This was my first time reading one of Omar's books, although I've been meaning to for the past few years. I must admit that I was not captured by the weight of the storyline. However, I really was impressed with his writing style. This book showed me that Omar is a veteran of language poise. The way he used each chapter as fusion for the characters made it a very comforting read. I think I will go back and read his prior works to see if this style was developed over a time period or if it's something new for him.
Review of Passing by Darryl Andrews
This book is greatly misleading. The preview summary, which is on the back cover of the book, doesn't hold true to the book's contents at all. The true main characters are not even mentioned in the preview. Also, the most disappointing thing about this book is the fact that the first 80% of the book was wasted in building up a suspense drama, only to be abruptly converted into some secret romance novel at the end. The author went off in a direction that did not bring out the best in a book that could of received a 5-star rating if it kept on course with it's main story. Very disappointing!
Review of What Looks like Crazy on An Ordinary Day by Angela Andrews
Pearl Cleage has written a "real" book about life, love, HIV, and topics that are affecting us each day. This story is believable! Her vivid imagery had me hooked from the beginning. From the scene in the hair salon to the beautiful moment shared by Eddie and Ava; this book was written for us to "see". Also, this book lets us all know that love is not a figment of our imagination, but that we all have it in us to love and be loved. I would recommend this book to teenagers too. It depicts some troubling issues that our teens are facing today and deals with them in a very "real" context. A real eye opener into the way some teens think and the myths they carry around with them. I hope to read more of her works.
