Customer Reviews

A Pair Like No Otha': A Novel

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

 

 

I really wasn't sure about purchasing this book but I took a chance and was pleasantly surprised. The characters are a little soppy but will keep you interested

This book is a good read for young readers or those into hip hop culture. The book is idealistc; however ,it does bring up some good relationship issues as well as awarness to some of the issues African- American women and men face today. This book is a nice read, although it is not for everyone.

A pair like no otha' is a book about today's black woman. It is a book written with just enough spice and just enough pizzazz. Main character Shemone Waters, a columnist for a leading African American Magazine, has come a long way from the mean streets of Harlem and the ol'skool days of kickin' it with the crew. At the age of twenty-nine Shemone is on top of the world and has developed a taste for the finer things in life. As the master of her territory she has made it her duty to never settle for anything less than 1st class. All this changes though when Beauty is reintroduced to Beast. Best friend from high school Darnell has just been released from prison and friendship isn't at the least all he's looking for. This is a roller-coaster ride that takes the heart for bumpy twists. Who knew that something so bad could feel so good! Shemone may have many reasons to say no to this ex-con but all those reasons register benign when pitted against love. Will love be enough to keep him on the right path or is Shemone just another deterrence until misfortune puts him back on the fast track. Shemone decides to listen to her heart and take a chance with love but is she at all ready for risk and will this decision prove to be the right one?

A pair like no otha is the love story of Shemone and Darnell. When Darnell is released from prison, he and Shemone starts hanging out and start a relationships. Problems soon arise with Darnell not feeling like he is good enough for Shemone, Shemone is a freelance magazine writer who's moving on up. I thought the story was okay, but the relationship moved a little fast for me, also the storyline was kind of boring at times but all in all still and okay read.

In "A Pair Like No Otha", author Hunter Hayes introduces us to Shemone Waters, an up-and-coming writer who enjoys providing the finer things in life for herself. Since graduating from Hampton University, Shemone has carved out a nice life for herself as a columnist and freelance writer. Her recently renewed friendship with a former best friend from high school allows her a wonderful, and sometimes flirty, relationship with a man without the time commitment it would take to be involved in a full-blown relationship. Though she is a bit surprised to feel embers of attraction for such a street-wise man as her former high school best friend, Darnell Williams, Shemone fully enjoys their friendship and actively participates in what she considers a little harmless flirtation.

Darnell wants more than just the fun friendship they share. But having taken a wrong turn after high school, at the beginning of the novel Darnell is in prison and unable to pursue more than a phone and writing friendship with Shemone. Upon his release, he is determined to convince Shemone that there is more than friendship between them, yet accomplishing this won't be an easy task as ex-convict Darnell doesn't fit Shemone's idea of the perfect man despite the obvious chemistry between them.

Following the developing relationship of Shemone and Darnell is interesting. The interactions each of them has with another member of their high school group of friends Ohija adds appreciably to the story. In fact I was more interested in Ohija's life and interactions with her husband than I was the main story line.

I found the story line appealing, yet felt at the end of the novel that the story it self was lacking continuity in places. Many of the interactions and conversations felt underdeveloped or under explored. I give Ms. Hunter much credit for developing an interesting storyline and compelling characters. However, this story could have been more satisfying.

I really enjoyed this book, it was a really cute read.

"A Pair Like No 'Otha" focuses on Shemone Waters and Darnell Williams two friends from high school who made up 1/2 of their crew, the "Final Four".
When one of their mutual friends passes, Shemone and Darnell are brought together during this unfortunate time, and feelings that are more than friendship begin to escalate.

The two get taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and to top it off they are as different as night and day. Shemone is a successful writer who is serious about what she does, Darnell on the other hand, is in the process of trying to get himself together, after he did time in prison.
The fact that Shemone is moving up in the game, and Darnell is struggling with the choice of either cleaning up his act or dancing another tango with the "street life" is what causes friction between the two.
Ms. Hayes takes us on a journey with the character's relationship, and we really get to understand the meaning of "opposites attract".

I loved this story. It is so in tune with the relationships between black men and women today. SO many black men are locked up and seemingly hopeless. Not true - many are kind and good but just on the wrong path.

This story warmed my heart and it was inspiring.

Shemone and Darnell had been friends for years, but went their separate ways after high school. Shemone went on to college to pursue a career in writing, while Darnell went to prison after pursuing a lucrative, yet illegal drug career. The death of a mutual friend places them back in contact after many years and their connection is undeniable. After his release from prison, Shemone and Darnell have to answer the difficult question; Can life long friends become lovers without sacrificing the friendship?

Although the main focus of the story is the friendship and ultimately the relationship between Shemone and Darnell, Hunter Hayes does an excellent job in tackling various other social issues. Infidelity, trust, prostate cancer, social inequality and family relations are several sub plots that added depth and consciousness to the story.

Hunter Hayes has done a superb job with her sophomore novel. The characters are true to life and the plot has several different elements that keeps it flowing and crisp. I would recommend this novel to any one looking for a quick read that is both funny, romantic, and socially conscious. I look forward to future works from this author.

Reviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy

...but for now, she could stand to brush up on some creative writing skills. The storyline in general kept up the momentum, but barely. Too many times, I found myself slamming the book down in disbelief to outright disgust. Some of the situations were realistic enough but were so underdeveloped to the point of being unrealist, but hey, it's fiction, so what did I expect, a more realistic depiction of seemingly realistic situations? Goodness, no. The dialogue was, for the most part, corny; the narration was, at times, confusing, and the story just didn't flow like it should have. I love romance novels like the next person, I've just read better. I thinks Hayes is a promising novelist, but a little more research behind the fiction would make for a better read. That's just one person's opinion.

Terrific! A Pair Like No Otha' is an excellent novel. It truly inspires anyone to strive to do their best and never give up on their dreams. Also, this novel shows the importance of family and friends, which I found to be refreshing.

This is the first novel by Hunter Hayes that I've read and I'm looking forward to reading many more in the future. She's an excellent writer and storyteller. I recommend that anyone who has a moment to sit down and read this book because as good as it is, it will only take a moment to read. -AL