Reviews for Blues dancing

The average rating for Blues dancing based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2013-08-18 00:00:00 Dan Neufeld I really enjoyed reading this book. It delves into the issues of many couples but from the perspective of the author

Review # 2 was written on 2011-07-08 00:00:00 David Shea Author Diane McKinney-Whetstone embodies such an indigenous talent for the written word. Moreover, she is able to efficaciously create an unconventional love story. Blues Dancing is a tale of how truelove is sustaining and transforms all odds. Blues Dancing introduces readers to Verdi Mae, the immensely naïve and meek southern belle, as she embarks on her freshman year in an ivy league university in 1970's Philadelphia. Verdi Mae seems knowingly bound for success, as she comes from a well-established family, which includes a highly respected minister father Leroy and seemingly perfect mother Hortense. During her first day as a freshman, Verdi Mae meets Johnson, the handsome native of Philadelphia, whose street smart and Black Pride persona on campus, sweeps Verdi off her feet. Their attraction for one another seems impeccable, as they embark on a spiraling love affair with one another. It is through Verdi's sweet natured naïveté and thirst for adventure, that spawns Johnson to introduce her to the world of sex, drugs, and alcohol. What begins as innocent ventures, turns into a terrible heroin addiction that disengages their love for a span of 20 years. However, Verdi is not left unguarded without family in Philadelphia. She has the protection of her cousin Kitt, the thick skinned and wise beauty, who serves as Verdi's sister that she has never had. Kitt's mother Posie is the sassy aunt, whose sultriness seems to ooze from the pages of the book. While embarking on a love whirlwind with Johnson, Verdi establishes a relationship with Rowe, the stern history professor, who holds an unapologetic bourgeoisie persona. The relationship is established on the grounds of a mentor-mentee title; however, Rowe begins to inhabit deeper feelings for Verdi. When the power of addiction destroys the relationship with Verdi and Johnson, it is Rowe who steps in as her savior and protector. An unpredictable love surfaces between Verdi and Rowe for 20 years, until Verdi reunites with her first love, Johnson. It is at that moment, that a searing turn of events takes place, which will rock the foundation of the characters. Blues Dancing is a page-turning novel that will not disappoint. Readers who are familiar with McKinney-Whetstone's work, as well as those who are not, will find her ability in creating meaningful plots and memorable characters splendid. I highly suggest this book to others.