theqissilent's reviews
1059 reviews

I'm not sure why I bother anymore...

I'm not sure I have the words to adequately express the emotions and the tears this book dragged out of me. So vivid and so brutal. I wasn't just reading Sugar's loneliness, the despair, the hopelessness - I felt it. I was left feeling as empty as Pearl. At times I didn't want to put it down, while not wanting to continue reading because I couldn't face what I knew or suspected was to come.

Bernice McFadden has found a true fan in me. Her writing brings to life the tales that parents, grandparents, and great-grands never shared, found too difficult to speak of. The weary acceptance of being colored in the Pre-Civil Rights South. Of doing what you have to do just to make it another day.

What a compelling and thought-provoking story of true love, healing, real spirituality, the good and bad of small town life.

And that's about as coherent as I can manage. Off to start This Bitter Earth.

Couldn't put it down. I'm disappointed that I finished it so soon. But, it drew me in just like book one. All the emotions and tensions as the threads of story weaved together were just palpable. Definitely a justifiable ending for a certain character.

I want more...

Carl Weber knows how to tell a good story! Drama, sex, betrayal, forgiveness, faith, love. The way he builds anticipation, like with the national choir competition; or just knowing Simone and Maxwell will get their due (speaking of, Smitty told Bishop not to trust anyone - I think I knew then who was behind it all). Seems I'm reading these out of order, but I don't mind. I just want more of the people of First Jamaica Ministry.