Customer Reviews

Got to be Real: Four Original Love Stories

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(52)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This collection of four short stories does not disappoint. Written by four of the leading African Ameican novelists of the past few years, it offers many intriguing perspectives on love and romance in the modern world.

Especially as a fan of Eric Jerome Dickey and E. Lynn Harris (and thereby more familar with their work), I was curious as to how they would make the transition from novel form to the novella, or short story form. In both cases, they were able to pull off the character and story development very well.

As for the other two contributors to this anthology (Colin Channer and Marcus Major), they have found a new fan! In particular, Mr. Major's novella left me wanting more.

Here's to a job well done. In the future, I hope that many other best selling authors follows suit and treats their readers to such a sampling of their work.

Each writer who contributed to the anthology has a distinctive and perceptive voice and they all lend themselves well to the literary flavor of Got to Be Real.

E. Lynn Harris does a marvelous job with Money Can't Buy Me Love. As usual, his writing is sensitive, funny, engaging, and shocking. Harris always delves into areas that might not be common knowledge as far as non-heterosexual relationships, yet the required emotional bond is there: pain, love, fear, and hope, so readers should be able to identify with this moving and memorable story; one that made me sad to see it end.

Marcus Major heaps more of his hilarious writing with Kenya and Amir. He has a fine flair for male/female relationship issues and tackles them with much humor and sophistication. Major's writing gets better and better, and if you enjoyed Good Peoples, you should also love this novella.

In Cafe Piel, Eric Dickey throws us a curve. What? No L.A. streets and freeways? Not exactly. This time he shows us that love and longing can happen even in the most foreign places (Mexico). The story includes some mad drama, and as a warning, you'd better brush up on your Spanish because the love connection here takes place between a brother and a woman whose English ain't so great, but her ability to captivate the main character, Bobby Davis, is what counts the most, so it seems.

Colin Channer is like a word master. His words took me places I've never been before. His writing is thoughtful and detailed, and his story is a like a ride through the park on a leisurely Sunday afternoon.

All in all the stories were wonderfully written, a must have for any collector of African-American stories at its grandest.

These stories where excellent! Each and every one of these authors brought something fresh and good to the table, making "Got to be real" a true feast for books lovers everywhere. First with EJD's story it was both exciting and capitivating. I was also memorized by the writing skills of Colin Channer and Marcus Major, both whom I had not read before. I look forward to reading their solo projects now! E. Lynn Harris has always been my favorite author, and he definitely kept up with his reputation of excellence with his novella, "Money can't buy me love." I have to say though, when I got tot he end of his story, I was on the floor screaming, "No he didn't go there!" You guys have to read his story to know what I mean, lol All in all, if you are a reader, BUY THIS BOOK! ASAP!!!!!

In "Got to Be Real", four African-American male authors give us their different views on love and relationships. All four authors present fascinating stories of hard to forget characters. The writing style of these four authors offers up enough variety to keep the reader interested enough to stay up half the night flipping pages to get to the next story. I reread Marcus Major's story of Kenya and Amir 3 times because I worried so much about these folks and what happened when I turned the last page. He wove a story of two lovers who you want to see succeed so bad that you fear the end and yet want to experience the pain or joy anyway. I already preordered his next book "Four Guys and Trouble" due out shortly. E. Lynn Harris shares a love story that also demands your emotional involvement. I appreciate having a deeper understanding of what my gay friends experience and being reminded that love is love. Colin Channer is a new author to me but one which I will continue to follow as his story took me into a land I am not familiar with, but have now developed an appreciation. Eric Jerome Dickey serves up another tale of man's struggle with following a dream and finding the right woman along the way. This book belongs in everyone's library. Don't be the only one without a copy and don't loan it out either.

I didn't know what to expect from a book of love stories written by four men. I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly entertained. Each story had a different rhythm, the words of love danced off the pages. I loved it. I was especially touched by the relationship between Michael and Mia Fortuna in "I'm Still Waiting". It made me cry because I felt it on so many levels. Can a man really be that in tune to the inner workings of a woman?

I've been an avid fan of E. Lynn Harris and Eric Jerome Dickey for years. Colin Channer's words are lyrical, their melody makes me want to dance. I look forward to reading the next offering from Marcus Major.

"Got To Be Real" is like cuddling with a warm blanket. Enjoy it as much as I did.

Cafe Piel-EJD, Too short but a very nice and touching story. Nothing can explain the twisted story, you have to read it for yourself. The story of Bobby & Alejandria will have you begging for more. Amir & Kenya-MM, If you had the opportunity to read "Good Peoples" you will find out how it all started for Amir & Kenya. Myles also makes a short appearance. From reading this you get the idea that MM knows these people very well. If you haven't read "Good Peoples" BUY IT. Money Can't Buy Love-ELH, Honest is all I can really say. This often painful and touching story will have you in tears. It is a bit graphic but my eyes never left the page. I'm Still Waiting-CC, Sweet, sexy and very descriptive. I wanted to digest every word, the writing makes your mind wonder to the places he has described. In general I LOVED this book, do yourself a favor and GET IT NOW.

Got To Be Real is an eclectic array of short love stories. There is something for everyone. First off we have Cafe Piel by EJD (***). This stories writing style is very different from previous EJD work. It has a mexican vibe. This story is not bad, but not great either. The story did not have the EJD flair and the sex appeal was not as hot as previous writings. Secondly, Marcus Majors steps up to bat with Kenya and Amir (*****+). Marcus should have been last because he is definitely the clean up man with this wonderfully written short story. This story has so much charisma; by far the best story. The end still has me wondering did she open the door or did'nt she? It's DA BOMB! Thirdly, we have E. Lynn Harris, with Money Can't Buy Me Love (*****). This is vintage Harris at his best. This is a story that touches the heart. Lastly, we have Colin Channer with I'm Still Waiting (**) and that I am. This story was too long and drawn out. It was also a challenging read, I don't know if it was because I had to break out the dictionary or because some of the language was spoken in patois. Whatever the reason I was not feelin' it. My reaction to this story is not surprising, because I've been reading Mr. Channer's book Waiting In Vain on and off for about 3 months. I really appreciate these four authors coming together for this project. Four brothers each telling their own tale of love.

To say the most is to say the least. It is time to give credit to four well-deserving authors on a book I read 2 months ago.....

Eric Jerome Dickey, who I've been familiar with for the past few years, did a wonderful job with his short story. Although I thought Cafe Piel was a little dry in the beginning for someone of Dickey's stature, it paid off in the end. Keep up the good work Eric.

Marcus Major's work is something I have to get used to. This is the 1st encounter with one of his stories. Marcus, you did a stupendous job! I loved this story (Kenya was very smart and wise!). What more can I say? Everyone will cry and laugh when they read this story.

E. Lynn Harris, I have enjoyed all of your books (all 6 that I own) and I am looking forward to your new book coming out this summer. I enjoyed this short story as well. You are definitely a man of many talents.

Colin Channer, new to the game, as far as I am concerned. What was surprising is this was the only story in the book I had to finish, without putting the book down. I actually look forward to getting to the end of the story (which really didn't suprise me). Your character Patience, held her stamina and basically thought she was running the show. However, little did she know what was in store for her. Keep up the good work Colin!

Yes, this book definitely deserved 5 stars for all 4 authors. Maybe we can get 4 women authors to repeat the process. One day, I anticipate meeting all 4 authors and acquiring signatures on my book. Thanks for making it a success!

Let me first say...WOW!!! This entire book is excellent! I want the world to know...Each story is different in its own essence, yet all factor around REAL love. I think this book shows that four brilliant authors joined together creates a masterpiece. I am quite familiar with Eric J. Dickey. His story takes a run for the border where desire meets acceptance. I have read just about every word that he has written and it will be that way until he stops! Marcus Major, I've never heard of him until now. Great that I did. His story of Amil and Kenya is wonderful. I couldn't stop until the last word. I am looking forward to reading his future writngs! Next is the story of love told from E. Lynn Harris. I have read two of his previous works. His writing is catchy and real. Although his characters love interests are definitly out of the ordinary for me...love is love no matter what the sexual preference. Last but not least, the book ends in a story written by Colin Channer. It is a story of pure and undiluted love. (The kind we dream of...) He is a new author to me but after reading this short story he is definitely on my favorite list. It paints the beautiful scenes vividly allowing you to read and imagine at the same time. It is an Excellent, Extremely Astounding book. Get it NOW!!

but the one that stands out is I'm Still Waiting by Colin Channer. A story of love lost and found in the beautiful serenity of Jamaica. Michael Chinsee is a man lost of spirt and movitivation until he meets Patience, a songstress who needs a miracle worker to turn her career around. THe two begin to work together forming a bond based on their appreciation for music, but this isn't enough and Michael knows it for sure when he runs into his first love Mia who is now married to someone else. The first thing Mia wants to know is why she wasn't enough for Michael when they were young and married. Now 45 years old, she is a woman ready to give herself to Michael completely. Their love is rekindled and soon must pay the consequences. The story was rich in detail especially when it came to the love scenes. This is Mr. Channer's fortay. No one can make a love scene last three pages and still leave you wanting more. Look forward to your new book Mr. Channer. Bravo!