Redemption Song : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: An allegorical tale...
Review: This short book reads like an allegory, as three people come together as "Adam", "Eve" and "Mentor", to discover the truths revealed in a book they read together, "Children of Grace". Throughout the story, the three become sensitized to their roles in life as Black-Americans who appreciate their heritage. Although brief, REDEMPTION SONG is a call to the future, including "A Recipe for Life", meant to enrich and encourage. I gave it three stars only because it is written so simply, but at the same time, I believe the author wants to reach as wide an audience as possible, her message one of healing and acceptance.

Rating:
Summary: A Modern Love Story from the Past
Review: This splendid fictional debut puts two strangers at the same place, for the same purpose and puts them on the same mission-to change their lives to help the enigmatic future of African-Americans. Ross Buchanan and Josephine "Fina" Chambers fall in love as they realize their meeting was not happenstance. The two meet at the African-American bookshop Black Images and reach for the same book at the same time. Both are determined to keep the book, so the owner Miss Cozy must solve their quandary. The book is not for sale but she allows them to come everyday to read the book together. Miss Cozy participates with the couple as they all become closer, especially Ross and Fina, turning the pages of a book written by a slave woman. With each experience Ross and Fina find their own characteristics that were once confusing to them and experiences that can be compared with Iona, the slave whose gift of writing came to her when she picked up some paper and a writing utensil. Each discovers that their connection to their ancestors is the key to changing the future for the better. The lesson to be learned is that we as African-Americans must learn from our history and ancestors if we want to progress, and we must start with our seeds, our children. Also, we must learn to love and accept that we are entitled to happiness. I enjoyed this book because it challenges you to delve deep within yourself and see what has been holding you back over the years.

Rating:
Summary: Breathtaking! It will leave you in tears
Review: This was a beautifully constructed fable/love story/inspirational/historical piece. Miss Berry really put her heart and soul into a story that will resonate with the reader for a long time. Josephine (Fina) and Ross are brought together one morning in a book store. This is just not any bookstore, but none other than Black Images, run by Miss Cosina Brown, Ms. Cozy, if you please. She is a wise soul who posseses a book, a special rare book, that promises to change these three main characters lives. Anthropolist Ross and advertising exec Fina reach for the book at the same time only to be told it isn't for sale. That settled, they sit down with Ms. Cozy and read the story written by a former slave woman. Little do they know how her story interconnects with them all. As the story weaves a heart wrenching story of the pain and hardships of slavery and its legacy from the past to the present, the three characters must examine their own lives and their future. I like the fact that the better part of this story took place in a book store. This small book packs a lot in its pages.

Rating:
Summary: Truly Redeeming, Inspiring. I couldn't put it down!
Review: What an awesome read! I couldn't put this novel down until I was finished. The next day I had to read it again and share it with others NO MATTER where I am. I've emailed, called and wrote family and friends to tell them about Bertice Berry's truly redeeming book and how blessed they will feel during and after reading it as well. The story shares and shows the obstacles that "true love" can overcome even in slavery. The love that Joe and Iona shared is inspiring and makes you ache for them. The lessons and blessings that Miss Cozy, Ross and Fina come to share touch the very core of your being. This story encourages you to do 3 things: look within yourself, find truth and know your true purpose.