Customer Reviews

A Natural Woman

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you have read Lori's first novel "After the Dance " you will not experience that same type of ride with this book, her first novel was a funnier book that told a story right from the mouths of each character and you did not have to guess who was saying what , the chapters were separated by and titled for each person. That was the first book that I read that was separated like this and I was not sure if I liked it but in the end it really worked for this first novel.
This book goes on dept with the characters, you get to know their beliefs, fears, the views they have on skin color and hair styles, relationships, death and family. Lori let's you know right from the first few pages that this book is different from the first novel and as a fan of the first book I needed to know that going in.

I enjoyed this book and although I did keep checking to see how may pages were in the book, In the end I did want more. I won't give anything away in case you did not read it but As we told Lori we think there should be a part two and we gave our opinion on who does not need to be include in the sequel, like Javiel and Kenneth. This book takes you on a ride of love and rebounding from love into another relationship, weather it be for the wrong or the right reason. I think issue of wrong or right is the main theme of this entire story and beacuse it will not be the same for everyone makes it more interesting. Aliesha the main character's ideal of right is always wrong for her best friend Monica. This is a relationship that I was tired of, I wanted Monica to keep her mouth shut, she was on my last nerve. I know she was down for Aliehsa but DAMMM!

There are some surprise's that you don't expect in this story and there are some that you knew where coming. One of the central locations of what goes on in this story is the barber shop and this was vital to the story, we got to meet Dante, Wally, Gerald (Mr. My name is Bennett and I ain't in it.) and Yazz, and don't forget them bad ass twins. Kenneth and Javiel ex-lovers of Aliesha's that play an important part int this story. I met and liked Peaches Aliesha's cousin who was bald , blind, clairvoyant and a hairstylist ( you have to read it to believe it!). We met Laylah who was Dante's mistress, Suga Momma and a person who had some type of hold on this man that he couldn't break, until he saw her for what she was. We are introduced to Rueben who we didn't really have the chance to know, but he was Dante's cousin and they grew up together. Always competing against one another, thinking the other had what they desired, it was a damaged relationship that ended badly between the two who grew up as brothers, both deserted by their real mothers and raised by their aunt, Big Mama.

Aliesha goes through some stuff as does Dante and some of the other characters. This is a good story with a happy ending. Loneliness can make you do desperate things.

Dr. Aliesha Eaton, an anthropology college professor at Wells College, is in serious need for a haircut, but that's not all she needs. When she allows young, dark, sexy natural hair stylist and barber, Dante Douglas to place his hands in her hair more than sparks fly. A guttural yearning she didn't know she had emerges when he massages her head. Meanwhile Dante aches to get lost in Aliesha's hair again, which scares him. He must keep their relationship a professional one, but with Aliesha...it's almost impossible to do. It's a good thing that she is in a loveless relationship with Javiel, and Dante's spirit is tied to a married woman. But what would happen if they both released their emotional chains? Could they be a match made in heaven?

A Natural Woman has a clear plot that takes readers through a typical romance with a nice payoff at the end. However, if Johnson wanted to give readers what they really wanted--what would make this story a juicier more satisfying read, she could have ended the novel with "the encore." Likewise, there were spots in the book that lagged and slowed down the pace. Aliesha's work life issues didn't move us closer to or farther from her relationship with Dante. It didn't have much place. On the other hand, Johnson did a great job weaving black spiritualism into the novel. However, I would have liked to have known why, despite Aliesha's strong church involvement and vast Christian education knowledge, her spiritual maturity was constantly challenged when it came to her lovers.

Reviewed by Dee Stewart
for Urban Reviews

A NATURAL WOMAN by Lori Johnson is a real treat for readers. It's the story of Dr. Aliesha Eaton, an anthropologist and college professor in a mid-sized Southern city. Aliesha struggles to find an honest and satisfying romantic relationship. Kenneth had been the man of her dreams, but he humiliated her, and she cannot forgive him. Her current boyfriend, Javiel, is a nice, decent man, but "the spark" between them is missing. When Aliesha enters a barbershop to have her naturally-styled hair cut, she meets Dante. He is "fine." But there is an intense, immediate, perhaps even spiritual connection between the two that goes beyond looks.

Of course, readers expect many obstacles to be placed in the path of Aliesha and Dante's love. Novelist Lori Johnson delivers so much more than the usual, clichéd roadblocks, however. A NATURAL WOMAN is a departure from the type of books that publishers assume African-American-fiction readers crave. Its pages are not filled with the backstabbing, "who's getting over on whom" drama found in so many titles.

Ms. Johnson is a heavy hitter--"she don't play." Her narrative questions widely held assumptions at the very core of our society--for example, who deserves to be loved? And, what must one look like to be loved? Not only is the heroine well-educated and successful, but she is dark-skinned with tightly curled ("kinky") hair. But, Ms. Johnson is not writing "for the academy." Hers is a down-to-earth, accessible style.

A NATURAL WOMAN is Ms. Johnson's follow-up to her impressive debut, AFTER THE DANCE. Many reviewers will note the differences between the novels. The two books are quite similar, however. The tenderness (rare, in much of today's fiction) between two intelligent, sensitive African-Americans; the importance of family and friendship; and the nuanced, respectful attention to African-American culture are just a few of the reasons this book, like its predecessor, is a real treat. The pacing of A NATURAL WOMAN may seem slow to some readers (which is why I gave it four out of five stars). The pace may have been hampered by the ambitiousness of Ms. Johnson's story and message (i.e., she has much to say). I can't wait for her next book to see how her mastery of fiction continues to grow.

I really enjoyed this book. It was refreshing to read a book with a voice that I recognize. I knew every character in the book and totally identified, especially with Cleveland my old stomping ground! I identified with the characters and the drama. The book kept me going from chapter to chapter and page to page. I was moved and drawn by the characters and the ensuing drama that never ceased with Aleisha. I know so many women like her who have their heads together with their education and careers, but are all over the place with their emotions. She made me mad, laugh, throw the book across the room, everything. I had my own dialogue with Aleisha, then the story ended. I truly hope those 2 make it somewhere out there(Dante and Aleisha). They have a lot to work through. After they get a clean bill of health(smile) I wish them happiness. I must admit, after all the drama, I was a little taken aback at how 'happy' things ended after the roller coaster. But if it didn't, then I probably would still be fussing at Aleisha through the book. Well done! And any and all women with a kink to their hair will enjoy this book.

A Natural Woman, by Lori Johnson; is a fabulous novel. I read many books a year, considering I have a monthly book club and tend to read books in between. But, I have got to say that by far this is my favorite book this year. The storyline is so intriguing and the characters are so real; it's like a situation or two I've either heard about or been involved in; myself. If you are looking for a good romantic novel that will have you up all night trying to figure out what's next...this is the book for you. Enjoy! :)

Good story, just too many slow periods. Some things could have been left out and the author wouldn't have missed a beat. I was tempted to put it down but I finally finished. I loved the story and the characters as well. I would be willing to read another book from Ms. Johnson.

I enjoyed the writing in "A Natural Woman". Most of the characters are well developed and the plot was okay. At times I thought that the main character was doing 'too much'. Still there was drama, intrigue and of course, a love story that ends nicely.

Johnson's first book "After the Dance" was a nice read as well. With all of the bad 'urban fiction' out there, I hope that she continues to write more refreshing books.

I loved this book. I can honestly say that this is one of my favorite books and I don't wear a natural, lol. I guess it's because I truly "felt" this book. The interactions between the characters was so authentic that I didn't want the book to end. This shows that a book does not have to be chock full of a whole bunch of drama to grab your attention. This was the first time I read a book by Lori Johnson and I will definitely be picking up her other work!

Great relatable emotional twists that a common woman may experience....the story didn't climax the way you would expect which kept me on my toes impatiently reading to find out what would happen next. The love in the book is inspiring and refreshing :)

"A Natural Woman is a moving story that will have you rooting for a happy ending. The author has crafted a fast paced read that will pull on your heartstrings with the interesting characters portrayed in this engaging read."

"Aliesha Eaton is a professor at Wells. She is a strong, intelligent and beautiful dark-skinned woman who wears her hair in its natural state. Aliesha is in search of a barber who can handle her natural, unchemically-treated hair. Thus, enters Dante, a gorgeous, laid back brother, who happens to be a barber with magical skills. He has a love for old school music and a peculiar habit of reading and collecting one particular book. Sparks fly and an immediate attraction is felt, however Aliesha nor Dante or willing to admit that something is brewing between them."

"Aliesha already has a boyfriend and Dante is involved with a woman from his past that he just can't seem to shake. The question is...will the strong feelings developing between them be enough for Dante and Aliesha to leave their past behind and pursue a future together?"

"This is an enticing read that will have your emotions running wild."