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After a decade of elegant pleasures and luxe living with the Atlanta brothers and sisters with the best clothes and biggest dreams, Ava Johnson has temporarily returned home to Idlewild—her fabulous career and power plans smashed to bits by cold reality. But what she imagines to be the end is, instead, a beginning. Because, in the ten-plus years since Ava left, all the problems of the big city have come to roost in the sleepy North Michigan community whose ordinariness once drove her away; and she cannot turn her back on friends and family who sorely need her in the face of impending trouble and tragedy. Besides which, that one unthinkable, unmistakable thing is now happening to her: Ava Johnson is falling in love.
Acclaimed playwright, essayist, New York Times bestselling author, and columnist Pearl Cleage has created a world rich in character, human drama, and deep, compassionate understanding, in a remarkable novel that sizzles with sensuality, hums with gritty truth, and sings and crackles with life-affirming energy.
Pearl Cleage is the author of Mad at Miles: A Black Woman's Guide to Truth and Deals with the Devil and Other Reasons to Riot. An accomplished Playwright, she teaches playwriting at Spelman College, is a cofounder of the literary magazine Catalyst and writes a column for the Atlanta Tribune. Ms. Cleage lives in Atlanta with her husband. What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day...is her first novel.
Aristian1908
Posted March 4, 2011
At first I was not attached to the story. The first few pages give the illusion that it will be fiesty and wild. But then it settles down considersbly. The story then becomes predictable...or so I thought. The slow movement is just enough time to set a great build up. The story then gives a great twist and turn that fits perfectly into the storyline! Not a surprise ending but definitely some good twists and turns. A bit romantic in nature but deals with real life issues as well.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 22, 2012
I read this book when it was first released (not long after it became an Oprah's Book Club selection). I've reread it a couple of times since then, and each time is just as enjoyable as the first. I love this book. The characters are well-developed, and it will make you laugh out loud, as well as feel like shedding a tear or two.
I definitely recommend this book.
(I've also read a couple of her other works, and while good, none compare to this debut novel.)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This book was a simple yet heartfelt love story. You identify with the characters right away. The writing style allows you to connect with the characters. They are each going through difficult times yet love brings them all together. This book shows that real love is out there even when we least expect it. I choose this book for my bookclub and it was a hit. There are so many issues that hit right home for a group to discuss. It was very unique to see how we all read the same book and got different interpretations. The only thing I dislike about the book was that sometimes the author didnt develop a scenario she will just hint at it and you are left to assume what happened. This book made an excellent conversation piece. A recommended read for all book lovers.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 3, 2012
Life challeges
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Posted August 3, 2012
Much left unsaid and perfectly written in this book
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Posted November 14, 2011
From the first to last page I was moved by the main character's struggles and desire to fight. This book was an emotional journey, in a good way. It proves that all happy endings are not the American dream but can still be just as happy.
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Posted October 10, 2011
After reading the reader's reviews i expected much more profanity. Realising that the readers were also Oprah book club members...so this was clearly not a "hood-to-hood" read. Ava sounded like an old college room mate catching you up on her life. I woud hope future books by Clearage would highlight Ava's spiritual maturity and abandon the profanity.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 13, 2009
This book starts with Ava. She's not gay nor is she on drugs but she is HIV positive...Ava decides to leave Atlanta and start over. She decides to go visit her sister Joyce in Idlewild. Although Ava's intentions are to visit for the summer and then move onto LA, her plans soon change once meeting and falling for Eddie. Eddie is a black man that has had his fair share of challenges in his life however he has not allowed that to sour his outlook on life. Joyce, Ava's sister has also had her share of hardtimes, lossing her children and then her husband..she still has room in her heart to care for others and show them the love they need.
This book is wonderfully written and although this is a fiction novel, it certainly touches on the Crazy things that happen in our true ordinary lives.
This is a must read!
TulaneGirl
Posted December 13, 2008
iked that this book tackled a difficult subject and one that is so rarely portrayed - the love life of an HIV positive female. But other than the topic, the story itself was a bit disappointing and one-dimensional. Nevertheless I think it's an important book to read if for no other reason than to start the dialogue.
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Posted February 14, 2007
What I liked about this book is that the heroine is HIV+. For the most part, HIV and AIDS are still treated like taboo subjects that happens to other people. But this book is about a real woman who could be anybody. But I was disappointed by the lack of depth in the book. The author could have explored the heroine's emotions a little more. Nevertheless it covers a necessary subject and does so without judgment. The author is brave to tackle such a difficult topic in such a normal manner.
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Posted February 19, 2007
This book overall was okay. The first half of the book was a real bore...BUT then the ending half was really good and i couldnt put it down. i wish overall the whole book could have been that good.
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Posted December 27, 2006
I believe this is one of the worst books I've ever read. The vulgarity is unreal! I almost didn't finish reading it, and I ended up just skimming the last chapters. I was extremely disappointed.
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Posted August 14, 2006
I found this book a chore to read. I just didn't get into any of the characters. Thankfully it was short or I would not have even bothered finishing it. If you would like to be bored to death and like reading profanities sprinkled on every page then go ahead. My whole book club was disappointed with this one. Don't think I am going to read any more of her books.
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Posted July 4, 2006
What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day. By Pearl Cleage. As an avid reader there are times I am desperate for a book to read and yet cannot seem to find one I have not read. It was suggested by a friend that I read this book. Having never heard of the author I hesitated for a moment and then bought it. At first realizing this was a story about a woman who had Aids I wondered if I would be able to read it. To my surprise once I opened it and read the first chapter I was unable to put this book down. This is a first novel for this writer and I must say a literary gem. From start to finish the writing is exceptional, the characters vivid and so close you can touch them. Though there is so much sadness, death, drugs, and cruelty the author never allowed you to dwell on these facts alone. She had you feel only the love, and hope, the goodness of some in spite of the meanness of others. The ending is uplifting, for you also close the book knowing that you have finished a novel well worth reading. I have bought three more of Pearl Cleage's books and cannot wait to read them.
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Posted June 23, 2006
I picked up this book because I wanted to get into reading again and i am so glad I did because Pearl Cleage is such a good author that I think comparing her to Terry Mcmillan does not do her justice. You can actually hear these poeple talking in the book it is so vivid and full of attitude even in what should be a sad situation, it is great.
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Posted March 19, 2006
You should read this book if you got a few hours on your hand or if you need a distraction, because it will consume your appetit for good books. I skipped all my hmwk to read this book in one night and I did it cuz it was extremely good!~its fo grown folks and book lovers alike
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Posted January 22, 2006
All in all, a very enjoyable book. I liked the way she developed the characters, and the positive message she kept throughout the book. I did find, though, that it was slightly predictable in some areas. But, all in all, a good, solid book.
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Posted August 9, 2005
This was my first from the author and I am in love with her writing. This story grabbed me and kept me to the end. The best part was how her writing makes it so familiar as if you were actually living it out. Great laughs, emotions and writing. Loved the characters and storyline. Thanks Pearl Cleage!
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Posted May 3, 2005
From the first page to end, I could see the ordinary people with ordinary problem and their extrodinary courage. It made love my life more and enjoyable.
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Posted February 11, 2005
what a story to tell! I throughly enjoyed this book, from cover to cover. If I could get all my girlfriends to read this book, then maybe they can encourage another sister. what a blessing to readers, god's gift to you is no doubt a gift to us.
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Overview
After a decade of elegant pleasures and luxe living with the Atlanta brothers and sisters with the best clothes and biggest dreams, Ava Johnson has temporarily returned home to Idlewild—her fabulous career and power plans smashed to bits by cold reality. But what she imagines to be the end is, instead, a beginning. Because, in the ten-plus years since Ava left, all the problems of the big city have come to roost in the sleepy North Michigan community whose ordinariness once drove her away; and she cannot turn her...