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Summary: Cathartic sob producer
Review: After hearing Ms. Berry as the key note speaker at the Texas Elementary Principal's (TEPSA) convention in Austin last week, I was compelled to purchase and read her book. Even though there is a salting of mysticism in the story, the real moral of the novel has to do with life lessons on how to accept yourself for who you are... I sobbed through the last half of the book. Thank goodness the house was empty! If I had known how to reach Ms. Berry and thank her, I would have!
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Summary: A Fruitful Moral
Review: An extremely touching and compelling novel. I especially loved the way the author described things; I could almost taste the fruit of her effort.
It truly does contain the Recipe of Life; I loved the moral.
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Summary: Redemption Song
Review: Destined to become a classic, "The Redemption Song", by Bertice Berry, her debut novel, is about a man and a woman who meet in a bookstore and argue over a rare book (the only one in existence) written by a slave. It has all of the ingredients for a good read:*Iona - The slave woman who wrote the book, but was never taught how to read or write. Is this a gift from God? *"Children of Grace" - The book Iona wrote almost 400 years ago. Inside of its pages, the reader finds, "The Recipe of Life". A recipe which tells blacks how to get ahead in life. *Ross Buchannon - The man in the bookstore. An anthropologist on sabbatical, researching the history of black love. *Josephine Chambers - The woman in the bookstore. On a rare day off from the office, Josephine decides to search for a book, one which possesses a secret place in her soul. *Joe - The slave who fell in love with Iona. Sold and separted from his true love, Joe learns how to read and write. He writes letters to Iona which she never receives. The last letter, still in existence, was signed, "I love you. You make me feel like myself". *Ms. Cozy - The Bookstore Owner who refuses to sell the book. For Berry's first try out into the world of fiction, she has plotted a well written story. She skillfully weaves back and fourth into three timelines. There is the past with Iona and Joe, the present with Ross and Josephine and the present's past (i.e., Ross and Josephine's childhood and teen years). For me the book was a little eerie. I had the feeling this work of fiction was somehow true, especially, "The Recipe of Life". Look at the first part of the recipe: "'Black people...have to accept that we are entitled to be happy...We've become so accustomed to misery that we think we're supposed to be unhappy. And if there isn't any misery in our lives, we'll either find some or create some.'" The only minor dissappointment I had with the book was with the adult characters of Ross and Josephine. I wanted more about them. Their adult characters could have been more fleshed out. For example, Josephine works a 9-5 but the reader is not quite sure what she does for a living. I want to say she works in the corporate (marketing?)world but that part of the character is not really clear. Who does she hang out with on the job and at home. Who are her friends? The same with Ross. I wanted some interaction with him and the people from his world. Who are his friends? The book is only 181 pages but could have easily gone another 100 pages, maybe more detailed information on the present lives of Ross and Josephine. I loved the book. This Bertice Berry is a writer!!!!!!!!
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Summary: Outstanding--A Remarkable Work
Review: I couldn't put Redemption Song down...I read it in one sitting and recommend it to everyone...especially those of African American descent. The story is centered around Josephine Chambers, a successful business executive and Ross Buchanan, a scholar pursuing his PhD in Anthropology. They "accidentally" meet at the Black Images Bookstore in search of the very rare book entitled Children of Grace. While in the store, both discover the book at the same time, which lead the wise proprietress, Ms. Cozy, to referee a joint reading session between the two. Over the next few days, the voice of their ancestor speaks to them and discloses timeless wisdom, acts of courage, love, selflessness, and hope onto the couple. I don't want to reveal too much, but I'd like to say the author weaves an inspiration and heart touching tale that includes a message, "The Recipe of Life", that we can all heed and embrace. I initially borrowed this book from the public library, but will procure a copy for my personal library. It is one I will present as gifts for my family and friends to perpetuate the message. It is now on my all-time favorites list. This was an outstanding piece of work...truly inspiring, motivational, uplifting. A must read!
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Summary: Love Through the Ages
Review: I have always been interested in literature that touches on my ancestors' beginnings in the USA. Ms. Berry has written a very moving story of a love that transcends the boundaries of time and remembrance. Her memorable characters, Ms. Cozy, Fina and Ross, will take you on a journey back through time, to slavery days and teach you that the power of love is stronger than chains, distance or the passage of years. Together they discover a connection that was foretold generations before any of them were ever born. This is a must read for all lovers of black history and eternal love. Bravo, Bertice!
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Summary: Spiritual Love....
Review: I have no idea what to write about a book that gives you everything you need in a little over 100 pages. I heard a saying a long time ago; A book is a gift that you can open over and over again. This is one of the best gifts I have ever received. Thank you Ms. Berry. Redemption Song was also a history lesson never to be forgotton. In order to progress forward, we have to know our history. Which is exactly what Ross and Fina did after their chance meeting at Black Images Bookstore or was it by chance. I loved this book - 192 pages filled with MORE, filled with HOPE filled with a great storyline. This book seeps in your soul and remind you of the power of books. Ms Berry you are magnificent!
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Summary: Excellent Author!
Review: I was inspired by this author! Dr. Berry spoke at the Annual Convocation to begin the school year for my district and wowed every teacher, administrator, parent and child with her personal warmth, wit, humor, and insight. I have never laughed and cried so hard at one of these opening meetings in all my years in education. If you want to be inspired and brought to a new level of thinking, buy her books then book her to speak to your group! You will never forget her.
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Summary: Very Powerfull and Touching!
Review: Many of the reviewers of this book have been touched by this book because (in addition to other points) they were of African American descent. I was touch because I am not. The book is very simply written but so powerfull. It lays out a message which should be heeded by all. The importance of learning from the past and taking care of the future of the human race. It has been a long time since I have read a book and felt that I had enrished myself rather than wasted my time.
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Summary: Mesmerizing Love Story
Review: Okay, I admit it. I read The Haunting of Hip Hop before I picked this one up. But I am glad I did it that way. While I thought the Haunting was an amazing idea and very creatively progressive story, this book just blew me away. Here was me, perched on the steps by the doorway of my split level 1960's home. Four hours later: I had read and re-read this novel. The weaving of the manuscripts from predecessors with the modern abruptness, which somehow still finds its way to romance, was masterful. The revelations are striking and even I, who does not believe in romance, was cheering for the story's couple. Read this book. Believe. Some things are just meant to be.
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Summary: Music to My Ears
Review: This book is for the hopeless romantic who believes in the impossible. I loved the poetic prose of Redemption Song because it helped set the mood... simple, sweet, spiritual, and slow (bearing the sweetness of syrup - not molasses). This book touched my heart deeply, and I'm not exactly sure why, because it was so mesmerizing! It is true that good things come in small packages. Redemption Song is packed with good things!
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