4.0
Book Reviews from 2014 -2016
Book Review Archives are found here: Imanivoices
The Book of Harlan
By Bernice McFadden
Imani Book Club Rating: 4.0
McFadden did her research and wrote a compelling story about the life of Harlan. From the moment of conception, Harlan was destined to live an extraordinary life. Harlan’s life was filled with triumphs and defeats, but he lived a remarkable life.
Born during the time when blacks were migrating north, Harlan spent a good portion of his childhood with his grandparents. However, there came a time when Harlan had to go live with his parents, Emma and Sam, who decided New York, would be their settling place this time. With the background of music, parties and friends, Harlan was exposed to the brilliance of Harlem and before long Harlan was engulfed in the music. He also found himself into the women. His charismatic way and good looks kept the girls flocking to the musician, even though he was only after a good time. With his own band, Harlan left some broken hearts behind in Harlem to go to Paris. Timing was before the Nazis took over many countries and put those against their beliefs in concentration camps. Harlan found himself a prisoner for several long years and even when he returned home he was still a prisoner to the pain of his incarceration. With a multitude of characters, readers are taken on a journey of Harlan’s life and the history of our world and through McFadden’s eyes we are left with an indelible reminder what good prose and great story can do.
I savored every moment of this story. I mean when I saw the book club had received it as a review book I actually screamed with delight. I took my time reading the book so I could absorb the nuances and actually feel as if I was living through these compelling times in our history. The story is made up of events. I found some characters to be well-developed, whereas some characters that seemed to be pivotal seemed to have gotten lost and never to be heard from again. McFadden puts the reader into the story with her prose and pacing. However, I will say there were instances which were brought up and never concluded and honestly I felt the ending seemed rushed where the beginning the author took her time to pull the reader into the story. Yet, this is a wonderful story and will make for a great book club discussion.
Shoes On The Bridge
By Emerald A. Moore
Imani Book Club Rating: 3.0
Reading the synopsis, one would think this story is wholly about Desiree, the single mother struggling to make a life for her and her son after a devastating relationship. However, the premise also brings in the issues of the supporting cast of characters. Rena is Desiree’s good friend, whom she disconnected with years before, but true friendship never dies. We also have Rena’s friends, Jay and Jenna. Rena’s husband, Mike and Mike’s best friend Carl are also central characters in the story.
Things seemed to be getting worse for Desiree, but she is trying desperately to keep her faith knowing there is something better out there for her. With the help of Rena and her friends, an opportunity comes that may just change her life for the better.
Rena wants desperately for her husband to notice her again and their lives to be merrier instead of the constant fighting they have been having. Mike on the other hand, has his own issues to deal with but will he realize his love for his wife before it is too late?
Jenna thinks Carl is the one, but Jenna has some unresolved issues, which don’t ingratiate Carl towards her. In fact, her attitude seems to be repelling him away, unless Jenna is willing to change.
There are a multitude of stories within this novel. In fact, there are characters that are mentioned in the beginning of the story that end up never appearing again. The story lacked congruity and seemed to be all over the place with the plot. What is interesting, are the main characters which are fully drawn and basically are the reason to finish the story. Unfortunately, the ending also was anticlimactic because it was so predictable. The author wanted to tell too many characters stories and seemed to falter with the plot. The novel also has a Christian fiction feel to it because of its reliance on spirituality and the church. With some editing help, this story has the ability to become a well worth reading series.
Submitted by Cashana 6/15
Bended Knees A Christian Anthology
Brian W. Smith, et. al.
Imani Book Club Rating: 3.0
Sometimes your soul needs to be reminded of how powerful and wonderful Faith in God can be. In this anthology, the authors give us the reminder we all need at some time.
Forgiveness by Brian W. Smith
We have a man who recognized his depression was becoming overwhelming and sought help of a therapist. The heart of his issues was forgiving the woman who made him believe his daughter was his only to find out she wasn’t. He lost his marriage and emotional strength over the devastation. However, he must find a way to forgive the mother and the young girl who he called daughter.
Against the Grain by Sheila E. Lipsey
A young married woman learns unceremoniously her marriage is over. She also has other issues which seem to be blocking her blessings of meeting someone who will love her in the manner she deserves. However, being so judgmental could be a stumbling block. Her daughter, her faith and her best friend give her food for thought when she realizes love can be had again if you step out on Faith.
A House Divided by Tifany Jones
A young doctor has lost her way and her faith after several tragic losses in her life. After an emotional breakdown, she finds her way back to faith.
Soldier Surrendered by Ricky Teems III
Two brothers brought up in the gang infested portion of Los Angeles are following different paths. One is a soldier for our country and another has fallen prey to the illegal elements of his city. However, when the brother who survived the war returns home, he realizes almost too late there is a bigger war raging in his younger brother’s life. He does his best to impart some Faith into his younger brother.
Joy’s Gift by Donna Deloney
Two best friends who share so much, but one friend is in the gospel and the other has lost her Faith. As life would have it, Faith is accepted after a tragedy the gift of God’s love.
Baby Boy by Keshia Dawn
A young boy’s life was severely affected about the mental illness of his mother. When tragedy happens one night, he must find the words to express the truth of what happened on that faithful night. He learns so much from the close introspection and will realize God is a forgiving one, not one to punish.
Mister, Are You My Daddy? By Kia Stokes
What’s a young married woman with twin daughters to do, when everything she has known becomes a lie? Karmelita loves her father and to find out a man claiming to be her father is looking for her sends her emotions into a tailspin. Working in a DNA lab should make finding out the truth easier, but in actuality Karmelita becomes conflicted with her love for the father she has always known and the possibility of someone else being her father. As she continues become anguished, her Faith falters and she needs God more now than ever before.
All the stories seemed to deal with having Faith and recognizing God’s power, some will actually have you feeling the tension of the characters as they struggle. If you want to read something that will center you on your Christian values without being too preachy, this is a good anthology to read.
Submitted by Cashana 5/15
Man Whisperer
Allegra Adams
Imani Book Club Rating: 3.0
The main character in this story is named Allegra, which counters in one’s mind this may be semi-autobiographical and that is as good of reason as none to find out if it is true.
Allegra is a professor at a New York college as well as a candidate for her doctorate. Her thesis deals with sexuality, but in an unconventional way. Among, her professional and educational demands she is known among her good friend, Luisa as a man whisperer. Allegra knows what she wants and men seem to flock to her feet to experience not only her sexuality but her mind.
With men in the different places she travels, settling down is not on Allegra’s agenda, unlike her good friend, Luisa. Luisa suffers mindlessly with a man who looks good on paper, but quite a disappointment in real life as far as personal relationships are concerned. However, as a journalist she does a story on the new Black Panther and finds herself enamored with the leader’s assistant but somewhere along the way, Luisa loses her balance. She also secures Allegra in her quest for the ultimate interview with the Black Panther leader, because he too, is succumbing to Allegra’s man whispering ways. All the while, Allegra juggles her pursuits professional and personal, but finds even she may need to examine what she truly values in life and finally let go of the past.
Some would imagine this book filled with page upon page of sexual conquests, but in actuality there are not as many as one would have conjured. It took me a while to complete this story because it started off slowly and I found it hard for the story to garner my full attention. However, halfway through the pacing picked up and I found the story engrossing. I wished the characters were fully developed as well as getting more insight into the main character’s background. The ending also seemed a bit rushed compared to the time spent in the beginning of the novel. It was a nice turn to see a strong female main character that is unapologetic about her sexuality. Unfortunately, the novel had too much going on within its pages and keeping up in the beginning was difficult.
Submitted by Cashana 4/15
Perfect Circle
Alvin Horn
Imani Book Club Rating: 3.0
Four people living in Seattle, Washington trying to live life to its fullest and settle in love or lust. It is basketball season for the local Seattle College and the lives of our four main characters converge into a story filled with drama, emotions and violence.
Ayman is the head basketball coach who is trying to lead his team to victory; however, his personal life could use a change. Divorced from a woman who he still carries a torch for, he starts to explore a new relationship. He learns things aren’t always what they seem.
Vanita is into her church and bible. She is determined to lead a chaste life after the ending of her relationship with her son’s father. Meeting Ayman seems to be honoring her religious beliefs and finding love. Yet, the secret Vanita keeps may change all her plans.
Sterling is the assistant basketball coach with an eye for the ladies, mostly of the opposite race. When things start to happen to him he realizes his philandering ways need to be curbed. When he meets a woman who is totally opposite from the women he usually dates, he realizes things can be different and better.
College professor Lois Mae, is a beautiful and confident plus-size woman who exudes sexuality, however, she struggles to find the right man. Dating men from the online sites aren’t garnering her happily ever after results, but when she meets someone who fits into the friend category she realizes friendship isn’t the only thing she wants.
With the background of music, poetry and Seattle, these black professionals try to navigate life and the issues that are thrown in their paths. Will they make a perfect circle?
This was a contemporary relationship story with some typical scenarios, however, the author managed to include some social issues into the novel without them overtaking the true premise. The story is a bit slow, in fact I stopped reading it for a few months but when I started back reading it I was pleasantly surprised.. The characters are will defined and the author’s ability to engage readers into the whys of the characters was well done. A few grammatical errors and the slower pace in the beginning were its biggest issues. Lovers of contemporary relationship novels will enjoy.
Submitted by Cashana 6/14
More Than Meets the Eye
Michelle Janine Robinson
Imani Book Club Rating: 3.5
Belinda awakens to find her body covered in bruises and blood as though she had experiences hours upon hours of rough sex and she knows she slept alone. Belinda has been experiencing these strange occurrences for months and thinking she was just exhausted she doesn’t realized until this particular morning it isn’t her mind playing tricks on her.
Demons, incubus and succubus become real as life for the characters of this novel. The demons live among the regular and ordinary men and women; however, they must survive by having sex with the humans. For the humans, having sex with a demon will eventually suck the life from them literally and figuratively. Dante, a demon, has been living this life with the humans for many years, is different. When he sees Belinda he discovers demons have emotions. Unfortunately, there are some demons that are ready to take over the world and to do so they must bring into the world a succubus who is stronger, smarter and better than any demon before them. And they have chosen Belinda to breed their next succubus. Belinda and her best friend find themselves fighting for their lives and the lives of their love ones in order to keep the evil demons from their plans. This also requires Belinda to trust Dante in order to survive.
This was a fast-paced story with such an interesting concept, although not unique. The main characters were well-drawn, but some of the minor characters were not. The ending seemed a bit rushed, but left opened for a sequel. The author was able to illustrate a dark story with moments of light, which was great so I could read it at night. There is some mild violence and sex. I would love to see where the author goes with this story. I did notice some editorial issues, but not enough to distract from the complete novel. I enjoyed the premise of the story, but at times found some things just too farfetched to believe. Lovers of paranormal love stories will love this story because even though it is good vs evil, it does cover love, family and friendship.
Submitted by Cashana 12/14
Shadow of Light
James E. Cherry
Imani Book Club Rating: 3.75
A small town in Tennessee becomes a bed of racial tension when a longtime resident is raped and shot by a group of young white males. The grandmother’s grandson is an African-American detective with the local police force. Not only must he deal with what has happened to his grandmother, he has a marriage to save and a nephew to calm down.
Walter Robinson has dedicated his life to the police force and being a detective gives him the adrenaline he needs in his life. With a wife at home who has become more disappointed in him and a girlfriend he is ready to let go of, he also now has his grandmother in the hospital fighting for her life because of some white boys. Walter is angry at lot of things from the church to racial inequality, but really he is angry at himself. When a young black girl is found dead, Walter is determined to solve the murder even though he is seething over the violence that occurred to his grandmother. His nephew is ready to take revenge for her attack and Walter has to examine his own reaction and the fundamentals of right and wrong. He realizes his life may need some change on his part.
This is a short, well-written suspense novel. The author put a lot into this story without leaving too much for happenstance. He examines the black life, but he does a great job with the lives of the young white males at the center of this story. He gives readers something to think about as well as giving them things to understand all the while teaching readers. I was pleasantly surprised by the pacing, characters and plot and kind of wished it was longer, but he gives us just enough to know he has the writing ability to engage and capture the reader and leave them wanting more. Well-done.
Submitted by Cashana 3/15
The Supremes at Earl’s All You Can Eat
Edward Kelsey Moore’s
Imani Book Club Rating: 4.0
We meet the Supremes, Odette, Clarice and Barbara Jean, who met in high school when life was different and whites didn’t mingle with the blacks. Yet, these three friends remain close through life’s ups and downs. Through marriages, children and everything in between readers get a taste of what has kept them close.
Odette may be a bit quirky, but she has a strong connection to all things spiritual. And with a loving husband and her best friends, she is going to need all the support she can get as she faces the fight of her life.
Clarice married the good looking going to be a great football player, but only to realize an injury will defer her husband’s dream as well as hers. With the help of her friends, she finds a way back to who she was before life changed directions. Her husband won’t know what hit him.
Barbara Jean is the one who is living in the big mansion with a supportive husband, but something is missing. When things couldn’t get much better she suffers a tragic loss and her past comes back to roast.
This is a wonderful story of friendship and the connection they have with each other. This story takes place during a different time when civil rights weren’t always accessible, but black folks looked out for each other. Earl’s All You Can Eat was not just a restaurant it was where folks fellowshipped. This was a well-written story that was hard to put down because of its engaging material. A man wrote about the true essence of lifelong female friendships. Highly recommended.
Submitted by Cashana 10/14
His Silent Rage
TC Mattison’s
Imani Book Club Rating: 3.0
Ridge grew up in an abusive household where his father drank; beat him and his mother on a regular basis. It wasn’t until his mother had enough that she got her and Ridge out of the home. Unfortunately, tragedy would fall upon Ridge which will have him back with the man he truly hated.
When Ridge was old enough to set out on his own, he left Detroit and headed to Atlanta. He took on a new life and made things happen for himself. He was able to put the past behind him and move forward. He however learned the hard way; you can’t run away from the past. Even when Ridge has a family of his own, the past starts to simmer and boil over into his future changing everyone’s life in the process.
This was a very quick read. The author was able to paint a picture of domestic violence in a realistic manner. From the eyes of a child to the mind of an adult she portrayed domestic violence in its truth and awful circumstances. I wish the ending wasn’t so sad and hopeless. I also needed a more definitive ending because some of the circumstances were left dangling.
Submitted by Cashana 3/15
Book Reviews from 2014 -2016
Book Review Archives are found here: Imanivoices
The Book of Harlan
By Bernice McFadden
Imani Book Club Rating: 4.0
McFadden did her research and wrote a compelling story about the life of Harlan. From the moment of conception, Harlan was destined to live an extraordinary life. Harlan’s life was filled with triumphs and defeats, but he lived a remarkable life.
Born during the time when blacks were migrating north, Harlan spent a good portion of his childhood with his grandparents. However, there came a time when Harlan had to go live with his parents, Emma and Sam, who decided New York, would be their settling place this time. With the background of music, parties and friends, Harlan was exposed to the brilliance of Harlem and before long Harlan was engulfed in the music. He also found himself into the women. His charismatic way and good looks kept the girls flocking to the musician, even though he was only after a good time. With his own band, Harlan left some broken hearts behind in Harlem to go to Paris. Timing was before the Nazis took over many countries and put those against their beliefs in concentration camps. Harlan found himself a prisoner for several long years and even when he returned home he was still a prisoner to the pain of his incarceration. With a multitude of characters, readers are taken on a journey of Harlan’s life and the history of our world and through McFadden’s eyes we are left with an indelible reminder what good prose and great story can do.
I savored every moment of this story. I mean when I saw the book club had received it as a review book I actually screamed with delight. I took my time reading the book so I could absorb the nuances and actually feel as if I was living through these compelling times in our history. The story is made up of events. I found some characters to be well-developed, whereas some characters that seemed to be pivotal seemed to have gotten lost and never to be heard from again. McFadden puts the reader into the story with her prose and pacing. However, I will say there were instances which were brought up and never concluded and honestly I felt the ending seemed rushed where the beginning the author took her time to pull the reader into the story. Yet, this is a wonderful story and will make for a great book club discussion.
Shoes On The Bridge
By Emerald A. Moore
Imani Book Club Rating: 3.0
Reading the synopsis, one would think this story is wholly about Desiree, the single mother struggling to make a life for her and her son after a devastating relationship. However, the premise also brings in the issues of the supporting cast of characters. Rena is Desiree’s good friend, whom she disconnected with years before, but true friendship never dies. We also have Rena’s friends, Jay and Jenna. Rena’s husband, Mike and Mike’s best friend Carl are also central characters in the story.
Things seemed to be getting worse for Desiree, but she is trying desperately to keep her faith knowing there is something better out there for her. With the help of Rena and her friends, an opportunity comes that may just change her life for the better.
Rena wants desperately for her husband to notice her again and their lives to be merrier instead of the constant fighting they have been having. Mike on the other hand, has his own issues to deal with but will he realize his love for his wife before it is too late?
Jenna thinks Carl is the one, but Jenna has some unresolved issues, which don’t ingratiate Carl towards her. In fact, her attitude seems to be repelling him away, unless Jenna is willing to change.
There are a multitude of stories within this novel. In fact, there are characters that are mentioned in the beginning of the story that end up never appearing again. The story lacked congruity and seemed to be all over the place with the plot. What is interesting, are the main characters which are fully drawn and basically are the reason to finish the story. Unfortunately, the ending also was anticlimactic because it was so predictable. The author wanted to tell too many characters stories and seemed to falter with the plot. The novel also has a Christian fiction feel to it because of its reliance on spirituality and the church. With some editing help, this story has the ability to become a well worth reading series.
Submitted by Cashana 6/15
Bended Knees A Christian Anthology
Brian W. Smith, et. al.
Imani Book Club Rating: 3.0
Sometimes your soul needs to be reminded of how powerful and wonderful Faith in God can be. In this anthology, the authors give us the reminder we all need at some time.
Forgiveness by Brian W. Smith
We have a man who recognized his depression was becoming overwhelming and sought help of a therapist. The heart of his issues was forgiving the woman who made him believe his daughter was his only to find out she wasn’t. He lost his marriage and emotional strength over the devastation. However, he must find a way to forgive the mother and the young girl who he called daughter.
Against the Grain by Sheila E. Lipsey
A young married woman learns unceremoniously her marriage is over. She also has other issues which seem to be blocking her blessings of meeting someone who will love her in the manner she deserves. However, being so judgmental could be a stumbling block. Her daughter, her faith and her best friend give her food for thought when she realizes love can be had again if you step out on Faith.
A House Divided by Tifany Jones
A young doctor has lost her way and her faith after several tragic losses in her life. After an emotional breakdown, she finds her way back to faith.
Soldier Surrendered by Ricky Teems III
Two brothers brought up in the gang infested portion of Los Angeles are following different paths. One is a soldier for our country and another has fallen prey to the illegal elements of his city. However, when the brother who survived the war returns home, he realizes almost too late there is a bigger war raging in his younger brother’s life. He does his best to impart some Faith into his younger brother.
Joy’s Gift by Donna Deloney
Two best friends who share so much, but one friend is in the gospel and the other has lost her Faith. As life would have it, Faith is accepted after a tragedy the gift of God’s love.
Baby Boy by Keshia Dawn
A young boy’s life was severely affected about the mental illness of his mother. When tragedy happens one night, he must find the words to express the truth of what happened on that faithful night. He learns so much from the close introspection and will realize God is a forgiving one, not one to punish.
Mister, Are You My Daddy? By Kia Stokes
What’s a young married woman with twin daughters to do, when everything she has known becomes a lie? Karmelita loves her father and to find out a man claiming to be her father is looking for her sends her emotions into a tailspin. Working in a DNA lab should make finding out the truth easier, but in actuality Karmelita becomes conflicted with her love for the father she has always known and the possibility of someone else being her father. As she continues become anguished, her Faith falters and she needs God more now than ever before.
All the stories seemed to deal with having Faith and recognizing God’s power, some will actually have you feeling the tension of the characters as they struggle. If you want to read something that will center you on your Christian values without being too preachy, this is a good anthology to read.
Submitted by Cashana 5/15
Man Whisperer
Allegra Adams
Imani Book Club Rating: 3.0
The main character in this story is named Allegra, which counters in one’s mind this may be semi-autobiographical and that is as good of reason as none to find out if it is true.
Allegra is a professor at a New York college as well as a candidate for her doctorate. Her thesis deals with sexuality, but in an unconventional way. Among, her professional and educational demands she is known among her good friend, Luisa as a man whisperer. Allegra knows what she wants and men seem to flock to her feet to experience not only her sexuality but her mind.
With men in the different places she travels, settling down is not on Allegra’s agenda, unlike her good friend, Luisa. Luisa suffers mindlessly with a man who looks good on paper, but quite a disappointment in real life as far as personal relationships are concerned. However, as a journalist she does a story on the new Black Panther and finds herself enamored with the leader’s assistant but somewhere along the way, Luisa loses her balance. She also secures Allegra in her quest for the ultimate interview with the Black Panther leader, because he too, is succumbing to Allegra’s man whispering ways. All the while, Allegra juggles her pursuits professional and personal, but finds even she may need to examine what she truly values in life and finally let go of the past.
Some would imagine this book filled with page upon page of sexual conquests, but in actuality there are not as many as one would have conjured. It took me a while to complete this story because it started off slowly and I found it hard for the story to garner my full attention. However, halfway through the pacing picked up and I found the story engrossing. I wished the characters were fully developed as well as getting more insight into the main character’s background. The ending also seemed a bit rushed compared to the time spent in the beginning of the novel. It was a nice turn to see a strong female main character that is unapologetic about her sexuality. Unfortunately, the novel had too much going on within its pages and keeping up in the beginning was difficult.
Submitted by Cashana 4/15
Perfect Circle
Alvin Horn
Imani Book Club Rating: 3.0
Four people living in Seattle, Washington trying to live life to its fullest and settle in love or lust. It is basketball season for the local Seattle College and the lives of our four main characters converge into a story filled with drama, emotions and violence.
Ayman is the head basketball coach who is trying to lead his team to victory; however, his personal life could use a change. Divorced from a woman who he still carries a torch for, he starts to explore a new relationship. He learns things aren’t always what they seem.
Vanita is into her church and bible. She is determined to lead a chaste life after the ending of her relationship with her son’s father. Meeting Ayman seems to be honoring her religious beliefs and finding love. Yet, the secret Vanita keeps may change all her plans.
Sterling is the assistant basketball coach with an eye for the ladies, mostly of the opposite race. When things start to happen to him he realizes his philandering ways need to be curbed. When he meets a woman who is totally opposite from the women he usually dates, he realizes things can be different and better.
College professor Lois Mae, is a beautiful and confident plus-size woman who exudes sexuality, however, she struggles to find the right man. Dating men from the online sites aren’t garnering her happily ever after results, but when she meets someone who fits into the friend category she realizes friendship isn’t the only thing she wants.
With the background of music, poetry and Seattle, these black professionals try to navigate life and the issues that are thrown in their paths. Will they make a perfect circle?
This was a contemporary relationship story with some typical scenarios, however, the author managed to include some social issues into the novel without them overtaking the true premise. The story is a bit slow, in fact I stopped reading it for a few months but when I started back reading it I was pleasantly surprised.. The characters are will defined and the author’s ability to engage readers into the whys of the characters was well done. A few grammatical errors and the slower pace in the beginning were its biggest issues. Lovers of contemporary relationship novels will enjoy.
Submitted by Cashana 6/14
More Than Meets the Eye
Michelle Janine Robinson
Imani Book Club Rating: 3.5
Belinda awakens to find her body covered in bruises and blood as though she had experiences hours upon hours of rough sex and she knows she slept alone. Belinda has been experiencing these strange occurrences for months and thinking she was just exhausted she doesn’t realized until this particular morning it isn’t her mind playing tricks on her.
Demons, incubus and succubus become real as life for the characters of this novel. The demons live among the regular and ordinary men and women; however, they must survive by having sex with the humans. For the humans, having sex with a demon will eventually suck the life from them literally and figuratively. Dante, a demon, has been living this life with the humans for many years, is different. When he sees Belinda he discovers demons have emotions. Unfortunately, there are some demons that are ready to take over the world and to do so they must bring into the world a succubus who is stronger, smarter and better than any demon before them. And they have chosen Belinda to breed their next succubus. Belinda and her best friend find themselves fighting for their lives and the lives of their love ones in order to keep the evil demons from their plans. This also requires Belinda to trust Dante in order to survive.
This was a fast-paced story with such an interesting concept, although not unique. The main characters were well-drawn, but some of the minor characters were not. The ending seemed a bit rushed, but left opened for a sequel. The author was able to illustrate a dark story with moments of light, which was great so I could read it at night. There is some mild violence and sex. I would love to see where the author goes with this story. I did notice some editorial issues, but not enough to distract from the complete novel. I enjoyed the premise of the story, but at times found some things just too farfetched to believe. Lovers of paranormal love stories will love this story because even though it is good vs evil, it does cover love, family and friendship.
Submitted by Cashana 12/14
Shadow of Light
James E. Cherry
Imani Book Club Rating: 3.75
A small town in Tennessee becomes a bed of racial tension when a longtime resident is raped and shot by a group of young white males. The grandmother’s grandson is an African-American detective with the local police force. Not only must he deal with what has happened to his grandmother, he has a marriage to save and a nephew to calm down.
Walter Robinson has dedicated his life to the police force and being a detective gives him the adrenaline he needs in his life. With a wife at home who has become more disappointed in him and a girlfriend he is ready to let go of, he also now has his grandmother in the hospital fighting for her life because of some white boys. Walter is angry at lot of things from the church to racial inequality, but really he is angry at himself. When a young black girl is found dead, Walter is determined to solve the murder even though he is seething over the violence that occurred to his grandmother. His nephew is ready to take revenge for her attack and Walter has to examine his own reaction and the fundamentals of right and wrong. He realizes his life may need some change on his part.
This is a short, well-written suspense novel. The author put a lot into this story without leaving too much for happenstance. He examines the black life, but he does a great job with the lives of the young white males at the center of this story. He gives readers something to think about as well as giving them things to understand all the while teaching readers. I was pleasantly surprised by the pacing, characters and plot and kind of wished it was longer, but he gives us just enough to know he has the writing ability to engage and capture the reader and leave them wanting more. Well-done.
Submitted by Cashana 3/15
The Supremes at Earl’s All You Can Eat
Edward Kelsey Moore’s
Imani Book Club Rating: 4.0
We meet the Supremes, Odette, Clarice and Barbara Jean, who met in high school when life was different and whites didn’t mingle with the blacks. Yet, these three friends remain close through life’s ups and downs. Through marriages, children and everything in between readers get a taste of what has kept them close.
Odette may be a bit quirky, but she has a strong connection to all things spiritual. And with a loving husband and her best friends, she is going to need all the support she can get as she faces the fight of her life.
Clarice married the good looking going to be a great football player, but only to realize an injury will defer her husband’s dream as well as hers. With the help of her friends, she finds a way back to who she was before life changed directions. Her husband won’t know what hit him.
Barbara Jean is the one who is living in the big mansion with a supportive husband, but something is missing. When things couldn’t get much better she suffers a tragic loss and her past comes back to roast.
This is a wonderful story of friendship and the connection they have with each other. This story takes place during a different time when civil rights weren’t always accessible, but black folks looked out for each other. Earl’s All You Can Eat was not just a restaurant it was where folks fellowshipped. This was a well-written story that was hard to put down because of its engaging material. A man wrote about the true essence of lifelong female friendships. Highly recommended.
Submitted by Cashana 10/14
His Silent Rage
TC Mattison’s
Imani Book Club Rating: 3.0
Ridge grew up in an abusive household where his father drank; beat him and his mother on a regular basis. It wasn’t until his mother had enough that she got her and Ridge out of the home. Unfortunately, tragedy would fall upon Ridge which will have him back with the man he truly hated.
When Ridge was old enough to set out on his own, he left Detroit and headed to Atlanta. He took on a new life and made things happen for himself. He was able to put the past behind him and move forward. He however learned the hard way; you can’t run away from the past. Even when Ridge has a family of his own, the past starts to simmer and boil over into his future changing everyone’s life in the process.
This was a very quick read. The author was able to paint a picture of domestic violence in a realistic manner. From the eyes of a child to the mind of an adult she portrayed domestic violence in its truth and awful circumstances. I wish the ending wasn’t so sad and hopeless. I also needed a more definitive ending because some of the circumstances were left dangling.
Submitted by Cashana 3/15