Working in the Dark [Paperback]

Yvonne Grays Nathane (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 10, 2000

"Working in the Dark" is a well-timed novel that boldly addresses conflict in the workplace between African-American women while clearly illustrating that discrimination is not always a black-and-white issue.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... indeed a page turner ... From page one you are hooked into the brass double doors of the corporate world." -- Post-Tribune, March 3, 2002

"Intelligent and thoughtful ... A very intriguing story that will keep you on the edge of your seat." -- Black Elegance Magazine, February 2001

After reading this novel, you will be buzzing about at work. -- A secretary in Atlanta

Excellent! This novel kept me up until the wee hours of the morning to see what was going to happen... -- A school teacher in Chicago

From the Back Cover

Charvette Lee is an African-American woman whom many of us can relate to. Armed with a college degree, brains, and seven years of professional experience, she quickly learns that life is not always fair in corporate America after she is offered a promotion without a commensurate salary.

In her struggle to climb the corporate ladder and build a successful career in the telecommunications field, Charvette encounters just as much opposition, if not more, from her black female co-workers as from her white co-workers. The office politics, back-biting, unscrupulous sex, and glass-ceiling tactics, are the barriers that threaten her career and overwhelm her to the point of wanting to quit the very job that undermines her, yet keeps a roof over her head and food on her table.

In the midst of trying to survive in a hostile workplace that leaves her stressed out, she is tempted to submit to a relationship that satisfies her libido but robs her of all that she deserves.

Working in the Dark is a well-timed novel that bodly addresses black-on-black conflict in the workplace and the importance of setting standards in all relationships. In doing so, it teaches us that discrimination is not always a black-and-white issue and that integrity is everything.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Vk Pr (July 10, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967563607
• ISBN-13: 978-0967563602
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,538,506 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Cover Got Me, February 25, 2001

By 

V. Lancaster "Nicki Lancaster" (Orlando, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Working in the Dark (Paperback)

Ok, I hate to be the minority, just as much as I hate to write/read bad reviews, but whatcha gonna do? As the title says, the cover got me. I thought the dialogue was weak and found the characters extremely false and predictable. The bathroom scene I definitely was not feelin', and it seemed to go on for ever. I remember saying to myself, I think we got it the first time. As a woman, I was alittle embarrassed even reading it.

I'm confused as to how the character embraces a past relationship the exact same way it started in the beginning. Sexually. I would have liked to seen Charvette walking away with wisdom and self confidence. I felt she was given an opportunity to empower herself through experiencing those trials and tribulations. The only change was a new job with more money. If anything, Tara (her girlfiend) was more of an inspiration.

I missed the point Yvonne Grays Nathane tried to convey, other than obscene sex in the workplace. Unfortunately, I walked away confused as ever. Not terribly bad, just a disappointment.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Working in the Dark worked for me!!!!!!!!, May 4, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Working in the Dark (Paperback)

The first thing that drew me to this book was the cover, then the title made me want to know what the sister on the cover was working. From page number one I was taken into the world of corporate america at its finest. The main character was not to be broken or punked. She stood for what she believed in.

Working in the Dark was one of the best books I have read in a long time. It takes a lot for me to say a book is good and this one is high on my list. I even went out and bought all my friends a copy so that we all could talk about it.

Good job Yvonne, I can't wait for the next book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Debut Novel, June 4, 2002

By 

Pamela Osbey "Author" (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Working in the Dark (Paperback)

Working in the Dark brings to light an issue that many of us may have dealt with (those who have worked in Corporate America). The issues of black-on-black conflict, corporate political games, and learning how to assert yourself are very important issues people deal with in life. The characters were somewhat believable and the dialogue was a little stifled, but the novel was very entertaining none-the-less. Ms. Nathan is a rising author who will hopefully continue to learn more about her craft and share with readers. I really liked the way Ms. Nathan focused the main character on self-love and her communicating skills. Chervette was a styling, profiling, strong black woman who was not afraid to speak her mind. Many female readers will cheer her on as she goes through her journey in this story. I am looking forward to seeing the progression of Ms. Nathan's writing as her next novel is released. I think this was a good first effort.