Friends and Lovers

Rating:
Summary: THE BOMB!
Review: "Friends and Lovers" is my absolute favorite book of all times! I absolutely loved it. Before I bought the book, I hadn't read many books by African American authors, much less authors that were men. Terry McMillian was the only one. When I went away to college a fellow student asked me why I only read books by white authors? I didn't have a good excuse, so I set out to read and support African American literature. I was at the bookstore buying a book when I saw "Sister Sister" I thought of my friends words and bought the book. I tore that book up in about 4 hours! *lol* I went back to the bookstore the next day to get "Friends and Lovers" but it wasn't out yet. I had to keep re-reading "Sister Sister" I finally did get "Friends and Lovers", and it was worth my wait. I finished "Friends and Lovers" the same night. It was such a good book. Debra, Shelby, Leonard, and Tyrell were like people I knew. I passed the book on to my 15 year old brother, who in turn passed it on to our mother. We all love it! I just got finished reading "Milk in my Coffee" and I loved that too! Eric Jerome Dickey can do no wrong when it comes to telling a story!

Rating:
Summary: A funny, romantic, love story!
Review: (originally posted September 6, 1998)

Once again, Eric Jerome Dickey has restored my faith in the unity of friendships and relationships. He creatively projects positive, realistic images in Tyree, Debra, Shelby and Leonard that are hardly ever seen or heard of in the media. Dickey discusses strong friendships and carefully unfolds how the duos inevitably become lovers.

After a while, you may think you're watching a soap opera. Then you realize these are not characters or actors. They are real people - perhaps your friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers who have shared intimate secrets with you. The novel is told from each persons heart with such a style that forces you to take breaks just to digest their innermost feelings. Friends and Lovers grips at your heart strings and delicately ties them in a lovely bow.

This heart-warming love story is also sensuous, without the vulgarity portrayed in some novels and movies designed to hold the audience. Mr. Dickey gently holds the reader's attention and emotions as he meticulously imparts love, laughter, anger and other emotions that naturally arise in a relationship. THE PASSION OF CHAPTER 12 IS SO SWEET AND HOT; IT WILL MAKE YOU WANNA HOLLER (FOR REAL)! Just get a fan and a tall glass of ice water or tea - whichever will help restore your blood pressure to a normal rate!

This is definitely a must read!

Rating:
Summary: Awesome awesome!!
Review: Best book written by Eric!! Shelby rocks!!

Rating:
Summary: Mind Candy
Review: Friends and Lovers is about the adverse changes and maturing of relationships that transcends color. Eric's writting style is so fluid that it seems as though you flow from one life to the next in a matter of hours. I felt as though I genuinely knew each of the characters. And found a lot of myself in each of them. Everyone can relate to one if not all of the different events that took place. This book is a refreshing escape for the mind-as well as thought provoking. Live each second of life to its' fullest with no "what ifs". Treasure opportunities that present themselves. But most importantly, never lose sight of who you are by allowing someone else to create your happiness. You will enjoy and admire his array of characters along with his colorful hidden messages that are really powerful. Read this one! Then buy a few copies for your friends and family! Men and women alike. You won't be disappointed;however, I must warn you...if you are looking for a lifeless, mundane, "I'll read the rest tomorrow" story-you'll need to look someplace else! Go get it this book...now!

Rating:
Summary: A POWERFUL, TRUE-TO-LIFE ROMANCE
Review: Friends and Lovers was an excellent novel. It kept me totally enthralled from start to finish. Eric's other two books Sister Sister and Milk In My Coffee were excellent as well. I have to give credit where credit is due and Eric Jerome Dickey deserves it all. I finished the book within a matter of hours and I was upset when I got finished because it meant that I was no longer involved in the lives of Tyrel, Shelby, Debra and Leonard. I strongly suggest that Eric and his agents discuss a possibly movie deal for Friends and Lovers because I would love to see it on the big screen, Nia Long and Shemar Moore would be perfect for Shelby and Tyrel!! Keep up the good work Eric and as long as you do I will remain a loyal fan.

P.S. If we can't get a movie deal, will you at least consider a sequel. Maybe it could be about Debra finding a new love and Shelby and Tyrel having marital problems

Rating:
Summary: mmm-mmm-mmm!
Review: i have to say that eric jerome dickey out did himself AGAIN! i thought Sister Sister had it going on, but he put Friends and Lovers on another level! Shoot, i'm currently majoring in computer science, with a minor in creative writing, but i might have to switch it around! this brother was working it front to back. but on a serious note, i was really feeling the characters in this book. seeing chiquita brought back (a main character in Sister Sister), although i was unhappy with her choice of relationship, was good. but, i must say that shelby reminded me a lot of myself; her whole attitude, and persona towards men and life had me rolling throughout the book. and debra reminded me of one of my close friends, with her down to earth, motherly type vibe, her and leonard made a really cute couple. all in all, it was really sad how the book ended, but then again, that's just how life is sometimes, which only added to the element of keeping the story real and believable. i learned that you just can't stop true, meant-to-be-together love, and that sometimes, love is the only thing that keeps you sane on an otherwise bad day. pick this book up and support an outstanding african-american author. you won't be sorry, you'll be hooked on every last word, yet again, i guarantee it!

Rating:
Summary: Eric Jerome Dickey held me hostage for two days!
Review: This was my first time reading a novel by Eric Jerome Dickey. I was pleasantly surprised. His writing style is so captivating. From the moment I picked up the book, I could not put it down and I read almost non-stop until the wee hours of the morning. And that's not easy considering the fact that I'm the mother of six children. Eric held me hostage for two days.
I love his vocabulary. I love his style. I especially like the way he allows the story to unfold so smoothly. It really flows. His use of the first person voice is interesting and adds a personal touch to the story. It's as if you're having a one-on-one conversation with the characters. Leonard and Tyrel seemed to have their stuff together. I'd love to meet brothers like them and hook them up with my sisters. (I'm happily married - LOL).
I'm placing my order for the other Dickey books and can't wait to read them.