Rating: 
Summary: Good story, though a bit long and preachy
Review: First Love is a novel about a young woman who must choose between her God and virginity, and her first love. Amani Shepard is the youngest of seven daughters and the only one of the brood to save her virginity. Her mother, Olivia, is also the seventh of seven daughters, and she prays daily that Amani will stay virginal, unlike her six sisters; however, when Amani meets "Miracle Man" Marley, a star college basketball player, her strength in God begins to weaken for the strength of Marley's embraces and kisses. Will she save herself and her body, or will Amani give in to temptation? Olivia hopes her daughter can save her virtue without her having to reveal painful secrets from her own past.First Love is a good story; a story that needs to be told. There are not a lot of books, if any out today, about young African American teenagers, who believe in Christ and have strong, religious convictions, and at the same time, lead normal lives like other teenagers. I felt connected with Amani AND Olivia and cared about their wellbeings throughout the novel. Callegari adds to her strong, story focus to include characters such as Destiny, Amani's best friend and possible nemesis, especially when Destiny sets her sights on Marley. There is also the "scheming cheerleader" who plots to get Marley between the sheets. Though I enjoyed this cheerleader's vindictive ways, I was put off by her backstory. I thought it was a bit much, and it really did not add to the story. Even with these positives, there are issues I had with First Love. For one, the story is too preachy. Almost every other page has a biblical reference/citation, and every page "lectures" on loving God. In and of itself, that is not a problem; however, for me, this is a fictional novel, and most people want to be entertained and not feel as if they are being lectured to. It's easier to persuade people when they do not know they are being persuaded. At times, I felt like I was being hit over the head with the Bible, and that left me with a bad taste in my mouth. There is a niche in the publishing world for this book, but I also believe that less lecturing could broaden the marketplace for this enjoyable read. Also, the story is a little longwinded. There were several times I thought the story was "over," only to find out that I had 100 pages to go, or 75, or 50. The story's climactic ending happened early for me in the book, so the last several pages tired me out to read. Despite my negatives, I did enjoy reading Callegari's debut novel, First Love. Callegari has a lyrical style that I think will only grow as she writer more. I would recommend that anyone interested in a refreshing change to fiction, should pick up this book and give it a try. Shon Bacon
Rating: 
Summary: "Yolanda's Biggest Fan"
Review: Hi Everyone, I can tell u that Ms. Yolanda's book is ALL OF THAT and THEN SOME! She will win u over with her style of writting, and her down to earth language that speaks for all languages, & for all cultures! No matter who u are u can really relate to her come alive, and up close & personally characters! The Body of Christ can especially relate! She will keep u on the edge of you seat wanting more when u get down to the ending of how Amani and Marley's love story went down! I recommend this book to anyone of all ages especially the youth! This story is great to show all people and the youth, that u do not have to be lame to serve Christ! U can still have your fun, reading, and being entertained with out all of the junk that is put into secular love stories! Pastors, I highly recommend this book to any of your youth, make, reading this book your next group activity for the youth members in your church! This book was tight, and OFF THE CHAIN IN JESUS NAME! This book also has a well spoken moral and real life lessons taught to the Body of Christ and others, that everyone can put into practice in real life!Yolanda, girl u are truly an annointed woman of God who is truly blessed with the gift of writting! U have truly done a great job on this book and I look forward to reading many other great books in the "First Love" series! Stay Up In Christ Saints,
Tarneasha
Rating:
Summary: The Best Book On Earth (unless she comes out with another)
Review: I absolutly love this book, she really got off on this book. she is a talented writer and is probably very respected, her words really touched me.
She did a VERY good job of setting the characters up in a way that was spaced out, but understood, and it seems as if she took her time to carefully choose the characters and what woutld happen to each, very reccommended to the Teen age group!
Rating:
Summary: I Wish I would have waited
Review: I feel that this book is a good example for youth growing up in the 2000's. They need examples of those who are faced with same challenges as they are. This book will help them to see that some
people are stronger than the will of the body. Some people do fear God and believe what he says in his word and some people want to do the right thing. Good work Yolanda, I should have read this book when I was younger, I believe the example would have helped me to make some different decisions. This is a great book
for those who want to date and live a Godly life.
Rating:
Summary: First Love: What Would you give up to keep yours?
Review: I love the book, it keep you wanting more and more. It made you exam your relationship with God. It's guide book for Christians of all ages. I can't wait for the sequel.
Rating:
Summary: First Love
Review: I loved the novel. It was very motivating. While reading the book it felt like I was there with the characters. I caught myself several times, speaking out loud, "No don't do it...it's not worth it!" As I got to the last few pages of the book I thought that I wouldn't be satisfied with the ending. However...After reading the ending pages I realized that the ending couldn't have been better. The book is so well written that I couldn't put it down. I'm sure you won't be able to either. Yolanda Callegari Brooks is sure to be an author that will be spoken of throughout the communities of America.
Rating:
Summary: I Corinthians 13:13
Review: I was so overcome with emotion when I finished reading First Love. Ms. Callegari Brooks' words touched the deepest parts of my soul, for reasons too numerous to state. As I turned the last page, profound sadness enveloped me as I realized that it was really "over": my First Love experience had come to an end. Still I struggle with imagining how I am going to "open my heart" again after such an intense First Love experience. Even as I write this book review, a part of me tries to grieve that I must say goodbye to the many sides of me that could be found in Mama, Marley, Amani, Destiny, and even Tamera (that rhymes with Camera). My "need" to "hold on" to the characters- to cultivate further my relationships with them- is almost as strong as my desire to see what God has in store for my next close encounter with love. For after experiencing emotions as profound as First Love (and it was "incredible"), I can almost imagine what lies ahead with the release of Ms. Callegari Brooks' future novels. As a woman, mother and child of God, I have come to understand that even though I once believed that I would never love again after I thought my "first love" experience had come to an end, my heart NEVER ceases to make room to love again (and again and again). Therefore, I refuse to "mourn" the end of my First Love experience. Instead, I will look forward, with deep anticipation, to what the future has in store. I cannot thank Ms. Callegari Brooks enough for sharing First Love with the world. Her exciting debut novel serves as a source of inspiration for all: adults and young adults; male and female; believer and non-believer, alike. First Love not only reminds us that there is a consequence to every decision we make, but also it reminds us how God rewards those who put Him FIRST. Most importantly, First Love, with its vivid details, reminds us about the profound power of forgiveness and love-both ours, and His. To Ms. Callegari Brooks: you have taken my breath away, my sister. May you continue to walk- with all boldness- in the sweet-smelling aroma of His love.
"...And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13
Rating:
Summary: A Worthy Read
Review: Kick off your shoes and relax because this may take a while. However, "First Love" is a nicely written Christian-based story of love, strength, respect and family. It's a read-worthy coming of age story that covers the subject of virginity lost, virginity kept and the consequences and rewards of choices made. Very nice freshman novel. Kendra Norman-Bellamy
author of
"For Love And Grace"
Rating:
Summary: A Worthy Read
Review: Kick off your shoes and relax because this may take a while. However, "First Love" is a nicely written Christian-based story of love, strength, respect and family. It's a read-worthy coming of age story that covers the subject of virginity lost, virginity kept and the consequences and rewards of choices made. Very nice freshman novel. Kendra Norman-Bellamy
author of
"For Love And Grace"
Rating: 
Summary: Too long and too preachy
Review: Let me start by saying that I am a Christian woman who received Christ at the tender age of 12. I kept my virginity until I was 23 years old and married. I agree with this author that it is the right thing to do. However, I found this novel to be way too preachy to get that message through to the youth of today. The scriptures, quoted lyric to gospel songs and such were overwhelming...even for me. It was hard to complete the read because all the mini-sermons kept weighing down the message behind the love story. I never completed the entire novel because it just seemed to go on forever. The story was over well before the book ended in my opinion. The message that this author was aiming to get across was a good one and one that needs to be spread. However her means of spreading the message is ineffective on a large scale.
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