Customer Reviews

I Ain't Perfect (Urban Soul)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Picking up this book in WalMart was kismet for me. I actually went looking for something else but this cover caught my eye.

I am not sure of Rena A. Finney's background but reading this novel would cause one to believe that she was either a first lady, had interviewed a few or was well intune to their journeys/struggles.

It took me just short of 2 weeks to read this book mainly because I had to keep putting it down. It was not due to the storyline, etc. but because it hit a little too close to home. Having dated a pastor who was building a ministry, I relived several unpleasant things that the character Monica went through. Although painful, that is a testament to the author's authenticity when it comes to the character development and storyline. There was also another issue that I will discuss later.

Monica is likeable even in her imperfection. I would have liked to see more action and less narration but that may have caused the novel to exceed the appropriate word count.

The story was cleverly written and although a few instances were predictable, there were several things that I didn't see coming. That made the book just that much more enjoyable.

The was one big downer... I am disappointed in the editorial staff of the publisher or whomever was responsible for catching errors. They allowed serious errors to slip by and be forever recorded in print. Key words were left out of sentences or incorrect words were put in their place. Example: the word exhilirating was used rather than the proper word "exaggerating". Things like that caused several sentences not to make any sense and caused the reader to have to read around the errors and between the lines. To me that's annoying and shouldn't be. The author deserved better than that. One sentence was added in the wrong place and affected the plausability of the scene at the end of Chapter 8.There were also punctuation errors where questions ended in periods and statements ended in question marks, etc.

Rena, please don't allow them to publish anything else for you without going over it with a fine tooth comb before it goes to print with your name on it. You're a talented writer and should have been represented better.

BTW: I am neither a publisher or an editor. I just noticed those mistakes and decided to address them since I know of others who would notice them and feel the same way.

I have attended church for as long as I can remember. All that I ever concerned myself with was getting a good message whether it was through the choir or the pastor. Idle gossip was not my thing, to be quite honest I never really thought about anyone, but me and God. Selfish, I know. Rena A. Finney opened up a door to another side of the church, of which I never thought of. What exactly are the Pastors and the First Ladies going through? I Ain't Perfect by Rena A. Finney places you right in the center of what goes on behind the scenes.

First Lady of New Horizons, Monica Joyner Phillips, makes sure everything is runs smoothly for the sake of the parishioners, but more for the sanity of her loving husband, Pastor Xavier Winston Phillips. Nothing happens at the church without both of their approvals. When the church affairs started holding precedent over their marriage, Monica decided to make some changes. These changes would either make or break her marriage to Pastor Phillips.

When Bryce Sinclair, the newest addition to the 76ers, shows up at New Horizons Community Center offering to help mentor and coach the young men that are a part of the Kings Vision Program, Monica is reluctant to take his help. He is good looking and could easily be a distraction to the women of the church, single or married. He was stepping in unchartered territory because the Kings Vision Program was something that Monica has been pouring her heart into for quite some time. When the board of trustees realize the monetary potential they could receive from Bryce, they are all for it, even Pastor Phillips, who never thought of asking his wife's approval like he did in the past. Having seen the First Lady, Bryce has set his eyes on the prize that he wants. It was up to Monica to put an end to any hope he has to claiming her as his own.

I Ain't Perfect is filled with unexpected revelations. Written in the first person perspective, Monica's voice kept me hanging onto every word, because I was given information on a need-to-know basis. The way it was given to the character. The personality traits were so strong for each character; I actually got mad whenever I had to hear the negative comments coming from troublemakers and gossip mongers. There were a few mistakes, but the one that concerned me the most was the usage of one curse word. I do not believe that Finney meant to include that because there were no others. Overall the book was very good; after I got past the slow beginning, the drama and twists were non-stop. I recommend I Ain't Perfect to readers who believe church people have to be saints, and also to those that want a different type of Christian literature to read.

Jennifer Coissiere
APOOO BookClub

Monica Joyner Phillips is the first lady of Pastor Xavier Winston Phillips, the shepherd of New Horizon Ministries. They appear to be the perfect couple; he's the fearless leader of a growing flock, and she's the adoring wife that tirelessly works in the background with several charities in the community. Dressed to the nines in designer suits and shoes, Monica's basically picture perfect, but she's not blind to the fact that trouble is in her house...beginning with her 'man of the cloth.'

Despite popular belief, Xavier is not handling up at home...emotionally, spiritually, nor physically. Discouraged with the 'calling,' Monica rebels and allows herself to be led in a direction that's not pleasing to their congregation nor her arrogant mate. Temptation arrives in the figure of Bryce Sinclair, the #1 NBA draft pick that is looking to give back to the community. Despite Monica's reservations and undeniable attraction, she and Bryce are required to work together. And because of this collaboration, feelings develop that only heighten the mayhem in her home.

Rena Finney pens a modest view into the lives and feelings of church folk, beginning with the leader but not excluding the mature members who serve as the foundation of the church. If you're looking for a soothing read, I Ain't Perfect would be a relaxing book for you. I Ain't Perfect is a prime example of how so many preachers get caught up in the politics for fame and fortune that they lose focus of their true calling: to save souls and tend to the well-being of keeping their own house in order. The characters are mediocre, with touches of egotism, malice, back-biting, and a tad bit of treachery in the ranks. Truthfully, the storyline was so low-key that it left an unremarkable impression.

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye
for Urban Reviews

THIS BOOK WAS GOOD FROM START TO FINISH IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A GOOD CHRISTAIN BOOK. RENA FINNEY GIVES YOU FIRST HAND KNOWLEDGE INTO THE LIFE OF A PASTORS WIFE. DIFINITE PAGE TURNER AND A MUST READ.

When I first picked up this book I was surprised and pleased with the story line at first the minster Xavier seems to me that he's on the down low and the way he treated Monica near the end I would have ruined him for all his short comings but I truly enjoyed how the book ended it also gave me something to think about how it's so many demons in the church we just have to stay prayed up It's really hard to put your trust and faith in man also with the way incidents are playing out in the church it makes you wonder how many men of the cloth are really closet homosexuals

I enjoyed this book. It is a great love story which has a lot of lessons in it. I highly recommend this book. Keep up the good work.