Break Any Woman Down

I loved this book - couldn't put it down as it had me from the first page, and I finished it in an after noon. I bought a few copies for some women friends as well, knowing how much they could relate to it. Ms. Johnson has the rarest gift of weaving stories that make us laugh, cry and even cringe when we recognize ourselves in so many of the characters. I look forward to reading more from Dana Johnson. Truly a great read.

I appreciate the honesty and bravery of these stories. Dana Johnson's writing is sensual and realistic. She approaches issues and topics that are difficult: namely race, class and sex. She writes about straddling cultures in a poignant, nuanced manner. She does not stray from writing about sex. Her range of characters is impressive. She gives voice to characters that we don't usually get to hear from, and her characters have dignity. The characters seemed real and I cared about what happened to them. I love that. "Melvin in the Sixth Grade", "Three Ladies Sipping Tea in a Persian Garden", and "Markers" are my favorite stories in this collection. Dana Johnson is a brave, adept writer. I look forward to reading more from her.

Let me point out that you don't need to be Black to enjoy these stories, though clearly, Dana Johnson is a pro at depicting the black experience. She's also great at depicting other races. My favorite thing about this collection is the diversity. These stories are so refreshing in contrast to the in your face, street erotica, or the chick lit that is so popular now. Dana Johnson leaves you hungry for more. She wets the appetite for more stories that make you revisit your childhood. She warms the body when describing a sex scene. Her writing is both tasteful and beautiful. I look forward to a novel by this author.

Kudos to Dana Johnson for crafting an unforgettable read! The characters from "Break Any Woman Down: Stories" leapt from the pages and spent some time in my bedroom, entertaining me, challenging me, haunting me.I look forward to reading subsequent works by Ms. Johnson.

It's hard to believe that the nine stories in Break Any Woman Down were written by the same author. Not since Salinger or Carver have we seen an author adopt so many fresh and clear and imaginative voices in the same collection- they're permanently stuck with me- make me want to tear up the New Yorker and open the book again and again, dive into the powerful, often erotic, always realistic prose. Dana Johnson is a sincere young writer who deserves every bit of the Flannery O'Connor award for short fiction, a writer to be recognized.