Rating: 
Summary: LOVED THIS BOOK!...MUST READ
Review: Earl Sewell's Taken For Granted is an excellent book very well written. The book introduces us Nina And Richard. Nina has problems with her husband Jay who is very controlling and wants to make all the decisions when it comes to Nina. Nina just doesn't want to deal with it anymore so she do what she have to do. Rose nina's best friend tell them she need to get away, so they go to the Island and their is where they both find love. Richard is married to Estelle who he loves deeply but he just can't put up with Estelle's mother Rubylee who is just a wicked old witch and gets anything she wants when she wants it from her daughter Estelle. Estelle who just dosen't know how to stand up to her mother about butting into her married life and before you know it things go down hill from there. Anyone who has not read this book you need too because it's and excellent book so go out there and READ IT.
Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT READ
Review: If you like a fast-paced plot that twists modern day relationships with complex situations, then Taken For Granted is the book for you. Mr. Sewell writes powerfully and cleverly about the complexities of relationships, financial irresponsibility, manipulation, greed, fidelity, and finally new love. It is a story that examines modern day marriages, the issues that can plague a marriage, such as lack of communication between partners, insecurity, fear, and lack of respect. TFG takes us into the lives of two main characters Nina & Richard. Nina's twenty year marriage is at a crossroads as she examines her personal issues with her daughter (Gracie) and her growing independence. Richard life spends wildly out of control when his wife Estelle begins to be financially and professionally irresponsible, and allowing her manipulative mother Rubylee to take both of them down a road that will change all of their lives forever. Secondary characters in the book bring a richness to the story as well. Nina's fiesty and energetic side-kick Rose, comes to her own crossroads in love. When Rose & Nina travel to the islands, she meets the love of her life. Estelle's sister Justine and her daughter have to contend with their sexual irresponsibility. This novel is packed with interesting plots and turns. Sewell brings a fresh voice to african american literature with characters that we all can identify with. Taken For Granted explores how relationships and people change. It is a spicy novel that will keep you reading til the very end.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Novel.
Review: This book is a true page-turner. I've enjoyed it from the first page to the last. This book is worth buying for your library.
Rating:
Summary: Taken for granted but eventually appreciated
Review: I loved the book and finished it in 3 days. The characters, Nina and Richard, are both in relationships in which they are being taken for granted. Richard is tired of dealing with his wife,Estelle's family from hell, especially since she makes them the first priority (no matter how triflin' they are). I loved how Sewell constructed Rubylee(Estelle's mom). She's a manipulative woman who will absolutely stop at nothing to get what she wants and will use her own daughter in the process. I really hated her! (Now that's something when a writer can create a character so good that you'll either love them or despise them!)
Nina is tired of being with her husband, Jay, who doesn't listen to her and is not attentive to her emotional and physical needs. Nina's and Richard's troubles bring them closer together they realize they have a lot in common, and they fall in love. I also liked how the story is set in the Chicago area (in most of the novels I've read, the story is usually set in New York or California). In the end, everything does work out for both Richard and Nina
but there are a few surprises. As an aspiring writer, I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a story that blends romance and suspense. I love a story that keeps me turning the page, trying to find out what will happen next. I'm definitely looking forward to Sewell's next novel.
Rating: 
Summary: The makings of a good movie
Review: Taken For Granted has the makings of a good movie.
The action, suspense, and sex scenes are great for a movie.
The character were not any of my favorites but the story was quite interesting. I keep thinking when will Rubylee get hers. She was to much of an overbearing mother-n-law. I could not believe Richard . He was a good man but with no backbone. I was so glad when he finally said enough is enough. I think this is the first time I have read a book where I did not particularly like the characters.
Estelle's sister and niece was so ghetto-fide .Poor Estelle she learned a little to late. I could not really feelany sympathy for Nina. She was to hung up on her body and how wonderful she thought she looked.
I did have sympathy for her daughter and was glad to see things turned out okay for her and Rose !
I will say this was a book that had my attention from start to finish.
Hollywood or better still BET should be looking for the rights to make this novel movie soon.
This would make a great movie.
Rating:
Summary: Taken for Granted
Review: This book is off the hook!!! A page turner!!! The characters are very funny!! I'm looking forward to reading his next book!!
Rating:
Summary: This book is so good, I can't wait until his next one!!!!
Review: Though this may be a book of fiction, it has a lot of reality between it's covers. This book reveals all the emotions a human can have. Somtime it's good to have a cry with that laugh. The type of book that will not let you put it down until you have read the last word and flipped the final page in a single sitting. Looking down at the back cover, with book in lap, as a shudder courses through your body. Realizing, this is someone I know or for that matter....me. The thoughts of, 'How did I get myself in this predicament and how do I get myself out of it' sears through your mind. Oh Yes! Its that serious. But, Mr.E. Sewell gives you plenty of humor too. Above all, I truly appreciate seeing wrong being overcomed by right. But, as you can see, it's hard, hard work. Buy this book, you will not be disappointed. Thanks, Earl Sewell, for writing such a awesome book. Please bestow us another.
Rating:
Summary: Go For It
Review: Taken For Granted can be taken in many ways with this story. You will truly feel the raft of a real wicked mother-in-law. This story shows you that there is hope after a crush-hearting relationship. It's worth the purchase.
Rating:
Summary: A Page Turner !!
Review: This book had me going all the way through it. I could not believe how manipulating his mother in law RubyLee was! She was a street hustler from the word go, she used her daughter endlessly, she didn't care one bit if she ruined her happiness. I felt for Estelle, she always felt no matter what she had to do for her mother, all the while she was complaing of a severe headache. Her mother, her sister and her daughter moved in to their home and wrecked havoc.
Richard takes a trip to the Bahama's where he runs into Nina who also thought it would be good to get away and clear her head.So happy that they ran into eachother again, they spend time getting to know eachother more, sharing a knowing, they find comfort in eachother and eventually love like they never knew before.. Richard returns home to find Estelle dead, she had a blood clot in her brain . And to find that RubyLee had used his Social Security number to draw out his bank account. Nina returns home to a place of her own. After all the smoke clears..they start to build a life together... This was a page turner....very realistic... Reviewed by: Dawn
Rating:
Summary: Poised, Perfected, Poignant!!
Review: Earl Sewell, author of Taken For Granted, has penned an excellent novel that is at the top of my "favorite list" for 2003. Taken For Granted is a novel that will carry you through some highs, lows and mellow moments. It caused me to reflect on the possible outcomes of choices that we make in life, analyze the impact that one person can have on several other lives and triggered flashbacks from three books...The Upper Room, How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Set It Off. This book is definitely poised for the big screen. It would make an excellent stage play or movie. The content and characters are so poignant and just enhances this well crafted novel. This book is also a book club's perfect selection and makes for serious discussion and comments.
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