Rating: 
Summary: Ok but...
Review: Initially, I was very interested in this book, but as I read, I got a bit confused. Most of the earlier generations of women were raped by this white depraved man who fathered some of them(tell me about it), then you have instances where you have things going on, but you wondered why it got to that point. Like with Mignon when she left her husband. A little more background wouldn't hurt. Then Megan and her husband left their hometown under the threat of a broken promise. What happened to the outcome? Then you have Mignon's supposed daddy (C.K.),now that was one confused man, and I wasn't surprised to see his outcome.But why didn't Stella own up to the truth and set him straight? And David dating and having relations with his own niece??Alright unknowingly, but still, well, you can surmise that this is one little drama novel here. Another thing is the way the dates were stuck here and there in the book. And the half sister Ruth. Now that was a true thorn in the side, and to think that they didn't know all those years? Too much and for her to do what she did at the wedding? Unthinkable.Not to say that I didn't care for it, but it could have been better.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't Reach Back but Look 4ward to a DIFFERENT BOOK!
Review: Let me begin by telling you to save your money buy another book. I did not enjoy REACHING BACK. This book had the makings of a really great read. The story of Carrie, Mignon's grandmother was very interesting. The story of Ana, Mignon's mother was like a fantasy or fairytale. The author, seemed to dedicate the last 1/3 of the book to Ana and her adventures with some French prince Pierre. The book just went downhill after Ana's debutante. It should have focused on how Stella/David worked out there marriage after the big bomb that was landed on Stella at the debutante. Or it should have focused on Stella/C.P relationship, did he go throughout life never knowing his parentage? I don't know why the author had to go and mess up a perfectly good story. I've read she is writing a sequel to Reaching Back which will focus on Ana/Mignon more.
Rating:
Summary: Don't Reach Back but Look 4ward to a DIFFERENT BOOK!
Review: Let me begin by telling you to save your money buy another book. I did not enjoy REACHING BACK. This book had the makings of a really great read. The story of Carrie, Mignon's grandmother was very interesting. The story of Ana, Mignon's mother was like a fantasy or fairytale. The author, seemed to dedicate the last 1/3 of the book to Ana and her adventures with some French prince Pierre. The book just went downhill after Ana's debutante. It should have focused on how Stella/David worked out there marriage after the big bomb that was landed on Stella at the debutante. Or it should have focused on Stella/C.P relationship, did he go throughout life never knowing his parentage? I don't know why the author had to go and mess up a perfectly good story. I've read she is writing a sequel to Reaching Back which will focus on Ana/Mignon more.
Rating: 
Summary: Can't put this one down!!
Review: Let me just say that this author has a brilliant sense of life and perspective. The story of each women touched my heart deeply and I found it hard to stop reading the book. It is a powerhouse of a novel and everyone should experience it for themselves!
Rating: 
Summary: Back to the Future
Review: Mignon is at the end of her rope. Her complexion is too dark to be accepted by light skinned Black folk and too light to be accepted by dark skinned Blacks; she has always struggled to find a place where she fits in. She thought her marriage was the answer to her prayers, but found that wealth and social status was not enough to make her happy. After struggling to keep her marriage together and deal with an unfaithful husband, she finally decides it is time for a change. She packs up her things and calls her parents. Her father immediately offers to fly in and help her make the long drive across country with her daughters in tow. When he arrives, he presents Mignon with a leather bound journal, sent to her by her mother. Inside the journal, Mignon finds a handwritten account of her family history as told by her grandmother and mother. At the end of the journal she finds blank pages, which she assumes is the place where she will someday record the experiences of her own life. Facing an uncertain future, this journal seems to be just what Mignon needs to find the strength to start over. Thus, Mignon begins an emotional journey through two generations of her family's history that will lead to healing and a better understanding of her own life.Nea Anna Simone's first novel, Reaching Back is an excellent work. The author immediately draws you in to the story and keeps you hooked until the last page. Simone looks at how social issues such as class and skin color have divided African Americans both historically and in more contemporary settings. This is a character driven plot, and the reader really gets a chance to see how the characters think and feel. Towards the end of the story there were a couple of places where the story didn't flow as well as it did in the beginning, but overall this was an excellent read. This multigenerational story of life, love, and survival, should not be missed. Reviewed by Stacey Seay
Rating: 
Summary: Reaching Back To Far
Review: Nea Anna Simone reached back to far in this book. I got confused trying to keep up with all the characters and who's who. This book could have been broken up into about four differnt stories.
The book had a good plot, just to much cramed into one book.
Rating:
Summary: A Must Read!!!!
Review: Reaching Back
By
Nea Anna Simone 5 Pens Reaching Back is a ride through a journey of lives of her ancestors and their color complex issues. The author does a wonderful job of going back through four generations to show the ups and downs of women and their struggles with love, life and race. Reaching Back forces you to take a look inside your soul and make decisions that you thought you would never have to face. Wondering in that time and that place what would you do? As I read each of the women stories I felt as I was living each of them in their time. This book brought tears to my eyes and made me realize just how serious this issues that this still is today here in the 21st century where I know people are still struggling with life trying to pass for something that they aren't. This book is not only very interesting but it captivates you to the very end. Ms Simone does a wonderful job creating not only the characters but the times as well. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good book. Stacy
Rating:
Summary: Reaching Back
Review: Reaching Back is a great read! You'll think about your own family history as you delve into the characters and gain insight into some of the internal issues we have. I look forward to future titles by the author.
Rating:
Summary: Reaching Back
Review: Reaching Back is a great read! You'll think about your own family history as you delve into the characters and gain insight into some of the internal issues we have. I look forward to future titles by the author.
Rating:
Summary: Family Ties
Review: REACHING BACK is a novel that will capitivate its reader. This is a tale about a young woman named Mignon who is capatulted through time as family secrets are revealed. The book touches on many societal issues - discrimination, rape, incest and classism. This is definitely a book that will touch your heart! Ms. Simone is to be congratulated on a job well done on her debut novel.
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