Customer Reviews

Life is what you make it, darlin'

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

 

 

This debut novel from Marlene Taylor, could have had the makings of a 4 or even 5 star novel, but it was so rushed that I felt 3 stars was all I could give. At times while reading this book I had to stop and figure out where we were in the past or present. I did not like the fact that Bruces "problem" was only mentioned a couple of times in the book and then when he finally mustered up the nerve to tell Jackie about it-we didn't even get to hear what he said to her. The book would have been a hit with me, with the exception that I felt alot of information was left out. Continued success and blessing to Marlene Taylor. Peace!!

I had the opportunity to have met Marlene at the 91st annual NAACP Conference recently, I purchased her book there. I devoured the book in one day. I only have one criticism of what could have been a great novel, it was to short, 152 pages was in my opinion not enough. I wanted to know more about Bruce's drug addiction, and do not feel a brief mention of it on pg.42 was sufficient. Even when he finally has the nerve to tell Jackie, the author does not create the dialogue he uses to tell her, but instead describes briefly (in four sentences) the relief he feels once he has told her. Marlene you are indeed a good writer, however I wish the book was longer and addressed issues in greater depth.

I wondered where was the author going with this story? What did she want reader to get from this book? How come she did not finish the book? It was only 154 pages so it wasn't too long, or did she get bored with it like the rest of us?Bruce secret was the driving force. It was the cause of his behaviors. He got help for it, but what was it. I have two thoughts as to what the secret was, but I won't spoil it for the other readers or it there is a sequel.

With a love so strong why hold back on the secret ? Bruce and Jackie had been married for twelve years with twin daughters . Bruce had a secret from the past that was eating away at him . He continues to think Jackie is going to leave him, why? He finally goes to see a high school friend who is a psychiatrist after a wake up call ! The psychiastrist helps him reveal the secret to his wife but what about us ? Inquiring minds want to know. There must be a squel to this story .

Life Is What You Make It Darlin is a didactic novel that addresses the struggles, sacrifices, and joys of a young married couple. The story is unique and fascinating. The words are lyrical, enticing your imagination. The descriptions are graceful, and the love scenes are tasteful and compassionate. The author uses adjectives that awaken and tantalize your senses.

However, the point of view and voice are often sporadic and ambiguous. Often I didn't know whether I was in the past or present, and what character was thinking or speaking. I'm not sure if the novel was meant to have a level of mystique, but what it ended up being was incomplete. Initially, the aura of mystery was compelling until I reached the end of the novel. The pages ended, the novel was finished, but the mystery still remained. One of the main characters, Bruce, has a secret that's been eating him up inside. I never got what the secret was...what the problem was. I went back through the novel to investigate, and concluded that the secret could have been any number of things because the author dropped hints on numerous problems.

If not for the ambiguity and the unfinished ending, this novel would have received four stars because it's a quick, compelling, and absorbing novel that tugs at your mind with each page.

After reading the excerpt, I was excited about reading this novel. Life is what you make it, darlin' had all the right ingredients of a good book except the ending was awful. It seems as if the author rushed to finish the book and left some details out. I wanted to know more about the problem that Bruce had. With that one complaint out of the way, I will say the novel was okay. Quick and easy read. I wish the author much success. Be Blessed!

I just read your book. It immediately had my attention, from page one! Your book is fantastic! Your story is a masterpiece of finely written expression, full of emotions and realism. I definitely, will be purchasing more of your books. Take care and keep the creativity flowing!

I have to agree with the other reviewers. This book was totally confusing. Often, I couldn't tell what point of view was being presented or if it was the past or present. The book felt unfinished, as the secret was never revealed. The story felt incomplete.

First of all the story jumped around. I was so confused at one time, I did'nt know if she was talking about something that happened in the past or something that migh happen in the future. The story about the husband drug addiction never did really come to a full circle, and his leaving and going to a friend for advice, what was that about ? The ending came so fast, there were so may unanswered question...Total confusion, a real bumpy ride...

I loved this book. I went home and finished the Life Is What You Make It, Darlin', the same night! I like these kind of books but I hated for it to end cause I always want to read some more. I really like how you wrote about places we know here in South Jersey and parts of Philly. This wasn't one of those just run of the mill love stories where everything is all hunky-dory. It was real, with a lot of real problems and emotions. I really hated for it to end. Can't wait to read anything else you've written.