Customer Reviews

To Handcuff Lightning

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4 star:		(1)
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I am not black but I have a family which consists of various unique personalities, most of whom clashes with each other but are bonded together with the glue of love and possessiveness which comes from sharing blood. I have shared this book, and the sequel which explains why Honey shot Bo, with some of my black friends who also loved the book and understood it completely, seeing themselves and their families on every page as did I. I can't wait for KD Hoskin's next book.

Dublin, Georgia, 1949, Edward Clover packed up his wife Algie, his three daughters, Tressie, Viola and Honey, and his mother-in-law Chauncey and moved to Dayton, Ohio for a better life. Algie is hesitant about the transition, but knows it's best for her family.

Shortly after their move to Dayton, Edward and Algie became owners of a restaurant they named The Place. This is something they could work at together, but suddenly Edward dies on the job. A grief stricken Algie decides to move back to Georgia but her daughters are dead set against it. They want more out of life than farming and Algie wants more for her daughters, so she asked God for guidance; and she stays in Ohio. With her daughters' help and Algie's determination, it takes three years before the restaurant is at its full potential. The Place is a quaint neighborhood diner where people go to enjoy Algie's cooking after playing pool, drinking at the bar, or after church.

After her father died, Tressie began working at the restaurant full-time to help her mother. Like her mother, she is easy going and let people live their lives as they see fit. On her twenty-first birthday, Tressie marries a religious, hard working man named Emerson Dodd. She doesn't love him, but marries him in case her mother changes her mind and moves back to Georgia. Different from her sisters, Viola is shapely, loud, bad-tempered and has a wounded spirit. What caused her heart to be so cold and calculating? Honey, named for the honey color of her eyes, is the baby of the family. Free spirited and loving life, Honey doesn't want to work in the restaurant full-time like her mother and Tressie, but on occasion she will help out.

TO HANDCUFF LIGHTNING was a touching story of Algie's journey to hold her family together, and through hard work and dedication make a better life for her children. She taught her daughters the basics of womanhood and that they are responsible for the choices they make in life.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I felt like I was in Dayton, Ohio, which is only about forty-five minutes away from my hometown of Cincinnati. The characters are believable, with funny moments, drama and a family secret. TO HANDCUFF LIGHTNING will have a sequel and I'm filled with anticipation to see how each woman changed in the era of the 60s.

Reviewed by Sharon Lewis
For The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This book had me,hook, line and sinker from the first chapter...easy reading about down-home truths can be the best! I felt like I was in Dayton throughout the entire book. Excellent writing skills and great story. This was a real family with real "stuff" and I could definitely relate. The ending was truly real and I am eagerly awaiting the next book. KUDOS, Sharon (KD) Hoskins, job well done, my Sister!
Peace & Blessings,
Paula

To Handcuff Lightning is an excellent story. It's very easy to relate to the characters because everyone has "special" family members. The author even included footnotes to help translate some of the terminology. The ending truly caught me off guard. I can't wait for part two.

In the tradition of great Southern writers, K.D. Hoskins offers an authentic look into the lives of mid-20th century Black women who migrate from Georgia to Ohio and must struggle to adjust. Truth ultimately triumphs whether it comes from the wizened mouth of a great grandma or the fingered pages of the family bible. This book sets you quickly in the midst of a family that you recognize from your own and both cherish and abhor. The story must continue . . .

I started this book and read straight through the night until I was done. I couldn't put it down. The author was able to inject humor into some very hard times. The only problem is I didn't want it to end. I hope she is working on the sequel because I am waiting...

I own and have read this book. This is a great book that I would recommend to anyone. Heartfelt and at times makes you laugh. Hope that this book is the first of a series.

I own this book and loved it. It is an easy read and a great story.