Only Twice I've Wished for Heaven

This debut novel is written with the literary maturity of the likes of Gloria Naylor and there is something about the story which reminds me of the novel "The Woemn Of Brewster Place".This is the story about a 12 year old girl, Tempset and her life once the family moves from the place where she has grown up, to a new, better home and enviornment called Lakeland. Lakeland represents where Chicago's "up and coming and just arrived" black folks live. Just across the gate however, is 35th Street which is a neighborhood that is the complete opposite of Lakeland. Seperating the 2 communities is a fence however that fence does not prevent Tempest from exploring all that life has to offer on the other side of the gate, good and bad.Tempest periodically ventures over the gate and onto the infamous 35th street where she is introduced to a wonderful, powerful, soulful and rich cast of characters. She is also esposed to the tragedies of life including, but not limited to, drug addiction, prostitution and suicide. Although her father moves the family to the Lakeland community so they could have a better life, Tempest learns most of her lessons when she is on 35th street.The novel is told from the wonderful perspective of both a 12 year old child and a 50 something year old adult who come to love and depend on each other as the novel progresses.The writing in this novel was absolutely exquisite. However, I think the fact the the reader knew what was going to happen to the other young character, Valerie, from the outset of the novel, made the story incredibly touching and sad.

It is not often that a book moves me to tears. The way Trice told this story stirred emotions that made me feel a part of each character's life. Thank you for the wonderful and sometimes sad journey.

Only Twice I've Wished for Heaven is an emotional book that is very well written. The characters and the events that transpired were so real that you could feel their struggle, pain and longing for a normal existence. Tempestt's hunger for understanding life and Ms. Johnetta mission to explain life interwines in a way that bonds a special relationship between the two from the start. This book is one that screams "read me." Dawn Turner Trice is a masterful storyteller.

This book was very well written. Miss Jonetta, Temmy, Valerie, Hump, Chittey, and Judd are folks we all can relate too. It started off slow, real slow, but once I jumped in, I had to keep swimming. This book is touching, heartfelt, and will definitely make you think. Good job Mrs. Trice, good job!!!!

"Only twice I've wished for heaven" is a superb first effort by Ms. Trice. I won't gush because it would sound phony but she deserves a little gushing. In black vernacular, "she has put her foot into it." Which simply means she has put some heart and soul into this novel and it shows. Thankfully, this is not another "McMillan look-alike." We are getting a fresh and real life story. The setting is Chicago but it is the essence of so many neighborhoods in so many cities. She accutely captures the mindset of African-Americans setting themselves apart in the name of upward mobility and those of the people on the other side of the fence. To tell the story in two voices, representing both sides is a good touch. The reader will be drawn into the lives of the main characters, Tempestt and Ms Johnetta and see their worlds through their eyes. Don't blame me if you stay up all night just to finish this book. Just have a few extra cups of coffee at work.