Customer Reviews

Just As I Am: A Novel

5 star:		(52)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is my second book by Mr. Harris and I must say that I am truly impressed. Just As I Am was the perfect sequel to Invisible Life. I could not put it down! Now that I am done, I am on Amazon. com to buy the third book in Harris's trilogy! I did however get a bit irritated at Nicole's color hang-up. I mean, I can understand her pain of being teased as a child but come on, she's all grown up now and an actress and the winner of numerous beauty pagents. Pleeezze!! It was refreshing in a way to know that Jared was not gay and yet had no qualms about he and Ray's friendship. But still a little part of me wanted him to be with Ray! E.Lynn Harris has really opened my eyes to the gay African-American community. I really enjoy reading his work and I just hope that he can write them as fast I can read them!!!

This novel is part-two to E.Lynn Harris' first novel Invisible Life. Once again we're engrossed in the lives of Raymond, Basil, Nicole and Kyle. We're introduced to newcomers like, Jared, Delaney, Gilliam, Pierce and Janelle. E.Lynn has chosen new locations such as Atlanta and trips back home to bring us into the pages of this wonderful story. Plus he still has things going on in his old stumping ground of New York. This was another book I can't put down.(May 1999) I picked this one up as soon as I completed Invisible Life and when I looked at the clock I realized I'd been reading and sitting in the same spot on my porch since the morning sunrise. This book is compelling, powerful and yes BOLD. It's laced with rich and beauitful language and continues to broaden your understanding of gay men and the choices they make. AWESOME! AWESOME! That's what comes to mind when I think of E.Lynn Harris and his writing style. Now it's on to Abide With Me, which is part three of this "AWESOME" trilogy. Once you experience E.Lynn Harris and his literary magic, you'll never see things the same.

Just As I am was really good. Reading Invisible Life really helped alot when reading this book because it provides some back ground. I felt like I knew the characters in this book. Kyle is my favorite in this book. He is so funny and spunky. Kyle's story will touch your heart. This book grabbed me more emotionally than Invisible Life. Nicole's experience with love is beautiful. Ray is still battling with himself. Just As I Am is a book of friendship, love, and self acceptance. Read it.

Just As I am was really good. Reading Invisible Life really helped alot when reading this book because it provides some back ground. I felt like I knew the characters in this book. Kyle is my favorite in this book. He is so funny and spunky. Kyle's story will touch your heart. This book grabbed me more emotionally than Invisible Life. Nicole's experience with love is beautiful. Ray is still battling with himself. Just As I Am is a book of friendship, love, and self acceptance. Read it.

I really would like to know which order do I need to read the books "Invisible Life, Just As I am and Abide with Me" Abide with me is the last book I read and there has to be more. I just wanted to know if I could please get an answer to my question. Also if there is a 4rth book to this sequel because we cannot let Yancey get away w/the trouble she has caused with my Nicole. I feel like I personally know all of characters.

Concerned Reader/Burning Eyes
Anastashia Shalishia Allen

Probably being the biggest fan of E. Lynn Harris, I have to say that this is nothing less then excellent. Harris is an awesome writer and i look up to him more then he will ever know. His books are the kind of books that make you day go alot easier. It is like the pringles jingle " once you pop, you can't stop". I mean once you start rading his books you cannot stop he has encouraged me beyond belief through his book and "Just as I am" is even better, the stories of Kyle, Raymond, Jared and everyone else is just to good to be true. I mean where does he come up with this, where ever u find keep looking and much more success man. Your number one fan

Men in love is so powerful,this book made me think that it could be just as deep as a women and a man

I love this author and am reading in order of his books. He writes so well, and his characters really feel like family by the end of the book.

However, that said, I would wish for a few less pages of the sadness of the AIDS epidemic. I'm going to blame that on the book editor, because I really felt they could have cut 20 pages or so without losing the meaning.

Still, it is certaintly a book worth buying and reading, one with ties to the characters that you just don't want to end. I am looking forward to reading his "bestseller" (yea!) and am sure I won't be disappointed.

How illuminating! I was really enlightened by Invisible Life and Just as I Am took me even further. I became so acquainted with the characters that I felt the pain, joy, longing as well. Now, this is powerful.

I'm not an avid reader, but after reading "Just As I Am", it was the most inspirational Novel I've read in a long time. Each character felt so real as if they were friends of mine. I felt their agony as well as their conquest. I recommend this book to any one who is confused about their sexuality. This book will allow you to be honest with yourself. It's a great book for all who are not afraid to hear the truth. Thank you E. Lynn Harris for writing such a great master piece. I'm looking forward to reading "Invisible Life".