Customer Reviews

Hand-me-down Heartache: A Novel

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Using simple words, an intense plot, and a clever voice, TJ Butler dispels a compelling, honest story of a young woman battling with family secrets, relationships, and inner growth.
What I like most about this novel is that there are no frills or thrills present, just an intoxicating story that heightens your interest with each chapter.

Nina recently graduated from college, relocated, and is attempting to find a position in her desired career. Hand-Me-Down Heartache sketches her efforts in making a life for herself after graduation. Nina's emotional journey in and out of herself is capricious. As readers, we are privy to points of views that Nina is clueless about. This encourages even more interest because we are dying to know how she will handle certain issues.

The characters are seemingly familiar, having personalities of denial and desperation that reside in someone that you know. Butler maintains a vivacious protagonist/antagonist reticulation by making some of the characters endearing, but errant, and others just plain mean and selfish...then she provides a balance by interspersing strong, acute characters that promote growth and aplomb in the weaker characters.

Butler intertwines an intoxicating innocence with stygian debacles. Her characters are fluid and colorful, full of candor and audacity. The story is fresh and speculative with a dash of coarse reality. Hand-Me-Down Heartache is not for the faint of heart. It's a deep, toxic story that you'll remember long after you've finished the novel.

ALL FAMILY HAve SECRETS. SOME WORSE THAN OTHERS, BUT SECRETS ALL THE SAME.

I COULD RELATE TO THIS BOOK, FROM A PERSONAL STAND POINT. MOST OF US ARE, OR KNOW A "NINA". KNOW HOW HARD IT IS TO SHARE OR LISTEN TO OTHERS DISCUSS "SHAMEFUL" THINGS.

THIS BOOK HITS ON QUITE A FEW SUBJECTS. FADELITY, ABUSE AND SELF LOVE BEING AMONG THE TOP FEW.

THE SCENE AT (THE DOG) MAURICES HOUSE, HAS BEEN PLAYED OUT TOO MANY TIMES, BY TOO MANY SISTER FOR US (AFRICAN AMERICANS) NOT TO FEEL WHAT THE AUTHOR IS PUTTING OUT THERE.

IT IS A STAND ALONE, SO EVEN IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE AUTHORS PREVIOUS BOOK "SORORITY SISTERS", YOU WILL INJOY IT.

THIS BOOK IS A FAST, ENTERTAINING AND ENLIGHTNING READ. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND IT.

MS. BUTLER HAS DONE IT AGAIN. HER FIRST NOVEL WAS ALSO WONDERFUL. I LOOK FORWARD TO HER NEXT RELEASE WITH ANTICIPATION.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

From the author of Sorority Sisters comes a sweet tale of self-discovery as her characters struggle to find and define themselves in the context of their existence. While Butler's prose is sometimes understated, the message of family love and responsibility for one's actions resounds throughout the pages. A light and entertaining read that leaves a smooth and pleasant taste on your literary palate.

Tajunana Butler has done it again picking up where "Sorority Sisters" left off. Nina graduates from the only adult world she has ever known as returns to the world of her childhood where now she must structure to fit her adulthood. During this time, she pays dues trying a seek a career in broadcasting, searching through the skeletons of her family closet and try to find love with men who have not yet matured the way she has. I also like the way that Butler keeps the theme of "sisterhood" with the relationship between Nina and Janelle as they both struggle to find their way into the real world.

Hand-Me-Down Heartache is an emotional and realistic story that's narrated by Nina Lander, a recent college graduate who is attempting to develop a life that includes securing a broadcast journalism career, gaining an understanding of her parents' relationship, and maintaining a solid relationship with a worthy companion. Nina's trek is challenged by the disappointment she feels in her parents' unfulfilling marriage, an anger that is rooted in her observance of the demeaning way her father treats her too-willing-to-do-anything-to-please mother. It's this treatment that makes her want to be with a man that respects and nurtures her, and with the entrance of basketball player Maurice into her life, perhaps reciprocal love is something she can enjoy for herself. Of course, conflict enters the picture and things go awry for Nina; she's forced to make tough decisions regarding her father, and she is forced to see her mom in a different light, a light that proves to be a guiding force for a woman seeking answers.

Tajuana TJ Butler provides wonderful insight into the challenges of relationships through her outstanding development of characters. She gives the cold reality of how things don't always go the way we want, that there are times our own decision-making is the reason why we suffer the pain that we do. Another enjoyable aspect of Hand-Me-Down Heartache is the voice in which the story is written; Nina's narration flows with honesty, it's poignant, and calming at times, hysterical and wounded at others.

If you're looking for a novel that shows the human side of womanhood, the side that is not afraid to admit the quest for happiness is not always happy, then you should try Hand-Me-Down Heartache, a novel which may show you the blessings you have in your own life, or the direction you should go in order to change some things.

Hand me down heartache reads like a movie and, although the story is told from a woman's perspective, the male bashing is kept to a minimum. I liked that! Leo is a character who a lot of guys will identify with, a thoughtful, considerate brother who's at first kicked to the curb because the main character, Nina, is deeply in love with a dog named Maurice, who treats her badly. TJ Butler has crafted a wonderful story about family, life, love and relationships. Guys, do yourself a favor and pick up this book.(FYI: the pink cover is easily removable.)

This book defines the lives of many young women. I can easily relate to the emotional pain felt by the characters in this book. This is by far one of my top five books. I can not believe there are people that did not enjoy this book. I personally felt like part of my life story was being told in this book and I am not afraid to admit it!

I read this book prior to a book club conference and thoroughly enjoyed it. I read it in 1 day. The characters were authentic and well defined.

I thought this book was a terrific book. I believe all females should read this book. things like this go on in real life, so you can relate to it. This book is a must read.

All good fiction should leave you with a learned lesson. Ms. Bulter's novel really did since it was so good and realistic. I was so glad when she finally saw Maurice for the mess he was, so similar to her father. I also like the idea that her brother did have the good sense to go to counseling before he married. It great to have novels about abuse but the reader has to see that several people did learn a lesson and venture for "Real" help.

The novel was sought of boring for a few pages because I was not intrested in someone just out of college but it really picked up steam she is one of the few young, talented, mature writers. I hope she will write another one soon. I was really impressed.