Up at the College

I m thankful that i did not buy this book because i would have asked for my money back. As a gift, I took in stride why it was given but was glad to read it. These are issues that I have with the book: (1), first, the book is lace with biblical scriptures in practically every paragraph. TMI, no need to do this. It almost appears that is written from a clergy when preaching a sermon. (2) There is too much effort put in all the details surrounding basketball even though one of the character is a basketball coach. There are too many characters to remember which just wears down the story essence. (3), I am Black and I understand the use of the "N" word but it is way out of wack and overly use which is demeaning and hurtful. (4) This book is giddy, childhish and full of teen gossip session that seem to appear to a Junior high school sleep over. I am disappointed that the writer abused religion to probably sell a book that is so contrite that the joy vanished quickly.

This was another wonderful book by Michelle Bowen. I recommend it as a very good read.

In reading this novel, I approached the process with expectation of the traditional literary style of Mrs. Bowen, only to discover that each novel has its own unique attribute. I believe that readers all to often fall in love with one novel and begin to establish a bar for the same literary approach for that author in subsequent novels. That is a disservice to ones self and to the author. I recognized that clearly in Up at the College as well as the other novels Mrs. Bowen has written. Up at the College is a focus on ones relationship with the Savior and how our personal lives intertwine with this relationship. While she uses the characters of Yvonne Fountain and Curtis Parker as a love match, she effectively parallels the importance of establishing solid foundations in other areas in ones personal life that ultimately affect love relationships. This is not really a love story about two people, but a love story regarding the love that Christ has for us and our journey in discovering that all the while making the earthly relationships that much better. I would have preferred for Mrs. Bowen to focus more on Rico and Marquita's character as well as Hattie and Tommy, however perhaps she is establishing a storyline for a new book with those characters. We can only hope. There were areas where the novel seemed to drift on too much details on unimportant characters, however Mrs. Bowen successfully ties everything back together by the end of the book and I concluded feeling quite renewed and encouraged in my own personal walk and view of my own Christian walk. I encourage you to read this book with an open mind, read all of her books, but each book is a testament to a new lesson for our journey here on earth. I will continue to support this author and I look forward to future literary works from her soon!

Yvonne Copeland finds faith in God when her husband decides that he wants a divorce. She moves back to her hometown of Durham, NC where she gets a teaching job at the local college. She also meets the very handsome basketball coach Curtis Parker. He's everything she wants in a man, but there's one major flaw: he's not saved. Curtis has not made up his mind about his faith. and he's not so sure if he can put his faith in the Lord. All he knows is that with Yvonne by his side, nothing else really matters. As Curtis struggles with his belief in God, Yvonne is gaining more and more strength in God. Will these two be able to take the walk of Faith or will Curtis decide this is not for him? Even though it was not a fast paced read, Up at the College by Michele Andrea Bowen was still a decent read. It took a little time for me to get into the book and really start gaining interest in the story itself. The characters were kind of bland and the majority of the plot struggled with predictability. However, I do think that the author did a good job with referencing how people deal with faith. Reviewed by Jackie for Urban Reviews

Once again Ms. Bowen delivers as she did in Church Folk, Second Sunday and Holy Ghost Corner, a group of funny, church folk characters that made me laugh out loud and charcters that love the Lord (Amen)and with a hint of romance . I truly enjoyed this book and all of it's characters. I do hope to read a follow-up soon that will have more romance from Curtis and Yvonne.

Yvonne Fountain Copeland is distraught when her husband PH.D Dr. Darrell dumps her for his peer, arrogant as he is, Dr. Bettina Davidson; Instead of moping Yvonne turns to the Lord who helps her get through her marriage break-up and even his idle threat of obtaining custody of their kids high school aged D'Relle and middle school aged Danesha. She returns with her children to her hometown of Durham, North Carolina where she obtains an adjunct professor position at Evangeline T Marshall University. Yvonne meets religious "Eva T" U Collegiate basketball coach Curtis Parker who enjoys his bachelor lifestyle. He had no plans of marrying anytime soon until he falls in love with Yvonne. However, as he has problems with reconciling what his work requires for him to be a success with what his soul demands, Yvonne remains at his side helping him understand what matters. Well written with an interesting lead pairing, the overwhelming premise of UP AT THE COLLEGE is with Jesus throwing assists, you can slam dunk through life. Faith is how the audience will define Yvonne while her ex is a sort of King Solomon filled with knowledge but lacking passion. The most interesting character is Curtis who has a struggle between what his job requires and what the Lord requires of him. Although the abundance of preaching slows down the fast breaks, Christian romance readers will enjoy Michele Andrea Bowen's fine contemporary. Harriet Klausner