Testimony [Hardcover]

Felicia Mason (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Blackboard bestseller Felicia Mason (For the Love of You, etc.) traces various dramas among the members of the Triumphant Voices of Praise gospel choir in Testimony. Choir leader Roger has been burning himself out, waiting for their elusive big break. He must deal with his own demons as he juggles his charges, including Margaret, the snobby diva who has designs on him; Glenna, the woman with a checkered past and a grave illness; his cousin Tyrone, whose marriage is at a crossroads; and Scottie, who may be running numbers or worse. Plot and dialogue often feel contrived, but Mason scores points for resisting an easy, feel-good ending.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Cousins Roger McKenzie and Tyrone Thomas combine their musical talents to launch the gospel group, the Triumphant Voices of Praise. Some 18 years later, after untold dedication, Roger's example and effort have failed to spark critical and commercial success. Roger begins to suffer from nightmares that have left him so unnerved that he is unable to give the group the attention it deserves. His anxiety has affected the choir's unity and caused dissension among the members. While Roger is dealing with guilt from the past, Tyrone is struggling to hold onto his marriage. His wife, Georgie, causes tension in their relationship by challenging his unwavering support of Roger. Meanwhile, the future of the choir is at stake. Although the group gives voice to sacred words, their personal problems are eroding the Christian spirit required to sing gospel music. All members must avow their faith and make a decision about what the group means to them. Mason's story places the Christian theme front and center while also making room for a touching portrait of human desires and frailties. Lillian Lewis
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Kensington (June 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0758200595
• ISBN-13: 978-0758200594
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,775,936 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Testimony is an overall good book., October 28, 2002

By 

Circle of Friends Book Club-Charlotte, NC Ch... (CHARLOTTE, NC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Testimony (Hardcover)

Felicia Mason has fleshed out an interesting topic and turned it into a novel. What is it like behind the scenes of a gospel choir that is seeking superstardom? There is plenty of drama to go around.

The main character is Roger McKenzie the choir's leader (think Kirk Franklin, Kurt Carr). Roger is convinced that the message in his music should be earning his choir "The Triumphant Voices of Praise" Grammy and Dove awards. The book is divided into four parts that begin with the choir's ill-fated tour. During their journey we learn that Roger has a dark secret from his past that is coming back to haunt him. Other main characters include Roger's cousin Tyrone and his wife Georgie, choir members Margaret and Glenna, soundman Marcus, and the spiritual leader of the group Reverend Vince, among others.

The books one flaw is that each character has a storyline that the reader is drawn into and must follow to keep up with the book. These include unrequited love, a troubled marriage, a serious illness, gambling, and numerous personal conflicts between the choir members. To assist with discussion for a book club, questions are included at the end, as well an interview with the author.

"Testimony" did hold my attention and was enjoyable. This book was refreshing on another front; Ms. Mason did not have to resort to cursing, violence, or gratuitous sex to make her book a good read. I would give this book 3 1/2 stars on a scale of 5, and round up to 4 because of an original idea.

Reviewed by Sandra

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Anyone looking for a good book, July 8, 2002

By 

Love me some books "Jounay" (New Orleans, LA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Testimony (Hardcover)

This is the first novel that I have ever read by Ms. Mason. I was very impressed and am looking forward to reading her other books.

I was happy to see that Ms. Mason did not alone everyone in the book to live happily ever after but kept the book very realistic.

Even though this were members of a choir they each had their own situations to work through. This book dealt with everything from murder to HIV. You name it and it was in the book.

I am happy to say that I would recommend this book to anyone.

Well done Ms. Mason.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Testify: To tell of God's goodness ONE STAR, October 2, 2004

By 

M. Jones "Big Mama Mo" (New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Testimony (Paperback)

Testimony was the wrong title of this book it should have been call "confessions" I understand that christians aren't perfect, but testimony in christian circles explains to a lost and hopeless world that no matter what trouble faces you that God has a better way/solution because he is a redeeming God. The way this book ended didn't symbolize the hope that is born from a true testimony. It just laid out the "confessions" of some lost people who maybe didnt really know God, or maybe that was the author's intent.