Family

This is the 2nd novel that I have read by this author and I was a tad disappointed with this one. The novel became interesting until Always mother (Clara) dies. After Clara dies and decides to narrate the story from the grave, it becomes uninteresting to me. There are so many peoples to keep track of that I became disinterested. I am so sad and appalled in how the slaves were treated and how much they had to endure. Their pain has been documented many times before in print and screen. I have empathy for them all and with their will and God's unchanging hands, we would not be able to enjoy all of our fruit and wonderful accomplishments. We definitely stand on their shoulders. Even though, I love the smooth and honest straight in your face somber writing of Ms. Cooper, this one somewhat bored me because I could not wait until the end to put this one down. I'm hoping that the next novel that I read will be better and lightly suited to my taste. Leslie Taylor

J. California Cooper was a gifted writer who could bring you into the story making you feel like you were apart of the scene and like you knew these characters. My daughter turned me on to this book and I become a big fan of hers. Give it a try!

With this novel J. California Cooper gives voice to what we intuitively know. She gives a face, a name, a soul to the experiences in our collective history that have weaved the fabric of life we now take comfort in. The characters in this book are real. Ms. Cooper seems to have stepped back in time and is speaking from observation. The subtle details and inner thoughts of the characters gives haunting insight into this period in our World History that still remains misunderstood and stigmatized. Family reminds us that we are all connected, one and the same, family in deed.

"Family" is a book that must be read. It is a touching, powerful book. This is one of Ms. Cooper's most dynamic books. "Family" is a generational book. It is sensational. Much praise for "Family." "Family" shared insights into the institution of slavery. The bitterness a race suffered, but yet the courage of that race to survive. "Family" is about a mother, who did not want her children to live as she was forced to live or to endure the misery forced upon them, but in which they had no control. "Family" is moving. Indeed, some of the events will bring tears to your eyes. "Family" is about survival.Ms. Cooper is an exceptional author and has truly captured the essence of what it is to be a 'family.'

I READ J.CALIFORNIA COOPER'S FAMILY IN ONE DAY. IT DEFINITELY IS A PAGE TURNER. I TELLS OF THE TRUTH OF WHAT THE SLAVES HAD TO ENDURE. ALSO, HOW THE SLAVES WERE ABLE TO RISE OUT OF THE INDIGNITY, OVERCOME THE RACIST SYSTEM, AND MAKE A LIFE FOR THEMSELVES. THE KEY WORD HERE IS ENDURE. THIS BOOK TEACHES US THAT WE NEED TO ENDURE LIFES CHALLENGES AND ULTIMATELY WE WILL COME OUT OF THE STORM MUCH STRONGER THAN WE WENT IN. MS. COOPER IS ABLE THE SPEAK TO THE INNER CORE OF THE SPIRIT OF HER CHARACTERS. FAMILY IS A MUST READ.

Family grabs you from start to finish. It makes you feel as if you are experiencing every word that is written. I have all of her books, and I thouroughly enjoy them. J. California Cooper is the best Author of all times!

J. California Cooper is one of my favorite authors. Her stories are just wonderful and heartwarming.