Rating: 
Summary: An astonishing book
Review: Pearl Cleage writes like Ella Fitzgerald sings, with power, passion, beauty and joy. She conveys an entire world with a supple economy of language that is as enviable as it is amazing. You fall in love with her characters; you want to meet them, befriend them, become them! Regina Burns and Blue Hamilton are two of the most appealing people I've encountered since I Wish I Had a Red Dress. And for those who have read What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day, there's a nice re-visit with someone from that wonderful book.Buy this book immediately. Take it home, turn on the CD player, load it up with Motown and put the phone on mute. This is the one you're going to want to savor all by yourself, immersing yourself in every word. Then you're going to want to tell everyone you know about this wonderful book by this wonderful woman because you'll be so happy you'll want to shout. This is a life-affirming treat for the soul that you'll want to share with everyone, just as I did.
Rating: 
Summary: Like a Warm Blanket
Review: Prior to purchasing this book, I hadn't heard much fanfare about it - at least not the degree off acclaim and interest that "What Looks Like Crazy ..." and "I Wish I Had a Red Dress" received. So, while I have enjoyed Cleage's earlier work, I felt a bit hesitant in purchasing this book. However, I can unwaveringly say that she did not let me down. Consistent with her other books, Cleage weaves a story filled with bold characters who seem so familiar to you. Strong role models, comforting sista friends, upstanding men, fearless women, etc. Not only can you envision yourself as part of the community that Cleage describes, but you desire to be in it - which makes the book an enjoyable and easy read. At times, the story gets a bit hokey with Cleage's touches of mysticism and reincarnation. However, she keeps it as an undercurrent to the story, which allows those of us who are not big fans of the esoteric to ignore it and enjoy the reality of the story line. Although the ending is a bit anti-climatic (or less-than dramatic), it is honest and redeeming. And if we can't have a fairy tale ending, isn't that what we really want?
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