Customer Reviews

Blue Popsicles

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As I read the book, I could not help but swell with pride. Ms. Ife is my baby sister and as a resident of the orphanage, the book hit me in special ways. Both as a reader, an orphan and as a sister. I can tell you that the book is truthful. However, in the context of a book I realize that you cannot tell it all. Therefore, I await with baited breath for the next book. Perhaps, she will continue to tell the long story that she alone has seen fit to tell. As children we had to do what we could to survive what seemed to me as an insane system. Neanni, survived and survived well. There is an old saying, "it is not that you have succeeded but what you have overcome to succeed." And so for that reason, I am most proud of my sister. Oh yes, I know of the tears that she (and all of us cried) during those years and often afterwards. Because she is five years younger (than I) she didn't really know our parents. And that in itself was difficult for her. While reading the book, I could not put it down. I was able to read it in one day. Often shaking my head at what I had known yet seeing it in print was almost unreal. Emotions came upon me causing me to think what should I could I have done for my sister. But then as I child often-missing movies because I tried to "take up for her" there was little that I could do. Being in the same situation what could a child do for another child? I would encourage everyone to read the book. It bespeaks of things that most people could not imagine. As adults and parents I think that this book should cause everyone to rethink how we deal with parentless children. Regardless of the lack of parents or homes they "we" are still human and should be treated as such. The book should cause us all to think about how we view foster children and children in general who are in care. And lastly, for my sister I say to you and to all who read this, I am proud of you. People deal with things in different ways and you had to find your way. And found it you did. I chose to believe that our mom and dad would be proud. Proud that you "rose" you rose above what was meant to keep you down. Daddy was a proud man, a man who stood tall (with no education) but proud. You go ahead. Keep your head up and continue to be proud, proud that you are your daddy's child. You were validated along time ago, before we ever went to the "home." How do I know that? My daddy, your daddy said so. Not in plain words but the best that he knew how to say it. You just didn't write the book to relieve yourself of the past. But I believe that you wrote it( not knowing) that it would be of help to others. Come on now, don't keep me waiting. I'm ready for part two, and tell it all. "Nancy" was always a bookworm, and was always very smart. I didn't expect anything less from her. As readers, I am sure others will understand why I am SWELLING WITH PRIDE. Dean Gibson Wallace

I read "Blue Popsicles" and was very moved--it sure brought back a lot of memories. You did a great job!!! I feel that you said out loud things that most of us just don't talk about and probably try not to think about. I believe that anyone who spent any time in Peter Pan during the 1950-1960 time frame has horror stories they could tell. But we all have a different story. It's my opinion that in Peter Pan we were all abused, but we were all abused in different ways. I believe your book softened the cruelty somewhat; it was sometimes much worse. My Peter Pan experience was an abusive, humiliating, degrading experience from which I have NO happy memories. I totally agree with your unhappiness during those years. All of us former Peter Pan kids will carry some scars forever.

A spellbinding and riveting chronicle that fosters many more questions and begs for more stories. This is an unbelievable and emotional story of one person's experience and her own search for answers, healing and way to a better life. Written with humor, love and pain, an insight to life firsthand on growing up in an institution in the '50s and '60s. This is a preserved piece of history of life in an orphanage. A 'should be' required reading for all in the social and psychology fields and a great learning for those exploring options for children in the social system.

Blue Popsicles by NeAnni Y. Ife is a must read. Ms Ife tells her own childhood story about children placed in orphanages. Her provcative and truthful experience will send chills down your spine. Reading Blue Popsicles caused me to show every known emotion for our throw away children. I laughed, cried, hated, loved and pitied throughout each chapter. Throughout her eleven
years in the orphanage life, it did not frighten her or break her spirit for life. Most of all you learn that with the help of her faith she has forgiven those who threw the curves to induce self-doubt. Ms Ife is a phenomenal woman and we send blessings and honor her for sharing the experience.

This is a must read. It is the best book I've read in a long time. I laughed with Nancy, I cried with her, but most of all I was amazed at her resilience. It is amazing to me that a child who was so young and part of such a hostile environment was able to come through with any kind of sanity.

I applaud Ms. Ife and her new found freedom in Christ. Her struggle and experiences would lead many to believe that there is no God. It was a blessing to know that although she had many questions, she still opened her heart and soul to God.

This is a book that can assist many who are going through difficult times. It is indeed a must read. I plan not only to tell everyone I know about the book, but to buy several copies to give to them immediately, so they don't forget the title or say I can't find it or forget to go get it.

This book is a must read for anyone who appreciate affirmation in their life.

What touched me in this story most on the surface was a child that in the beginning had so much when it came to family, siblings who shared with and loved her, a mother who was nurturing and devoted, a father who knew his duty was to take care of his family, and then everything changed so suddenly so completely and that I wanted so much to protect her!

I shared Nancy's experience, her confusion, her belligerence, her devotion, her stubbornness, her hesitance to trust. I wanted so much to join that story and take care of her and tell her that she was special.

I think that anyone who picks up this book will want to finish it as if they could make her circumstance all right by not abandoning her to go and cook dinner, walk the dog, or watch TV.

Neanni's story about the OS&SO is distressing to me, not only for what she lived through but also the fact that the OS&SO deteriorated in so many ways after I left there in 1943. I was at the OS&SO a little over three years and, in my opinion, the OS&SO was an orphan's paradise at least then. I had been in an Oliver Twist-type religious orphanage prior to that. However, even in that paradise I had an evil housemother who was the equal of the sadistic adults that Neanni had to deal with. But, on the whole, most of the adults were welcoming and pleasant. Neanni's story is very compelling and sad. I identified with her determination to remember everything and with her thoughts of smothering one of her adult tormentors. Well written and credible.

Not often does one fine a book that touches so profoundly and taps into so many emotions from one page to another. Blue Popsicles, by Ms. NeAnni Ife, is that book. This very beautifully crafted, real-life testimony speaks to the reader's heart and provokes laughter and tears as various emotions are felt. The reader is also reminded that we continue to face some of the same life issues today that Nancy faced some 30 or 40 years ago. Blue Popsicles gives an autobiographical snapshot that zooms into the life of a child who asks "why" when others wouldn't or couldn't. Her voice would not be silenced.

Blue Popsicles gives us the good and the bad. The issues of racism, classism, power, and faith are at work in a little girl's life when all she wanted was her mother and family. Through the pages we are shown the ugliness and insidiousness of ideas and beliefs that color our faith and understanding of who God is and what God thinks. We are shown the abuse of power as children are battered into compliance. We are shown that without resources, the system can become a malevolent care keeper rather than a benevolent caregiver.

Yet, hope and healing still shine forth. A woman, used by God, acted with acceptance, love, and care, and planted a seed of hope that would not die. God also sent not only that woman, but others who watered the seed of hope. One cannot read Blue Popsicles and not respond in some way. The voice still speaks.

The little girl's voice would not be silenced and now the woman's voice speaks, not only for the child, but for the voiceless. Now the little girl, who kept her word to tell, speaks to us with truth, faith, hope, and yes, forgiveness. Ms. Ife speaks to the Church. She speaks to social service agencies. She speaks to parents. She speaks to the broken and not so broken. She speaks to those who misuse their positions of authority. She speaks to our hearts to care. Loudly and clearly she speaks; for in her speaking, she speaks healing and hope. She tells us that we, too, can be agents of healing. She tells us we must not remain silent. Ms. Ife, keep speaking until we too might have the courage to speak and act on behalf of the voiceless.

I already plan to use Blue Popsicles in my church to show the power of one to become a healing agent. I look forward to the sequel.

My father grew up in the same orphanage as Ms. Ife. He died when I was very young, so I never knew how the orphans in the home were treated. This book opened my eyes and gave me insight into who my father was and who I am.

Blue Popsicles is a testament to the healing power of God's love. This book held my attention unlike any book that I read before. From the time I picked it up, I found myself compelled to read more. Though I knew the contents to be real, I found myself wishing that I'd turn the page and read about her waking up safe and sound and that this had all been a horrible nightmare.

Ms. Ife has my respect for making it through such an ordeal, and my gratitude for bringing the truth to the world. I owe you more than you'll ever know.

the author provided an excellent bit of history of living in an orphanage as an african american in a segregated situation, her decription of that life was just well written and the information was just a winner.. I would recommend this to all... i BECAME hooked on blue popsicleS....
a great reaD