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Jun 17
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N. Renée is now friends with Ledisi, Van Hunt and Jazmine Sullivan
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N. Renée posted a new blog entry: Comes Around
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Comments
Jul 9 2009 4:52 AM
What a page turner! I was hooked from the first chapter. The story of friends Dawn, Sharice, Troy, and Nicole realistically captures life’s ups, downs, successes, and failures. However, the grammar and spelling errors throughout the book were “so not the business.” Lack of editing was an enormous downfall for this novel. Steans is actually a good storyteller. I found myself laughing at the dialogue and predicting characters’ reactions because I felt that I knew them. Steans attempted to write each chapter from a different character’s perspective, but was unable to consistently deliver. I appreciate that the author, generally, refrained from common stereotypes. For example, Nicole cheated on Devon and Dawn was sexually harassed by a woman. Sometimes I was confused as to the when The Business referred to the ladies’ place of work because it was not always capitalized. However, I loved the fact that the company was never officially named. Steans also managed to squeeze in the generationally strong Black women by introducing Troy’s mother and grandmother. I believe the author is certainly on her way up. Her writing style is engaging, exciting, and she showed great potential with this book.
Jun 18 2009 3:40 AM
Taylor intertwines faith, Southern culture, and relevant issues in a story of love, friendship, and family. Jada, or J as she is affectionately known, has been friends with Monica and Kayla all of her life. Each of them have unique personalities and complications that challenge their relationships. The author conveyed actions and reactions to situations in a realistic way. Jada’s innocence complemented Kayla’s straightforward behavior, and Monica’s self-involved patterns. However, when Jada meets her future husband, Monica becomes a mother, and Kayla admits a deep family secret, these women are elevated in wisdom. Though the story is drenched with clichés and has some point of view issues, it is an easy read. Taylor brings African American issues of early parenthood and AIDS to an appropriate focal point in this exciting novel.
Jun 18 2009 3:39 AM
Apr 21 2009 6:05 PM
The Food Temptress takes the reader on an interestingly twisted journey through the dating life of Ambrosia Bourgeois. Ambrosia forgoes a career in favor of obtaining wages via a temporary agency, preferring to channel her energy toward improving her recipes. This modern voodoo woman uses a delicate set of ingredients passed through generations to attract men. Her food makes loyal men unfaithful, gay men straight, cheating men sterile, and overweight men fit, but never quite transforms the right man for her. The book's lack of editing distracted the plot somewhat. Also, the author inconsistently gave glimpses into the thoughts of the men Ambrosia encountered. There were instances where lines of humor seemed forced instead of flowing naturally. Nevertheless, The Food Temptress is a page turner as it intrigues the reader to know the lastest antic Ambrosia is to be faced with and overcome. An added bonus are the New Orleans style recipes included that women can experiment with on their own.