Bertice Berry

I have way more notes on this than I'll actually post here. I loved parts of this story, some parts were pretty contrived and preachy. Do I even want to give a review?

There's definitely a difference between the modern story that is told and the story within the story. The story of Iona and Joe is beautiful and heartbreaking. Didn't care so much for the modern story... but the whole thing was just super fast-paced to really enjoy much of anything. I wonder if this was done on purpose --- either it's a beginner author or it's meant to read like a folk tale that could easily be passed orally. And that's fine---folk tales and oral stories are not usually known for their character development.

While the story was clearly written to encourage? stir up? the Black community, the truth is that most of the sentiments in this book are applicable to humanity in general. I think understanding that concept will go a long way in having the kind of society that truly shows love to one another.… (meer)

A beautiful, and yes, haunting, story of the power of love and music, The Haunting of Hip Hop draws the reader in for a journey from slave ships to Harlem nightclubs and stops to hear most of the stories in between. This is mostly a novel about listening to your heart and your history, and the supernatural element does not hinder this in any way. It isn't a spooky story...it's a love story. A story about the love between husband and wife, father and descendents, mothers and grandmothers and sons, playmates and grown professionals, spirits and their lives, a people and their music, a people and their history, the need for expression, and I could go on and on and on. This is a phenomenal read, sad yet hopeful. And quick. Do yourself a favor--take a few hours to lose yourself in this beat.… (meer)

Berry has written another thought provoking and entertaining novel. She takes a story about ordinary people and teaches us a lesson on love and the power of the heart. It has rich characters,such as the librarian, the heavy girl, the crossing guard and the bookstore owners (real people). The novel is written in a folksy style with folksy wisdom. I enjoyed the connection between Louella and the spirit of her mother, aunt and grandmother.

At points the story turned to sexually explicit scenes. But the book, for all its sexual content, isn't really about sex, but about how cultivating a spiritual life improves not only sexual experience and love, but all aspects of human existence. The writing of Berry is reminiscent of authors J. California Cooper and Tina Ansa McElroy and a welcomed shift from the urban literature and drama filled fiction.

The story tends to drag towards the end and yet, Berry delivers a powerful message at the end.… (meer)