- Paperback: 384 pages
- Publisher: One World; Reprint edition (1 July 1997)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0345413628
- ISBN-13: 978-0345413628
- Product Dimensions: 13 x 2.1 x 20.3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,452,512 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
"[An] empathetic portrait of a modern woman wrestling with issues of love, work, and family obligations." --Publishers Weekly
Born into a comfortable Washington, D.C., home, Naomi Jefferson leads a life that is only occasionally marred by racism. As a teenager in the 1960s, her biggest concern centers around virginity. But all that changes when her older brother, Joshua--who seems destined for greatness--is killed in a tragic car accident on his way to a civil rights demonstration. Now the rift between black and white America becomes much too personal, and Naomi embarks on a journey to honor her brother's legacy--and to find herself.
This brilliant new novel, from the bestselling author of Sisters & Lovers, traces three decades in the life of a woman readers will not soon forget, as she searches for love and purpose in a harsh often unforgiving world.
"Contains an infectious hope and optimism."
--Los Angeles Times
Born into a comfortable Washington, D.C., home, Naomi Jefferson leads a life that is only occasionally marred by racism. As a teenager in the 1960s, her biggest concern centers around virginity. But all that changes when her older brother, Joshua--who seems destined for greatness--is killed in a tragic car accident on his way to a civil rights demonstration. Now the rift between black and white America becomes much too personal, and Naomi embarks on a journey to honor her brother's legacy--and to find herself.
This brilliant new novel, from the bestselling author of Sisters & Lovers, traces three decades in the life of a woman readers will not soon forget, as she searches for love and purpose in a harsh often unforgiving world.
"Contains an infectious hope and optimism."
--Los Angeles Times
From the Back Cover
Growing up in Washington DC in the 1960s , Naomi Jefferson, sheltered by her solid, middle class black community, is only occasionally touched by racism. But when her adored older brother, Joshua, is involved in a tragic accident on his way to a civil rights demonstration, the rift between black and white America suddenly becomes personal.
At college, Naomi immerses herself in campus politics, and men, only to become disillusioned and facing some harsh realities. Then she makes a decision: politics are useless, romance is hopeless, what she really needs is a career. Despite her success at work, the promotions keep going to the white guys. But Naomi is determined to win where other black women have failed, and just when she thinks that the only person she can depend on is herself, two people walk into her life who make her believe once again that anything worth having is worth fighting for …
"Briscoe's pacing is brisk, and the plot touches on a range of key social issues … An empathetic portrait of a modern woman wrestling with issues of love, work and family obligations"
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"A frank and funny tale about the everyday lives of three black women"
ESSENCE ('Sisters and Lovers')
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
NAOMI'S HEART felt like it was doing the twist when she realized Nancy was about to sneak into the haunted house. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
NAOMI'S HEART felt like it was doing the twist when she realized Nancy was about to sneak into the haunted house. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
this book is amazing, stunning, sad, happy and empowering. You can really feel naomi's emotions and the sadness she experiences. You must read this book and relate to it as the characters are so real.
Format:Paperback
ok....2 be honest when i first saw this book...i thought "oh gosh...a 198OS BOOK???? come ON!!"....but then i read the 1st few pages and was like hmmm....then i started getting DRAWN only in like the 4th chapter i think...anyway.....really i read this book like 2/3 yrs ago when i was 13/14 and i can still remember the storyline and their names!!! (i just decided to review it cuz im bored right now lol).....there are some books i read THIS YEAR and i cant even remember their NAMES!!....so that explains how GOOD this book is....i recommend it 2 any1....especially young girls.....it kinda teaches you about life..
i really liked this book and im sure u would 2!!
***God Bless***
i really liked this book and im sure u would 2!!
***God Bless***
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
49 reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Love and purpose............................................
17 April 2005
Format:Paperback
Even in the 60's the main issue for a teenager appears to be doin' it! In the middle class section of Washington, D.C. Naomi Jefferson lives a normal life that is occasionally spoiled by racism.
"Normality" appears to dip off when Joshua, her older brother dies. Now the differences between race in America becomes a very personal plight as Naomi is set on honoring her brother.
This girl just can't get it together. Leaving too many regrets and bumpy roads back in Atlanta. Naomi returns to her parents' where she finds work in a city councilman's office. With no room for advancement and the weight of an unhappy relationship Naomi finds herself back off to school.
In time Naomi joins a consulting firm, and is engaged. Just as she's passed over for a different position things in her life seem to be oh so hectic. Only to add the sudden knowledge of a teen age boy that is her brother's son. Is this true? Naomi is determined that her nephew will have the opportunities that her brother didn't.
As Naomi battles daily with issues of family obligations is there room for love?
Tee mentioned she was reading "Big girls don't cry" I found out that she was speaking of an anthology that is currently out. Although I read this some years back; I liked Connie Briscoe's read.
"Normality" appears to dip off when Joshua, her older brother dies. Now the differences between race in America becomes a very personal plight as Naomi is set on honoring her brother.
This girl just can't get it together. Leaving too many regrets and bumpy roads back in Atlanta. Naomi returns to her parents' where she finds work in a city councilman's office. With no room for advancement and the weight of an unhappy relationship Naomi finds herself back off to school.
In time Naomi joins a consulting firm, and is engaged. Just as she's passed over for a different position things in her life seem to be oh so hectic. Only to add the sudden knowledge of a teen age boy that is her brother's son. Is this true? Naomi is determined that her nephew will have the opportunities that her brother didn't.
As Naomi battles daily with issues of family obligations is there room for love?
Tee mentioned she was reading "Big girls don't cry" I found out that she was speaking of an anthology that is currently out. Although I read this some years back; I liked Connie Briscoe's read.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
From Adolescence to Adult.... the story of a woman.
13 Jun 2002
Format:Library Binding
This book was great because it spanned a young woman's life... from young frienship, puberty, sexual awakening, parental struggle, independence, love, hurt, and all of those things over again.
Naomi is a 13 year old girl who is from a middle-class black family from Washington, D.C. Her parents are educated and articulate, but used to living the lives of people who are supressed. Her brother Joshua, decides to strike out against the white man... this is during our nations time of extreme strife - late 60's- early 70's. He is smart, supportive and determined to make a difference.
Meanwhile, Naomi is concerned with hanging out with the 'priveleged ones' who live on what is called the 'gold coast' of Washington D.C. neighborhoods. She is also concerned about dating and then eventually the big question of 'doing it' even though her Mama has warned her against 'letting a boy touch her'... it could ruin her life.
The book travels from Naomi's pre-pubescent life to college to early adult-hood, to mature woman... all the while exploring what all young women go through.
Wonderful story... a can't miss !
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
100% inspiration
2 Jan 2002
Format:Paperback
If you've ever felt confused, depressed, afraid to conquer or lack the determination to move ahead with your goals... this book is for you. After reading this book I found the courage to proceed with a lot of my life goals. I have found a new determination and I am confident I will succeed.
Every emotion that Naomi describes, the reader will also experience this emotional rollercoaster. Not only is the book an inspiration but so is the author, Mrs Connie Briscoe. Read about her life story and you will surely find that there are no reasons why you too can not succeed.
Every emotion that Naomi describes, the reader will also experience this emotional rollercoaster. Not only is the book an inspiration but so is the author, Mrs Connie Briscoe. Read about her life story and you will surely find that there are no reasons why you too can not succeed.
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