Customer Reviews

All I Ever Did Was Love a Man

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

All I Ever Did was Love a Man is a very good novel that grabs you at the opening chapter. I must admit that my curiosity was initially tied to the title but this was not what I expected at any level. The main character is one that I relate to as a woman and although she is Black and I am white-- as a divorcee from an abusive relationship--- I really related to her. I have experienced bad relationships, felt alone and scared, overworked and overwhelmed. I have also just needed someone to hold me and have made decisions that could have affected my life and that of my 3 boys. This book is a wake up call to me to first love myself so that I can open my heart to love someone else but also to take care of my sons. This book has changed my life, how I view my life and my decisions but also how I will make decisions for my sons. Yes, I am going to call my doctor but moreso-- I'm going to call my lawyer and really make plans. You never know what will happen-- I loved this book. I laughed, cried, and had some serious sombering moments. I would have NEVER read a book on this topic as I don't think that it pertains to me and my life. However, after reading Sabrena's story-- I know that it could very well be me or my friends. I am passing this on to others and when my oldest son turns 14 I am giving it to him to read! This is a book that you can't stop reading..... and you shouldn't.

I received the book as a Christmas present but I had not heard of it so I just put it on my shelf until I saw the author on TV doing an interview and a few days later got an email from a friend raving about it. I started the book on last Friday night and finished it on Sunday afternoon-- it engulfed my weekend! Once you start it, you have to keep reading and this is the wild part--- I learned health info without even knowing it. I was so taken with Sabrena and Steve's relationship and LOVED Rachel-- I have a friend just like her. I laughed hysterically, cried several times and then would sit and think during parts of the book as I dealt with my own perceptions. I read it from cover to cover and I am now making my boyfriend read it so that we can talk about it together. I also called my doctor for an appointment and am going to get tested for HIV, it never even crossed my mind to get tested but after reading this book-- I am going to every year! Even though I have been in a committed relationship for 2 years, I was made to realize that I may have put myself at risk by a few episodes of unsafe sex. That's just one part of the take home from the book-- the other is to value myself and really try to take care of my life and my heart. This book touched my very soul and life-- it changed me. It sounds corny but it really changed me and my views-- I am recommending it to EVERYONE that I know and am buying more copies on Amazon so I had to write a review.

This book was awesome and had a natural flow to the storyline. As a professional man, I was shocked that this book was not anything like the standard books in similar genres. This book has it all: an excellent plot; great character development; dramatic twists and turns and perhaps more importantly, a life changing message. Hands down...the best book I've read in years!!!

I am a 47 year old White Male and I just completed this novel, I only give my age and race because I thought it wasn't written for me but rather for women and I was reluctant to read it. A co-worker raved about the novel and I trust her opinion so I ordered a copy. This is my first review on Amazon but I am compelled to write it because of the way in which I was touched and deeply moved by this great piece of literature.

The novel, All I Ever Did Was Love a Man, has a great storyline-- from the first time you meet Sabrena the main character you get insight into the "ache" that men often cause women with our stupidity. However, I must admit even I didn't believe the lies of Steve during the first few chapters and wanted to scream-- Wake Up Stupid! Fortunately, the author magnificantly wove the story--kept some things hidden but then hit you with the strong woman that Sabrena is and gave her backbone. I loved how there were little hints throughout the book which kept me reading. This is a novel-- yes romance is part of it but it is so much more; I love mystery novels and this to me is more of a mystery than pure romance. Also the issue of relationships--not only with a man and woman but with friendships-- male and female, familial/parents/siblings, finding your inner self despite major challenges-- all of those elements make this a great novel. I must admit that I was quite surprised by the ending on two fronts-- and I was also challenged/intrigued to read to the very last page of the book. I am a somewhat stoic male-- I admit it--but this book had tears streaming down my face, as well as moments of hysterical laughter followed by sobering moments of reality. I was drawn to read each page and the characters invaded my thoughts.

For a great novel you must have characters that are alive and speak to your soul, the dialogue must be engaging, the "movement" must be one that is fast paced but not erratic, the messages must leap off of the pages and speak to me and I must be captured--if not captured in the first few chapters the novel will sit on a shelf with hundreds of books that I have purchased but did not read. This book meets my criteria for GREATNESS as it was both gratifying, entertaining and I learned about myself-- my stereotypes, my prejudices, my issues with relationships, and my own fears.

This novel is one of the greatest pieces of work that I have read in a long time. This is not a statement that I make lightly as I am an avid reader. However, this book has made an impact on my life and the lens through which I view the world.

You will never forget this novel! This is a truly gifted storyteller. A real page turner....once you start you won't be able to put it down. Her message is the book's greatest strength. The message it brings is one that we can never stop preaching to anyone in our community. It's truly powerful and yet intriguing....speaking of love, pain, deceit, the power of family and friendship, and the truth about what's really real in the African American community. Once you begin to read it will enthrall you from beginning to end. You feel apart of what's going on inside the story. It is truly a must read!!!!!

I just finished reading my wife's copy of this book and I must admit that I started it without much enthusiam despite my wife raving about it. However, after only a few pages I too was enthralled by the book and kept reading. The book has everything.... mystery, intrigue, comedy romance, health information, emotional ups and downs. Seriously, I could not put it down and dedicated my Saturday morning to finishing the book! Now, I am a bit jealous because my wife is going to a book club review to discuss it and I have not quite mustered up the nerve to join in but want to hear what others are thinking about the characters. Often these types of books make all men look bad and like either "dogs" or "wimps" but this is different. I do like that without knowing it-- I learned some real health information that is practical and I am going to take some questions to my doctor. This book is a definate winner-- I have bought books off amazon before but never was compelled to write a review-- for this one-- I had to!
THIS IS ONE TO READ FOR YOURSELF !

This book was excellent. These days there is a lot going on in the world. People need to stay focused on many things at once. This books reminds us that we must be careful to be with anyone because we may not be able to trust them. The book also points out the value of love and friendship. I could not put the book down.

Having had a cousin die from AIDS, I thought that's as close as I could get to it "hitting home" without being diagnosed myself, but I was wrong. During my read of this book I began to feel the emotions of the characters. As a woman, as a friend, and as a professional I empathized with each individual's sentiment. The book was realistic, honest, and motivational. AIDS is an epidemic and we all can become subjects to it, however, there is life after AIDS......Mrs. Ottey I solute you on a book well written!

Sincerely,
Tiffany A. Tucker
Founder & Executive Director of Redemption Inc.
www.redemptioninc.org

This book has all of the ingredients of a bestseller, it is one of the best books that I have read in decades. I was immediately drawn to the main character, Sabrena, and felt as if I was there with her. The writing is intriguing, and holds your attention... a picture is drawn for you. There are parts in the book wherein I cheered her on (when she left her husband, when she broke with her boyfriend and when she resolved to make it). There are many other portions of the book that I loved and was refreshed by the creativity-- "Disney World" scene had me in tears. The story grabbed me but even more was the opening of my eyes to my own prejudice, judgements and ignorance to HIV/AIDS. I felt close to Vance and cried with the letter that he wrote to his friend. I believe that this book can be instrumental in changing how we view persons of different races, different orientations, different views and just see everyone as people. I made SEVERAL life changing steps after reading... I had a heart to heart with my boyfriend, we both got tested and will get tested again, I began to investigate my benefits at my job, I wrote my mother a letter who died a few years ago and I certainly had unresolved issues. Finally, I called my sisters and told them that they had to buy the book so that we can discuss.
This book is so very important and I can't say how much I loved reading it for the pure enjoyment of a good fiction novel. However, this book means so much more... it is a MUST read and I am going to read it again-- I laughed, cried and felt mixed emotions but I also LEARNED about myself, my friendships, my health and I am forever changed.

Very real, very well-written. I think all women can find some moment in the book where they can identify with the character. The novel beautifully demonstrates our vulnerabilites and frailities during relationships and what they can lead to---love;hate; happiness;security;divorce;ill-will. I loved the book because it's a realistic reminder that real love can help solve many things.