Rating: 
Summary: A+++++
Review: If you are looking for an entertaining, must read for the 2004 year, check out MASS DECEPTION! I enjoyed the story from cover to cover. The characters were well developed and the content kept you going during the entire read. New author, Hallema, has really created very imaginative and humorous dialogues that kept me laughing and on the edge of my seat. Can't wait for the sequel!
Rating:
Summary: Must Read
Review: If you like E. Lynn Harris, Eric J. Dickey or Mary B. Morrison, then you'll love Hallema. She is a new voice in contemporary urban fiction and is attacking the industry with full force. This page turner will keep you guessing as you venture into the life of Toni (with an i) that use to be Tony (with a y). You will laugh, you will cry and you will love Mass Deceptions.
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Read For Book Clubs
Review: Mass Deception is a book you can't put down. I read the book in a day in a half. You must read the book and tell me if you have a John in your life. When you reading this book you can just imagine the scene and the characters. Mass Deception is a good book club discussion. For your first novel it was good.
I am waiting on your sequel.To see just how Toni handle things. Keep up the good work. SGRC
Rating:
Summary: New Literary Voice is "Heard"
Review: Mass Deception was a deviation from the genre of books that I normally read, but I was very impressed by Hallema's first offering. Her character development and storylines engage the reader and capture you from the start. The tale she wove with Toni, John and Devon was so vivid it was as if we were there for every joyous and heartwrenching event. At times I had to fight the urge to read ahead and see what happened. When I couldn't take it any more, I'd jump ahead and then go back to read the rest. Inquiring minds wanted to know!!! I look forward to her future literary works. We've heard you Hallema, loud and clear. You go girl!
Rating:
Summary: Mass Deception A Must Read
Review: Mass Deception was a fun book to read. Once I started reading, I could'nt put it down. It's a book I want to share with everyone, who enjoy reading fun books. Two thumbs up for Ms. Hallema.
Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: Most of the books that I read are suspense/court room dramas. I picked this book up by chance (nice cover) and read it in one shot. Stayed up 'til 4:30 a.m. but could not put it down. This Hallema has a very bright future - hard to believe it's her first book! Keep writing...please.
Rating:
Summary: Mass Deception
Review: Picked up this gem on the way to NYC (JFK), the cover was an interesting gotcha! But the book ("the "village" TONI included)was a laugh, a cry, an I know he/she didn't, every page. Couldn't help but wonder what the passenger in aisle seat 3c thought I was reading, but I just couldn't help laughing, and smiling as I read this plot twisting book. Waiting for Hallema's sequel, SINCE INCEPTION? Maybe there's a closet door opening?????
Rating: 
Summary: Lies, secret and deceit
Review: Secrets and lies permeate this book and the author Hallema, a fresh new writer on the scene, tells a wonderfully different story. The topic -sex changes and alternative lifestyles- may be unnerving to some but nonetheless is real. Meet Toni T. Godwin, a bright, young, hip executive in a marketing firm who started off life in Tallahassee, FL as Tony. Encouraged by a supportive mother, Tony changed from Tony with a "y" to Toni with an "i" after he graduated from school and reinvented himself into the person that we are introduced to at the beginning of the story. Toni has a lifelong friend Devon with whom she's kept in touch with over the years. Devon is her staunchest supporter they are kindred spirits. Devon is gay some may even characterize him as "flaming", but he has a classy elegance about himself and his humor is infectious. He's managed to find a benefactor who has afforded him a lifestyle anybody would dream of. Devon, A.K.A. Miss Divine, is unashamed of his lifestyle and encourages Toni to be honest with all of her suitors. Toni and Miss Divine get together for the weekend of their high school reunion, where Toni decides to enact a little revenge on her high school torturers and live a little. Unbeknownst to her, things don't work out the way she plans and the person who she loved to hate the most has turned out to be quite the handsome catch. Miss Divine has the whole weekend planned out, including setting up Toni with John. Between dates with John and her high school friend, Toni was quite busy running about town. As the relationship between John and Toni progresses, everybody wonders when Toni is going to fess up about her previous state of being. She is torn between revealing her secret and possibly losing a good man or keeping the information to herself and living a lie. Her life goes on as she steadily climbs the corporate ladder but this one thing threatens to tear it all down. She reminisces about having told other men about her status and remembers the physical and mental pain that came with the decision. While her friends and family remain silent, Devon becomes almost insistent that she turn loose her secret and give John the opportunity to be just as accepting. When Devon falls ill, Toni rushes to his side and everything, every secret threatens to collide. The plot is like a roller coaster ride as you read this book. There are highs and lows, twists, turns and hellacious flips. You almost forget that Toni is harboring such a secret. Weaving through this tale, you find that Toni is not the only one who is hiding, and the secrets that others are shrouding are just as painful. The lies that are told in polite society threaten to ruin all of the characters in the book. Just when you think you've figured out the truth, another layer of deception is discovered. The book didn't end with any conclusions, which sets the reader up to wait for the sequel. I hope Hallema is busy writing.
Rating:
Summary: Strong recommendation to reading lovers
Review: Stella never had so good with young Toni coming up in her neck of the woods. This novel support a tight and consitent story line. But watch out; the edges are sharp and the angles are mind-bending. Read it for yourself and see if you can keep up.
Rating:
Summary: Mass deception is a must read
Review: The suspense, the drama, the plot, all the elements that make this book a must read. I loved it from start to finish.
|
