River, Cross My Heart: A Novel (Oprah's Book Club) by Breena Clarke Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of River, Cross My Heart: A Novel (Oprah's Book Club)
Book Review: Snapshot of African-American life in 1920s Georgetown
Summary: 2 Stars
A picture of segregation, menial labor, and superstition in a "progressive" northern city--a city promising a better life than the Carolina tennant farms.Twelve-year-old Johnnie Mae is drawn to water--whether the sluggish Potomac or the crystal azure of the whites-only pool on Volta Place. Johnnie Mae is a natural-born swimmer: sleek and graceful, as powerful in her strokes as the water around her.
But water also brings tragedy as the mighty Potomac lays claim to her young sister, Clara. Feeling responsible, Johnnie Mae struggles with life. It is unclear, however, whether this struggle is due to Clara's death or coming of age.
Because this is a snapshot, we see the people in the picture, but we don't know much about them beyond what we see. The story lacks connectedness. The incident of Clara's drowning is simply an episode in each character's life. The feeling that Clara's death had an impact is lost--even on Johnnie Mae. Perhaps this style is meant to show that life goes on...it always does though in reality it is changed somehow. There was little feeling that a life in this story was changed.
Book Review: It is the kind of book to keep you reading.
Summary: 5 Stars
I love the book it had interesting characters and wonderful stories about each one. I liked when the 2 girls decided to go for a night swim in a white only pool and escape from the policeman on patrol. The lil sister dying in the river was sad. Unique was how all the towns folk pulled together to get the family through their loss and helpe each other cope with the loss as well but carry on with their lives. This is true friendship without color,race, or money having to be part of it.Book Review: Poorly written with no story - waste of time
Summary: 1 Stars
I usually look forward to selections in the Oprah'sBook Club. Here is the first one I felt was terribly written with no story. The beginning of the book starts to sound interesting apart from the authors attempt to use big words conversationally which really sets off a bad tone. After the first chapter you wait and wait for a storyline with no reprieve, a waste of money and time.Book Review: It is hard to believe this is a first novel...
Summary: 5 Stars
The richness of the characters, and the compelling stories evolving around Johnnie Mae, as she grows up in a sweltering black neighborhood. Just a few blocks away, in feeling the injustice as the "white" kids swim in a pool "for whites only" and after a terrible tragedy, Johnnie Mae comes into her own, and her determination changes her life. This story is not JUST ABOUT racism; it's what we think of ourselves, regardless of our place in society, and what we do, to be the best we can be. I loved this book. I hope to read more of Breena Clarke. I hope someday, I can "make-a-positive difference" in a childs life.Book Review: true rating would be 3.5 stars
Summary: 4 Stars
This book does not quite deserve 4 stars and yet it's not a 3 star book either. Like the other reviewer I found it to be an interesting slice of African -American history. I found the characters to be believable and sympathetic. However, I also found that the story really didn't have much of a plot. It doesn't really lead anywhere and yet it does hold the interest of the reader. If this is your first Oprah book, don't give up. Her other choices such as Here on Earth, Back Roads, & A Map of the World are excellent.