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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.

Book Description
An Oprah Bookclub Pick, a love story, and a superb, page-turning debut novel about two sisters overcoming their own personal tragedies together. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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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 Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover

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188 Reviews 5 star:  (97) 4 star:  (55) 3 star:  (15) 2 star:  (12) 1 star:  (9)           Average Customer Review (188 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews   6 of 7 people found the following review helpful: Surprisingly good!, 6 Jun 2002 By A Customer This review is from: What Looks Like Crazy (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.  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)   2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: Disappointing, 25 Feb 2005 By  More Than Just a Philosopher (London, England) - See all my reviews This review is from: What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day (Oprah's Book Club) (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.  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)   2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: Two sisters face some serious problems with humour and style, 30 Jan 2003 By  elkiedee "elkiedee" (London) - See all my reviews This review is from: What Looks Like Crazy (Paperback) 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. I really loved the title of this book too. Luci  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this) › See all 188 customer reviews...		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 29 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