Helpful Score: 14
Ava Johnson finds out that she is HIV Positive. She goes back home to be with her sister and get her head together before she moves on to San Francisco. Life takes several unexpected turns and leads Ava down a different road.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable story. Sometimes funny, sometimes maddening--just like life.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable story. Sometimes funny, sometimes maddening--just like life.
Helpful Score: 10
This is a wonderful book. I was laughing, crying, getting mad and feeling that sometimes, as the characters in this author's first novel does, you have to put aside your worries, and look at all the wonders that are so close, you know you're learning a life lesson. All my favorite characters in this novel are victims, who refuse to stay victims, because they're too involved helping others. I didn't understand the title at first, but it really fits the story. Cleage puts real life on paper!
Melva S. (TropicAtHeart) reviewed What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day on + 32 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
This story discusses a lot of real-life topics - AIDS, teen pregnancy, drug use - all of which occur in the suburbs in Michigan. I liked this book because it tackled all of these issues head-on. A lot of "coming homing" books are all about how home is where you are safe and where you belong; this book doesn't buy into that myth. It shows how the issues that we associate with "the city" are just as prevalent in "the country," and that the people who deal with them are just like everyone else in the suburbs.
It was a really quick read, and it's got everything - a little humor, a little romance, a little action etc.
It was a really quick read, and it's got everything - a little humor, a little romance, a little action etc.
Helpful Score: 7
When I first started this book, I did not expect to enjoy it. It came highly recommended to me, but I just didn't think I would be totally absorbed into it. After the first 50 pages, I was hooked! Sometimes it takes me at least that amount of paper and print to make a decision about a book...I am so glad that I gave this book time to grab me into its spell! It is a beautiful story! Very well written and very emotionally touching! Thank you, Pearl Cleage for the gift of this wonderful manuscript. It is a tale of love and positive energy in even the most negative of situations. It is a story of love and hope.
Helpful Score: 5
This is a great story of family and friends dealing with trouble and tragedy. A terrific quick read.
Helpful Score: 4
Listening to it in my car while I drive to work. This turned out to be a pretty good story. It gave me a new perspective on people living with HIV.
The writer has a wonderful grasp of dialogue and narration. It all sounded so natural, like the narrator was a believable person. The story, however, seems to come across as a made for tv movie, but, overall, it entertains.
The writer has a wonderful grasp of dialogue and narration. It all sounded so natural, like the narrator was a believable person. The story, however, seems to come across as a made for tv movie, but, overall, it entertains.
Helpful Score: 3
A beautiful rendition about heartache, and courage,and the ability to start life anew after the tradgedy of AIDS.
Sheryl R. (grammyreads2) reviewed What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day on + 31 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This book opened my eyes to HIV and taught me what life is like for a woman who was honest, open and shared her life with me. Quick read...I couldn't put it down!
Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoyed this book. Some of the events that occur in the book are maddening and you think that if it happened to you, you just couldn't stand it. But then you keep reading to find out how the people in the story face it and you think, I want to know these people. These are people who survive and take action in situations I am not sure I could deal with. An easy read but one that stays with you and makes you think.
Helpful Score: 2
This is such a good book. WOW!!! It grabs you and doesn't let go. It's a love story, a life story, a dealing with life story and it approaches you from the gut. Every woman should read this book!
Helpful Score: 2
I requested this book because I have read and enjoyed many of the other books that were selected for Oprah's Book Club. I could not get into this one and did not even finish it. It's about a woman who returns home after finding out that she's HIV positive.
Helpful Score: 2
This book was one of those thrift store $1 finds so I had not expected to enjoy it as much as I did, I bought it because I liked the cover. What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day is a literary treat! A well written and thoroughly told story of a life experience that actually helps to sustain us all. Courageous and daring, bold and beautiful, powerful and humbling, angry and violent, passionate and loving. Enough emotion to appear overwhelming and crazy. . . . but just an ordinary day in the life for some of us.
WANDA C. (rubuhroom) -
Helpful Score: 2
This book came around at a very important time in my life....crossroads. Ava Johnson is at a crossroads in her life and this book will take you on a powerful ride and make you ask yourself some very serious questions. The heroine's language is so close to my own that I kept thinking, "Yep, that's just how I would've said that." And for everyone else, you'll probably think "I can't believe she said that!" Great read...enjoy!
Krystal S. (partyoffive) reviewed What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day on + 37 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This story of two sisters and their struggles and victories is a touching and honest one. It is a fairly easy read and flowed smoothly.
Helpful Score: 1
"What makes Pearl Cleage's novel so damned enjoyable? At first glance, after all, 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 '90s. 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.""
Helpful Score: 1
Great book. It's a story of how life takes you exactly where you are meant to be, even if it's not what you were expecting.
Chris S. (smallbutfeisty) reviewed What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day on + 36 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Pearl Cleage's What Looks like Crazy... explores some contemporary issues facing all American communities, but focuses on the microcosm of the African American community in a small town past its heydey. In this community, the reader will find issues of religious morality mixing with reality--the community has a high rate of teen pregnancy, drug use and abuse, violent boyfriends, and theft, but the religious community disagrees with the main characters about how best to deal with these issues.
Within this American microcosm, we find yet another--that of a family. Ava, who is HIV positive, returns to this community to visit her sister, who is a recent widow. This sister, Joyce, is a product of the activist generation; when she sees an issue that needs to be addressed, she gets her hands dirty and gets involved. Perhaps you can see who will be tousling with the religious community mentioned before.
Now, if the plot of the book doesn't yet intrigue you, let me tell you how quickly I was drawn into this book. It is an incredibly fast read. This is achieved by the beautiful voice of the author throughout the story. The characters here are so well developed, they seemed like people I know or could know. And they certainly have their faults too. The women in the book are all headstrong, like many women I know! The men, however, are absent fathers or horrid role models. But this is no man-hating book. Joyce's husband was clearly a wonderful human being who simply did not live until our story picks up. There's another man in the story who protects the main women in such a way that he might just make you rethink men if you are a man hater! But he too is not perfect.
I highly recommend you this book. Check it out. :)
Within this American microcosm, we find yet another--that of a family. Ava, who is HIV positive, returns to this community to visit her sister, who is a recent widow. This sister, Joyce, is a product of the activist generation; when she sees an issue that needs to be addressed, she gets her hands dirty and gets involved. Perhaps you can see who will be tousling with the religious community mentioned before.
Now, if the plot of the book doesn't yet intrigue you, let me tell you how quickly I was drawn into this book. It is an incredibly fast read. This is achieved by the beautiful voice of the author throughout the story. The characters here are so well developed, they seemed like people I know or could know. And they certainly have their faults too. The women in the book are all headstrong, like many women I know! The men, however, are absent fathers or horrid role models. But this is no man-hating book. Joyce's husband was clearly a wonderful human being who simply did not live until our story picks up. There's another man in the story who protects the main women in such a way that he might just make you rethink men if you are a man hater! But he too is not perfect.
I highly recommend you this book. Check it out. :)
ANDRE' E. J. (Expeditious) -
Helpful Score: 1
just wonderful - wonderfully written - expressed well / true to life / I was full of tears in parts / full of anger in others / and ready to do bodily harm in a couple more pages! WQNDERFUL!!! Will request / read others by this same author!
Really enjoyed the book. A quick summer read. Great characters, nice story, good ending.
One of the best books I've read in a while! Very real, timely, and with a measure of hope thrown in amidst the tragedy. It was hard to put down and I hated to see it end.
very cute, funny and dramatic. A good bedtime read!
Disappointed in this book and couldn't finish it.
After several chapters I couldn't see a clear
plot and too much packed into this book for it
to really get your attention...mine anyway.
After several chapters I couldn't see a clear
plot and too much packed into this book for it
to really get your attention...mine anyway.
wonderful
Charlene Y. (CharleneY) -
This is a wonderful book, featuring what I would describe as a near-perfect man.
"O" book. smart, funny, with wonderful characters.
Oprah Book Club Book. Very catching, moving, funny, sad, and thought provoking book. Loved it!
For years I've wanted to read this book. It's one of those that I'd pick up and read the back cover and then change my mind at the last minute. I loved this book. It is witty, sweet, and realistic. A great fast read. :-)
Don't let the African-american woman on the cover dissuade you. This is a wonderful book for all women. I'm white and I LOVED this book. The characters are so real and likable and it was really hard to put down.
Regina B. (skybluepink73) reviewed What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day on + 2 more book reviews
I just finished this book. I loved it! The swearing at first and crass writing shocked me at first. I'm not bothered by it, just wasn't expecting it. I read this book in like 2 days. Its definitely a page turner. Highly recommend.
I just could not get into this book. Ex-library copy.
In a remarkable debut novel that sizzles with sensuality, crackles with life-affirming energy and moves the reader to laughter and tears, author Pearl Cleage creates a world rich in character, human drama, and deep, compassionate understanding. After a decade of luxe living in Atlanta, Ava Johnson has returned to tiny Idlewild, Michigan -- her fabulous career and power plans smashed to bits on one dark truth: Ava has tested positive for HIV. Bur rather than a sorrowful end, her homecoming is a new beginning. Because, in the ten-plus years since she left, all the problems of the big city have invaded the sleepy community of her childhood. Because dear friends and family sorely need her help in the face of impending trouble and tragedy, and Ava cannot turn her back on them. And because, most importantly, Ava Johnson is inexplicabley and undeniably falling in love.
After a decade of elegant pleasures and luxe living among the Atlanta brothers and sisters with the best clothes and biggest dreams, Ava Johnson has temporarily returned home to Idlewild---her fabulous career and power plans smashed to bits by cold reality. But what she imagines is the end is, instead, a beginning.
I liked this book. Something about the main characters interested me. It is about a young woman who has HIV going home to visit her sister for a few months.
bookcrossing label on the inside page, otherwise in good condition.
I didn't want this book to end, but what a satisfactory ending. I cried so hard that I had to put the book down and walk around a while to calm myself down. Uplifting and entertaining!
it was alright.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and you will, too!
Funny, sad-this book has everything. So glad I read it and I hope to send it on so that someone else can enjoy it.
I really enjoyed these characters. Pearl Cleage is such a talented author, playwright (and she's my sister's neighbor!)
A woman returns to the small town in which she grew up, finding out that problems are universal - big city or small town and love can find you anywhere.
A "Oprah Book Club" book. This story will move you to tears one minute and have you laughing the next. A real hard book to put down!
Dominique Y. (NaughtyLittleMinx) reviewed What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day on + 103 more book reviews
I loved this book. It made me want to cut my hair, lol, but I had already done that. It's a heavy subject matter but the author handles it beautifully.
I really liked this book. It was very uplifting.
Loved the main characters; this book made me laugh and cry.
Easy, quick read, but kind of predictable/stereotypical. All in all a good story and message
The story of love, AIDS and some very sassy black women.
Very Good read. About a woman coming to grips with AIDS , family & love. Very good, fast read.
Lots of F bombs, and it didn't matter - the writing is excellent and the story is very real. I enjoyed this look into the life of an HIV positive woman who is terrified but loving. Recommend! D.
Really good book. I enjoyed it a lot.
Oprahs Book Club selection. A very well written heart felt book. A deep read.
I was very disappointed in this book, I received it and was very excited to begin it, but I could barely make it through the first forty pages.
Oprah knows how to pick 'em!
Kimberly K. (bookpusher) reviewed What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day on + 88 more book reviews
so good that when I finished the last page.. I just had to sit and bask in the glow.
Great story with important values expressed. Characters are rich and interesting. I would highly recommend this story/ susan
Story of Ava Johnson, living in Atlanta, finding out she has HIV. She decides to move to San Francisco, stopping on the way in her hometown of Idlewild to visit her sister for the summer. She never dreamed she'd be falling in love while there.
I really enjoyed this book. It's been on my shelf forever and as part of trying to read a new author for each letter of the alphabet, I finally got to it. I'm glad I did.
I really enjoyed this book. It's been on my shelf forever and as part of trying to read a new author for each letter of the alphabet, I finally got to it. I'm glad I did.
A very satisfying read!!
Excellent read!
Hard to put down until the
last page was read. Entertaining
story that held my attention; I
recommend this book!
jojo46580 in Indiana.
Hard to put down until the
last page was read. Entertaining
story that held my attention; I
recommend this book!
jojo46580 in Indiana.
I thought this was a really good book. It's based on everything I'm not familiar with, but it's so good it sucked me in and I wanted to be a part of it.
Phyllis C. (PiscesQueen) - reviewed What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day on + 19 more book reviews
Very funny and charming. After a decade of elegent pleasures and luxe living among the Atlanta brothers n sisters with the best clothes n biggest dreams Ava has temporaly returned home to Idlewild, her faboulous career n power plans smashed to bits
I enjoyed this story....quick read. For an Oprah book club book, it is a very upbeat and uplifting story!
OPRAH BOOK CLUB
Hilda S. (Risingangel1961) reviewed What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day on + 63 more book reviews
I truly enjoyed this book. It was an easy read with a good storyline.
Great summer read.
Different style of writing but nice
This is an awesome book! I have read it twice know and it is one that will leave you thinking about it long after you have turned the last page.
One of the best books I have ever read. Wonderful.
Interesting story!
Oprah's book club classic!
Very funny !
good book
AN easy read for a rainy day
Loved it.
Cleage has a wonderful way with words and writes a great, great story. I enjoyed this more than I expected to!
This is an Oprah Book Club book. I liked it.
It has been awhile since I read this book, but I remember it being an enjoyable read.
This is a well done, intelligent and thoughtful book . I really enjoyed It. Cleage did a great job of making you feel what she was feeling and be a part of her world.
Very good book, funny in a very real sort of way.
I liked this book. Like the most of the books from Oprah's Book Club.
I enjoyed this book alot.
I liked this book for the characters, and the narration.
A fun read and a different perspective.
Slight water damage, will not affect reading of the book.
This was a good book
