Scan barcode
lynecia's review against another edition
3.0
My Bookshelf Project #58: I have no eloquent, literary critique nor praise for this book. In my opinion, it isn't her best work, not to say it was bad either. I've enjoyed and thought other works of hers was better. Bernice continues to be a favorite writer of mine and I look forward to her next book. That is all.
ronilynnreads's review against another edition
Moved a tad slow and I lost interest. But, to be fair, I was also reading a few other books at the same time that I was more interested in finishing.
mwgerard's review against another edition
4.0
Reviewed for CROSSROADS WRITER'S CONFERENCE: http://www.crossroadswriters.org/home/2013/09/25/glorious-is-like-nothing-else-ive-ever-read/
jplassman's review against another edition
3.0
The story was fast paced and exciting, but it was a little too on the surface. The characters were so intriguing I would have liked a book that delved deeper. It almost read like a treatment for a movie or a mini-series and I think it would make a great one. Also, the proofreading could have been a little better. When I see mistakes like "exthralled" or "enthralled" it brings me out of the story.
joyful24's review against another edition
5.0
I will never look at the harlem renaissance, hot combs, waycross, or bicycle spokes the same!!! talk about an awesome read. an enthralling story from the first paragraph until the last...love it! so many eccentricities, such must character and speculation about familiar faces. unia, the honorable marcus garvey, elite of harlem salons during the 1930s, one room school houses, racist white people raping and lynching, drugging and whoring. the last wave of the great migration to new york. becoming yourself. finding your voice. loosing your way in tragedies. finding comedy in the darkest situations. burlesque shows. west indians. being a cougar. find and running and chasing after things...love it!!!!
readincolour's review against another edition
5.0
From the dirt roads of Waycross, Georgia to the busy streets of Harlem, Bernice McFadden once again delivers perfection in her latest novel, Glorious. With actual historical events playing in the background, we are introduced to Easter Bartlett and her family.
The historic "Fight of the Century" between Jack Johnson and James Jeffries sets in motion a series of events that eventually push Easter out of Georgia and eventually land her in Harlem. Much mention is made of Marcus Garvey and his Universal Negro Improvement Association. A story set in Harlem at such a time would be incomplete with referencing the Harlem Renaissance and Ms. McFadden deftly weaves in noted members of the Renaissance, including A'lelia Bundles, daughter of Madame CJ Walker and a patron of the arts, and Langston Hughes. Others such as Claude McKay and Carl Van Vechten are also mentioned.
With writing as rich and vivid as only she can do it, Ms. McFadden draws you into the life of Easter Bartlett and doesn't release you easily. I found myself yearning to read this while at the same time putting it down in order to savor it and prolong the inevitable end. While I usually give away books that I've already read, this is one that will have to stay in my library.
The historic "Fight of the Century" between Jack Johnson and James Jeffries sets in motion a series of events that eventually push Easter out of Georgia and eventually land her in Harlem. Much mention is made of Marcus Garvey and his Universal Negro Improvement Association. A story set in Harlem at such a time would be incomplete with referencing the Harlem Renaissance and Ms. McFadden deftly weaves in noted members of the Renaissance, including A'lelia Bundles, daughter of Madame CJ Walker and a patron of the arts, and Langston Hughes. Others such as Claude McKay and Carl Van Vechten are also mentioned.
With writing as rich and vivid as only she can do it, Ms. McFadden draws you into the life of Easter Bartlett and doesn't release you easily. I found myself yearning to read this while at the same time putting it down in order to savor it and prolong the inevitable end. While I usually give away books that I've already read, this is one that will have to stay in my library.
misshuckleberry's review against another edition
5.0
In fairness, I listened to the audiobook, with Alfred Woodard as narrator, and her voice was simply perfection: her tone, the different characters, and in particular, her deft objectivity: she read with absolutely no judgment. I've listened to audiobooks in which the narrator chose to "play" characters in a certain way, so there is a bit of biased perspective. Not so here, so this was a great format. The story itself, depressing at times with happy twists and turns, is so believable and engaging. I couldn't stop listening to it. I thought the story was superb!
sammisaysread's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
knit3314's review against another edition
5.0
McFadden was new to me although I'd marked her debut novel Sugar to read some time ago. I listened to the audible.com version narrated by Alfred Woodard and the book was completely "alive" as I listened to the story of Easter's life journey, struggles, desires, and disappointments. Ms. Woodard does an astounding job giving each character their own voice and individuality. I felt the pairing of McFadden's words with Woodard's talented narration was the best way to indulge in this novel.
I will read more by this author. She made me care about all the characters in her story, even those who may have caused Easter trouble along the way. The book was "Glorious!"
I will read more by this author. She made me care about all the characters in her story, even those who may have caused Easter trouble along the way. The book was "Glorious!"
shanaetheflyest's review against another edition
4.0
I'm giving "Glorious" four stars because the writing is magnificent. McFadden is clearly a gifted writer. It's the story that I hate :) The characters are thoroughly developed and the plot is brilliant. Characters like Rain, Meredith Tomas, Jack, Marcus Garvey, and Shannon are so disgusting. Colin's descent, like Easter's father's is painful. The ruined life of Easter is traumatic. Ironically, there is no happy ending and there are no good times in "Glorious." But there's much to be learned and now I'm on a manhunt to find out who, during the Harlem Renaissance experienced the fall of Easter (or a similar fall). I look forward to reading future works by McFadden.