You Ain't Got No Easter Clothes: A Memoir

A must read. This book is billed as a memoir of a Girl growing up Black in Nebraska in the 60's and 70's with a Mentally Ill mother. I shared none of those experiences but read the book as a fan of her music (a very small part of the story as told in the book). The book has a spoiler since I knew she would survive to become the singer. It is not all that obvious through most of the book that she would. Laura Love is known today as a spokesperson for Liberal causes and a champion of people in need of a little help. The book records a life that would have defeated most people but somehow made her stronger. Conservatives won't believe it. Racists of any color won't like it. Others should love it. Warning: There are two surprises near the end. If you read the first 3/4 of this one and put it down, you'll miss the point of the book.

I loved this book; it was moving and written with an elegant grace, despite its dark content. It's difficult to write about mental illness with humor and charm, but Laura Love succeeds here where many others have failed. Excellent.

I love a good memoir, and this book is among my favorites. The story of Laura Love and her sister Lisa is one I won't soon forget. Held hostage by a mentally unstable mother, the girls learn to tolerate a childhood of extreme poverty and insanity. The author has such a way with words, you feel as if you know her. With parts so emotionally overwhelming; I literally burst out into uncontrollable laughter, for lack of more appropriate emotions. A must read for all women or all races. A breathtaking glimpse into hell.

This book was like nothing I had read before. When I first picked it up I thought that I wouldn't be interested in it, however, once I started reading I couldn't stop. The things that happened to these little girls just breaks my heart and I had to know where their lives ended up.

I've always found Laura Love's music and song lyrics to be thoughtful and profound, so it was no surprise to find this was a shocking but gripping true story. Frankly, I couldn't stop reading until finished and wished she had written more. It's not a story for the fainthearted reader, because she tells all - warts and all. It's amazing that a woman could live through these experiences, yet end up with such a warm and compassionate sense of self! I also found it interesting to read about the times of Bobby Kennedy's assassination, the effects of race riots, and so many memories of the `60s and `70s from her perspective. Truly enjoyed the baby boomer nostalgia type memories. I would highly recommend this memoir!