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Summary: The Review
Review: Just picked up the new book by Pearl Cleage and although I am not yet finished I wanted to share that I am enjoying this book very much.Its funny, serious, sad, and so much more and sadly I am going to be unhappy when I get to the last page and read that last sentence. Ms. Cleage is truly a gifted writer and I look forward to reading more books by this truly wonderful writer. For those not knowing as it took me awhile this book is a follow-up to her previous book but this one focuses on Joyce. I will give a more detailed review once I finish the book. Happy reading.......
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Summary: In pursuit of the ¿Free¿ woman.
Review: Cleage writes with an intelligent edge about a modern day black woman, Joyce Mitchell, who has gravitated towards teaching those less fortunate than herself how to promote themselves to be free women. The girls meet at the "Sewing Circus" their affectionate name for the gathering place. With a sense of distinction Joyce is there through the ups and downs of their daily lives, always ready with a cup of tea and an ear to listen as she helps her friends along. But life has something special in mind for Joyce; someone spectacular is about to walk into her lonely life. Smoothly written with a rhythm that undulates from each and every chapter, our protagonist Joyce, not only finds delight in the strong black woman she is, she is able to share that ability with those that might have never had a chance to grasp a brighter future. Cleage is also the bestselling author of WHAT LOOKS LIKE CRAZY ON AN ORDINARY DAY. She brings a strong sense of heritage to her writing. This book makes a fervent statement. I found it well worth the time. Kelsana 5/14/02
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Summary: DELIGHTFUL SEQUEL.
Review: If you liked IT LOOKS LIKE CRAZY ON AN ORDINARY DAY, you will LOVE Pearl Cleage's second novel, I WISH I HAD A RED DRESS! This novel re-introduces Joyce Mitchell, one of the characters from Cleage's previous novel, as well as some of the members of her "free" women's community group, affectionately known as "The Circus". All of the characters come alive through Cleage's wonderful story-telling style--so much so that the reader wants to know what happens to them long after the last page is turned. The characters also relate such memorable messages as: "Confession, without closure, is just whining"; "Anybody can learn anything, once they quit pretending that they already know it"; "If you can't admit it, you probably ought to quit it"; and "If you want to make God laugh, make plans". In addition to running "The Circus" and helping its all-female membership deal with issues such as motherhood, education, abusive relationships, and career choices, Joyce must examine her own feelings regarding the blossoming of a romantic relationship with the newest member of her small Idlewild, Michigan community, after surviving five years of widowhood. I WISH I HAD A RED DRESS has all of the wit, humor, and excellent plot development that can be expected from a Pearl Cleage novel, and it will hold the reader's attention from the first page to the last.
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Summary: Powerful,Gratifying, Lively and a richly woven story
Review: I just finished reading Pearl Cleage's, I Wish I Had a Red Dress, which happens to be a continuation of What looks like Crazy on an ordinary day. What a powerful, surprisingly shocking and beauitfully woven story centered around Idlewild, Michigan. This book shines a spotlight on Joyce Mitchell the older sister of Ava and introduces us to people like Nate, Nikki, Tomika, Shelia, Sister and Bill, The Smitherman twins and the infamous Lattimore family. I was delighted that Pearl dedicated a book to Joyce and allowed her to share more of herself with us. It was a gratifying and wonderful book to read and well worth sharing with others. Joyce is a strong and remarkable woman, with so much to give and offer others and she does just that. The story is even laced with some comedy so, it's not too deep and heavy for you. While reading it I found myself rethinking various key moments in my own lifetime. Or as Oprah says, those light blub moments. This book has a liitle something, something for everyone and it's sure to be a book you won't soon forget. Happy reading and thanks Pearl for another delightful, life-changing and powerful read.
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Summary: what a let down
Review: I was very disappointed in this follow up novel for the reason listed below. 1. the charators were one dimensial. Not developed at all. I found myself more interested in Lattimore Family than main charator. 2. The main charactor Joyce was so contrived. Eveything just fell into place. 3 Nate the only good male in the book beside Preachers husband was so peprfect. I never felt like he and Joyce never had a relationship. 4. Girls in Sewing Circle were/couldhave made more intersting by a little more charator development. Sum it all up I felt like this book was written quickly to satisfy a deadline. I didnt feel Pearl Cleage put her heart and soul into this book. I am glad i got book on sale and didnt pay full price.
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Summary: Master storyteller
Review: I first read "What Looks Like Crazy..." last year and have recently read "The Brass Bed.." and I find that Pearl Cleage is a master storyteller. She blends her creative talent with the African oral tradition. I appreciate the honesty and creativity in her work. The voices and images are almost tangible. I can't wait to get my hands on "Some Things I Never Thought I'd Do". Take some time and enjoy Cleage's brand of reality.
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Summary: I Wasn't Feeling It
Review: Maybe it's just me. I thought I'd try out a Cleage novel since i hear so much hype about her book. I was tossed back and forth and couldn't make heads or tails out of the gist of the book. I know that she met this handsome principal and fell in love and that she lost her husband and children in car accident. Then she started a nonprofit agency called the Sewing Circus for women with issues. Where's the connection? Sorry. Even though this is only my second review on amazon, I tried to get in this sotry and like this book but it was'nt happenin' for me. Others may like it, but its not my kind of novel. After saying that, i won't elaborate any further. Maybe i will try her other book ?What looks like crazy... Sweetie Pye
(Yes, this is my REAL name)
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Summary: Very Interesting !!!
Review: I have just recently been introduced to this author's work and MY am I having a BLAST !!!! She's electric and very witty. Her imagination amazes me. This sequel to What Looks Like Crazy was very enjoyable. I commend the attack of the key issues that are being resolved in her writings. She's empowering women to take control of their lives. I must admit even in What Looks Like Crazy, I was beginning to think this utopia is not going to be complete without bringing the men along to learn how to deal with an empowered woman. The authors again ties these issues up nicely and keeps you intrigued as she does it. I've also learned quite a few new words ... might want to keep a dictionary handy. A lot of life lessons to be gleaned from her writings. I recommend this book highly, but you should read What Looks Like Crazy first !!!
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Summary: Beautiful and Uplifting
Review: I thought this book was wonderfully inspirational. It follows the story of Joyce who has had far too much tragedy in her life. Another author writing this story might have made it trite or cliched, but the approach is fresh and interesting. By using clever dialogue, we receive many insights into Joyce's life, and why she behaves the way she does. Her character is strong yet vulnerable, and it is nice to see a character that is like a real person, and not a steroetype. Joyce grows not in leaps and bounds, but in baby steps, and it was very beleivalbe to me. Too many times I have seen characters make huge transformations apparently overnight, and it gets tiring! I enjoyed reading this novel- strong female characters, interesting storyline- all the things I want in a book.
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Summary: MikkiTikki
Review: Pearl Cleage writes wonderfully! I enjoyed "...Red Dress" just as much as "What looks like crazy..." The only difference for me is that I smiled all the way through this book, even when nothing was funny. The writing style, the storyline, and the ideals and morals in this novel simply made me want to smile. I felt like, "Aaaaah. Freedom, women leaning to think for themselves, and face their fears. What better to smile at?" This novel seemed to be a cross between fiction and self-help. Not only does it entertain you, you actually walk away with some helpful life lessons.
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