Customer Reviews

A Little Piece of Sky

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a forewarning to readers who decide to pick up Nicole Bailey-William's A Little Piece of Sky: this is not your average piece of fiction. The 155 page book is centered on the troubled female character named Song Byrd, and the novel is put together in much the same lyrical and poetic way as the character's name. The chapters are short, metaphorically deep, snack-sized morsels that the reader is treated to as they read about Song's struggle to overcome the ghetto of Philadelphia that has made her who she is.

The title of the book comes into play when Song divulges to the reader that her mother, who birthed four children from four different men, used to lock Song into the roach infested bathroom of their apartment when her mother was unable to attain a babysitter. Song would look up to the sky as a symbol of hope and day dream to pass the time away. A tragic event occurs, which rattles Song's foundation and makes her decide to never look up ever again.

Fast forward many years later and Song is a graduate of Spelman College with a great job giving back to the community and a man who adores her, but she's still holding on desperately to her past. Despite her personal uplifting experience of no longer relaxing her hair and the education she has under her belt, there are many old issues of hope and self-esteem that she has to struggle through before she can truly move on with her life.

Works of fiction of this sort are great for those who are looking for a profound, triumphant story. This novel does not skimp on major issues like classism, race, intra-racism, and the power of the human spirit to overcome. This should be required reading for every woman of color before heading off for higher learning.

Anna

R.E.A.L. Reviewers

The book had it's moments. It's not very in depth at all. Its more of poetry than a novel. It beats around the bush. Chapters that are one page long. Such a short book. Also I don't understand spanish and hated her usage of spanish all throughout the book. It's annoying not to know what the people are saying. She could at least have followed up the spanish with the english translation in parenthesis. Average book.

A Little Piece of Sky is a book that everyone should read. It tells the story of how a person goes from being an insecure little girl to a self confident and self assured young woman. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a little peice of sky to get them through lifes stormy madness.

I would recommend this book for anyone to read, young or old. I, not being a real "big reader", found this book to be very interesting and entertaining. I found the characters to be very real, and could relate to all of them. Even though the book isn't very long, Nicole Bailey-Williams writes this story's plot very well and keeps you wanting to know what's going to happen next. Once again, I really enjoyed reading this book, and I saw a piece of Sky, and some other characters, in myself.

Mrs Bailey-Williams really out did herslf with this novel. Speaking as a teenager I felt that this story is realistic. Song has been through many trials and tribulation just like many other teenagers,but she made the best out of her situation. This book is a ray of hope for teenagers who are going through hard times in their lives. This was an excellent novel I strongly recommend this novel for people ages 15 and up

This is one of the most beautiful books I've read in a while. Nicole Bailey-Williams has done what all of the "big time" authors can't seem to manage and that is to tell a complete story with very few words. She left out all of the unnecessary discriptive stuff and just concentrated on the heart of the story which is the evolution of a young girl surrounded by tragedy and darkness who grew up to eventually create her own light. This moving story of Song Byrd is magnificent and left me wanting more. For anyone who not only enjoys a good story, but beautiful writing as well, this is a wonderful selection.

Nicole Bailey-Williams has struck gold with A Little Piece of Sky. This little book has so much packed between its pages that will make you laugh, cry and relate. The fact that it reads like a song and the main character's name is Song Byrd is no coincidence. Song's pain and pleasures of life are shared by many women at different stages of their lives, and the fact that she overcomes it all and struts on like the truly empowered sister she evolved into made my heart sing along with her. This book is a must read for those of you who love to read and those of you who read casually. It is absolutely, positively, beautifully done.

This book was beautifully written...I liked the fact that the chapters were short, yet you go the point. I would read anything by Nicole Bailey-Williams. The book is a must read.
Keep up the good work...

Song's spirit is wonderfully captivating! The author has artfully transformed the challenges of youth and hard times into the successes of Perseverance, Trust, and Hope!

One piece of advice to anyone who loves reading or not: buy 'A Little Piece of Sky.' It's great for any age. As soon as I read it, I told all my friends and even my parents loved it! It is an excellente story of how growing up can be. Some of us can relate to that. I'm blessed to have Mrs. B-W as a teacher although the year is ending. As soon as you read this you'll be waiting for her next book!