Book Reviews–Be Careful What You Wish For
By APOOO • Nov 18th, 2008 • Category: Book Review •
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I read The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah years ago and fell in love with the character Midnight. He was intelligent, possessed good manners, knew how to treat a sistah and was street-smart to boot. So, when I heard that Sister Souljah was bringing Midnight back for his own book, appropriately titled MIdnight, I immediately contacted the publisher (Simon & Schuster/Atria) to request a review copy for APOOO. Sent a letter…but two weeks later I hadn’t heard anything, so I reached out again. Two weeks later and no response to the second letter. Okay, so it was like that. Fine…be that way. LOL.
Sometimes, we need to be careful what we wish for and happy that wishes don’t always come true. Based upon feedback that I’ve heard from APOOO members, as well as others, it’s a good thing I didn’t receive a review book. Because then I would probably be forced to figure out how to say diplomatically and tactfully ‘this book sucks.’ Okay that’s probably strong and a little harsh…but when several folks, who have similar reading tastes, tell you that they put the book down because it wasn’t holding their interest…well it makes you pause and be thankful that you don’t have to stare a gift horse in the mouth.
Here’s what APOOO members had to say so far about Midnight:
Generally speaking..it’s slow moving and way too much back story at the beginning. I think the author should have action…then back story.. or even a flashback then action.. But, it’s like reading someone’s uneventful journal. It’s not flagrant..not even detailed. I have a hard time ’seeing’ anything. It’s just narrative–and more narrative..I’ve tried to read it.. I’m close to 90 some pages and blah.. So I put it down. I also know many urban reads are short on ’scenery’ or even ‘details’ considering it’s about the action but um.. I am not feeling it.
I’m also disappointed that it’s not a sequel. I read a couple of chapters at Barnes & Noble which was a chore because Midnight used a lot of negative stereotypes to describe American born black people. He described American blacks as lost soul and other things far worse. I kept reading with the hope that I will get to the good part but it never came. I finally left the book at Barnes & Noble.
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Sigh. I’m disappointed but I am not going to be deterred. It took me five years to finally read CWE so when I heard about Midnight, I knew I would purchase as close to the release date as possible and I did. We shall see.
Dera´s last blog post..My name is Dera and I am a bookaholic
Well I was going to purchase the book, but after hearing the comments I changed my mind. I decided to put it on hold at the library so I plan on starting it soon.
Based on what I had heard about the book, I was probably not going to purchase and read it. But,,,, Since it is my local and online book of the month for December, I will get a copy. Good thing Borders is selling it for 30% off. Hopefully, they will offer a 40% off coupon in the next couple of weeks.
I was given a copy so I’m going to read it…eventually. Had it not been for that this would be a library read.
Ms. Toni´s last blog post..OOSA Online Book Club gave 5 stars to: Chante’s Song
Oh Boy!!! Every book store in the city called me because they put it on hold for me – I have picked it up but have not read it yet and I have been using selecting hearing devices with regards to comments about the book. I am going to read and will hold judgement until then
I purchased and read “Midnight” . On a scale of 1-5 (stars) I would give it a 3 (2.75)stars. It disappointed me because I eagerly awaited this book and thought that the back story would show how he came to work for the Santiago’s , but no it was a jouney of his life between the ages of 7-14, And there were just some things a 14 year old can’t and don’t do. So it was too unrealistic for me to really enjoy. 500+ pages of a child doing “grown men” things. I just couldn’t get into. But this is my just my opinion read for yourself.
I was looking forward to this book coming out too but I have yet to hear a good review from people I know. I still like to read for myself so I took a chance and read an excerpt—I’ll be putting this one on hold at the library.
Shelia´s last blog post..Where are the Single Men?
I also have the book and will read in December (in time for the book club discussion).
I am going to read with an open mind.
There are good reviews out there on the book and it seems to be selling well.
I know a lot of folks were disappointed that this was not a sequel or that it does not involve the Santiagos.
In some ways I am glad it is not a sequel as sequels are very hard to do and I think that Sister Souljah said what she wanted to with CWE. Times have changed and it is time for a different message.
I got the book along with Dying for Revenge at Borders last night with my coupon. They even gave me 30% off and then 1/2 off. Now I have to say I am upset that Borders did not call me to tell me the books arrived and I had them both on reserve. I ambeyond upset with that. I look forward to reading them with an open mind.
Wow…This really helps. I was debating on whether or not to buy the book. Two things were detering me, the price and the synopsis. Now don’t get me wrong, I have paid over $20 for a book many times before, but when you couple that with a synopsis that does not grab my attention, then its a no go for me. Reading this was the confirmation that I needed. I do plan to read it at some point, I am just not going to run out an buy it this moment. I may in fact just borrow it from the library.
Monica Marie Jones
Author
http://www.monicamariejones.com
Monica…glad APOOO could help.
Wow, I totally disagree with the general consensus here. I enjoyed this book. On the other hand, I can see how some people may be disappointed because it is a completely different flavor from the “Coldest Winter Ever”. It is more about character development than action. In this new book, Sister Souljah introduces the reader to characters that are so different than anything I am used to reading about. I found it to be interesting and refreshing to learn about the way they see the world. I will admit though, that there is a bit of African-American bashing that got to me after a while, but I could not dispute the points Souljah was obviously trying to make with it, nor could I deny that it is not 100% true that we are viewed this way by foreigners. At the end of the day, I saw that at its heart “Midnight” is a great love story, not just an urban thriller or drama that will inevitable allow Souljah to be re-branded as a writer. I would encourage anyone to read this book.
Hey Maia and thanks for the 411…after I read it I will be back to share my thoughts. I hope it’s as good as you say it is.
I was in LOVE with this book just from reading the excerpt on Borders.com. I love it because Sister Souljah took the time to do true research of the brutually honest attitudes/perspectives/opinions/notions of our Brothers and Sisters from the Motherland, and of a non-American (by tradition/origin at least) religion. Giving a thorough perspective of coming from one completely opposite world to another. Then showing his triumph through struggle to live with his inner strength, knowledge, understanding and wisdom (his personal power), perseverance and endurance. I believe this adds on to understanding the man behind those very telling letters between Sister Souljah and Midnight in Coldest Winter Ever as well.
I seek deeper understanding of people and how they get to the places they’re in. That’s my drive to read this one.
I have yet to get deep into it, but already I’m sold.
I am a part of the ‘She 5′ book club and Midnight was last month’s selection. The book started kind of slow, but once I got into it I couldn’t put it down. We read about drama and drugs all of the time and it was great to read about something different. The reason why I read is to learn about other people and cultures—this book did that for me.