Customer Reviews

In Spite Of

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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I guess I'll be the dissenting voice here. I could not wait to put this book down. It was just plain bad.

The characters came off as one-dimensional stereotypes with no real depth who could be easily summed up in five words or less. John Holloway was "strong black man", the villain was "evil racist white man", Nation of Islam- "strong black men with suits", John's best friend-"Player" etc... While it's admirable to have a book featuring a "strong black man" to the extent that character is "Mr. Perfect/Dudley Do-right" he's not all that interesting.

Moreover, I lost count of how many times the author used John's thoughts as a vehicle to preach his views of what's wrong with Black America and how it can be fixed. While I understand the desire convey some sense of morality in a character, it just felt a little heavy-handed to have some moral lesson being conveyed to the reader on every other page. I couldn't help but wonder if this book was targeted towards teenagers because of the constant and obvious soap-box preaching going on.

As for the plot, why the author felt the need to make this an action novel I'm not sure. I felt like I was watching bad made for TV movie which from start to finish was obviously going to have a happy ending.

Finally, setting this story in Dallas was interesting, however the details were somewhat superfluous. As a reader I don't need to know every single street name the characters travel on to really "feel" like this story is in Dallas. A little too obvious an attempt to "Dallasize" the story on the author's part in my opinion. One more thing, way too many typos and misspelled words for a real book.

'In Spite Of' is a great debut novel by author Victor McGlothin. It really was refreshing to read a novel written from a 'straight black male' perspective. The novel has something for everyone, if you enjoy a good book, this is a must read! I enjoyed 'In Spite Of' and I anxiously await Mr. McGlothin's next novel 'Autumn Leaves.'

Twice John Holloway Sr., is placed in the wrong place at the wrong time and end up paying dearly for it. It took John Jr., to outwit the deception that was thrown upon him, to settle the score for him and his dad.

I really enjoyed the drama and would really like to see this novel made into a movie.

Great job Victor! I had a hard time putting the book down once I started reading it. (I read it twice) you almost felt like you were living it. Victor did a nice job of making you visualize each character. I think Mr. Johnthan Holloway was my favorite. He's every girls hero. His family, his friends, and his community were his life. So much that he was willing to die for them. I can't wait for your 2nd novel hit. good luck Victor.

gwen

Yes, our book club "Mixed Company" discussed every aspect and enjoyed it. We look forward to meeting the Author VERY soon!

In Spite Of spins a tangled web of comedy, chaos, espionage, and intrigue; bascially things that occur in the Black community on a daily basis.

In addition to all the drama that takes place from the neighborhood beautyshop to the corporate boardroom, this novel's true gift to its readers is the passionate "Black on Black" love-thang. I'm sure you'll agree that is the "real deal" personified. The story gives each reader hope and reaffirms that love don't mean a thing, unless you have some for yourself.

The burning question that's sure to come to mind after completing the story of two life-times will be: "Who's going to star in the movie?"

Victor McGlothin details the history of Dallas through the eyes of a young man and then takes you on a thrilling ride as the main character's life unfolds. It was very interesting to read about Black Dallas in the 60s,70s and 80s. The author's style made the book a pleasure to read.

In Spite Of is a dynamic story about the growth and development of a young black man in Dallas, Texas. I sincerely think the story is one that anyone, young or old can relate to. There are timelines that put you into the center of what most of us know as the 'Black Panther movement'. It takes us inside a small part of that history, not exposing too much and yet giving us a taste of what life must have been like for those who lived it. It's a love story, drama, comedy, a feel good, positive story that I would recommend anyone read. Men can relate, women can relate and I think the generation of today need to relate to this well-written, well thought out plot. Cudos to Victor M.

I actually felt that I was living the events that were described in the book. The detail and honesty with which the book unfolds makes the characters come to life. I could relate to each character and understood the challenges and struggles they were facing!!!!!!

"In Spite Of" is a well-written, passionate story involving high finance, loyalties, murder, drug trafficking, and sweet romance. Victor McGlothin triumphs as an author in this drama centered around the lives of Jonathan Holloway Sr. and Jr., spanning a twenty-five-year period. "In Spite Of" paints the portrait of being Black and male in America. "In Spite Of" his contributions to this society, respect is hard earned and sometimes quickly dispelled. Jonathan Holloway Sr.'s life choices destroyed he and his family. Jonathan Jr., a bank manager, has to contend with an evil foe from the past that he's totally unaware of. A must read, can't put it down book