The Color of the Soul (The Penbrook Diaries, Book 1) [Paperback]

Tracey Bateman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2005

Andy Carmichael, a reporter given the chance to cover the story that will make his career, finds more than he bargained for within the pages of Miss Penbrook's diary. The Color of the Soul will keep readers captivated from beginning to end.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

The story of an old woman's need for forgiveness, a young man's drive to succeed, and the history that links them both will keep readers enthralled from beginning to end. A Pandora's box opens when reporter Andy Carmichael, too light-skinned for acceptance by blacks and too dark-skinned for acceptance by whites, is sent to Georgia to interview Miss Penbrook, an icon of Southern literature. From her deathbed, the mysterious Miss Penbrook gives Andy journals that reveal a surprising twist--"her story and his own meld into one. Will Andy discover the secrets that link their lives before Miss Penbrook dies?

About the Author

TRACEY V. BATEMAN serves as president of American Christian Fiction Writers and has more than a dozen stories in print. She believes all things are possible and encourages everyone to dream big. Tracey lives with her husband and four children in Missouri.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Incorporated (October 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593104448
• ISBN-13: 978-1593104443
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,336,216 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful story of God's redeeming hand!, October 10, 2005

By 

Shannon McNear "shenandoahdawn" (SC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Color of the Soul (The Penbrook Diaries, Book 1) (Paperback)

The Color of the Soul by Tracey Bateman is about a young black man's struggle to find his identity and carve out his own niche in a world where only whites are regarded with respect. Along the way, he discovers the truth about his own past and family heritage.

As a northerner transplanted to the Deep South, I was impressed with the author's handling of the subject of Southern race relations in both 1948 and the 1800's, and with her attempt to bridge the gap between whites and blacks.

But this is far more than a story about being black or white-it's a powerful illustration of God's ability to redeem tragedy and heartbreak. The book drew me in from the first page, and at the last kept me up till 3 AM. I wept through the last pages, then found myself thanking the Lord for His similar mercy in my own life, and for allowing me to experience what love and happiness that I have.

When a story can turn us so fully to praise of God's redeeming hand, it doesn't get much better. This one's a keeper . . . a life-changer . . . don't miss it.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This story really sticks with you..., November 6, 2005

By 

Michelle Sutton (Arizona) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Color of the Soul (The Penbrook Diaries, Book 1) (Paperback)

The Color of the Soul is an amazing story that packs a powerful punch. Gritty and true-to-life, once you start reading it's impossible to put this book down. The novel has the flavor of Roots by Alex Haley with a twist of the modern pre-civil rights feel of the deep south. A young black man discovers his true heritage as he learns family secrets through reading the Penbrook Diaries. Intricately woven detail, excellent characterization, scandal and intrigue all set this novel apart from most. The author clearly has a gift for writing historical fiction and probing deep issues of the heart. She does an excellent job at making the reader think about all that they hold dear and will have the reader choked up through half the book. The strongest emotion I experienced while reading The Color of the Soul was regret. I wish Cat had made different choices in her life and I totally identified with her plight and the plight of the men who loved her. This story is an excellent portrayal of how people think they know what's best. If only Cat had trusted in God rather than trying to manipulate things herself, she may have had the love she longed for and the life she dreamed of. Unfortunately, by the time she discovered all that she had lost, it was too late. I hated for the story to end and am SO looking forward to the sequel to this novel. :)

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing story of redemption and healing!, October 18, 2005

By 

Jeanette Hanscome "Writer and book lover" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Color of the Soul (The Penbrook Diaries, Book 1) (Paperback)

Tracey Bateman's The Color of the Soul reminds me of the multi-generation epic sagas that I devoured in high school. Her characters became so real to me that I know they will stay with me for a long time. The story pulled me right into the Southern world of Andy, his ancestors, and a mysterious 100-year-old woman.

The author does not hold back the brutality of slavery and racism. Though it's hard to take at times the violence is never senseless. In fact, the horrors and injustices that Cat, Andy, and other characters face add power to the message of redemption and healing. Instead of my typical "I'm sure glad that I didn't live back then" response, I found myself with a deeper appreciation for those who endured such dark periods of American history.

This is the first book that I have read by Tracey Bateman-the first of many I hope. She has found a new fan. I eagerly await the next book!