8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thought-Provoking and Entertaining, May 11, 2002
This review is from: Black Coffee: A Novel (Strivers Row) (Paperback)
If you want to read a book that is thrilling, realistic, compelling and a page-turner, then Black Coffee, by Author Tracy Price-Thompson is the book for you. Price-Thompson is a dynamic storyteller and her character development is superb and "right on the money." This book focuses on the lives of its two main characters, Army Sergeant Sanderella "Sandie" Coffee and Drill Sergeant Romulus "Rom" Caesar, both enlisted in the military.
The driving force of this novel begins when Sandie, a single mother of three children, meets Rom after recently being sent back to the states after having finished an assignment oversees that lasted a few years. Rom finds himself immediately attracted to Sandie and convinces himself that he must pursue and win her over to make his life complete. Sandie pretends at first that Rom didn't even spark an interest in her, but deep down she initially found him attractive as well.
Sandie initially plays hard to get, but she would soon succumb to her feelings for Rom and they would develop a world-wind, romantic relationship, with many twists and turns, that initially takes off like a match made in heaven. Nevertheless, there is just one problem that is a major issue that is a threat to their relationship. Rom is a married man of many years with twin sons. Although Rom's marriage is dead as a door nail, he's haunted by his obligation to his sons and, therefore, stays in an unhappy marriage for the sake of his children. After all, he does not want to repeat the same mistake that his father did of abandoning his mother when he was just a young child. However, his love for Sandie is real and becomes his focal point, yet his confusion.
With many twists and turns, this book is very entertaining and thought-provoking. It clearly demonstrates the power of love and how it can overpower one's own judgment. Although I love this book, I think that Price-Thompson moved a little too quickly with the relationship between Rom and Sandie and basically could have slowed down the pace in the initial stage of their ensuing relationship.
Overall, this is a wonderful book with many messages displayed through the lives of the main characters, their friends and family members. What I really liked most about the book is how Price-Thompson displayed Sandie with having such a strong family unit, although they experienced many ups and downs in their lives. Price-Thompson clearly demonstrates that she is a master at her craft and while reading this book, I often could not believe that this is her first novel. Her writing style is that of a veteran author.
I highly recommend this thought-provoking, entertaining, well-written and page-turning novel. It is my hope that Price-Thompson is working on the sequel to Black Coffee because I am anxiously anticipating reading more about the lives of Sandie and Rom.
Pick up a copy of this novel. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Price-Thompson, you did a wonderful job on your first novel. I'm impressed!
Reviewed by Carla J. Curtis
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good to the last page, June 9, 2000
Where can you find a sixth star when you really need one?
It is rare that a book can capture the true essence of its title. This book does that. This is a book that is warm, comforting, makes the flesh tingle with emotion and its straight forward. The author has a strikingly different voice that resonants with honesty and self assuredness.
I am truly amazed that a woman could write without the use of stereotypes about the heart of black men. Tracy captures the essence of our fears and I cannot wait to read her next book.
Thank you Tracy Price Thompson for a delightful taste of Black Coffee.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
ALL THAT AND THEN SOME, August 7, 2000
SURE WISH I COULD GIVE THIS ONE 6 *'S. ABSOLUTELY PERFECT? THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST READS I HAVE EXPERIENCED IN QUITE A WHILE. TRACY HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD WITH THIS ONE. SHE WEAVES IN A LITTLE BITTA A DIS' AND A LITTLE BITTA A DAT' AND THE END RESULTS WERE THIS WONDERFULLY DETAILED STORY OF LOVE, SELF ESTEEM, TRUST, BETRAYAL, SEX, DRUGS, FAMILY, DEDICATION AND, WELL, YOU GET THE PICTURE.............IT HAD SOME OF EVERYTHING (AND SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE).
THE STORY IS ABOUT A SINGLE MOM, SANDERELLA, WITH THREE KIDS BY THREE DIFFERENT FATHERS. SHE IS DETERMINED TO MOVE ON WITH HER LIFE (WITHOUT A MAN) IN SPITE OF THE MANY BAD DECISIONS SHE HAS MADE IN THE PAST. SHE IS IN THE ARMY AND STRIVING TO BETTER HERSELF. SHE IS TRYING TO DO THIS WITH OUT ALLOWING HERSELF TO BE DISTRACTED BY THE LURE OF MEN.
THAT IS UNTIL SHE MEETS THIS IRRESISTABLE (PERSISTANT), SELF PROCLAIMED "KING" ROMOLUS CAESAR. ROMULUS IS "MARRIED WITH CHILDREN", BUT IS NOT TOO HAPPY ABOUT IT. HE MARRIED HIS HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEART AND HAS TWIN BOYS, THAT HE ADORES.
AFTER MEETING SANDERELLA, HE REALIZES SHE MAY BE HE SHOT AT HAPPINESS AND JUMPS AT THE CHANCE TO BE WITH THE WOMAN OF HIS DREAMS. BUT AS THIS STORY UNFOLDS, IT BECOMES CLEAR THAT NOTHING IS EVER AS SIMPLE AS IT SEEMS. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS ONE FOR YOURSELF TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS.
TRUST ME, THIS BOOK IS A "MUST READ". IT WILL HAVE YOU FEINDIN' FOR MORE WRITTING BY THIS TALENTED YOUNG LADY.
YOU MAY HAVE TO SPECIAL ORDER THIS ONE, BUT IT IS WELL WORTH THE ENERGY AND THE WAIT. YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID.
TRACY,..............YOUR SH_ _ IS THOROUGH! GO ON GIRL. I'M WAITING PATIENTLY FOR YOUR NEXT ONE
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