| EM Great Summer Reads: What You Owe Me | ||
| Must Read Books | |
| Friday, 30 June 2006 19:02 | |
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Book written by Bebe Moore Campbell Reviewed by Imani E. Mance ?What You Owe Me,? a 2001 best seller by Bebe Moore Campbell, should be the first thing in your suitcase when you are packing for your summer getaway. This book is an inspiring story that will keep all sorts of readers turning pages. Although this book is a fictional tale, it subtly addresses so many issues that are a reality in the African American community and provokes readers to thoughtfully consider things such as single parent homes, entrepreneurship, education, family and racism. 1948, Los Angeles, CA is where the story begins. Hosanna Clark, a transplant from the Texas farmlands, is a spunky and driven woman in search of something more from herself and the world. It is through Hosanna and her family that the author touches on the realities of racism in post-slavery America as many African Americans sought to gain a true financial stake in America. Through the main character, the author also poignantly depicts the struggles of women during this time who were also seeking equality and freedom. It will be hard to put the book down as you will be eager to follow Hosanna from her life as a hotel maid to a budding entrepreneur in the make-up industry. It is a rocky start for Hosanna and just as things start really moving forward and she is making enough money to live comfortable she is suddenly abandoned by her business partner. She is forced to start over as her partner has taken all the money out of their joint account and seemingly vanished. The book then fast forwards to when Hosanna has passed on and has left two daughters behind. One of daughters named Matriece is just as driven as Hosanna and determined to continue her mother?s legacy by working her way to the top of the make-up industry as an executive. At this point it seems that all has ended well for Hosanna?s daughters, however the drama continues as Matriece becomes haunted by the past wrongs done to her mother by her x-business partner and becomes caught up on seeking revenge. Again, the author uses the main character, who is now Matriece, to address the modern day issues affecting African Americans. Bebe Moore Campbell seems to have some strong opinions about entrepreneurship and corporate America as it relates to not only African Americans but also women. Campbell, also addresses current social issue affecting the Black community such as interracial marriage, single parenting, school safety, education, as well as the struggle for healthy intimate relationships between men and women. I think the best part about this book is that the author presents several important topics without bias. For example, when Campbell addresses the epidemic issue of fatherless families in the Black community, she writes from both the perspective of a man that has left his family and a daughter that grew up without her father. It is easy for readers to understand as well as identify with the plights of both characters while also examining the cause and affects of single-headed households. I am not sure what else I can say to encourage you to add this treasure to your summer reading list. This book has something for all generations and lovers of both fiction and Non-fiction. This book will spark a variety of emotions but ultimately I think it will inspire and this is why it made EM?s Summer Reading List. What You Owe Me, Fiction, Putnam and Sons, 2001, Author: Bebe Moore Campbell |
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