Let's just say the book had me pretty close to halfway on edge until I got to the 90% mark (kindle). This is when disappointment began. I don't know if EJDicky couldn't decide on which way he wanted to end the book, but there was just too much back and forth. I honestly think he could've cut at least 10 pages at the end and quit it with the flashbacks. When I read the last sentence of the book, I actually turned my face up. Disappointment. I don't feel like it's the worst book that he's ever written, but I do feel like he is so much better than Tempted by Trouble.
What I will say is this: Eric Jerome Dickey's writing is very intelligent. No matter what the subject is, I never feel like I'm getting dumber while reading his books. He definitely challenges my vocabulary, and I like that.
So....weighing the positive with the big negative, I give the book a 6.5. Eh.
I have made a change on my book list. Instead of reading The Pact by Jodi Picoult, I have recently took interest in a book called The Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. After looking the book up, it seemed like it would be in the category with The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Hopefully, this one won't disappoint. I'll let you know. ;-)
As far as EJ Dickey...lol,you know how i feel about "most" urban fiction..Im not prejudice againt my people..lol, or anything like that , i am just against the behavior that seems to be condoned, glorfied and eventually emulated by so many. Yes, I know a lot of it is true and its really happening but sometimes its a bit much. Dont get me wrong, yes I do read black authors and some urban fiction but not a lot, I do have a few that I really like and have recommended i.e Coldest Winter Ever (which remains at the near top of my list) White Lines, Color Purple, River Cross My Heart, Pearle Cleage books, Terry McMillan, and Toni Morrison, to name a few...
ReplyDeleteThat's one of the things that I forgot to say about this novel....and I had it in my notes! Anyway, what I was going to say is that the last two EJD novels have been more in the multi-cultural category. I wouldn't even classify them as black books. Some of the characters...you can't really tell what their ethnicity is, and I think he does that on purpose. I think he's trying to expand his audience.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Terry McMillian, are you planning to read her new book? I'm reading it after I finish Wench and The Pact.
And yes I know how you feel about Urban novels. lol...you're one of the reasons I started branching out.