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Summary: Sharp-edged humor, wry parody. . .
Review: . . .and a seemingly hopeless protagonist who redeems herself. I loved this book. Couldn't stop laughing and was surprised to find myself so sympathetic by the end. I love Haynes' resistance to a pat, happy ending (though the ending is definitely uplifting).
Rating:
Summary: a subtle, humorous story
Review: as i sat in my bed, munching on junk food and reading this book, i kept looking around wondering where the hidden camera was! david haynes aptly captures some of the moods women experience with his depiction of deneen. she is a well drawn character that i could totally identify with.as with his other books, haynes creates a subtle theme that, if you allow it, will slowly blend into your mind. i find myself thinking about some of the themes that he talks about, such as learning to love self or buying into commercial concepts of beauty. his story craftily weaves the theme within the plot so well that you don't realize that your view point may have been changed. the theme and the subject will not bat you over the head. haynes employs a light touch in his writing style, so if you are looking for a formula type of story, then you won't find it here. instead, read about the characters, read about their development and let the characters reveal to you the connecting thread of their story. all of this and a wry humor, too. mr. haynes should be lauded for his skill in developing interesting characters and weaving their lives within an engaging and subtle theme, as well as his consistent use of humor.
Rating:
Summary: "American Beauty" African American Style
Review: David Haynes is a master of making what appears to be senility seem normal - An African American version of American Beauty. His wit and realism hit me to the core. I related so much to his character, Deneen, that I wondered if Haynes was my long lost brother attached unnoticeably to my hip pocket describing emotions that I've feebly experienced facing many of my life's challenges. I applaud All American Dream Dolls and David and admire "his" ability to capture the heart, essence and nuance of a complicated woman so superbly. In addition to the main character, Deneen, the author sensitively depicts the complicated mother/daughter relationship as well as the sacrifices a mother makes to ensure the success of her children. MUCH KUDOS David!
Rating:
Summary: "American Beauty" African American Style
Review: David Haynes is a master of making what appears to be senility seem normal - An African American version of American Beauty. His wit and realism hit me to the core. I related so much to his character, Deneen, that I wondered if Haynes was my long lost brother attached unnoticeably to my hip pocket describing emotions that I've feebly experienced facing many of my life's challenges. I applaud All American Dream Dolls and David and admire "his" ability to capture the heart, essence and nuance of a complicated woman so superbly. In addition to the main character, Deneen, the author sensitively depicts the complicated mother/daughter relationship as well as the sacrifices a mother makes to ensure the success of her children. MUCH KUDOS David!
Rating:
Summary: Splendidly warped view of a breakdown survived!
Review: Deneen Wilkerson is wonderful as she tries to pull together her tattered psyche while staying with the mother she hasn't seen for years, a pageant obsessed sister she barely knows, while having epiphanies by the handful. Seeing the light is not the problem, it's how to keep the glare out of her eyes. David Haynes has done it again, evoking real world people with sharp and edgy dialoge and motivations.
Rating:
Summary: a subtle, humorous story
Review: I found this to be a waste. If i would have saw a bad review (which it deserved i would have saved my money). Don't waste your time buy another book.
Rating: 
Summary: Pure garbage
Review: I found this to be a waste. If i would have saw a bad review (which it deserved i would have saved my money). Don't waste your time buy another book.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing...
Review: I have heard great things about this book. I was anxious to read it. Initially funny, but slow. Finally, I could no longer handle Deneen's blue light pity-party and abandoned the book. Best wished to the author, but not my kind of read.
Rating: 
Summary: A different kind of read
Review: I just finished reading this book. It was okay. I usually don't read books by males but I thought I would give him a try. The book talked about the relationships between three women. All of the women had some deep issues that they needed to work on. I think this would be a good book for a mother and daughter to read. It was shocked by how well Mr. Haynes portrayed the three women. The male characters in the book were not a major major part of the book. Usually men have a better male point of view than a woman's. The title is actually what the book is all about. A pageant so if you are someone that doesn't like pageants, don't read this book. Overall, I would reccommend this book. I will continue to give Mr. Haynes my support.
Rating:
Summary: Makes temporary insanity seem like a fun, smart thing to do
Review: I loved this book. The main character is nuts in ways so many of us can really relate to... but at the same time, readers can take comfort in the fact that they are not QUITE as crazy as she is! This was a fun book to read, a great escpare from reality.
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