Cubicles

This is a review of the Books On Tape Audio version of Cubicles. The book is narrated by full cast (a different person narrating the three main characters). The narration is spectacular. All three characters, Joyce, Margaret and Faulkner have very separate voices, personalities, and ages. The actresses who do the narration are not listed on the jacket but if you can get a copy of the audio version of this book, you will not be dissapointed. I would not necessarily have taken this book out of the library (as it is a Griot book which is targeted to an African-American audience, which I am not) but picked it up because the premise was one I could relate to. Once I started listening to the story, I couldn't wait to get back into the car to hear more. The other reviews summarize the plot very well - 3 different women work for a phone company in Texas - all in customer service. Margaret, an older woman in her 50's, is still in the same job she's held her entire career; Joyce has risen the corporate ladder to executive and Faulkner is a rising star and on her way to take over Joyce's job. Margaret is actually the most interesting character of the three women. She has health problems and children problems and doesn't really put herself first, which does cause even more problems for her. Faulkner is bright and likeable and ambitious but in a "good" way - she's not too ambitious - she's not cutthroat or devious. She is a good daughter, a good worker, probably every parent's dream. Joyce is the villian of the novel - she is portrayed as manipulative, evil, and aggressively bitchy - however, she does have a deep dark secret (that actually is relatively easy to figure out earlier in the book). There is one relationship that comes with Joyce's story that did take me by surprise but the wrap up of her ending is why I've given the book only 4 stars instead of 5. Didn't ring quite true. If you've not been able to get through the written book, try the audio version. Highly recommended.

I thought this book was well thought out. Such a good read it seems like the charactors came to life. The plot was great and I love the little twist the book held. The book was full of different emotions. I must admit I loved when Miz Jonnie Coleman called in. This book is a must buy.

I have been waiting for this author ever since "When all hell breaks loose" and believe me I was not disappointed. This lady really has some depth to her writing.Characters in this book were well thought out and well developed. But I think what really makes me like her is that she doesnt just jump on the latest bandwagon when it comes to subject matter. In that sense, she is original. The workplace setting was a great idea and the book was excellent. Please write the sequel to your 1st novel ASAP and keep up the good work

Cubicles is an excellent novel by author, Camika Spencer. In just one novel, the reader is immersed with intricate characters, racism in the workforce, complex family situations, sisters and dating, friendship, and the backbiting that goes on in corporate America, among other intriguing storylines.Cubicles intertwines the lives of three African American women, who on the surface couldn't be more different if they tried, but through their jobs at Meridian Southwest, their lives connect in friendship, backbiting and mystery. Faulkner is a young sister with a go-getter personality, who is working twice as hard to get her due at the company. Joyce is her demanding boss, a sister with a past full of pain, but prefers to cover her past and treat everyone beneath like garbage. Margaret is a 60-year-old that works under Joyce and finds her self having familial problems, health issues, and a past secret that involves her and Joyce. Cubicles spans a few weeks in the lives of these characters that culminates to reveal secrets that were buried decades earlier.I LOVED Cubicles. I was really drawn into the characters and their lives. Spencer deepens her character development by providing characters that make you hate them one minute, love them one minute, and ache to make them see the light, in the next. I HIGHLY recommend this novel to readers for the characters are well drawn out and the storylines push you to keep reading. I am definitely going to pick up Spencer's first novel, and I look forward to her next literary effort.Shon Bacon

I just finished "Cubicles"after staying up half the night to finish it. I don't regret reading it. I found it to be enlightening. At first,I couldn't take Joyce or Gail for that matter(Lisa either,but I won't go there).But in time the formers redeemed themselves. Ol'Fred Price was just a greasy negro who got what he deserved in the end. Nothing else was said on what else he got in the end. and Faulkner,you just can't help but applaud and like her. Margaret to me was the tragic heroine in this book. It was good and a great sophomore effort by Ms.Spencer.