Reaching Back

By Nea A. Simone

Book Overview

Reaching Back by Nea Anna Simone released on Jul 25, 2002 is available now for purchase.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1583143173
• ISBN13: 9781583143179
• Release Date: July 2002
• Publisher: Harlequin Kimani Sepia
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Reaches into your heart and mind

Reaching Back reaches into your heart and mind as it leaves you wondering about the lives of your own ancestors. As you're transported into the world of the descendents of slavery through the lives of four generations of women, you'll feel their pain as they handle rapes, incest, racism, difficult relationships, money problems, and disappointments with their children all the while struggling to provide their children with better lives. The strength of Megan, Carrie, Ana, and Mignon will inspire you to strive to be a better person. Simone puts a face to a history too often dismissed and ignored.

Thoroughly Enjoyable........

I was at a book signing for another author. I was outside the store giving out book marks and asking passer-bys to check out the author. I had already bought 3 books, but as I was standing outside I kept noticing the book, staring at me from the window...Well before I left that day, I picked up the book. I was not disappointed. The story is very good saga about families and their interaction with one another as well a glimpse into a time where skin color really mattered. Or better yet, does it still matter today?

Excellent History Lesson

Excellent book,it gave a vast amount of information on what the city of Houston could have been like back in Jim Crow times. Carrie, Mignon's grandmother story was the best story in the book. This book was about one woman's struggle to get the future from the family's past.Logan,Carrie's Husband was no good.This book was filled with drama and tension.I haven't read a book this good in a long time. The author has some excellent writing,I like her morethan Terry McMillan. To think that she is a first time writer, Nea is definitely an author to look out for in the future.

Superb!

I literally couldn't put this one down. Reaching Back is beautifully written. As a woman of non African American descent I was intrigued by the characters and fascinated at their challenges. But as I continued to read I realized that the story of these women did not encompass race, they were strong women who faced obstacles and overcame them. Bravo to Ms. Simone, I hated for the story to end and I can't wait for her next book. I think this book should be a movie, I laughed, I cried and mourned. A truly great work!

A Beautifully Written Family Saga

First of all, 5 stars is the highest rating allowed. If I had my druthers, I would give it a 10. This book is a beautifully written testimony to the strength of family and the resiliency of the human spirit. I cannot believe I almost left this book on the shelf. Do not hesitate--go get this book NOW!Nea Simone's first novel is absolutely breathtaking! It is hard to imagine that this is the author's first work--her writing is flawless and lyrical. Reaching Back reads like a new day "Roots." The characters are vibrant and alive. The flow of the story is so amazing. The way the lives of the characters are intertwined is sensational without being unrealistic. The theme of "passing" for white is explored beautifully as well as the ramifications of living lies. This novel highlights that past indiscrections and secrets will always be exposed. And Simone does this without being preachy or condescending I would highly recommend this book to anyone who's interested in a good read and getting a glimpse into the African-American experience in history. You will not be disappointed.