A Piece of Mine: Stories [Paperback]

J. California Cooper (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1991

Back in print after more than five years, this is the extraordinary first short story collection by the author of Family.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In its strong folk flavor, Cooper's work reminds us of Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston...It is a delight to read."
--Alice Walker

"The label 'short' story is a woefully inadequate description of these intensely, explicitly moral tales.  'Parable' is more appropriate.  Cooper's stories are rich in wisdom and insight."
--Belles Lettres

"J. California Cooper is indeed an extraordinary writer...She has the rare quality of a natural storyteller, and her work must carry the highest recommendation.  Definitely a book that's worth reading."
--African Concord (Zimbabwe)

From the Publisher

"In its strong folk flavor, Cooper's work reminds us of Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston...It is a delight to read."
--Alice Walker

"The label 'short' story is a woefully inadequate description of these intensely, explicitly moral tales. 'Parable' is more appropriate. Cooper's stories are rich in wisdom and insight."
--Belles Lettres

"J. California Cooper is indeed an extraordinary writer...She has the rare quality of a natural storyteller, and her work must carry the highest recommendation. Definitely a book that's worth reading."
--African Concord (Zimbabwe)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 124 pages
• Publisher: Anchor; 1st Anchor Books ed edition (December 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385420870
• ISBN-13: 978-0385420877
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.3 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #468,275 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

J. California Cooper was honored as Black Playwright of the Year, and has received the American Book Award, the James Baldwin Writing Award, and the Literary Lion Award from the American Library Association. She lives in California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Now that's what I call writing!, May 28, 2001

By 

Felicia (New York, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Piece of Mine: Stories (Paperback)

I borrowed this book from a friend, and I am upset that I have let this treasure sit in my apartment for 2 months without reading it. This book is awesome! The writing is simple, wisdom-filled and flavorful! Without making her characters heroic, you find yourself admiring them, because they are so human... full of good, but full of frailties at the same time. I didn't want this book to end, and I'm about to order any book of hers that I can get my hands on. Ms. Cooper is a good writer, with an obvious love and respect for her craft. More than that, without being preachy she manages to impart insight into human nature. I loved this book! The book and the woman who wrote it are classics!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TOO SHORT!, March 30, 2000

By 

april baxter (AUGUSTA, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Piece of Mine: Stories (Paperback)

A MUST READ! I found myself recognizing someone in every story. I then recommeded the book to my mother, who has now just started on "FAMILY". It is such a blessing to be able to read, share, and compare these stories with Mom. Some of our own stories caused the both of us to raise eyebrows, and blush. Thank You MS COOPER for bringing Mom and I together with LOVE, TRUTH, AND LAUGHTER.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, September 7, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: A Piece of Mine: Stories (Paperback)

This book is a must read for anyone who loves short stories. The opening story is one that I never tire of reading. J.C. Cooper reminds me of my grandmother with her style of storytelling. I am transported to my youth when I read her material and the characters actually seem to be people I know and have spent time with.