Miss Black America: A Novel (Paperback)

by Veronica Chambers (Author) "It was 1979 and escape was heavy in the air..." (more)
Key Phrases: Uncle Roger, New York, Miss Black America (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
“Chambers gives us a good glimpse of the inner life of a talented girl making her way in the world.” —Kirkus Reviews

“[An] exquisite first novel.” —Booklist

“You’ll be moved.” —Marie Claire



From the Trade Paperback edition. --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Review
“Chambers gives us a good glimpse of the inner life of a talented girl making her way in the world.” —Kirkus Reviews

“[An] exquisite first novel.” —Booklist

“You’ll be moved.” —Marie Claire


See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Harlem Moon (June 14, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0767914678
• ISBN-13: 978-0767914673
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,497,895 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A coming of age gem with universal appeal, July 7, 2005

By	Lynette C. (D.C.) - See all my reviews

This finely written, exquisitely detailed coming of age story may be called Miss Black America, but its appeal is universal. Veronica Chambers skillfully explores the delicate, fraught, often confusing and competing ties that bind daughters to both their mothers and fathers. The mother's dominant presence -- heightened cleverly by her absence --is beautifully woven throughout the story without diminishing the strong presence and influence of Teddo on the woman Angela becomes. Frequent interwoven references to touchstones of popular cultural throughout Angela's life --from news clips to fashion trends-- help place and pace the story in a colorful way that should conjure up fun personal memories for many readers. Miss Black America is a fast paced, thoroughly enjoyable, and ultimately uplifting take on the resilience of us all, because of, and in spite of, our families. A great read.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Veronica Chambers Does It Again, July 5, 2005

By	LMH (Housatonic, MA) - See all my reviews

In her memoir, Mama's Girl, Veronica Chambers had me so spellbound that I finished the book in one sitting. She does it again in her first novel, Miss Black America, grabbing your attention in the first paragraph and not letting go until the last.

This moving story is full of glimpses of the 60's and 70's and glimpses into the hearts and minds of the people there. She makes you care about her characters, especially Angela Davis Brown whose sassy, irrepressible voice tells her story. From one scene to the next, the action is fast paced, making it impossible to put down. With such heroes as the magic man Teddo the Amazing Magician, Miss Black America and Mohammed Ali gracing the pages of this book, it is a terrific read that leaves you cheering the resilience of the human spirit.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As Always With Veronica...Perfect, July 24, 2005

By	K. Petties "Urban Garden Chick" (California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

An endearing story from an amazing writer. Little Miss Black America is an emotional rollercoaster ride that touches its reader from every angle. You laugh, you get angry, you want to cry, but you love its main characters and ultimate message delivered throught the story. For Mama's Girl fans, it reaffirms Veronica outstanding talent as a writer. For those who have never read Veronica, you will fall in love with her writing, and run out to read Mama's Girl.