Customer Reviews

Colored Waiting Room

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

COLORED WAITING ROOM by Patricia G. Pope is the story of the deep, dark descent of Alberta Graham. Alberta is a security officer at a Federal nuclear plant in rural Cherokee, Tennessee. Because of a promotion, she is transferred to this rural and racist area of Tennessee. Alberta has two strikes against her, one she is black and two she is female.

The story depicts the corruption, for monetary gain, by the employees at the nuclear plant, Albertas discovery of it, the cover up that ensues and the racist attitudes of the employees. In addition to the corruption, Albertas mental state into abyss is showcased. We read and watch as this woman attempts to fight the system within and lose her mind in the interim. Additionally, we are able to experience with Alberta a romantic encounter that she has against her better judgment. How does this encounter fit into the scheme of things at the nuclear plant? Who are these people, both black and white, that enter and disturb Albertas world? Why is Alberta marked as a revolutionary and troublemaker within the good ole boy network?

It is quite evident, as Pope states in the synopsis, that this book is for both the casual reader and the scholar. The colored waiting room, on the grounds of the nuclear plant, is symbolic and through Albertas actions and her musings this room becomes her refuge. The use of several literary techniques is excellent providing for a thoughtful, sympathetic, yet disturbing read.

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

The term "Colored Waiting Room" brings to mind segregation and Jim Crow in the south when African Americans were subjected to separate facilities, most often inferior. That is the crux of Alberta Graham's dilemma as she agonizingly awaits her fate in the rural south's equivalent of corporate America, in the backwoods of Tennessee. The Cherokee Nuclear Plant is the setting for the racism, sexism and snubs Alberta endures time and time again.

The incidents are slowly and methodically taking toll, her sanity coming into question, acquiring that all too familiar label of angry black woman. Is this in truth the diary of a mad, black woman or a strong black woman? Labels withstanding, career mishaps including uncovering a corrupt management, family relationships and a workplace affair all combine to drive this woman spiraling into a descent of destruction.

Pope's story is a good one, though her style has a sort of noire, surreal effect. At times, this was troubling to read but also served to drive home the serious reality of the situation. This reviewer felt this book could reach a wider audience and compete with other writings by black writers who tackle psychological issues experienced by African Americans, had the author received better content editing. Nevertheless, perhaps she will be discovered by a traditional publisher that will give her work justice.

Dera Williams
APOOO BookClub

Ms. Pope's book reminds us daily that racism is alive and well.
I can relate to this book and I know quite a few people, men as well as women, who share my sentiments. I would like to thank the author for making America aware of the daily struggles in the work place.
I felt her words as if they were my own. Yes, certain emotions were brought out as I read the Colored Waiting Room; I cried, I smiled, and said a few choice words. I wish that every person in America would read this book. It speaks volume. It speaks for so many.
Thank you Ms. Pope for letting us know that we are not alone. I pray that one day we will all be treated as equals in the work place as well as in our neighborhoods. This is not one person's story....There are thousands of us who can tell almost the same exact story. Hats of to you for doing what I and others do not have the nerve to do. Tell it all!

Deborah Mood

This Book was absolutely great. It was well written, and loaded with information. The descriptions of the places made the reader think they were actually there, and the details of each character made the reader know them individually. Alberta Graham is a wonderful character, who represents so may people who had to endure racism. Colored Waiting Room was captivating, explosive, enchanting, fascinating,and courageous.

Sometimes a story comes along that grabs you by the heart and doesn't let go until it has taken you on a roller coaster ride of emotions.

Colored Waiting Room is a compelling story of intrigue and the darkness that resides within the souls of people who look normal and unfortunately make Alberta's life hell. We want Alberta to *make* it. But I won't give away the plot... You'll want to savor that yourself. Don't bypass this page turning gem!

More than literature, this is a thriller because, at the start, Alberta Graham is counting sticks of dynamite & feeding the flames of a hatred fed by eight years ago of petty, frightening, intangible racism.

Once, Alberta Graham had been a proud Texas woman dreaming of becoming the first female shift lieutenant at the Tennessee Valley Authority's Cherokee Nuclear Plant. She has survived eight spirit-breaking years of the "good ole boy" network.

Rebeccasreads recommends COLORED WAITING ROOM as a gripping, if a technically difficult read. It could have had some editing, however it will leave you drenched with the stench of racism & a dreadfully poignant rage.

This book...tore through my complete range of emotions...tears...anger..humiliation... fear...love..joy and an overwhelming sense of accopmlishments that Alberta Graham experienced. I identified so readily with her, it seemed as though the author were telling my life story .
I applaud Patricia Pope for putting pen to paper in the telling of struggle in an area that few have ever been able to put so aptly. Yet there are many who have and are struggling as Alberta Graham. Patricia Pope is an author who has dared to bare the souls of many facing these same on a daily basis.
This book has given me hope..that some things can be overcome with a strong sense of being.
This is a book that can be read over and over , with each reading bringing to light strength and a greater understanding of the world around us ....as Black Women. On the same, women of all races will feel the same oneness.
Again, I applaud Patricia Pope.

I loved the book, it held my attention from beginging to end. Ms Pope captured the charactors and made them live. Bravo!!!! Colored Waiting Room is a book that should be read by everyone, Patricia Pope is an extrodinary writer.

Well Patricia, I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed your book. It captured in detail the attitude of the era, as it related to those of "color" and particularly females and even further, black females. I found the reading to be very easy to follow. The imagery in wording kept this reader entertained throughout the book. I so wanted Alberta and her life long friend, Reggi, to connect in a romantic way.

I am sure there have been those that have offered suggestions as to how they felt a particular passage or point should have gone or would have liked for it to have gone... This reader is no exception (a slight chuckle should be inserted here). With that attitude in mind, and Alberta knocking on Chief Harris' door to report a joke that she felt was a violation of the Code of Conduct. "she knocked and waited for Chief Harris's response. "come in," he answered. She handed the papers to him" It appeared that the Chief desk might be at a "door opening length" and not centered in the room or further from the door, and I wanted Alberta to show her dismay of the "joke" in her body language as she approached the desk, as this has been prominent in most "American Negro Women" charisma since inception. However, Chief Harris hardly ever looked up anyway, so perhaps this was a mute desire on my part.

Patty, you have a winner here, and I am so happy for you. May you continue to capture your talents in print, that readers such as I can enjoy your work. Looking foward to your next book. Your friend in prose....Charles (aka "charliewang"

Colored Waiting Room is a captivating novel that keeps you wanting to know more about the perils of Alberta Graham. This is definitely a thinker's novel. The novel has been painted in a way that holds you and makes you say, "It's got to get better". This novel is not a predictable on it does have some dips, turns, and twist in it. Patricia Pope does a fine job in showing how in a given situation, over a period of time, the mind and soul can be stripped of all hope. The story line flowed naturally and you would never be lost or confused. It was easy to follow and remember what was going on. The characters were clearly presented and you knew where everyone stood. Besides Alberta Graham, the novel shows how Chief Klein too has been spiritually broken down. Colored Waiting Room does an excellent job of showing us how a horrible situation tears everybody down and no one wins in the end. This is the classic case of, when the line is drawn what will you do! A job well done and it should leave you wondering," What would I have done".