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REVIEWS FOR A PLACE FOR IDA BY PATRICIA RICHARDSON
Emma L. Hill "Positive Minds Bookclub" (January 19, 2007)-A Place For Ida is the story of a teenage girl who wants to be loved, after being rejected by both her parents, she is raised by her grandmother in a racist South Carolina community during the 1960s. Ida's desire for love leads her down a difficult path of emotional highs and lows. She seeks love from her sisters who despise her, from a mother who has placed as many miles as she could between them and finally from an older man. She is a lonely girl who fills her time daydreaming about love. Billy Jasper was Ida's first love. He is the one who brings great joy and overwhelming sorrow to Ida's life. This book addresses the issue of how important it is for young girls to have a male figure in their lives.
English Ruler ARC Bookclub (January 22, 2006)-This story details the trials and times of young Ida Jenkins. Set in south Carolina during the 1960's, "A Place for Ida" makes vivid the segregation of blacks and whites and the trauma of racism while telling a poignant strory of a black girl looking for acceptance and love. Ida goes through so much in this book, much more than many women do in their entire lives: one could easily be brought to tears reading of her plights.
The cover is simple yet stunning and the title tells of the story in itself. "Ida" is proof, first time author Patricia Richardson has a flair for the art of writing. The editing or lack thereof was the only drawback to this strongly written story. Exellent read.
Englishruler
ARC Book Club Inc.
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Silver Fox (August 3, 2005)-In her debut novel, author, Patricia Richardson conducts a a heart wrenching trip from South Carolina to New York City that spans more than a decade. Ida has been denied the most precious of things needed to thrive, love. The sole source of solace comes from the maternal grandmother. Carrie finds herself, at an age and physical condition where she should finally be able to relax, carrying the weight of her offspring and theirs as well. Relying solely on her faith in God, Carrie provides for her charges often hindered by their parents' shortcomings. In a racist South, during the turbulent 60's, she does the best she can with what is available.
Despite her very obvious physical beauty Ida is shunned and mistreated by all of the females in her family (except Carrie). She pretty much experiences only the negative
aspects of her birthright. Fortunately, the men in her life seem to appreciate her but are often too busy just trying to survive to give her the kind of affection Ida's soul cries out for.
Today one can turn to any one of the daytime talk shows and hear young, troubled, teenaged girls potentially destroying their lives in futile attempts to get attention or unconditional love.
A Place For Ida will make you want to holler. She suffers several deeply traumatic incidents and in her suffering grows into her adult self. Her family,in much need of healing and redemption will be inadvertently forced to see themselves in a new light.
I found the story to be compelling and only wished she had shown more of the story that was told in narrative. It should be a great movie some day and I look forward to reading more books by Patricia Richardson.
Khali (May 16, 2005)-A Place For Ida is a wonderfully written book that tears at your heart strings. It takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions as you read as Ida struggles to find her place and purpose in life. Both Ida's mother and father distance themselves from her life and leave her at an early age to be raised by her very spiritual and loving grandmother Carrie. Ida's innocence is in tact until she comes across Billy. Billy quickly becomes the love of her life and introduces her to sex. There are several erotic scenes in the book that leaves the reader with a vivid picture of what's taking place without being vulgar. When Ida's life takes a turn for the better it serves as a ray of hope and inspiration for anyone going through trials and tribulations. I am anxiously awaiting the sequel. This book is well written and I would give it 5 out of 5 stars!!!!!
Loxie ARC Bookclub Inc.(May 9, 2005)-Wow! I have been reading some good books lately...here's another one. Patricia Richardson is one of many authors I recently met at a literary event. The beautiful picture of a black princess on the cover of "A Place For Ida" made me question her about her book. Ultimately I took the book home and read it in one day.
Ida is the youngest of five brothers and sisters who live in South Carolina. Their father James abandons the family for another woman and mother Harriet quickly becomes a bitter woman. After a family tragedy her bitterness towards young Ida (who resembles her father) increases and Harriet leaves her children behind with their religious grandmother Carrie, and heads for New York.
Ida is left to come of age not ever knowing her father, and wondering why her family does not seem to love her.
This story tells of racism, religion, rape, pregnancy, love, sex and forgiveness. With likeable characters such as Billy, Ida's older boyfriend and grandma Carrie your heart will embrace this story and experience the highs and lows along with Ida as she walks the lonely road to find A Place For Ida.
Christal "Chris" (May 8, 2005)-I have read this book twice and I love it. I could not book the book down it was great. I really wish I could see "A Place for Ida" on film-b/c I believe that this book will make a great movie. It is suspensfull, erotic, thrilling, and exciting. I would recommend this book to everyone. Great Job!
Meka James "MJ" (December 29, 2004)-Ida offers hope and inspiration to us all in times of adversity. A great pleasure to read. Ida possesses the strength that we all wish we had during troubled times. I recommend this book to all those who feel hopeless and defeated.
A Place for Ida
Wanda
Maryland (9/14/2003) This book is a great discussion piece and very well written. I highly recommend it to others.
A Place for Ida
Nichole
North Carolina (9/11/2003) A Place for Ida, was one of the best books that I have ever read. The book was given to me as a gift, and I can truly say that I was given a "work of art." I would recommend that every African American woman young or old read this book, for it can truly be an inspiration to all. I thank the author for going back and focusing on the core principles that the African American family is based upon. -Job Well Done!
Rita Pittman
Baltimore, Maryland (8/4/2003) I remember alot of the things the main character expressed about growing up in the 60's. I felt like I was reading about someone I knew.I await the sequel.
A Place For Ida
Eddiemae Bryant
Los Angeles, Ca. (8/13/2003) I must say A Place For Ida, is one of the best books I've read. The story of a young girl growing up in the south and then the big city, with all her trials and hardships. Ida maintain a sense of Godlyness in her life. I felt for the character so much, that she almost became a real person. Ida,is a story I would like to continue reading more about. I hated the fact that I finish the book. I wanted to find out more about the rest of Ida's life and what's going to happen during her married life. I guest I am trying to say, I love this book, Thank you Patricia Richardson for writing it.
A Place for Ida
Wallace
Maryland (7/1/2003) Just in time for summer reading is this griping story of a black girl coming to age in rural, Small Town, South Carolina. In addition to self-identity, career decisions, and sexuality -- the usual substance of adolescence angst, Ida must deal with parenteral abandonment, racism and personal betrayal. But Ida is a strong woman—and with the help of Grandma, sometimes Billy (her older lover) and a strong faith, Ida prevails. Her persistence leads to an enlightening and joyous conclusion. Uplifting—A must for every middle schooler summer reading and something for Mom and Dad---When does the movie come out??
A Place for Ida
Vickie
New York/USA (7/1/2003) This book was all drama and I loved it. It was a reminder of how family values help to mold the character that makes us who we are. It is a strong faith in God and the ability to forgive that ultimately brings peace to Ida's life....It is so amazing how this fiction drama hits so close to home...anyone that reads it will definitely feel the need to sit back and reflect on their own shortcomings.
A Place for Ida
Denise
Maryland (6/24/2003) A PLACE FOR IDA,IS A NOVEL THAT PLACE YOU THERE IN THE STORY,GIVING YOU A FEELING OF SUSPENCE,ANGER,AND LOVE ALL IN ONE. IT ALSO GIVES A WAKE-UP CALL TO THOSE THAT ARE NOT CLOSE WITH THERE FAMILY,FOR WHAT EVER REASON TO MAKE A CHANGE IT'S NEVER TO LATE.
A Place for Ida
Helen
Howell, New Jersey (6/24/2003) Ida is a compelling, complex character. Some of her dilemmas are of her own making, some she has no control over. But her innate strength lets her rise above them all. You won't be able to forget Ida.
A Place for Ida
Mary Rasby
MD/USA (6/23/2003) This is a book I feel every young or old person should read. It is truly a well written and fast moving story. I enjoyed reading it, and hope there is a sequel. MS. Rasby ( age 76 ) Baltimore, Md.
REVIEWS FOR A TIME FOR JONATHAN BY PATRICIA RICHARDSON
Emma L. Hill "Positive Minds Bookclub" (January 19, 2007)-A Time For Jonathan is the sequel to A Place For Ida. This is the story of Ida and Billy as they grow into adulthood. Billy has completed college and Ida has finished high school. They have gotten married and had a son Jonathan. Ida's emotional problems recur after she finds out that Jonathan has been acting out in school. She blames herself and tries to solve his problem on her own, until the situation goes beyond everyones control. Ida has been reunited with her mother and her father. They try to give her all the love and support they can. Unlike Ida's childhood Jonathan is surrounded by lots of love. The saga of Ida will continue through the life of Jonathan.
Linda Washington - Johnson…Jackson Mississippi Readers Club- "A Time For Jonathan stimulates from beginning to end." An explosive sequel wrapped in suspense and drama, and has bestseller written all over it.
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