Customer Reviews

Black Butterfly: The Untold Story of Miss Tiffany Diana Ross

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After I picked up this book, it was hard to put down. It's amazing to read about someone learning to accept someone so different in that kind of society. I must say that Miss Tiffany displayed the right attitude about life. It's not about what you are, but about who you are...As a person, she was beautiful. This story will make you stop and think about your life...and the way that you perceive people. God searches the heart to find out what kind of person you are...do you? Good job, Michael! This was a great eye opener for me!

Just as the butterfly changes from it's initial being to it's newer being, this Black Butterfly work is about transformation and the choices we make in life (whether good or bad) when change occurs. Transformation/change occurs in life on a continuous basis with expectations in life not being the exact same as reality. Black Butterfly sends the message of conviction, responsibility, and accountability - we are our brother's keeper. Even while reading this book about change, the reader's life is changed - it takes on it's own level of self-reflection and transformation. Thank you Michael Holmes for sharing the gift God has given you to write the truth with boldness and courage - to help us all deal with this thing called LIFE. Black Butterfly -a insightful writing for those of us who are blinded by ignorance, but now we see.

I enjoyed this book thoroughly. This is a must have for any family with gay/lesbian issues. It may also be extremely beneficial for heterosexual families too. This book may be a helpful tool to demonstrate or explain diversity amongst families and their way of life in today's society. This interesting and uplifting story also allows the reader to experience and see firsthand how teasing and ridicule amongst peers can effect one another. It allows one to become more aware and observant of family members and help us realize how their behavior and interaction with our children may be influential.(Either positive or negative) Finally, and most importantly, we must all realize that we may not always understand or except a person's way of life, nor should we make judgement on their life, because God gives us the opportunity to choose our paths, and based on our choices He guides. Different is not doom! My hat's off to the writer!
Sincerely,

Stacy A. Cooper (Savannah, GA)

Black Butterfly was a very heartwarming story. I laughed and smiled througout the book and cried at the end. Michael, we know how much you loved your brother and I have to believe that he somehow knew it too. This book definitely encourages me and I hope others to live life as well as appreciate life. Great job! Good luck to you and I look forward to many more.

Love and fear are the deepest emotions. Love consists of the goodness and greatness that is within us all. Fear is composed of all the insecurities, pain, doubt, regret and guilt that we harbor; no one goes unaffected by these two emotions. If we allow it to, fear will consume and destroy us. In addition, worrying about how we appear to other people can motivate us to behave in either a fearful or loving way- it is our job to ensure the latter. Michael Holmes' Black Butterfly provides the reader with an inside perspective on the life of a man who boldly shouts to the world one of his deepest regrets. Writing this required courage and love, and by writing a book about his family and other personal topics, Michael embodied both. All who hold regret can identify with this book and be comforted by it by accepting its profound message: 'it's okay! It's not too late to let yourself love all of God's creatures.'
-Edna Amaral

This is a revealing story of the writer's reluctant metamorphosis from denial to endearing understanding and brotherly love. This indepth expose of the 'family secret' is treated with subtle humor and austere clarity as the writer grudingly comes to terms with his brother's lifestyle choice. This is an excellent read for diversity.

"Black Butterfly", is a page turner. I could'nt put it down. You shared a part of you on each page. I could feel your hurt, pain and most of all, your love. "Black Butterfly", is a must read.

Black Butterfly takes you on a journey of young man who struggles with his brother's sexual identity. From page one it keeps your attention with each series of events that bring them closer together. A must read!! (...)

Excellent reading!!! Mr. Holmes writes from the heart and allows his readers to feel his every emotion. This book was easy to read, very informative, held my interest and left me yearning for more.

I finished the book with a better understanding of those who are different as well as those who struggle with their difference.

I finished Michael Holmes' second novel (Black Butterfly) last night and the book left me (almost) speechless. It's a TRUE account of a younger brother growing up really desiring to have his "big brother" in his life. The book adequately chronicles the life of these two brothers growing up in Savannah, Georgia, two brothers, two totally different personalities and lives. Michael (the younger brother) had to learn to accept his older brother's lifestyle choice, and growing up, it was not an easy thing to do. The author writes with emotion and in certain parts of the story, I found myself needing tissue..for the tears just begin to roll. It's not a sad story (by far) but there are parts in the story that are simply "touching" and "real".

It's a powerful story that I know readers will enjoy and many will be able to relate to. It's about "accepting" people (in this case, even family members) for WHO they are and the choices they make. It's about family ties, the affects of secrets within the family unit and how true love and truth makes a world of difference.

Michael Holmes, you know I am a fan for life. I know that writing this novel as well as Twelfth Man Standing (your first book) has been and is very therapeutic for you. I pray that God's grace continues to shine in your life to give you these wonderful stories for readers everywhere to enjoy. Hats off to you for sharing such a private and important story. We needed this one! I am sure this story will be around for a long time and will help many families (everywhere) to deal with the differences we share.

I started the book after your book release party on 5/28/05 and didn't put it down until the last page. I even (shhhh....) took it to church with me (smile) and also read it at the traffic lights. Congratulations on another bestseller!!!!

I believe that Miss Tiffany is indeed "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"....bragging about you to Miss Simpkins, Vinnie and Nathaniel....and telling them how very proud he is of his little brother.