The Color of the Soul: The Penbrook Diaries

The Color of the Soul is an amazing story that packs a powerful punch. Gritty and true-to-life, once you start reading it's impossible to put this book down. The novel has the flavor of Roots by Alex Haley with a twist of the modern pre-civil rights feel of the deep south. A young black man discovers his true heritage as he learns family secrets through reading the Penbrook Diaries. Intricately woven detail, excellent characterization, scandal and intrigue all set this novel apart from most. The author clearly has a gift for writing historical fiction and probing deep issues of the heart. She does an excellent job at making the reader think about all that they hold dear and will have the reader choked up through half the book. The strongest emotion I experienced while reading The Color of the Soul was regret. I wish Cat had made different choices in her life and I totally identified with her plight and the plight of the men who loved her. This story is an excellent portrayal of how people think they know what's best. If only Cat had trusted in God rather than trying to manipulate things herself, she may have had the love she longed for and the life she dreamed of. Unfortunately, by the time she discovered all that she had lost, it was too late. I hated for the story to end and am SO looking forward to the sequel to this novel. :)

Tracey Bateman's The Color of the Soul reminds me of the multi-generation epic sagas that I devoured in high school. Her characters became so real to me that I know they will stay with me for a long time. The story pulled me right into the Southern world of Andy, his ancestors, and a mysterious 100-year-old woman. The author does not hold back the brutality of slavery and racism. Though it's hard to take at times the violence is never senseless. In fact, the horrors and injustices that Cat, Andy, and other characters face add power to the message of redemption and healing. Instead of my typical "I'm sure glad that I didn't live back then" response, I found myself with a deeper appreciation for those who endured such dark periods of American history. This is the first book that I have read by Tracey Bateman-the first of many I hope. She has found a new fan. I eagerly await the next book!

Tracey's transitions in time from 1849 to 1948 is absolutely spell binding. I started reading The Color of the Soul mid afternoon, one Saturday, and finished it about midnight. I laughed at her when she told me it was a historical set in 1948 because I said I was born before that and I didn't consider myself historical. I was wrong because even though I was born and raised in the North, it brought back memories of a time none of us should forget. It stirred up emotions that were fast asleep in my own soul. Be prepared to relive the past through a roller coaster of anger, tears, and joy as the truth sets a young man free physically and spiritually.

The Color of the Soul by Tracey Bateman is about a young black man's struggle to find his identity and carve out his own niche in a world where only whites are regarded with respect. Along the way, he discovers the truth about his own past and family heritage. As a northerner transplanted to the Deep South, I was impressed with the author's handling of the subject of Southern race relations in both 1948 and the 1800's, and with her attempt to bridge the gap between whites and blacks. But this is far more than a story about being black or white-it's a powerful illustration of God's ability to redeem tragedy and heartbreak. The book drew me in from the first page, and at the last kept me up till 3 AM. I wept through the last pages, then found myself thanking the Lord for His similar mercy in my own life, and for allowing me to experience what love and happiness that I have. When a story can turn us so fully to praise of God's redeeming hand, it doesn't get much better. This one's a keeper . . . a life-changer . . . don't miss it.

If, The Color of the Soul, were a Broadway play, it would receive a standing ovation. This captivating story is about a black man, Andy Carmichael, who is transported back in time through the journals of an old woman. What Andy finds in them, changes his life forever. Prepare to be swept back into an era where the "free" weren't really free, and things were not as they appeared to be. Tracey Bateman, you've outdone yourself. This remarkable story blew me away, and imprisoned my mind for a long time after I had finished reading it. I can't get enough of your stories. Each one of them is as delightful and enjoyable as a fresh spring rain. Keep up the fantastic work!