There Was a Spirit

I found There Was a Spirit to be a very well written book that told a great story. Although it centered around Sorority life, it is not a book that non-greeks cannot relate to or enjoy. The drama, the suspense, the friendships, the blossoming love are all things that anyone can relate to. And the way the book tied back to relevant history of the sorority, the university and the town was very clever. I am generally a very slow reader and I read this book in two days. Its just hard to put it down because you have to find out what happens next. I am looking forward to Kimberly's next book!

THERE WAS A SPIRIT is a poignant portrayal of college life during the early 1970's. It focuses on the unique experiences of African-Americans attending a primarily white university during a period of political and racial upheaval. The story begins in the early part of the century when racial dynamics were even more intense and even life threatening. Readers are introduced to Sadie Mae, one of the founding members of Omega Pi Alpha Sorority. Her story is an attention grabber, and it immediately draws you into the book. However, to discover Sadie's full story, readers must first move ahead several decades and meet Najwa Jackson, the main character. Najwa Jackson is attending Casperton University, and is a proud member of Omega Pi Alpha Sorority. She has big plans for her senior year of college, particularly as it relates to the sorority because she has been elected chapter president. While on the surface she seems to have everything together, she deals with insecurity, loneliness and uncertainty about her future. As the story progresses, we meet her friends, family and associates, get a taste of Black Greek life, and a glimpse of political issues such as abortion and racism. Najwa's penchant for history her desire to learn more about Sadie's life and role as co-founder of the sorority, result in the discovery of a much more complete view of Sadie's life. What she unearths rocks the university to its very core. Kimberly Noelle has ambitiously taken a coming of age story and integrated past and present events while addressing relevant social and cultural issues. Because there were so many layers to the story, there were times when I found myself wondering how it would all fit together. The author immediately piqued my interest in Sadie's story, but then shifts and focuses on Najwa. Sadie's story was sparsely dispersed throughout the book and while it was eventually resolved, I found myself getting frustrated. In addition, there were times when I felt the scenes depicting college and sorority life were tedious, at times adding length, but not much else. However, I am glad I stuck with the book because, in the end, the story was heartfelt and satisfying. (RAW Rating: 3.5) Reviewed by Stacey Seay of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

In 1901, Sadie Mae Wesley experiences the happiest yet most painful day of her life. She is given the most treasured gift from her father, the deed to five acres of farmland in Casperton, Illinois. As she walks home from work, she dreams of how to keep the promise to develop the land. While enjoying her newfound wealth, she is viciously attacked by a white man and left for dead. Night stretches into morning before Sadie's friends find her teetering on the edge of consciousness. Before Sadie dies, she whispers a request for Anna to fulfill. It is with that promise Omega Pi Alpha Sorority is born. The story fast-forwards to 1973 at Casperton University; Najwa Jackson is the president of the Gamma Chapter of Omega Pi Alpha. During her senior year, she pledges to move the sorority to the forefront on campus. As the semester begins, Najwa along with her line sisters, Carla and Lynette, navigate the Greek life political landscape forging Gamma Chapter forward. Things begin to unravel as Keisha, commits the ultimate crime against another chapter member. In Najwa's attempt to save face for the chapter, she plots with the help of Carla and Lynette, to have Keisha expelled from school. As the second semester commences, Najwa finds the chapter at a turning point and decides to take up the cause to have Keisha's name cleared. In doing so, Najwa points to the fact that Black students are always given harsher punishments than White students. The plot thickens as she discovers the details surrounding the death of the sorority's founder. As the puzzle pieces start to connect, Casperton's darkest secret may be revealed. Has Najwa started the Black Pride movement, which may revolutionize the campus and the town? THERE WAS A SPIRIT accurately depicts sorority life and what could have happened at a predominately white campus. The characters are authentic and story line is original. THERE WAS A SPIRIT was truly a page-turner giving a realistic view inside the inner workings of Greek life at the undergraduate level. A must read for those who enjoy historical fiction. Hopefully, Noelle won't keep us waiting long for the next installment for Omega Pi Alpha and Casperton University. Reviewed by M. Bruner for Loose Leaves Book Review

There Was a Spirit was a wonderful book! I trully enjoy this book and would reccommend it to anyone. As a memmber of a Black Greek Organization. it hit the nail right on the head. I loved it and can't wait for the next one!