Disappearing Acts

I really wanted to like this more than I did. The characters of Zora and Franklin are compelling, and the development of their relationship is charming. The narration is shared in alternate chapters by the two, so the reader does get the chance to look at the same events from each character's perspective.

But Franklin is so needy, so selfish, and so inflexible, that it's easy to see this romance is headed for choppy waters. And while that's a legitimate plot point for exploring the growth of a relationship, it just makes it really hard to care whether these two can ever get back together after what seems to be an irreconcilable break -- rather, it makes it hard to see why Zora would even consider it.

This is my first Terry McMillan book and I’m excited to read from the rest of her catalog. I struggled between rating this book anywhere between 4 and 5 stars, but reminiscing on the emotions that it took me through propelled me to rate it a full 5.

I like how Terry develops flawed characters and complicated relationships. Readers will find the characters to be equally amicable as they do annoying and unbearable.

If you love love and are a hopeless romantic, this book is for you. It’s also a perfect book club pick. Paired with some 80s and 90s Black Luxury music and your choice of beverage with good friends you can candidly discuss the book with; a quintessentially good time.

On my blog (check link in bio or profile) I’ll post a show more thorough review with content warnings I recognized in the book. I’ll make not of the graphic ones here: body shaming, sexism, toxic relationship, alcoholism, fat phobia, and misogyny. show less

I could personally relate to this book because I have witnessed similar situations in the my own African American family. The relationship forged between Zora & Franklin appears to be ideal on the outside but soon problems emerge. Franklin's ups and down's with work as a construction worker begin to eat away at him and the abuse he suffered from his childhood begins to surface through his depressed moods and his hostile anger. Zora and Franklin have to grow their issues. This was an easy to read and enjoyable book--I couldn't put it down!

An urban love story featuring Zora (a teacher) and Franklin (a construction worker) who happens to be a not-quite-yet divorced father of two. Similar to other titles by McMillan, it offers a cute story, likeable if not unique characters and a feel good, let's get smart about love plot. Good read, but nothing out of the ordinary.

Wasn't bad, I was on a Terry McMillan spree at the time. Her writing alway left me unfulfiled.

Excerpt from www.HomeGirl.typepad.com:
Loved it! The movie is among my favorites...among the first movies I ever owned (Dirty Dancing was the first...my all time favorite movie...it was a gift). I have it on VHS and whenever I'm in the mood, AND one of my VCRs is wired correctly, I watch it. It's out on DVD now, so I'll need to hook that up. This film was the beginning of my love of Sanaa Lathan (Zora), and with the name "Zora". I already knew and loved Zora Neale Hurston, but never considered naming my potential future daughter that until I saw this movie and heard it spoken so many times. And I've always thought very highly of Wesley Snipes' general appearance, so this movie was easily one of my favs. Now about the book...

FULL REVIEW:
show more target="_top">http://homegirl.typepad.com/home_girl/2005/11/disappearing_ac.html show less

Not one of my favorites.