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Summary
Summary
A New York Times BestsellerA Selection of Black Expressions Book ClubRenowned pastor Bishop T. D. Jakes knows the struggles of real women, the disappointments that rob us of confidence and hope, and the losses that make us wonder whether it is worth going on. Now the bestselling author of Woman, Thou Art Loosed brings that compassionate insight and deeply felt wisdom to a powerful first novel about four very different women confronting the biggest challenges of their lives.
Author Notes
T. D. Jakes, Bishop T. D. Jakes was born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia. He received a Doctorate of Ministry and was the founder and senior pastor of the Temple of Faith Ministries in Charleston for sixteen years. He relocated with T. D. Jakes Ministries, in 1996, to Dallas, Texas. Bishop Jakes is also the CEO for T. D. Jakes Ministries and has promoted hundreds of conferences across the country.
He is the author of the bestsellers "Woman, Thou Art Loosed!," "Naked And Not Ashamed," "Can You Stand To Be Blessed," "Daddy Loves His Girls," "The Harvest," and "Loose That Man And Let Him Go." He serves on the board of directors and as a contributing writer for several religious magazines. He also has a weekly television broadcast called Get Ready with T. D. Jakes, which is aired in several countries throughout the world, and Bishop Jakes was named one of the nation's most influential ministers by The New York Times.
(Bowker Author Biography)
Reviews (3)
Publisher's Weekly Review
When a well-known preacher and bestselling nonfiction author (Woman, Thou Art Loosed!) tries his hand at fiction, the result is unfortunately predictable-a heavy dose of sermonizing. Jakes frames his contemporary novel around the seasons of life, telling the story from the perspectives of three African-American women who work together in an office, and a fourth, older woman who acts as a mentor to the youngest. The hip, well-manicured Michelle swears she will "never be under any man's thumb," yet her abusive past is revisited upon her by the men she finds attractive. Tonya loves the Lord, but the death of one son and the trials of single parenting have taken their toll. Delores is in control at the office, but her 13-year-old granddaughter's heartbreaking troubles are about to wreck her own carefully constructed facade. Meanwhile, the aged Miz Ida has her hands full as a sounding board for Michelle and helping any "strays" who cross her path. The novel is marred by overwriting, heavy dialogue, long sermons, an annoying use of footnotes (including a citation of Jakes's own nonfiction work) and the author's self-promoting product endorsements (one character gives another a Woman, Thou Art Loosed! Bible). Also, it's ironic that a novel that's supposed to be about strong women shows those women almost always being rescued or straightened out by men. However, the book offers sound moral lessons for Christians and encouragement for single mothers. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Booklist Review
Preacher Jakes makes his first novel the latest medium for his message of spiritual hope and inspiration. He interweaves the lives of four very different women--three black, one white, young and old, rich and poor--who must face harsh self-truths and search for spiritual comfort as they confront painful issues. Michelle is an ambitious young career woman who is pulled back into the self-defeating patterns of an abusive past. Tonya, older and somewhat wiser, still has much to learn about living life to its fullest. The two women clash on the job as Tonya is charged with responsibility for getting Michelle to shape up or face dismissal; however, Michelle strongly resents Tonya's faith-based approach. Mrs. Judson, their rich white employer, has little patience with either woman until a scandal forces her to question her reliance on wealth and power. Miz Ida is Michelle's elderly neighbor, a woman who has served as surrogate mother and spiritual counselor, keeping the young woman on track. Incorporating each character's perspective, Jakes highlights the different seasons of women's lives--from Michelle's youthful reliance on beauty and sensuality through Miz Ida's appreciation of an eternal hopefulness that defies aging. --Vanessa Bush Copyright 2003 Booklist
Library Journal Review
Four contemporary women who on the surface seem to have little in common face terrible stress in their personal and professional lives. As their stories unfold, the women and those around them discover the joys and small miracles that reveal God's presence. Interestingly enough, the supposedly strong women almost always seem to count on men for rescue. Jakes (Woman, Thou Art Loosed) is a renowned pastor who has written many best-selling nonfiction books, and large numbers have heard his preaching on his weekly Trinity Broadcast Network show The Potter's Touch. This, his first novel, is marred by an evangelist's cadences and sermonizing. Nevertheless, the audio is well produced, with actress Pamala Tyson giving a distinct voice to each character; her pacing moves the narrative along nicely, offering inspiration and many would say sound moral guidance to Jakes's fans. Recommended as a secondary purchase where Christian fiction is popular.ABarbara Valle, El Paso P.L., TX (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.