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Summary: Another Bestseller by Atlanta's Master Storyteller
Review: Ms. Cleage does it again and again. I read this story in a few days and loved every single word of it. Pearl tells a wonderful story of what happens when communities come together and stick together. The added flavor for me was the use of Atlanta landmarks (businesses, etc) and that made the story feel like "home". I think everyone will agree that WE KNEW Regina would find BLUE...after all, back in the day....and even now, when our elders tell us something is going to happen...you can run to the bank with it! A believeable, well written, well told story that I could read over and over again. "Some Things I Never Thought I'd Do" is definitely one for your personal library. I will continue singing it's praises....it's just that good! Pearl you have fans for life....and that's a long time. We are waiting for the next novel....
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Summary: Now, that's what I'm Talkin Bout
Review: Once again Pearl does her thing. What looks like crazy, and I Wish I Had a Red Dress were good stories, and this one was just as good or even better. I really had a good time with the book. I'll be reading you again as long as you don't go to P.G. county. (yuck)
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Summary: The best book I've read in 2003
Review: Pearl Cleage has far exceeded my expectaions with this one. I won't spoil the book with too many details, but I guarantee, you will not be disappointed. This book makes you look at your self and shake your head, at some of the things you thought you'd never do. In the year 2030, this will still be a great read. Pearl Cleage, take your seat at the table of literary masters.
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Summary: Sooooooo Goooood... I wanted to read it again!
Review: Pearl Cleage is a master story teller. This book has a hint of mystery and spirituality that begs the question: Have we been here before? Enjoy the read and fall in love with these characters and the lives that they live. You won't be disappointed at all. The story deserves more than 5 stars Anfra
Author- You Are My Sister
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Summary: FASCINATING CHARACTERS, WONDERFUL STORY.
Review: Pearl Cleage is an author in a class by herself, and her books define their own special genre. As with her previous writings, Pearl Cleage's latest literary venture, SOME THINGS I NEVER THOUGHT I'D DO, is a delightful tale that captures the imagination of the reader and the spirit of each of its central characters. The main character, Regina Burns, is an "everywoman", whose name suggests the negative aspects of her past, as well as the bright and searing prospects for her future. It is only fitting, therefore, that she becomes entangled with the handsome and mysterious Blue Hamilton, who is linked with her past and future selves in more ways than one. Imaginative plots, vivid characterization, and lyrical prose are standard trademarks of a Pearl Cleage novel-and this one definitely does not disappoint.
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Summary: The circle of life
Review: Pearl Cleage returns to the literary scene with her much anticipated novel SOME THINGS I NEVER THOUGHT I'D DO. In the story, Regina Burns, fresh out of rehab and skating on thin ice with her mortgage company, agrees to work on a project for her former employer Beth Davis. Also the mother of Regina's lost love of a lifetime, Beth is a motivational speaker for single mothers who strives to inspire and lift them up. However, while her orations are uplifting, Beth's personal relationships leave much to be desired. Guided by her Aunt Abbie's post-menopausal extrasensory visions, Regina heads from DC to Atlanta to pay both tribute to Beth's son and payments to her banker. In Atlanta she meets Blue Hamilton, a black man with eyes the color of the sea. He owns the building where she decides to board, and as she learns, she has known him before in a less traditional sense. Once Regina gets to work she finds that her aunt's visions are much more than the ramblings of an old woman and that her task is much larger than saving the house where she was raised. Pearl Cleage is one of those great storytellers that knows how to work virtually any situation. I was enraptured with this book, and each page added a litany of emotions to my soul. The primary characters are spectacular, but the other characters she included are just as real, and they each add an important piece to the story. I would recommend this book to anyone. Reviewed by CandaceK
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
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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.
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Summary: Classic Cleage!
Review: Pearl Cleage's latest novel, Some Things I Never Thought I'd Do is a tale of recovery, redemption, and a love that transcends time. Regina Burns, a talented speechwriter, is fresh out of a Washington, DC rehabilitation center and ready to begin her life anew. She has rebounded from cocaine addiction propelled during a period of depression after breaking up with her fiancé and having her habit fueled by her inheritance from her recently deceased parents. Desperate for money, she embraces responsibility and reluctantly accepts a short-term job in Atlanta with her "would-have-been" mother-in-law (who was really the cause of the break-up) to save her family's home from foreclosure. If this sounds like a challenge, it is; however add in her visionary aunt's premonition regarding Regina's destiny to save a damsel in distress, slay a dragon, and meet a handsome man with "the ocean in his eyes" and the level of complexity, suspense, and drama goes through the roof! This novel is in sync with Cleage's other works, in that she exposes human nature to the bare bones - she skilfully wraps issues surrounding love, class, sexuality, and race into a wonderful story. Her characters are warm and likeable; her sense of humor is witty and perfectly timed; and her pacing is great. It is a delightful "feel good" novel in that in the end the prophesy is fulfilled, cosmic justice is served, and a message on doing the right thing is delivered. This is a wonderful summertime read! Reviewed by Phyllis
APOOO BookClub
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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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Summary: Doctor Feelgood
Review: The author has found the knack and I'm hooked. Masterful story teller. The storyline has already been outlined by other reviewers. I would like to recommend this book because it just makes you feel good. It inspires hope in an otherwise bleak future. The good strong Black Man, Black Woman relationship is alive and well. The only disappointment I had was finishing the book also. I felt the ending was alittle rushed but maybe that's because I have to wait for the sequel. I miss the old characters from Idlewild, but it's like we've met a whole new family who I hope have more life lessons to teach us. A Must Read !!!
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