bruised and slow to heal. Sometimes, it's best to keep your hands in your pockets. Another winner from the GOOD HAIR lady herself. Thanks Ms. Little!
Rating:
Summary: Money doesn't equal happiness
Review: Excellent reading. Really stirs your personal feelings. Provides an alternate happy ending, Self happiness! Good book for readin clubs-stirs alot of discussion.
Rating:
Summary: Superb! Excellent page-turner...
Review: This is the first I've read of Mrs. Little's and I really enjoyed it and do look forward to picking up her previous, Good Hair. Though I would have liked a little bit more description in some areas (i.e. when she, Abra, announced to Cullen that she'd contracted a disease from him, he didn't question her not one time nor go back and question Cynthia about contracting the disease from her).Yet it was good to see that Abra was strong enough to get on with her life after a cheating husband. I just had the feeling that she was going to chalk it up as so many women today do in their marriages as "he's just a typical man" and take him back. All in all, it was a wonderful, easy read and I'm already a fan of her work. You go Benilde!
Rating:
Summary: The Itch of Life
Review: I viewed the book as less about the black upper class and more about the expectations that we as people (African American women in particular) have about what we are supposed to do with our lives as it relates to men and relationships. As an upper 30 year old African American female, I could relate to many of the ideas and issues presented in the novel. Abra basically got sucked into the notion that her life was not complete and satisfactory unless she had a man/husband. It was not until her break form Cullen that she had the strength to realize that she was a woman in her own right, perfectly capable of making herself happy and being content with her life and her decisions, irrespective of whether there was a significant other in the picture. I saw a lot of personal growth in Abra by the end of the novel. Sure, we all want that "true love" but sometimes it does not happen and we need to be prepared to define our lives based upon who we are as individuals. I also liked Miles' character. Although Miles was feeling the "itch" by the end of the book, his itch was different than Cullens. Miles got sucked into the notion that because of his age and accomplishments, he should have the wife, 2.5 kids, 3 car garage etc., I was not until the end of the book that he realized that it was not something that was going to work for him. All in all, I viewed the book as a contrast and struggle between what society tells us we should have and strive for in order to be happy versus what we really need as individuals in order to be happy. What we need in order to be happy takes much reflection and I thought this book was good at giving some insight to that process.
Rating:
Summary: This definately hits home.
Review: This book is dynamic in every aspect. You have to have an open mind to read this book. All of the characters are successful and this is not a fantasy but a reality. African Americans need to realize that there is a realm of education, goals, and spirituality out there for us to experience. Regardless of the characters education or wealth they experienced drama that many of us do. infidelity, heartbreaks, lies, single family, and the struggle. What was powerful about the story was that it manage to tell us that regardless of the struggle the characters manage to over come them with, love and friendship. You must read this book. I choose the book for my reading club THE BASE.
Rating:
Summary: Read to tears
Review: Well I am constantly reading and Benilde's "The Itch" has touched me in so many ways and has sent me through a whirlwind of emotions. One of the main characters, Cullen. Is that type of man I would never wish on anyone. He mad me so mad that I was crying and I felt so bad for Abra. I didnt understant why the book was called the Itch but now I do. A time in everyone's life you must go through a change of phase to fulfill the fatasies and desires that you want the most. So I say 5 ghetto thumbs up the Benilde Little.
Rating: 
Summary: STYLE OVER SUBSTANCE
Review: Overall, I enjoyed this novel and read it straight through. I think I understand what Little attempted-a narrative on the hidden discontent of the talented tenth. However, her deeper points are obscured by her incessant label-dropping and description of clothes and interiors. It becomes tedious and only serves to distance the reader from the characters. We know more about what Abra, Cullen, Natasha and Miles wear, eat and buy than what actually makes them laugh, cry, scared or excited. Perhaps Little intended it this way in order to underscore the emptiness of their seemingly perfect lives. On a few occasions, Little comes upon flashes of insight and the characters seem to be on the verge of a transformation, only to fall back into their shallow ways. Abra, Natasha, Miles and Cullen may be able to travel in both the White and Black worlds (as is constantly pointed out), but their values are distorted. Little seems to revere as well as disdain the material obsessions of the black upper/professional class. Abra appears to be on a journey of self-actualization by the end of the novel and I wished that her struggle could have been explored further. Hopefully, Little's next effort will focus on deeper character development, less superficial references and a fuller view of the human condition.
Rating:
Summary: An Entertaining Read
Review: Although I have been anxiously awaiting the next book from the author of Good Hair, I was disappointed that this new book doesnt live up to the outstanding quality of the first. Nevertheless, I found it an enjoyable story to read in one sitting. I will still look forward to Ms. Littles next book.
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