Danee

I, too, selected the book because Ruby Dee narrated it and was not disappointed. I didn't want to turn it off! The story was sweet, real, tragic and quite engaging. Characters had depth even if some were only introduced briefly. Timeless and compassionate story.

The simplicity of the story and characters. Good narration. The author gave enough but not too much. Story moved at a good pace.

None to compare to.

The end was my favorite.

Yes.

I cared about the characters. There were developed wonderfully such that as the story unfolded, so did the characters' individual tales. They made you laugh, smile and feel for them. I was compelled to keep listening because I wanted to know more.

The way the unfolded and how we didn't get everything at once. The loved the friendship between the ladies and how it stood the test of time and trial. I love read (listening) about strong bonds between Black women. I also enjoy reading Black literature that is not based in superficial details (status symbols like descriptions of clothes, careers, shoes etc) and are timeless.

I enjoyed the brief yet extensive visit with each character. Although set in a particular time period, the characterizations, situations, and reactions were timeless. I cared about each one of character because I understood them.

I loved that I had an opportunity to get to know Hattie and her husband first. Also the all the complexities of the "why's" that created the "who" that drove the "what" were not made evident all at once. I understood her and them little by little through relationship (which shape us all).

Adenrele and Bahni are my favorites and this performance was stellar (as expected!)

I listen as I drive.

I wanted the ending to wrap up differently although I was not disappointed.

I would recommend this book to someone who wants a pure "drama", non-sustantial read not to my die hard J.D. Mason fans who crave depth and a little something more.

The ending. Some things concluded rather obvious, other things were left to a weak conclusion.

Sultry. Articulate. Semi-fluctuating.

I was not inspired.

Up until this point, I have LOVED most everything J.D. Mason has done. I know that it's not easy starting with a different kind of story and characters. I am bored with details about how much money something costs, designer names and descriptions of status beyond what's necessary to develop character. I am more interested in who the person is and the truths that we all think/know but are not always amplified.

Bought the book based on the ratings and description (a lesson!) and was sorely disappointed by the excessive descriptives (do I REALLY need to know the details of what you're wearing and thinking EVERYTIME!?!) and overused idiomatic language (to substantiate the "downness", I suppose) that seemed to be a cover for telling a good story. I found myself rolling my eyes at the characters because I didn't like them and couldn't fit them into any reality. An urban tale spun by the ever so good looking, great job, hood to riches, quick witted (not really), got-it-all-together characters left me wanting. There was absolutely NO depth or sincerity. I'd advise the author to look at the writings of Diane McKinney-Whetstone or JD Mason to see how soulful love stories are spun. Black love is a beautiful thing and deserves a good telling.