Leslie : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Leslie Lacks Luster
Review: After reading Just Say No! (which I loved), I eagerly anticipated the release of Omar Tyree's latest novel Leslie. I have to admit that I was a little disappointed. This was the story of Leslie, a second year college student at Dillard University, Leslie's roommates and Leslie's immediate family. After a tragic incident and a family secret is revealed, Leslie begins a journey of self-discovery. Through this journey we ascertain the history of her mother, father, younger sister and older brother. Each family member has their own demons, but they all depend on Leslie to help them relieve their pain. Eventually Leslie starts to buckle under the pressure and when a string of murders start to happen all eyes, fingers and toes point to her.

I could not get enough of the Beaudet family. At times, I wished the book would have started earlier in Leslie's childhood to see the interaction between the family members. Nevertheless, I felt I had an understanding in
what made them tick. This was not the case for the roommates. They seemed to all be surface characters. What you saw is what you got. As presented, I did not really want to dig any further to find out more about them.

As the story progressed, I saw the social message that Mr. Tyree was trying to get across, however, I don't believe that Leslie's story could be used as a model for that message. Overall, Leslie held very few surprises and was very predictable including the ending. Even though my expectations were not met with this novel, I will definitely read Tyree's next one.

This book was a 3.5 on the APOOO scale.

Reviewed by Nicole
APOOO BookClub

Rating:
Summary: Good Read
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It's the story of Leslie, a Haitian college student attending an HBCU. Leslie has had a rough life and is trying to better her life by attending college. She is a strong and determined to succeed. All of her family members look to her for support. When her mother calls her from her death bed, she revels to Leslie that her grandmother was an high priestess and that Leslie looks just like her. Leslie is estatic and doesn't know how to deal with this new revelation. She begins reading up on Vadou and starts taking things into her own hands when trouble comes knocking into Leslie's life.
I gave this book 4 stars only because I didn't like the ending. Hopefully Mr. Tyree will give us a sequel.

Rating:
Summary: wonderful wonderful
Review: this book was one of the best books i've ever read. i had a few spots where it just seemed to drag but when i did pick up it was incredible. if anyone doesn't like this book there is something wrong with you. this book made you think and truly understand where Leslie was coming from. those not true omar tyree fans don't read but those who love him, it is wonderful!!