Customer Reviews

And This Too Shall Pass

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I picked And This Too Shall Pass up about 18 months ago, not really knowing what it was, but needing to read something different. I fell in love with the characters after reading two paragraphs! I'm the type of person who reads a book once and then it goes on the shelf to collect dust, not this one. Every six months or so I declare an E. Lynn Harris day; I unplug the phone, put a "Do Not Disturb, I'm Sick" sign on the door, get a bottle of good wine, and break out his books. I still cry and laugh out loud reading And This Too Shall Pass, something that rarely happens. I absolutely love this novel and am looking forward to any and everything else by this wonderful author.

This was E. Lynn Harris' third novel. I liked it in many waysbut was disappointed in others. Compared to characters in his firsttwo books (Invisible Life and Just as I Am) these people seemed to lack the same emotion and inner struggle. I am guessing that the first novels were somewhat autobiographical and that enabled the writer to put more of himself into the stories. Though And This To Shall Pass was a captivating story, it seemed like more of a formula novel than one of real intent.

Perhaps I viewed his first two as informative. Single black women often joke that all the eligible black men are either married, in jail or gay. Mr. Harris schooled us that some of the so-called remaining good ones are secretly bisexual and leading lives which can ultimately wreak havoc for all involved. Most single women that I know who have read E. Lynn, recommend him. Those who haven't say they are too afraid.

I recently purchased all of E Lynn Harris' books and read them in order by release date. After reading the first 2 in less than 2 weeks, I was disappointed once i read this one. When I first began to read the book, I was impressed with the image of Zurich and his desire to remain celibate. But I was disappointed in the turn that was taken with the character. It took me about 2 weeks just to read this one. I only read it that quickly because I was in a hurry just to finish it so that I could get it over with. I didn't feel the characters in the book as I did with his other works, especially Sean. For some reason, I just didn't like him from the beginning. It may be that I am just partial to Raymond and Basil. I feel that Mr Harris added more depth and insight into the characters in his other books. Besides the lack of character development of this book, the plot was not very interesting either. For anyone who is fan of E Lynn Harris, or just beginning to read his novels, I recommend that you save this one for last. It was an ok read, but if it wasn't for the plot surrounding Mia, it would have been quite boring(this plot is the reason for the 3 stars). I recommend that you read the rest of his novels prior to reading this one. Not A Day Goes By, Abide With Me, and Invisible Life are his BEST!

I have now read all four of E.Lynn Harris' books and can't decide which I liked best. Invisible Life and it's sequel, Just as I Am, were very good and I expected this book to be the next sequel but it wasn't. I like the way the character's lives become intertwined and the story that Mr. Harris weaves leaves you on the edge of your seat with anticipation. It had all you could ask for in a novel: romance, intrigue, mystery and suspense! I am also intrigued with how he has woven John Basil Henderson throughout all four books even though he is a minor character. Could he be the main focus of the next E. Lynn Harris book??!!! MamaCee!!!!...where are you when I need you?

If you've been hardened as dried molten lava by your homophobia and prejudice over the people belonging to the gay community, then this book might just be suited for you.
E. Lynn Harris has perfectly crafted the intricate waft of society's realities. It very well captures the emotions and the voice of the minority by carefully using the plight of four black characters who tried to make it big in the fast-paced setting of Chicago.
Simple yet deep. Sorrowful yet true. Alarming yet very much enriching. "And This Too Shall Pass" is a very impressive and insightful work that challenges the harsh reality, which has been brewing around us, by testing our morality.
A book that shall sit for a time on my nightstand.

I found this book mind blowing. It was the second of E. Lynn Harris novels that I read within three days. (Yes, that is how good they both were). I also thought that Any Way The Wind Blows were apart of the Invisible Life set, but it wasn't, but Basil Henderson is one of the main characters in this book, whereas he was only a minor character in Invisible Life as was Raymond Tyler. I have only read two of Mr. Harris's novels, but I am quickly becoming a fan of his work.

I have read all five of his works, some twice. I just love this author. When I first picked up the first book, it was enlightening on alot of aspects, my eyes were open to things I never knew. I would like to thank him for letting us in on facts some of us we have never known. I really loved Zurich he was a great character and Mia was really missed up. I give this book the thumbs up.

AND THIS TOO SHALL PASS is an inspirational story about four main characters. The characters each lead different lifestyles and face real-life predicaments in search of true love or accomplishing their goals. As a reader of this novel, you will find that you actually may relate to at least one of the characters, which lures you to keep on reading no matter what hour of the day. Harris, my all-time favorite author, delivers yet another story filled with entertaining dialogue, refined characters, realistic dilemmas, and interesting topics of-- love, hope,friendship, and dreams. While reading this unique novel, I found it to be more and more difficult to put down because I was always in suspense to see what surprises would be next. The character Sean, an African-American, gay male can best be compared to Leland in IF THIS WORLD WERE MINE, another excellent novel by E. Lynn Harris. Both characters share the same lifestyle with struggles as gay men in a controversial society in search of true love like any other couple. Once again, Harris has written an outstanding novel which I would recommend to any audience. If you want to find out if Sean ever finds the love he's been searching for, you'll have to read AND THIS TOO SHALL PASS!!!

I waited until I had read all of Mr. Harris's work before I gave my opinion on this book. I loved all of his other works although I must say that this book is not his best effort. My main problem with this book is the lack of a truly likable or sympathetic main character. There was no reason to care about these people. I found myself at the end thinking that Caliph was the only realistic character in the book and he was barely a secondary character! Tamela was too over the top; I can't imagine why Caliph wanted her. Sean was sneaky in his search for the "truth" about Zurich's past and seemed to be rather cynical and self-serving for most of the book until he "decided" that he was "in love" with Zurich. Did anyone see the two of them falling in love? Mia was pathetic and still had not taken full responsibility for her demons at the novels conclusion. Was her drinking ever explained? Zurich was completely unbelievable! What are the odds that both he and his twin would both be gay, in addition to Sean's sister? I'm not sure where E. Lynn wanted to go with this book but he really missed the mark with this one.

I must say i thouroughly enjoyed reading 'And this too shall pass. I have just started invisible life. What can i say. I laughed and cried at the plight of sean and zurich. it was such a briliiantly written book full of vivid descriptions of everyday people i cant wait to buy more of his publications. I live in England so i have to wAit forever for it too come over here so i'll just have to wait. The main ingrediant that Harris has his his ability to transcend race age and sexuality in his reading,. I am of white Jewish origin, 20 yrs of age, who has a wonderfull outlook on life, its just fantastic that here we have a writer who is close to all our hearts concerns and who also challenges the ignorance of society. I cant wait to read more.