the dynamics of real men

books:

	• Waiting in Vain Colin Channer One World/Ballantine, 1999 - 352 pages average customer review:based on 447 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

HOT PASSION

I HAVE JUST FINISHED READING WAITING IN VAIN. IT WAS SO GOOOOOD!! THE NEXT DAY I STARTED READING IT AGAIN. SYLVIA AND FIRE ARE GREAT CHARACTERS. THEIR PASSION WAS HOT, HOT, HOT. I READ A LOT OF AFRICAN AMERICAN BOOKS, AT LEAST FOUR A MONTH, THIS BOOK IS ONE OF THE BEST.

the dynamics of real men

Waiting in vain is refreshingly real. The characters of Fire and Ian show clearly how men struggle with their emotions in relationships with each other and with women. colin manages to portray a dynamic black man in Fire who is unafraid to be sensitive and has the great capoacity to love a woman the way she needs to be loved. it is especially wonderful how the interaction of these characters is so realistic as i feel as if i know Sylvia ,Fire and Ian. Colin also has a way of evoking sympathy for his characters especially ian who is extremely flawed but you have to love him as his inner turmoil stems from a childhood where he was always playing second best with a worthless mother and a homosexual father . This book is a dynamic love story with underlying tragedies but most importantly colin displays a deep understanding of humanbeings and our need for acceptance, love and a sense of belonging. This book is a must read .Enjoy the beautiful journey into Jamaica and appreciate the sweetness of a strong black man and renew your belief in love and its possibilities .I am now searching for my Fire.

for more information click here

Blown Away

My review is short and sweet. I fell in love immediately with Fire. I saw alot of myself in Sylvia, therefore, I knew that I would make some changes in my life. I read and re-read parts, especially somewhere around page 240 which was the section where Ian tells Fire what type of men they are. I have never thought of men in the way Ian described but when Colin Channer read that section at our book club meeting everything Ian said and referred to made perfect sense. More than likely alot of women read this book, but, I think that the men need to check it out as well. I was on the C train when I finished reading the book, I did not realize I was smiling and this woman approach me and said good book? You are smiling and I told her absolutely--she asked who the author was and what was the title and she said I am going to buy it and read too!

for more information click here

A "Good Feel" Read

I caught Colin on an interview a few weeks ago on cable, and was compelled to get the book. I am not proud of the fact that recently I have not read as much as I should. However, with this book; like Pac-Man, I could not get enough, and was not let down from the 1st day to the very last words!

As an African-American "young-mature" male, born & raised in Brooklyn, I found it fun to relate to the book in so many ways. As I live here in what I affectionately call "The Little Caribbean"; East Flatbush, the flavors, textures, sounds, smells, vibes conjured up in a way that only Colin can, were so vivid in the book. From the jagged edge of SoHo, to the streets & winding roads of Kingston,......... and everything in-between.

As a former "suit", I found it especially interesting to feel Sylvia's pain throughout the book. This book is not the typical man/ woman story. This book explores relationships on many levels; romance, love, money, class, race, power, sex, inner-self. It's about living life for others, and living life for oneself. And finding your role in it.

I'm sure many readers are taken to Fire, as was I. However, this book has many, many heroes. Diego for one! Sylvia especially, for another. Like I always say; "You can't score the touchdown sitting on the sidelines".

If there is one person who reads this book and says "I can't relate", I'll show you a liar! Big Ups Colin! Job well done. My faith has been restored, and my emotions ran from laughter, to fear, to excitement, to tears. Tears of joy & pain. (I think I got my money's worth)! Thank You Brother.

for more information click here

Beautiful

I first read this book in the summer of 2000. I was so much in Love with "Fire". Eventhough I have read hundreds of books since them, I still come back to this one. I just finished reading it for the third time and it is even better. Channer really has a "love affair with words' that is hard to describe. He captured you from the opening line and never let you go.

I eagerly wait for the next book.

reviews: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, page 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

hot or not? What's your opinion? Write a review and share your thoughts!

recommendations

African American Hit List-not in any particular order
BLACK FICTION THAT YOU CAN'T PUT DOWN"
Favorite African American Lit
Books Everyone Should Own
must read

search for books
waiting in vain, vain, waiting

Impressum / about us