Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful story
Review: I picked this book up because I was in the mood to read a new novel, and it just happened to be there. I had never heard of this book or Maxine Clair, but was more than pleasantly pleased. I am a 27 year old white girl, but found that I could relate to both October and Vergie and even to some of the male characters. I laughed, cried and was uplifted by this immacutate story. Ms. Clair is a gifted author who turns the reader into more than just an observer to the story. She writes you into it. I was so thrilled to find such a wonderful story that connects the reader to the characters in such a powerful, cross cultural/generational manner. Thank you Maxine Clair. You have renewed my love for reading.
Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyable
Review: I really wish there was more credit given to Maxine Claire for her beautiful writing. In the world of commercialism or just plain bad writing among many contemporary fiction writers, Claire's work is a breath of fresh air. Finally here is a book where more than voice can be commended. Claire has a knack for time and place. Who can talk about Kansas any better? She has a way of telling the story without relying too heavily on flashback which at times seemed to be impossible to do. Nonetheless, Claire does it. Also the way she does not play into sentimentality helps the reader have his/her own opinions about the character's, their lives, and decisions. There are really no cards left unturned (so cliche I know) in that she gives the reader enough information about the parents and the aunts and the men. Really anyone who wants to read good literature, please pick this book up.
Peace
Rating:
Summary: A Superb Read.
Review: Maxine Clair did a superb job of providing us with a slice of life and weaving a rich story line. Her characters were rich and she brought together many threads that eventually came full circle. The story is one that "by the grace of God," anyone of us could find themselves in. A young woman thinking she found love, finds herself pregnant and hopes against odds that he will rescue her and find happiness ever after. Ms. Clair gives us a wonderful glimps of life in the 50's/60's, blending Harlem, St. Louis,the age of jazz and life in the mid-west. Her language is pure sweetness. I savored the sweetness of her language, the rhythm, characters and story line. A wonderful read that ended too quickly. Well done.
Rating:
Summary: Sweet old-fashioned storytelling
Review: October Suite begins with a rich, lyrical tale of two sisters, October and Vergie, who are drawn together and apart by family tragedies. Readers are forced to take sides, but that could change by the end.The characters are quite vivid, and their voices are bold and passionate. Even the voice of the deceased mother is audible. The author's words shape October, her family, friends and colleagues like a potter molds clay. Ms. Clair moves with slow precision as she meticulously unveils the lives of these sisters. October and Vergie grow up and grow apart after October changes her name and her direction. She leaves town to pursue an education and career in teaching. Outside the classroom, October learns lessons about love, family, and friends. This old-fashioned story is sweet and rich. However, the story comes to an unusually abrupt halt - leaving readers wanting more or a 'suiter' ending.
Rating:
Summary: A Fantastic, Lyrical Novel
Review: October, a name she gave herself after her mother's death, falls in love with a man and ends up pregnant. Her problem, though, is that he's a married man and he wants nothing more to do with her or the baby. After delivering the baby, she decides that she's not fit to be a mother and she gives away her baby to her sister, Vergie, who's unable to have a child of her own. This story, set in the 1950's, was one of my favorites of 2002. The writing was lyrical and vivid and the story was unforgettable. Maxine Clair has a style of her own and she tells the kind of story that's, quite frankly, missing in most of the other books currently out on the market. If you're looking for an excellent and different book to read, look no further than October Suite.
Rating:
Summary: A Fantastic, Lyrical Novel
Review: October, a name she gave herself after her mother's death, falls in love with a man and ends up pregnant. Her problem, though, is that he's a married man and he wants nothing more to do with her or the baby. After delivering the baby, she decides that she's not fit to be a mother and she gives away her baby to her sister, Vergie, who's unable to have a child of her own. This story, set in the 1950's, was one of my favorites of 2002. The writing was lyrical and vivid and the story was unforgettable. Maxine Clair has a style of her own and she tells the kind of story that's, quite frankly, missing in most of the other books currently out on the market. If you're looking for an excellent and different book to read, look no further than October Suite.
Rating:
Summary: Here's one for your reading list
Review: They call October Suite a literary novel. All I know is that I enjoyed this story. It was written so vividly descriptive and lyrically that I felt as if I could see the scenes unfolding in front of me. Imagine you are a "colored" teacher in the 1950's in Kansas. You are held to a high standard and your every move is being scrutinzed. Then, imagine you meet a man only to find out he's married. He gives you the line of leaving his wife. Then imagine you find yourself pregnant and alone. You have to return to Ohio to your family to have a baby. You can't not bond with him and you give him to your sister. Imagine, a little later you decide you want him back, but you made a promise. What do you do? Once you pick up October Suite, you will see how Ms October Brown copes with her decisions. You will also find how events of her life early on effects her life later. I found this book to be a interesting story in a time period that has always interested me. It's a slow read, but one you will want to savor because the story is so good.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful story
Review: This novel is a lovely piece of work. A naive woman name October Brown finds out what life serves up when you get involved with a married man and have a child. She also learns that a child needs more than what she is initially willing to give. Through time she discovers that she loves and wants her son,(she gave him up to her sister). She learns the truth about her mother and father, and discovers that no one in this life can go on without their family. Included in this little tale of words are history and music. This book is a light read, nothing truly indepth, but sparkling with warmth. It is a breath of fresh air, and if you like to read about human nature, this is the perfect addition. Joy.
Rating: 
Summary: Sweet Book
Review: This novel is a lovely piece of work. A naive woman name October Brown finds out what life serves up when you get involved with a married man and have a child. She also learns that a child needs more than what she is initially willing to give. Through time she discovers that she loves and wants her son,(she gave him up to her sister). She learns the truth about her mother and father, and discovers that no one in this life can go on without their family. Included in this little tale of words are history and music. This book is a light read, nothing truly indepth, but sparkling with warmth. It is a breath of fresh air, and if you like to read about human nature, this is the perfect addition. Joy.
Rating:
Summary: Clair's writing is exquiste
Review: This story was beautifully written. Claire has an amazing way of bringing the story alive before your eyes. She has such a gift for description that I actually felt my stomach lurch at some of the details. A must read!
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