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.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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.