Reviews

In Search of Satisfaction by J. California Cooper

tmisticc's review against another edition

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reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

the book is good, not great. a very slow read. extremely character driven, sometimes to the point of confusion because of the overlapping and intertwining. the ending felt sort of rushed and a little too neat. long-winded in some areas, but still almost lacking what could make the read more interesting. 

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passionyoungwrites's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring lighthearted tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Some did what was right, and some did whatever they had to do to get to where they desired to be. In the end, some were satisfied and some weren’t. 

I liked the story because it showed how different classes and races, some with privilege, handled others and made decisions. And of course Karma made its way around - allowing them to see their mistakes and for some the good choices they made. 

What would you do in search of satisfaction? Is there a limit?! 

mahoganyhearts2's review

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5.0

A book with a message

This book intertwines a group of families with their struggles and wants . This book can be one that is still relevant today. It has a incredible message to take some time and discover. It does have some language from before but it was easy to read the story.

stunnerz25's review

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hopeful 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? No

4.75

i loved it!

mahoganyreader's review

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5.0

A book with a message

This book intertwines a group of families with their struggles and wants . This book can be one that is still relevant today. It has a incredible message to take some time and discover. It does have some language from before but it was easy to read the story.

beverleefernandez's review against another edition

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3.0

I have mixed feelings about In Search of Satisfaction. Part of me is glad Hosanna & her family found love and was able to rise out of poverty. The other part of me is disappointed in underlying message- namely that a woman should seek a good man to love in order to be complete. I think a person needs to find what satisfies or makes them and happy & then maybe seek someone to share their life, if so desired.
I must remember this is a morality tale. Ms. Cooper's presentation of the characters clearly illustrate who's good and who's bad. Carlene Befoe- clearly the devil's child, Richard Befoe, her uncle, devil (incestuous relationship) both are also extremely rich. Hosanna, Luke, Lovey, Lettie- children of Ruth & Joel are fundamentally good, though not perfect, which is human (a definite plus). Yinyang is the only character who moves between good and evil (probably because of her name).
I thought the story was unique and the way the characters are connected in Yoville gave the impression of a small community where everyone knows each other, for better or worse. What I didn't like was the preachy, self righteousness sometimes ascribed to the good people though I suppose it's meant to counter the terrible behavior of the bad. The ending found most everyone satisfied except Yin, though there's a brief allusion to more evil coming by way of Carlton and Emily.
This text is definitely important to read, especially from a womanist perspective. I admire the women's ability to not be dependent on men for financial security, but to acknowledge they desire love and not be afraid to pursue it. I may not agree with the prevailing attitude, but I admire their honesty.

wordfey's review against another edition

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2.0

There are some good moments in this one, but for the most part, it is too forcefully preachy. Some of the characters sound exactly the same, especially when preaching. I really don't like the emphasis on virginity being some precious thing (for women only, apparently), not to mention that the one lesbian character is portrayed as evil/perverse. I've liked several of her other books a lot, so I was surprised at my negative reaction here. Oh well. Everyone has a dud.

danabrown's review

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I’m a huge Cooper fan but this one didn’t grab me. Maybe it’s me or the timing. Maybe I’ll try it again some day.
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