River, Cross My Heart: A Novel (Oprah's Book Club) by Breena Clarke Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $0.01 You Save: $14.98 (100%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of River, Cross My Heart: A Novel (Oprah's Book Club)
Book Review: Very well written
Summary: 4 Stars
River, Cross My Heart is about Johnnie Mae and her family, and how they cope with the death of Johnnie Mae's younger sister. There are also other issues involved in the plot, such as growing up and racism. Scenes of Johnnie Mae's everyday life are painted vividly, and the author makes otherwise boring details like cooking the family meals into interesting little images. Instead of the story flowing as a constant plot, each chapter is a different scene from Johnnie mae's life, and the plot winds its way through.This novel was extremely well written with very original use of language. This was what made the novel truly entertaining, even with the lack of tension, suspense or excitement. The novel has a relaxed style, which is a good change from some of the more intense books around.
The characters are developed and their feelings are explored in depth, and the ways in which the characters change are an important part of the story. The setting is described well, with the houses and appearance of the characters telling you as much about them as the descriptions of the actual characters.
Unfortunately, the plot did not seem to be going anywhere, and it was hard to figure out why the author had written about certain things which were irrelevant to the plot. It could have been better without a plot at all, like illustrations of Johnnie Mae's life, rather than the weak plot that it had.
This is a lovely novel to read though, as long as you don't mind a poor plot.
Book Review: I could not put this book down!
Summary: 4 Stars
I thought this book was one of the best I have read on Oprah's book list. While it did not have deep meaning, the story of the effects of a young girls death on a black community kept me interested. I finished this book in less than a week!Book Review: No guns, incest, prostitution, child abuse or drugs!
Summary: 4 Stars
I didn't anticipate liking this book. I typically don't like Oprah selected books and the book was classified in the "teen" section of our library. However, I enjoyed this slice of life story of a loving Black family who was coping with the pain/guilt of the death of their young child. They cared deeply and took good care of each other while coping with the frustrating, unfair social conditions of the time. The story was a nice change of pace from the Walker, Morrison and Angelou stories. No guns, incest, prostitution, child abuse or drugs, a daring feat!!Book Review: River, cross my heart.
Summary: 5 Stars
Thats the most beautifull interesting book I had ever tookon my hands.
Book Review: A gifted storyteller who hasn't quite honed her craft...
Summary: 2 Stars
The author paints wonderful pictures with her words, but I feel she was let down by less-than-skillful editors at her publishing house.