Customer Reviews

Sister Betty! God's Calling You!

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

 

 

As soon as Angel-In-Training Joe Bell enters Heaven, he receives an assignment that he must complete in order to receive his wings: He must try to help the wayward congregation - and their Rev. Knott Enuff Money - of the 'Ain't Nobody Else Right But Us - All Others Goin' To Hell' church. To help him with this almost impossible task, Joe receives help in the form of Sister Betty, an elderly, devout member of the congregation. Joe must first show Sister Betty the "light" before she can begin to help him in his quest. When Sister Betty receives a phone call from God while watching her soaps, it's only the beginning of this extremely humorous tale.

Pat G'Orge-Walker is truly the queen and founder of Gospel Comedy, and her mixture of God, love, spirituality, and humor are wonderful. Walker has created characters that are lively and animated, and her writing is crisp and witty. Walker doesn't try to browbeat you with scripture and morals, but she allows her story to entertain the reader as he/she takes their own messages from the piece. Reading this (and other) spiritually humorous tales by Walker is a MUST for readers.

Reviewed by Shonie

Sister Betty is a hilarious book told in the straightforward, homespun language reminiscent of Langston Hughes' characters in "Simple." Although this book will leave you gasping with laughter, at the same time, it evokes deep-seated memories of childhood. Ma Cile has got to be one of the most memorable characters I've ever read about, with her brown eye and store-bought blue eye. Her strenghth reminds me of the grandmother in Maya Angelou's first book, "I know Why The Caged Bird Sing." If you weren't raised with the benefits of being reared by the wise old "souls," you can derive benefits vicariously through these stories. Although "Sister Betty" is a forerunner in the new genre of "Gospel Comedy," these stories are deceptively real. This book will make you laugh, but most of all, it will make you think. It poses the universal question: Am I my brother's keeper? Sure to carve out a place in the literary Hall of Fame of Afrocentric characters, (such as Walter Mosley's Easy, Mouse and Socrates), readers will remember Sister Betty, Sister Connie Fuse and the others long after they have closed the pages of the book.

Pat G'Orge-Walker has managed to do what I feel most authors cannot---she has managed to tell an endearing story, layered with comedy, unforgettable characters and intertwined Bible-based messages...all without being preachy.

Her tale of Sister Betty receiving a telephone call from God and finding out that she wouldn't know God no matter how He appeared was beyond witty; it was innovative. I love the fact that she(Ms. Walker) gave us such homespun humor surrounding Ma Cile and her grandkids that would be familiar to anyone regardless of color or nationality. The message of LOVE came through loud and clear.

Unlike some who have reviewed that the story was short and not a novel (although it plainly states that it is a short story taken from a collection) does not bother me. I found it wonderful that such a wonderful story could be told in short fashion. However, like most of the reviewers, I too, would love to see this and other stories by Ms. Walker either on television or on stage.

I will definitely be one of the first to purchase her NOVEL when it is released in July 02.

Pat G'Orge Walker gets the message across through humor. When God calls Sister Betty on the phone, His timing couldn't have been worse. She was getting into her soaps. This book reminds you that things aren't always what they seem and that God comes in many forms. While laughing, it made me think about what I would do in those situations. This book also awakened some childhood memories I had forgotten about. An excellent read. I highly recommend this one. Much love to you Pat.

I not only have read the first edition of Sister Betty, but now the second. I eagerly read volume two (Sister Connie Fuse...) I've also had the pleasure of seeing the author Pat G'Orge-Walker perform skits based on her books. Her Sister Hellraiser character is outrageous. I also love her portrayal of Sister Betty. Seeing these characters come alive from the pages was an extraordinary experience. I look forward to reading the other stories from this wonderfully funny series. I can't wait for volume three.

I hollered. Several people on my job kept talking about this book. What a funny and unique short story. I, too, wondered what in the world could this short story have to offer. Never could I have imagined the wonderful and witty message that came across. I know Sister Betty! Ma Cile and her kids were outrageous. I'm on my way to read the other book from the series, Sister Connie Fuse... I cannot wait until 2003 when Kensington Books puts out the entire series in hardcover. I understand the full Sister Betty story will be included. If its as funny as this one, I'll be the first one online to purchase it.

Kudos to the creator of this great gospel comedy series. I feel sorry for anyone who didn't get the message. I hope I can purchase the videos as well. I love the slogan on the authors website "Any resemblance to those dead or alive is a doggone shame." Ain't that the truth!

I had my doubts when I first heard the term, Gospel Comedy. I saw the author at a recent concert in New York and she made a believer out of me. Not only was she hilarious in her portrayal of Super Religious folks but she gave a Biblically sound message. I looked around and saw a lot of folks were thinking the same thing I was...this woman has found a great way to preach without preaching, to make people take a closer look at their walk with God and she did it with no effort and a lot of humor. I couldn't wait to read the books I bought after the concert. I was amazed that such a powerful story could be told in a small book. If this author/comedian does not take her characters to the big screen or on stage, the world will be missing out on one of the truly great phenomens of this millenium. Much praise to Ms. Walker and I forsee great things for her. I can't wait to read anything she writes.

I truly enjoyed this book, from the first page to the last. I was laughing and shaking my head in that "sho you're right fashion." I always thought anything to do with "gawd" had to be serious, but Pat proved me wrong. This satire was comedy at its best.

I think all of us can learn a very important lesson from Sister Betty's phone call. It takes more than going to church, humming a hymn or being able to recite verses to be a Christian. Keep your eyes, ears and heart open, because "gawd" can come to you in any form.

The next time someone crosses your path or your phone rings, answer it with more than sight. The author did a wonderful job with this short story and on the RAW scale it demands a 5.

Reviewed by Missy

I read this book October 2000. It was joy to read. Not only is Sister Betty...(opps I mean Pat)a great writer, she is also a great comedian. It was a pleasure meeting you.

Those who refer to Ms. Walker as a rising star are behind the times, indeed! Ms. Walker has secured her place as a mover and shaker within the literary industry by using her God-given talents to create a new genre of writing and performance! Gospel comedy is here to stay and Ms. Walker will lead the way to untold successes. I applaud her efforts, celebrate her natural wit and gut-busting humor and anxiously await all of her blessings to continue to unfold!!