Customer Reviews

Big Girls Don't Cry

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
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Even in the 60's the main issue for a teenager appears to be doin' it! In the middle class section of Washington, D.C. Naomi Jefferson lives a normal life that is occasionally spoiled by racism.

"Normality" appears to dip off when Joshua, her older brother dies. Now the differences between race in America becomes a very personal plight as Naomi is set on honoring her brother.

This girl just can't get it together. Leaving too many regrets and bumpy roads back in Atlanta. Naomi returns to her parents' where she finds work in a city councilman's office. With no room for advancement and the weight of an unhappy relationship Naomi finds herself back off to school.

In time Naomi joins a consulting firm, and is engaged. Just as she's passed over for a different position things in her life seem to be oh so hectic. Only to add the sudden knowledge of a teen age boy that is her brother's son. Is this true? Naomi is determined that her nephew will have the opportunities that her brother didn't.

As Naomi battles daily with issues of family obligations is there room for love?

Tee mentioned she was reading "Big girls don't cry" I found out that she was speaking of an anthology that is currently out. Although I read this some years back; I liked Connie Briscoe's read.

This book was great because it spanned a young woman's life... from young frienship, puberty, sexual awakening, parental struggle, independence, love, hurt, and all of those things over again.

Naomi is a 13 year old girl who is from a middle-class black family from Washington, D.C. Her parents are educated and articulate, but used to living the lives of people who are supressed. Her brother Joshua, decides to strike out against the white man... this is during our nations time of extreme strife - late 60's- early 70's. He is smart, supportive and determined to make a difference.

Meanwhile, Naomi is concerned with hanging out with the 'priveleged ones' who live on what is called the 'gold coast' of Washington D.C. neighborhoods. She is also concerned about dating and then eventually the big question of 'doing it' even though her Mama has warned her against 'letting a boy touch her'... it could ruin her life.

The book travels from Naomi's pre-pubescent life to college to early adult-hood, to mature woman... all the while exploring what all young women go through.

Wonderful story... a can't miss !

If you've ever felt confused, depressed, afraid to conquer or lack the determination to move ahead with your goals... this book is for you. After reading this book I found the courage to proceed with a lot of my life goals. I have found a new determination and I am confident I will succeed.
Every emotion that Naomi describes, the reader will also experience this emotional rollercoaster. Not only is the book an inspiration but so is the author, Mrs Connie Briscoe. Read about her life story and you will surely find that there are no reasons why you too can not succeed.

I read this book a few years ago. After I read it, the book went right around my office, about eight (yes, eight) of my colleagues read it. I have given three copies to my friends and family as presents. And when my niece is old enough to read then I will buy it for her. This book will touch you like no other book you have EVER read in your life. It will educate, inspire, motivate and uplift you. It will make you cry and laugh out loud at the same time. I don't want to give too much away but please buy it, buy it, buy it.

Something I've realized after discussing various books with folks from differing backgrounds; if you can't relate, it's a little harder to digest. It's amazing that I had this book on my shelf at least three years before I realized it was there. After the urging of a friend, I finally read it. I was not disappointed.

Though the ending is a bit "cinderella-ish," it's worth reading. Reading it, I felt as if there were a few people I knew who could fit the mold of Naomi. Everyone, at some point or another, goes through major life crises that causes an assessment of goals set as children. From that we refocus our aims and move forward whole-heartedly with a renewed since of purpose. Naomi did it and became a success. Can you relate?

This book was filled with tears of sadness and tears of joy. Following the character through her life was an enjoyable experience with its ups and down. Briscoe did a beautiful job writing the dialogues between characters

I needed a diversion from the overwhelming task to moving into a new home. I had never read Ms. Briscoe, but she has an die-hard fan now. This book gave me the sister I have always wanted to share my life with. I became part of the scene and scenerio.

Big Girls Don't Cry is entertaining and yet very familiar. Those of us who grew up in the 60's and 70's can relate to Naomi Jefferson's different predicaments and how she handles life's ups and downs. Naomi appears so grown up at times and yet she is a little intimidated by life.

At the very beginning of the story, Naomi lets you know she has a mind of her own and challenges any decisions that are made on her behalf. But as she goes through adolescense and into womanhood, she loses some of that self-confidence when it comes to her relationships with men. She isn't very rational at times and falls into the trap of letting herself become a door mat for these men that she so-calls, loves.

I love the way, Ms. Briscoe leads you into Naomi's life so much that you find yourself wondering what is going to happen to her next or you think that's it, she hits you with another twist to the story and you cannot put the book down.

We have all been there at some time in our life. It's facinating to read how someone else handles the dilemmas of life.

THIS BOOK TAKES YOU THROUGH A JOURNEY WITH A YOUNG AFRICAN AMERICAN GIRL, NAOMI JEFFERSON, AND THE HURDLES SHE ENCOUNTERS WHILE GROWING UP IN THE EARLY 1960'S. CONNIE BRISCOE DID A WONDERFUL JOB TRACKING THE HISTORY, STRUGGLES, AND MIND FRAME OF AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE U.S. THIS BOOK NOT ONLY DEALT WITH INEQUALITY AMOUNG AFRICAN AMERICANS BUT INEQUALITY AMOUNG WOMEN. THE STORY FLOWED BEAUTIFULLY AND OF COURSE HAD A HAPPY ENDING. MS. BRISCOE REMINDS THE READER THAT HARD WORK CAN PAY OFF IN THE END

Connie Briscoe's BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY is a well-written novel that captures the readers soul. The novel spans the life of Naomi Jefferson, a young girl who lives through some of the most exciting times in our nation's history. She lives through the Civil Rights Movement, the seventies, the birth of the computer age and into our modern times. Along with the killings of several of our nation's best leaders, Naomi's brother, Josh, who had so much going for him, is killed in a tragic car accident---or at least that's what the police report claimed.

Evil roots of over-exposure to racism are what motivate Naomi into becoming a successful woman in all aspects. She matures during the computer age and goes against all odds career-wise, romance-wise, family-wise and most importantly she invests in herself and becomes more that she was ever expected to be.

Connie Briscoe brings real-world experiences and historical references to this novel and the outcoming result is a shining work of literary greatness!