One Foot in Love

by Bil Wright

Book Overview

Small in number yet formidable in spirit, the Leave Him and Live Sisterhood adopts a recent widow, challenging everything she knows about life and loving.

Rowtina Washington is devastated when her adoring husband, Turtle, is killed in a tragic accident. When his ghost begins to appear to her, she delights in the opportunity to rekindle the passion they had. But then Turtle's visits stop abruptly. Confused and desperate for answers,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743246403
• ISBN13: 9780743246408
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: Touchstone Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

The Ghost of Turtle

Rowtina Washington is shocked, devastated, saddened and appears to be depressed, at the death of her husband Terrance "Turtle" Washington. Rowtina, an emergency room nurse, and Turtle, a UPS driver, had a close and happy marriage to the point that Turtle was Rowtina's world. Her only associates are her co-workers and her mother. Even with prodding from Turtle, Rowtina never did step outside the marriage to form other bonds. Fate steps in and Rowtina is introduced to two members of the Leave Him and Live Sisterhood. As the name implies, the sisterhood is not made up of a group of women who have lost spouses, but unites women who need a release, a friendly shoulder and an ear. Regardless of the problem, the Leave Him and Live Sisterhood is there to lend a hand, not by counseling but by presence. The sisterhood consists of the motherly Osceola, the free spirited lesbian Nelda, the physically abused Lucy and the "please marry me" Egyptia. Each woman brings to the group her own eclectic brand of personality and humor challenging Rowtina to let go and live. Added to this mix is Rowtina's domineering mother, Sylvia Mention. The story sets itself apart from others with multifarious characters, the visiting ghost of Turtle and Rowtina's dreams and musings. To further complicate matters, Rowtina moves from Harlem to Greenwich Village, where she meets Picasso Alegria, a local Mexican salon owner, and her entire world is turned upside down. However, the sisterhood is there to instill faith, confidence and encouragement.ONE FOOT IN LOVE will appeal to the masses because the theme is universal. How do you handle the death of a loved one; how do you relinquish it and move on? The writing is excellent simply because of the characters clever, witty and sarcastic remarks that will make you laugh out loud! How the author, as a man, was able to grasp the personalities and behaviors of the female characters' and showcase it with credibility, I will never know but I certainly enjoyed it. Bil Wright has penned a very humorous, multidimensional and often times sad account of love lost and friendship found. Reviewed by Dawn R. Reevesof The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

A gripping novel with a heartfelt story and a deep message

"One Foot In Love" is a gripping novel with a heartfelt story and a deep message. Bil Wright has mastered the art of ending one chapter leaving you desperate to read the next. I couldn't put it down until I finished the last page. The characters in the story are real women faced with real problems that are not glossed over. The main character Rowtina loses her husband Turtle, deals with her cold and detached mother, joins a club of supportive but wacky women, and starts a tenuous romance. Bil Wright is not afraid to present a true picture of love, loss and grief. He allows us to ride on the emotional roller coaster of Rowtina's life rather then watching her from afar. The author's sensitivity to the inner life of women is clear as the members of The Leave Him and Live Sisterhood band together, helping one another get beyond their obstacles. As a woman, I was particularly impressed by a male writer's ability to capture the feminine soul. In the end, "One Foot in Love" reminded me that true love transcends death and loss - and inspires us to let go and live.

Great Summer Read!!

I have read Bil Wright first novel "Sunday You Learn How to Box" and thoroughly enjoy his unique style. I recommend this novel to all my women friends especially those who have suffered loss...and who wouldn't fall into THAT category! Ghost and Ya Ya Sisterhood move over. There is a new author in town. And there is no stopping him. Sensitive and genuine understanding of where these women come from is what makes his writing so rich. Sensuality becomes art in this story. It's hard to second guess what will come next. He taps into spirituality and helps us all understand how connected we are not only to Rowtina but to each other. He bridges a gap of love that trancends all time and space. My highest praise to this author and eagerly await his next work.

A funny, touching and rewarding read.

Though very different from Bil Wright's first novel,"Sunday You Learn How to Box"(which is wonderful), this one still has his unique insight into all his characters.The protagonist Rotina Washington has lost her husband due to an accident and is completely adrift. By chance she becomes involved in a self help group called "The Leave Them And Live Sisterhood" made up of an assortment of multi-cultural women of various walks of life trying to resolve their difficulties with men. The meetings are both hysterically funny and deeply moving. Through Mr. Wright's skillful writing each woman becomes a real and complete person. As Rotina broadens her horizons from her home in Harlem to New York's west village she becomes involved with a sexy hairdresser named Picasso who encourages her to come out of her selfimposed prison. This is a wonderfully entertaining book which will grab you unexpectedly with moments of truth which are impossible to forsee.