Rating: 
Summary: A Great Novel With a Great Lesson
Review: This novel was a bit lengthy, but don't let it dissuade you from reading it. It was a very enjoyable read spanning three generations and fifty years. In the early part of the novel, the two primary characters, Hosanna Clark and Gilda Rosenstein, one black, one Jewish form a friendship and business only to end in Gilda betraying Hosanna. The remainder of the story includes an interesting cast of characters who are largely members and friends of both families including one of Hosanna's daughters (Matriece 'Triesey' Carter) who learn of Gilda's perfidy from their mother and feels obligated to right the wrongs done to her mother. The plot thickens as the history, hidden agendas, and background of the characters are revealed. Without revealing too much'there were lessons to be learned in the lives of these characters'the pain of vengeance, peace of atonement, and the power of forgiveness. Campbell crossed race and socio-economic lines to bring life to a great novel.Although some parts were slow and in this reader's opinion I think it could have been shortened, this was a true page-turner, especially in the last 1/3 of the book. You'll leave with a message that we all need to consider...
Rating:
Summary: ABSOLUTELY GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: What You Owe Me opens p with Hosanna Clark, Gilda Rosenstein. Gilda opens the door to somthing special for both of them With Gilda's knowledge of cosmetics and Hosanna's energy they start of producing lotion for black women. Gilda and hossana become partners, they become friends as well. As time goes by they are doing well but Gilda somehow disappear and take all the assetes that they made. Hossannafeels betrayed and finacially ruined. Hosanna's tries to persue her dream alone but we all know that back in the 1940's no AA could not start there own business and succed, years latershe pass away and her small business dies with her. Hosanna leaves behind two daughter Vonetta and Matrice. Matriece is smart and determined as her mother Matriece starts recognize that white firms are competeing not only for black concumers but also for black professional talent. Matriece decides to take a mission to collect her mother debt. Bebe Moore Campbell takes us on a trip down the road in the 1940's this was and excellent book this story as many characters but all storied have a closure it was just a excellent read . if you have not picked up a cop of What You Owe Me. what are you waiting for? Peace Love and Blessings goes out to Bebe Moore Campbell
Rating: 
Summary: Paid In Full
Review: I was surprised at some of the not so good reviews, but as a published author myself, I realize that the taste buds of readers vary. I, personally, was not intimidated by the size of the book. If grade school kids aren't intimidated by Harry Potter books, then I can't imagine grown folks being intimidated by this book. Size matters. The bigger the better. I love a nice long book I can spend time with. Quickies are okay sometimes. I must admit, I enjoyed the book more in the beginning chapters when it was being told in first person by Hosanna. But when the story switched to third person and started documenting Hosanna's daughter, Matriese's, life, I thought: Wow, this is a brilliant switch up. It was as if Hosanna had passed the torch to the next generation. In being truthful with this review, I must say that Hosanna brought such a fiesty kick to the story. I was hoping Matriese would have that same fiesty attitude and I was dissapointed when she didn't. This is why I give the book four stars instead of five. A fiesty headstrong character adds spice and kick to a fiction novel. So when the story switched to third person, it did lose that kick, but it didn't lose good story telling. I did start to wonder what the deal was when characters starting turning up here and there, but I'm patient. I knew, from the reputation of Mrs. Campbell that proceeded my reading this novel, that the story would tie together. I wasn't one bit worried. For a minute I even felt like I was watching a version of the soap opera The Young and the Restless. This is my first time reading one of Ms. Campbell's books and this is the first time I have ever written a review on amazon.com (and for another author under a different publishing house than mine to say the least). But this was just one of those books that I felt compelled to share my thoughts on. I once saw Mrs. Campbell speak. Well, actually I saw her twice. It was once in New Orleans at the Essence Music Festival and once in California where she spoke along side Eric Jerome Dickey, Omar Tyree, J. California Cooper and an up and coming author. It was in California where I heard her read an excerpt from this title. I knew I had to have it right then and there. Because of my own writing schedule, it has taken me all the way up until now to get to this book. Besides the excerpt Mrs. Campbell read, one other thing I remember during one of her speaking engagments was that Mrs. Campbell was asked if she had ever read a book and thought to herself "I wish I had written that book myself". She responded with a book by Toni Morrison. If someone was to ask me that same question today I would respond "What You Owe Me" by Bebe Moore Campbell. Avid readers who are not initially intimidated by the size of the novel will appreciate it more so than a virgin to the likes of true literary works who, of course, will be intimidated by size. I've come to learn that how well you enjoy a book is partly based on your attitude and preparations before indulging. I'm not saying that just because you prepare yourself a nice hot bubble bath and a chilled drink before reading a book that that is going to make the book good, but some literary works require preparation. I take reading seriously and I, like many other things in life, like to prepare myself. If you are looking for a quick read, then this is not the book for you. If you are looking for an enjoyable read with excellent plot and crafty word structure, this is worth the investment of your time and money. Before opening the book Mrs. Campbell owed me an excellent read. After completing it, the debt is paid in full!!!
Rating:
Summary: Rich In African American History and Awesomely Told!
Review: Bebe Moore Campbell continues to prove that she is a gifted storyteller and her latest novel, What You Owe Me lived up to this reader's expectations! Initially, one might be daunted by the thickness of the book...but make no mistake by delay reading this book...cause it is truly a page turner...in fact the writing was so compelling that I tried to read this book in one sitting and almost succeeded. The story is well-crafted with a good storyline; realistic and dimensional characters; vivid imagery and shocking plot twists and turns. In spite of better race relationships today, it is still often surprising to hear of an African American and a Caucasian being good friends more or less business partners. So, of course, this was even more surprising and suspicious when Hosanna Clark(an African-American woman) and Gilda Rosenstein(a Jewish woman) decided to embark on a friendship and business venture in the 1940s. As many would predict, the business would take off and be successful, however, Gilda would disappear along with the assets. Hosanna would be doubly betrayed: financially ruined and emotionally bereft. Although, Hosanna would make a go at it as a solo entrepreneur, she would never achieve the fame or status that she deserved and years later, when she passes away, her small cosmetic company dies with her. But Hosanna leaves behind a daughter, Matriece, who is determined to right the wrongs suffered by her mother by taking on a mission to collect her mother's debt. What You Owe Me is a story that spans 50 years and introduces one to the lives of Gilda and Hosanna as well as their offsprings. While the story is primarily about Gilda, Hosanna and Matriece...their stories are intertwined with a host of secondary characters in the book as well as the subplots involving these secondary characters. Campbell exposes us to the themes of friendship, education, absentee parents, interracial relationships, parent/child relationships...but resounding throughout all of the themes and relationships is "what you owe me". In the end, Campbell shows that understanding, acceptance, forgiveness, and reconciliation are necessary in order to come to terms regarding troubles of the past and to heal from the wounds of yesterday. Pick up What You Owe Me by Bebe Moore Campbell today! This is an engrossing and emotionally rich story that you will want to read and experience for yourself. I don't think you'll be disappointed in this stellar novel from Bebe Moore Campbell.
Rating:
Summary: Classic Revenge
Review: When you look at this book you may gawk at the length but as you read you will forget about the size and be mesmerized by the story. What You Owe Me is the story of Hosanna Clark and Gilda Rosenstein. One black, one Jewish, both determined to become successful businesswomen at the end of World War II. Hosanna has the desire while Gilda has the formulas to form a cosmetic company. Fast forward to Matriece "Triesey" Carter, she is the daughter of Hosanna. Matriece makes it her personal mission to avenge what she believes is Gilda's betrayal of her mother. This is done at the expense of her relationships with others. There are many other characters with their own stories. Campbell weaves this tale so that everything and everyone's story has closure and just maybe a little too "happily ever after". You have Vonette, Matriece's sister, and her Mexican brood who was not interested in Hosanna's dreams. Uncle Tuney, Hosanna's brother, and his decades-long litigation against a Texas magnate to regain his family's land. Blair, Matriece's friend from the old neighborhood who "made it". Mooney, Hosanna's financial "backer". The Montgomery family, a rhythm and blues star, Gilda's children and a host of other characters. There is more to say about the characters and their stories but to do that would give the story away and this is must read from a fabulous author. I enjoyed how the book opened and ended with the voice of Hosanna. She boldly claims "closure is what I'm seeking. Death ain't nothing but another opportunity." What You Owe Me should appeal to all because demonstrated are relationships across racial and economic lines and also some classism within a class. Campbell demonstrates that money can not buy happiness and love but love of family, despite material wealth, can bring so much joy. This is an excellent selection for any reading group, as it would provide a lively and lengthy discussion. This is a moving account of betrayal, love and healing.
Rating:
Summary: CAPTIVATING LINK BETWEEN PAST AND PRESENT.
Review: Bebe Moore Campbell takes her time in weaving a story--which results in well-developed characters, vivid and intricate plots, realistic dialogue, and lyrical prose. Her previous works, written over the past decade, were all spell-binding and fast-paced. Her most recent work is no exception. Consisting of 533 pages, WHAT YOU OWE ME is captivating from start to finish, beginning in 1948 and ending in 2001 with the narratives of long-deceased Hosanna Clarke, a budding entrepreneur whose dreams for a lucrative cosmetics venture were aborted during her lifetime, but passed on to one of her daughters. The daughter, Matriece Carter, ends up fulfilling her mother's ambitions, following an often painful, but life-strengthening journey of self-discovery. Sandwiched between the dates surrounding Hosanna's narration, blooms a tale featuring her own exploits, as well as those of her contemporaries and descendants, revolving around complex human/racial relationships. From intense loyalty to unspeakable betrayal, the overt actions and inner feelings of ALL of the principal characters are portrayed with such depth and imagery that the reader cannot help but become intimately acquainted with them. In creating this effect, the author shows a remarkable sense of empathy and knowledge of human psychology. This novel is a treasure and, in spite of its length, will be enjoyed repeatedly for years to come.
Rating:
Summary: Good Books For Everybody
Review: This was a great book, it was just a great book
Rating:
Summary: Very good book. You will enjoy it.
Review: I found this to be a very good book that ended wonderfully. Some of the other reviews said that it was too long and too detailed but I think the character development was perfect. The author followed each character to the end of the book. In my opinion, it is very well written. The book was recommended to me by a friend who said it was the best she had ever read. I wouldn't go that far, but do recommend it as a good read.
Rating: 
Summary: A gifted storyteller indeed...
Review: What you owe me is a rich story of two women, one black and one white who form a friendship and partnership during an unpopular and unfortunate time in American History. The partnership between these two ladies spawns a cosmetic firm that eventually becomes social savior for one lady and the embittered downfall of another. Hosanna, a black woman who rivals the strength and fortitude of Madame C.J. Walker befriends Gilda, a worn concentration camp survivor. But just as their friendship and partnership meets the crossroad of success, Gilda (under the guidance of her family) pulls out of the business and practically vanishes off of the face of the earth, leaving Hosanna with a bogus check and no explanation. Hosanna dies a bitter death to the point that she haunts her daughter to avenge the wrong bestowed upon her. Hosanna's daughter takes on this fight and we see her working as a top executive for the same woman believed to have stolen Hosanna's money, life and status. Campbell then maticulously (in You're Blues Ain't Like Mine Fashion)unveils the causes and effects of both Hosanna's and Gilda's family members, friends and coworkers. Ultimately the lesson is forgiveness as everyone is believed they are owed something by someone....Whew Ms. Campbell is a great storyteller and wonderful writer. However I toyed with Amazon's rating system as I thought some of the detail to be painfully slow and encumbering. Because there were so many characters and storylines(storylines that were eventually tied up), this novel became an unneccessary epic that could have easily been condensed without losing an ounce of flavor.
Rating: 
Summary: Not as good as it should be
Review: I read "Your Blues Ain't Like Mine" with awe and appreciation -- a spectacular book that has stayed with me for years. I expected the same quality of writing, story and that magical touch that makes so very few books special when I started this one. The writing is still wonderful, but the plot is not much better than a Danielle Steele potboiler. It could have been improved by judicious pruning of way too many stereotypical characters and way too many storylines magically tied up in the last 30 pages. Ms. Campbell has the voice to tell a rich and vibrant story -- I hope she does so in her next effort. This one falls short of her gifts.
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