Customer Reviews

Any Way the Wind Blows

5 star:		(92)
4 star:		(39)
3 star:		(22)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

There isn't much new in Harris' latest novel "Any Way The Wind Blows". Yancey and Basil return as central characters in a story that seems more like a feature from a tabloid gossip column than a piece of well crafted and creative literature. While Harris is certain to mention just about every popular African American music and movie star on the scene today, he fails to deliver any new insight with this novel. After reading his previous novels, this one seems like a collage of themes introduced in his earlier work. While I found his previous novels entertaining, just like any good gossip can be, I had a hard time, while reading this novel, getting past the feeling that I've heard this story before. The novel is filled with clichés and didactic in tone. Both of these literary faux pas diminish the story and oversimplify the plot. At times, it seems the characters are only devices for Harris to preach his views on relationships and the role sexuality plays in them. Often times, it's hard to discern if the characters are giving the author the dialogue, or if the author is putting his words in their mouth.

Although deceit, trickery, and unfaithfulness can provide the makings of a good novel, the author has to creatively blend the elements to produce the type of novel that both connects with readers and has literary merit. I'm sure the novel will satisfy the need to connect with readers and will no doubt be a bestseller; but it falls short on literary merit (which doesn't mean it's not an entertaining read). I hope Yancey, Basil, Raymond, and Ava will be laid to rest with this novel. I'm looking forward to new ideas and fresh characters in Harris' future work. He's told this story too many times.

I am still in love with E. Lynn Harris and the characters he has created. When I heard his new book was coming out I couldn't wait to buy it and once I had it I stayed up all night to find out what happens to my favorite people. If you a fan of Harris'work than this is a must read. If you are not then you simply have to buy Invisible life, Just as I am and all the other books to be drawn into his carefully created world. I was happy to hear that Harris had revived Basil and the crew and even happier to find that he had not taken them down an unfamilar road as many authors do. I applaud Harris' ability to maintain the intergrety of his characters (yes, Basil and Yauncey have intergrety). He has continued to spin a tale that is not only believable, but fasinating. I find myself living in their world, feeling their feelings. It's good to put my troubles aside and worry a little about old friends. Harris also doesn't let you forget about his starter characters, he tells us about Raymond, Nicole & Jared, he even gives us a taste of Zurich and Sean. I appreciate that he hasn't forgetten about his past characters and that he knows we haven't either. In his last book I was afraid of what Basil would do to others, in this book I find myself afraid of what others would do to Basil. I loved it and know that any true fan will love it too!

If you love E. Lynn Harris then you've probably already bought the book. If you are a new reader then get ready to be entertained. This is a weekend/beach book. It's fun but lighter than air. The plot is interesting but the characters are not well developed. It's the same ole, same ole that Harris has been tossing out for years.

Bravo! Bravo! E lynn Harris certainly did again! I'd been waiting on the release of another book by this author which seemed like eternity. I must say that Harris never ceases to amaze me. The infamous Mr Basil Henderson is back! still up to his old tricks, I wonder if he'll ever change (you ask yourself?. Only this time he is paired with what seemed like the forever evil, wicked, Yancey Braxton, who, suprisingly in this novel, receives a wake up call!!!. She meets a wonderful person by the name of Windsor, who, irrespective of Yancey;'s nature, see the soul within this apparent demon. I believe in giving people the benefit of my doubt, so I kept my mind open to the probability of change in terms of Yancy ways!! I had hoped though, that her scheming and manipulative character would of continued, as it added spice! to his books. The so together, so orderely Raymond Tyler Junior rears his head once again, this time in the role as Basil's advisor/confidant and attorney. Bizarre I know! I do think that Raymond has a story to tell about his relationship with Kevin (you really need to read between the lines for this one) as the focus is on Basil. The author leaves this interpretation to our own minds and ways of thinking. Sorry! I don't want to give the whole plot away so i'll cease here! This is a "MUST READ NOVEL", and if you have no other E Lynn Harris novels, this will tell you a little about his excellent ability to take us on his wonderful, magical journey into the world of him.

I just finished reading this book in 2 days I must say that this was a good read but definitely NOT one of his better ones. I thought it was a bit soap opera-ish and the characters didn't really make me care for them. Basil was never one of my favorite characters until now. He seems too finally seen the light. I hope it stays that way. The book appeared to be an exact replica of "Not A Day Goes By"...you can definitely categorize this as a sequel to "Not A Day Goes By". But I felt a little cheated. I was under the impression that we were going to found out more about Basil. Why is Basil the way he turned out. Don't get me wrong this book is a good book to read with lots of twists and surprises in store but I was expecting more intimate and background information on Basil Henderson. I did enjoy the way it ended. It was totally unexpecting and heartwarming. E Lynn Harris if you are reading this...please write more on Raymond Tyler. He is definitely one of my favorite characters. Read the book but don't expect another version of "Invisible Life" or "Just As I Am". Those 2 books are CLASSICS!

Starts out running, with the story breezing along - a lot of sass and sex. Then it hits a wall. Every male character fits the exact same description, like they were poured from a mold. Stilted dialogue that sounds like a poorly written soap opera with huge declaritive statements that grate on the ear. Then everything is wrapped up in a preachy little bow, very unsatisfying.

Once again, E. Lynn Harris has managed to kidnap my mind. For 5 hours I was held hostage to the pages of his newest novel "As the Wind Blows." I could not put it down. His complex characters and plot twists had me spinning. If you are a fan, you will not be disappointed this time around. I found myself talking out loud saying "Oh no SHE didn't, Oh no HE didn't, and Lord have mercy!" I felt that the tender moments were very touching and the harsher scenes were powerful and painfully realistic. Harris's imagination never ceases to amaze me. I want to tell more about it but I don't want to spoil it for everyone. Take it from a true E. Lynn Harris fan, buy it and enjoy the ride.

Thank-You Mr. Harris for giving fans like myself more of what we enjoy. I only hate that now I'll have wait another year or so, to get another dose.... the wait is unbearable.

Mr. Harris has been a part of my reading world for the last 7 years and it pains me greatly to say this, but he is really losing the edge. I have seen a downward spiral since "Abide with Me", subtle as it was. Those of us who have been with Harris since the beginning will have to be honest and admit the same; the books are just not doing it anymore. I continue to buy with the hope that things will get better, but they haven't. I know that for many, this review will be for naught, as people will continue to buy his books, just on his past reputation. Do yourselves a favor and go back and re-read passages from the first four books and compare to the most recent and you will see what I mean. In prior books, Harris spent so much time developing his characters and making them seem so real and tangible, that we were drawn into their world and became obsessed with Raymond, Nicole, Jared, Kyle etc. Now, the characters are just out of control sexual predators that are bent on revenge and full of hate. I never thought I would say this about Harris' work, but unless he stops beating this dead horse , I'll have to put him out to pasture.

All true fans of Mr. Harris will be thrilled with this latest offering. You are reading this book feeling like you can feel the pain of both Basil and Yancey, and the secrets that way them down. The book takes you through many twists but delights with each page turn. In the end you applaude the decisions that both Basil and Yancey make in their lives. You also think Basil has finally found out he has a heart.

I snatched Any Day The Wind Blows off the shelf when it came out. I finished it in less than 12 hrs, and I was not happy!

As a sequel to Not a Day Goes By, this book falls short big-time. Basil was too tame for my taste; I expected him to be more of the character that romped through Just As I Am. Yancey was too stuck on herself, even for Yancey. Ava was just plain irritating. As for Bart, where did he come from? His naivete was incongruous to his character, especially during one of the final scenes of the book. And what did Marlana have to do with the price of tea in China? The book's ending was also too trite; somehow, happily-ever-after doesn't really sit well with these characters, especially Bart and Yancey. I liked the twist about Basil and his new family, though I didn't like the way the situation with his ladyfriend was developed. It just seemed to be rather forced. I would much rather have seen Basil get back together with Raymond (maybe in the next book, because I'm not feeling Trent either!).

Every author is entitled to a less-than-stellar work. I'm confident that ELH will bounce back with his next book.