- Hardcover: 244 pages
- Publisher: William Morrow & Company (Dec 1997)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 038097584X
- ISBN-13: 978-0380975846
- Product Dimensions: 22 x 14.8 x 2.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (188 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,352,532 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
What Looks Like Crazy On an Ordinary Day
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
At first glance Pearl Cleage's What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day seems pretty heavy going: HIV, suicide, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and drunk driving all figure prominently in the lives of narrator Ava Johnson and her older sister Joyce. It isn't long before crack addiction, domestic violence and unwed motherhood have joined the list--so, where's the pleasure? The answer lies in the sharp and funny attitude Cleage brings to her depiction of one African-American community in the troubled 1990s. Ava Johnson, for example, might be HIV-positive, but she's refreshingly forthright about it:
"Most of us got it from the boys. Which is, when you think about it, a pretty good argument for cutting men loose, but if I could work up a strong physical reaction to women, I would already be having sex with them. I'm not knocking it. I'm just saying I can't be a witness. Too many titties in one place to suit me."
As the trials and tribulations pile on, the experiences of Cleage's characters prove to be universal: death, love, second chances. Ava's acerbic, smart-mouthed narrative keeps the story buoyant; by the time this endearingly imperfect heroine and her cohorts have negotiated the rocky road to a happy ending, readers will be sorry to see her go, even as they wish her well. --Alix Wilber, Amazon.com --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"Very funny and charming. . .Following Cleage's twists and turns of the human spirit, readers may find themselves in a very inspired and uplifted plane well before the last page."--"Washington Post Book World
"Cleage writes with amazing grace and killer instinct."--"The New York Times
"Engrossing, entertaining. . .[a] wryly observant, moving tale. . .WHAT LOOKS LIKE CRAZY is a smart novel that will have readers laughing in recognition of the foibles of human nature as it lays bare its characters'--and our own--assumptions about class, sexuality, and love in unexpected and thoroughly gratifying ways."--"Atlanta Journal Constitution --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
i'm sitting at the bar in the airport, minding my own business, trying to get psyched up for my flight, and I made the mistake of listening to one of those TV talk shows. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
i'm sitting at the bar in the airport, minding my own business, trying to get psyched up for my flight, and I made the mistake of listening to one of those TV talk shows. 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
I found this book rather disappointing particularly after reading some very promising reviews. I was expecting a read with some depth - insightful perhaps. Instead, I think I would have to place it in the 'chick lit' category. It's a great read for the beach, but when the main character's romance kicked in, I'm afraid it all got a bit much for me! The author attempts some gritty realism, but seemed to plump for hearts and flowers in the end. A good choice if you want to feel all 'lovely' afterwards, but beware if you prefer a meatier read.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I was drawn to this book by its intriguing title.
It has some dark and difficult subject matter. After she's diagnosed HIV positive, Ava returns to her Michigan hometown to stay with her sister. She's only passing through as her plan is to head to San Francisco. But she gets drawn into Joyce's concerns against her better judgement - a group for the young women of the town, the care of a "crack baby" whose mum is only interested in drugs. She even meets a lovely man - but how to tell him? And can she take on a new life and face her fear?
In spite of all that, it turns out to be a surprisingly feelgood read, with lots of warmth and humour. Pearl Cleage's writing style is engaging and confiding. The characterisation and dialogue are good, and Ava learns things about herself she didn't know before.
It has some dark and difficult subject matter. After she's diagnosed HIV positive, Ava returns to her Michigan hometown to stay with her sister. She's only passing through as her plan is to head to San Francisco. But she gets drawn into Joyce's concerns against her better judgement - a group for the young women of the town, the care of a "crack baby" whose mum is only interested in drugs. She even meets a lovely man - but how to tell him? And can she take on a new life and face her fear?
In spite of all that, it turns out to be a surprisingly feelgood read, with lots of warmth and humour. Pearl Cleage's writing style is engaging and confiding. The characterisation and dialogue are good, and Ava learns things about herself she didn't know before.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book did not really appeal to me but as it had been passed over by everyone in our book club I thought I'd give it a chance.
I was pleasantly surprised. I found the book to be a frank but gentle tale written with great charm and much humour. My only criticism (and the reason I wouldn't give it five stars)is that I felt it ended prematurely. I was just getting into this community and wanted to read so much more. Perhaps a sequel will be forthcoming!
Well done Ms Cleage, I love your style and will recommend this to my friends.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
un-put-downable
This book is fantastic, I've just re-read it and have leant it to all my friends!
Published on 19 Feb 2004
Great sensitive story, fast-paced reading.
I started this book and couldn't put it down. The humor throughout the book was intriguing despite the medical condition of the subject. Would recommend for anyone.
Published on 7 Sep 1999
Pageturning, exciting and interesting
I was hooked on this book after reading the first paragraph. I can't wait for her new book!
Published on 29 Aug 1999
Ava could be your best friend
I love books that suck you in from the beginning.. And this one does. It is filled with believable and interesting characters, compassion, secrets and glory. Read more
Published on 28 Aug 1999
Loved it! Shared it! Will re-read it!!!
This book was wonderful. It speaks to all women and especially to the human heart. You want to follow the characters forever. Read more
Published on 28 Aug 1999
I loved the book!!
This book is very well written! The story was captivating. If you care at all about your community or fellow man you will probably enjoy the book. I loved the characters. Read more
Published on 25 Aug 1999
I was expected something different
It was very life like, the scenarios seemed very really, wish it could have been longer.
Published on 18 Aug 1999
I loved this book
I loved the overall theme that no matter how bad things look, love can still conquer all.
Published on 18 Aug 1999
I truly enjoyed reading this book- it was great !
This book was funny,sad and filled with lives situations that people somehow find difficult to talk about. I really like this one. Read more
Published on 18 Aug 1999
A Lovely Fairy Tale With A Story Book Ending
This novel had a story line that flowed nicely from page to page, a book that was extremely hard to put down. Read more
Published on 13 Aug 1999
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