Customer Reviews

Working in the Dark

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Let me tell you the praises I have for the book, first, the lessons learned in this book are immeasurable. I learned that having a backup plan in life is essential. Also reading about women's views on relationships in these books definitely keeps my attention. I liked the interaction of black women in the workplace and how it was described down to the T. This was just a book that kept my attention and left me wanting more. Thank you for a great book and I can't wait for the next.

Good Job Yvonne...you have a fan in me

This books explores the struggles and triumphs encountered in one's personal, professional and Spiritual life. It is a very realistic novel that gives readers something to take with them. The author's use of Scripture and powerful proverbs are inspiring. It is a book you can't put down and it inspires you to keep pressing on - as the character Gladys puts it when she said "you just have to lift yourself up and not bow to your nights." Thank you Yvonne Grays Nathane for a great work!

Ms. Nathane has captured the truth using the language that I am sure exist in the walls of professional America. The shame is- so much is lost when we judge books and people by the outer covering. This country, each company and the world could do so much more for its clients, and humanity if only we all matured spiritually and in a more humanistic way. Ms. Nathane, I hope there is more of this wonderful story to come. It doesn't go without a "uh huh" from so many sisters and brothers alike.

Corporate america takes on a new meaning in this coming of age novel. Ellecent Work for a new novelist

"Working in the Dark" by first time novelist Yvonne Gray Nathane, sheds a blinding light on the corporate culture of the late 80's and 90's. Set in the city of Chicago, Nathane's story takes one down familiar streets on the southside, and expense restuarants downtown.This story gives voice to many ladder crawlers throughout the nation. From beginning to end the story reads like a screenplay; hopefully in the future we all may be viewing "Working in the Dark" in the dark of a theatre and applauding the wit, spirit and guts of the heroine.

Charvette Lee is an educated woman trying to play the corporate game and finds out that those who look like her aren't always for her. When she encounters strife at the job from another black woman things really begin to heat up.
The author writes a well written story which many of us can identify with; the juggling game. Char wants to get ahead by works while behind the conference room doors the knives are pointing at her back. Her personal relationship is as stressful as her quest to be the first black manager at her company. The protagonist, Charvette trades one pain for another which disguises itself as satisfaction, nevertheless Charvette' character is strong willed and she continues to finds a way.
The idea of Working in the Dark was one all of us needed to hear, but the delivery was a little weak. I wanted to become Charvette' friend but she was not developed enough, her situation tugged at my heart, but nothing more. I am always looking for something different to read and this certainly was. Working in the Dark examines spiritual, emotional and mental issues in corporate America.

Missy

Working In The Dark is the story of Charvette Lee's climb up the corporate ladder and the challenges that she faces as an African-American woman in the Telecommunications field. Yvonne Grays Nathane tells a story that many professional African-American women and men can relate to. The story is filled with the struggles that people deal with on a daily basis in corporate America.

Nathane gives equal time to the villains in the story. It is not stacked in a one-sided us against them fashion. The enemies are black and white. The office politics displayed in this book had me talking to myself many times. I found myself telling Charvette to quit that job and move on.

Some components of the story were unrealistic because Charvette had talent and experience in a very exclusive field, yet she felt unqualified to seek work at any other venture. While Charvette had legitimate experience and skills, others in the story had little and were promoted based on whom they slept with.

Working In The Dark is a compelling read which sheds light on some of the struggles of people of color in the workplace.

I think the story would have been better if the characters were developed more and if the dialogue was used in a more effective manner. At times, it seemed as if the characters were giving motivational speeches. Also, throughout the book, Charvette's ex-lover is mentioned as someone prominent in her life; however, he is never presented in the book in any real way. When he is mentioned, it is usually in the form of a memory of a sexual experience.

Despite the flaws, I enjoyed Working In The Dark, partly because I could relate to some of the plights that were faced by the protagonist. Also because I enjoy the image of a Sister handling her business, dressed to the nines, and sporting a natural style. AND the cover of the book is gorgeous! Working In The Dark is a 3 on the RAW scale.

Reviewed by Diane