Customer Reviews

Aftermath of Dreaming

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Delaune Michel's novel had me laughing at the insanity that is Los Angeles, dizzy from the overwhelming energy that is New York at 18, and breathless with the obsession of love. With her heroine, Yvette, she takes us on the perilous journey of finding our way in life - beautifully capturing both the frailty and hidden strength of the human spirit. Hers is a voice of honesty and humor wonderfully infused with the honey sweet gentility of the south. The aftermath of reading this first novel was anticipation for her second.

This deeply felt first novel is a wonderful read. Both funny and poignant, DeLaune Michel's unique and talented voice tells the story of Yvette, a Southern transplant living in Los Angeles. Yvette narrates her story of love, longing, and self-discovery with wit and humor. This novel will touch deeply anyone who has struggled on a personal journey to find what is really important to them in life. I found myself engrossed in Yvette's search-- and enlightened by the insights revealed by Michel along the way.

I experienced every emotion reading "Aftermath...." The story is written so beautifully, skillfully and with such a real voice that while reading the book I felt like the author was in the same room with me telling me her story.

Delaune Michel captures brilliantly in her first novel what it feels like to be an intelligent, hard working, talented young woman on the seemingly endless verge of success, self actualization, or any measure of happiness. Whether in New York or Los Angeles, I journeyed arm-in-arm emotionally with lead character Yvette, as she made her way through a seductive yet treacherous decade ~ admitted into a world of accomplishment, fame, and pleasure, but always and only as a guest, never allowed to take up permanent residence. I've been there in my own life: walking up the drive, looking through the windows, tasting the food, spending the occasional heady night, yet returning every time to the crummy apartment in the bad neighborhood, the menial job, the dream that somehow failed every time to become reality. I'd not re-live those years for anything, but knowing there are writers like Michel who give breath and life and honor to such women (and they are everywhere) helps salve the sometimes difficult memories and makes me smile.

I knew the author in New York City and recently came across her novel. She really captures the vulnerability that we all had as young ladies trying to build our lives with very little money. I really enjoyed the novel and the relationship with the "Famous Actor" is so perfectly described and truly heart wrenching. Yvette (the main character) is very sympathetic and you root for her to find happiness. Much of the book made me laugh too, because we were so silly and naive. Loved it!

The book pulls you in right away and you find yourself engrossed, unable to stop reading so you can find out what happens next. It is vivid, funny, and poignant as it details issues we all can relate to - growing up, letting go, and finding our path in an active way.

Delaune Michel is a strong female voice for modern literature. She has the talent to not only speak to ALL women but with such truthful obsevations and beautiful imagery I would follow her anywhere. What a treat!

I read this book in two days, dropping everything. I could relate to Yvette on so many levels, growing up in Southern California and being stuck in a dream about life and love on the heels of deep personal loss. This is a beautiful story in its hunger for an eternal love that cannot be in the way Yvette dreams it, but is there in the way it can be.

This story is as much about love as it is growing up and through it all I felt like Yvette is a friend. She reminds me so much of a best friend of mine who dated these larger than life men and found herself lonelier for it. But here Yvette is bigger than my friend for she sees the good in what she has with this man and gets past the pain and triumphs as a woman and an artist.

I was intoxicated by DeLaune's language and rhythm from the first page. Her characters kept me company to a beach resort last May. And when I got back to LA --- I was longing for them. Memorable!!!

a beautifully written story that takes you through all the emotions. i was surprised to find myself enthralled by the main character and her experiences but quickly realized it was all due to Ms Michel's amazing way with words. i look forward to her next novel with baited breath.