He Say, She Say [Hardcover]

Yolanda Joe (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1996

Radio exec Sandy persists in searching for the perfect love despite disillusionment, while her best friend Bebe fights patriarchial politics and pursues her feelings for jazz pianist T. J. 35,000 first printing. $35,000 ad/promo. Tour.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The expectations set by the lively opening chapters of Joe's (Falling Leaves of Ivy) second novel are not fully realized in this candid but predictable story of four black singles searching for love in the '90s. Sandy Atkins, a sales supervisor at a popular Chicago radio station, is looking for a "good man to share my life with" when she meets jazz pianist TJ Willets at a sales party. A player in more ways than one, TJ is waiting for his big break and meanwhile avoiding all romantic commitments. While Sandy's closest confidante, older and wiser bank employee Bebe Thomas, cautions her eager friend to take it slow, TJ receives similar warnings from Speed, his widowed father and best pal. Despite all advice, Sandy and TJ settle into a seemingly monogamous relationship, until an ambitious, jealous coworker reveals herself as one of TJ's recent lovers-just as Sandy is preparing a crucial presentation for a prospective client. Devastated, Sandy turns to Bebe for comfort; as revenge, Bebe concocts a plan to disrupt TJ's much-anticipated meeting with a renowned musician, leading to a confrontation that forces the couple to seriously consider their future together. Joe has a terrific ear for current hip-hop lingo, though she doesn't establish distinctive voices among her four first-person narrators. She creates likable characters with plausible histories, challenges and dreams, but the final, unsurprising plot twist mars an otherwise satisfyingly breezy novel.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Joe's (Falling Leaves of Ivy, Borders Pr., 1992) humorously titled, sensitive novel tells of the relationships between a group of African American men and women. Through alternating voices, we learn about Sandy, a rising young radio executive looking for the right man; Bebe, Sandy's best friend, a bank teller who has sworn off men for the time being; T.J., a young pianist who falls for Sandy; and Speed, T.J.'s compassionate and wise father. The text is read by four readers, which lends each character a unique and authentic voice. Most popular collections will want a copy.?Mark Annichiarico, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday; 1st edition (December 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385485077
• ISBN-13: 978-0385485074
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,976,960 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!, November 16, 1999

By 

Alicia C. Williams - See all my reviews

This review is from: He Say, She Say (Mass Market Paperback)

It was the fastest read ever for me. I could NOT put this book down. I was always anxious to see what the next person would say. It was written beautifully and kept my interest THE WHOLE TIME! I was so impressed, I ordered "Bebe's by golly wow". I know it's going to be the bomb!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars I thought the book wasn't that interesting, October 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: He Say, She Say (Mass Market Paperback)

I felt that the writer could have done more with the characters and storyline of the book. I also did not like the way the chapter's were split up into the character's thoughts instead of flowing together. It took me a while to finish the book because no part really gripped me. I just finished it to find out what happened in the end although I should've just read the last chapters. I honestly don't think this book was worth the time I spent to read it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Feelings and Emotions, October 14, 2000

A Kid's Review

This review is from: He Say, She Say (Mass Market Paperback)

I really enjoyed reading this book. Now as I get older I will know what to think as far as relationships, best friends, the type of relationships an young adult will have. When I first saw this book I thought it was going to be boring! But never judge a book by its cover. Soon as I started reading this book it got good the first chapter I did not want to put the book down. I wonder what made the author Yolanda Joe to write such a good book. These characters in this book have different personalities and I really liked that. I will try my best to read other books from Yolanda Joe. As I get older I will see different personalities as far as relationships.