Rating: 
Summary: Glad she wrote it
Review: "Laughing in the Dark" is the Black female side of Nathan McCall's "Makes Me Wanna Holler." Both works share the stories of young African people growing up with harsh realities and obstalces. Both books are about "how I overcame," and what it takes to endure the hardships of life.Ms. Gaines's book though is rare, for we don't have nearly enough coming-of-age books by African women. The focus is mainly on the plight of African men. Though "Laughing in the Dark" is somewhat depressing, it serves to remind us of those Black women who are not "waiting to exhale" and can't get their groove on because they don't have the privileges to do so. They must find strength in themselves where there might not be very much strength. I hope more books like Gaines will be written. I'm sure there are many more sistahs out there with similiar stories to tell.
Rating:
Summary: Glad she wrote it
Review: "Laughing in the Dark" is the Black female side of Nathan McCall's "Makes Me Wanna Holler." Both works share the stories of young African people growing up with harsh realities and obstalces. Both books are about "how I overcame," and what it takes to endure the hardships of life. Ms. Gaines's book though is rare, for we don't have nearly enough coming-of-age books by African women. The focus is mainly on the plight of African men. Though "Laughing in the Dark" is somewhat depressing, it serves to remind us of those Black women who are not "waiting to exhale" and can't get their groove on because they don't have the privileges to do so. They must find strength in themselves where there might not be very much strength. I hope more books like Gaines will be written. I'm sure there are many more sistahs out there with similiar stories to tell.
Rating: 
Summary: A Must Read Book
Review: "Laughing in the Dark" was an excellent book. I really enjoyed reading it. Patrice had a tough life. She has been through a lot, but in the end she has accomplished so much. In my eyes Patrice Gaines is a remarkable women. I find books about the author's life are the most interesting types of books. They are so honest and tell you so much about life. Everybody faces different problems and situations that the next person. I myself learn more from the mistakes and lifestyles others have than what anyone could teach me. Biographies and autobiographies tell you the truth, how they felt, the details on what happened, their mistakes, and how they dealt with it all. The more you know about the author the more interesting the reading is. Patrice in particular is a very strong and smart women. She has been through a lifetime of mistakes, promises, deaths, and accomplishments than a lot of others ever will be, and she is still going. Her earlier life had helped her get ready for anything, for the rest of her life. I believe she should be everybody's role model to success. She has done a lot and is still helping others. I am very pleased with the book and I recommend it for others to read. Her life has made me think about my own. She has helped me know what to expect, what to watch out for, and what a wonderful life you can have if you want it enough and try to get it.
Rating:
Summary: Rising to the Top
Review: Another great piece of work about a woman overcoming the hardships of life and low self esteem. I would recommend this to anyone trying to understand 'why me' in order for them to see that they are not alone, things aren't as bad as they seem, and that change is coming.
Rating:
Summary: A strong example of a womens struggle
Review: I recently read the book Laughing in the Dark, by Patrice Gaines. In my opinion this is a wonderful example of the hardships and traumas that women face throughout their lives. I myself gained a lot of knowledge and insight as to why women sometimes react the way they do or make certain decisions. The book flows along nicely and keeps you waiting to find out what turn it will take next. It takes you through experiences with men, drugs, family, pregnancy, pain and death. It is a great book and I would strongly suggest reading it.
Rating:
Summary: A strong example of a womens struggle
Review: I recently read the book Laughing in the Dark, by Patrice Gaines. In my opinion this is a wonderful example of the hardships and traumas that women face throughout their lives. I myself gained a lot of knowledge and insight as to why women sometimes react the way they do or make certain decisions. The book flows along nicely and keeps you waiting to find out what turn it will take next. It takes you through experiences with men, drugs, family, pregnancy, pain and death. It is a great book and I would strongly suggest reading it.
Rating:
Summary: Gaines captures the eyes and ears of American women.
Review: I think Patrice Gaines's Laughing in the Dark captures the eyes and ears of most women in America. With her strong voice and powerful heart she did what most women wouldn't dare: She talked about reality and what really goes on behind closed doors when you constantly let men control your life, including your mind and your money. She wants people to know that you can take back control. She makes excellent points about drugs and issues of race, things that been around her all her life. It doesn't matter what color or age you are, sometime in your life you may have experienced the things Patrice mentions in her book. Patrice writes about the importance of family and friendship; she lets you know that without family and friends you can't change. She should be congratulated for facing and overcoming the problems she had in her life. She didn't let her troubles overpower her; she overpowered them. I would like to say this to Patrice: Keep your voice strong and your heart powerful and there will always be someone listening and understanding what you're trying to say.
Rating:
Summary: A very realistic book
Review: I throughly enjoyed this book. It was nice to read from an author who talked about how she struggled in life and even went to jail before getting her head straight, as well as her failures and mistakes. I think Gaines is a very good author and this book was very well-written. I love it. It's one of my favorites.
Rating:
Summary: Coming Out on Top
Review: Laughing in the Dark was a phenomenal, well-written book. Patrice went through many trials and tribulations in her life and managed to make it despite her many struggles. This book is not only exciting, but it provides very good advice. She talks about her experiences with men, drugs, pregnancy, death and many other things. By reading what she said, many women should know how to deal with life decisions without a doubt in their mind that most of their choices are right. I think that her best message to women is to stay strong; love and respect yourself before you jump into relationships, and you're more likely to come out on top--like Patrice.
Rating:
Summary: Coming Out on Top
Review: Laughing in the Dark was a phenomenal, well-written book. Patrice went through many trials and tribulations in her life and managed to make it despite her many struggles. This book is not only exciting, but it provides very good advice. She talks about her experiences with men, drugs, pregnancy, death and many other things. By reading what she said, many women should know how to deal with life decisions without a doubt in their mind that most of their choices are right. I think that her best message to women is to stay strong; love and respect yourself before you jump into relationships, and you're more likely to come out on top--like Patrice.
| 
