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nikhaulebereading's review against another edition
5.0
This book is as emotionally striking, if not more, than The Women of Brewster Place. Both beautiful books within their own right, Naylor does a wonderful job of reminding the audience that blackness and masculinity are multifaceted and all in need of being acknowledged. She tells the story, the story of the most gruesome characters, in a way that forces one to be more empathetic to someone that had fallen victim to their circumstances. Quick read and worth every page.
literary_lain's review against another edition
4.0
A good finish to Naylor's body of work. To be enthralled in her world from Brewster Place, to Linden Hills, a visit to Bailey's Cafe and a glimpse into the life of Mama Day is a blessings.
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alanabenjamin's review against another edition
2.0
My only suggestion is do not read this book. This book is better left out of print.
Although Naylor's writing ability is evident in the pages, her creative choices were at times shocking and other times uninspiring. I still cannot get over the unnecessary derogatory homophobia language.
I think this book tried to convey care and consideration for the male characters from Women of Brewster Place but fell very short.
Overall, the book felt rushed and thoughtless. You are better off using your own creative license to imagine what happened to the men of Brewster Place. This book doesn't provide any closure.
Although Naylor's writing ability is evident in the pages, her creative choices were at times shocking and other times uninspiring. I still cannot get over the unnecessary derogatory homophobia language.
I think this book tried to convey care and consideration for the male characters from Women of Brewster Place but fell very short.
Overall, the book felt rushed and thoughtless. You are better off using your own creative license to imagine what happened to the men of Brewster Place. This book doesn't provide any closure.
glassesgirl79's review against another edition
5.0
I wasn't really expecting anything from this book.I didn't think it would leave a imprint in my memory or it would make me think of the problems that black men endure in their lives.In both of these cases, I was wrong.Not only did this book make me think of black men in an entirely different way, but also, it made me see that some things are timeless in life and some problems never go away.
Through the course of the book, the reader is introduced to various characters and are also invited to listen to what brought them to their current states.While some men battle alcohol, others deal with homosexuality as well as death.What impresses me most about the book is the method in which the author, Gloria Naylor, handles these men.Never once do you hear them blame others for their situations or try to shift responsibility to someone else.Instead, these men are forced to deal with problems head on and they do so with dignity.
Also, the other thing which amazes me is the fact that the narrator is actually a ghost which I guess in some ways adds a supernatural feel to it.However even he can't escape from the life he has led and so before he even speaks of the other men, he lets the reader know about his life and why he has his addictions.This to me signifies that he wants the reader to see that he's not perfect and that he realizes that.Furthermore, he wants the reader to know that he's not judging the lives and actions of these men and that we as readers shouldn't judge them either.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book.Not only did it show me that the problems of the past are still alive and present today but also, it showed me how events in a live can mold a person sometimes good, sometimes bad.
Through the course of the book, the reader is introduced to various characters and are also invited to listen to what brought them to their current states.While some men battle alcohol, others deal with homosexuality as well as death.What impresses me most about the book is the method in which the author, Gloria Naylor, handles these men.Never once do you hear them blame others for their situations or try to shift responsibility to someone else.Instead, these men are forced to deal with problems head on and they do so with dignity.
Also, the other thing which amazes me is the fact that the narrator is actually a ghost which I guess in some ways adds a supernatural feel to it.However even he can't escape from the life he has led and so before he even speaks of the other men, he lets the reader know about his life and why he has his addictions.This to me signifies that he wants the reader to see that he's not perfect and that he realizes that.Furthermore, he wants the reader to know that he's not judging the lives and actions of these men and that we as readers shouldn't judge them either.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book.Not only did it show me that the problems of the past are still alive and present today but also, it showed me how events in a live can mold a person sometimes good, sometimes bad.
beverleefernandez's review against another edition
4.0
I wasn't sure if I'd be able to avoid comparing The Women of Brewster Place vs The Men of Brewster Place. Luckily, I didn't pick up the same vibe from The Men as I did in The Women. The Men, I think is more apologetic and explanatory with a degree of proclamation of manhood. The men of Brewster Place shared the same living experiences as the women in a sense, as Ben puts it " I'm not about to argue was it harder for some than others: who's got it worse, the him with nothing or the her waiting on the other side to stretch that nothing- once again, for supper?"
Each man's point of view an explanation of sorts to The Women, though Ms. Naylor did not portray the men to be without fault. I personally did not care for CC or Rev Woods, mainly because I felt they operated from a sense of greed and entitlement. I wished Basil had at least spoken to Mattie before she passed away and that Eugene had found the courage to be honest with Ceil. I hoped Abshu would have found a way to balance his passion with preserving Brewster Place vs correcting Rev Woods...all of these things are hindsight. I think Ms. Naylor's depiction was honest and empathetic. No one's life is perfect and it doesn't necessarily go as expected. Knowing this doesn't justify the bad decisions made by the Men, it simply gives them humanity which is often denied by greater society.
Each man's point of view an explanation of sorts to The Women, though Ms. Naylor did not portray the men to be without fault. I personally did not care for CC or Rev Woods, mainly because I felt they operated from a sense of greed and entitlement. I wished Basil had at least spoken to Mattie before she passed away and that Eugene had found the courage to be honest with Ceil. I hoped Abshu would have found a way to balance his passion with preserving Brewster Place vs correcting Rev Woods...all of these things are hindsight. I think Ms. Naylor's depiction was honest and empathetic. No one's life is perfect and it doesn't necessarily go as expected. Knowing this doesn't justify the bad decisions made by the Men, it simply gives them humanity which is often denied by greater society.
raben_76325's review against another edition
4.0
This is not the masterpiece that The Women of Brewster Place is. However, it was great fun to be back in this community, hearing the stories from the men’s side of things.
lizzi's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
angielisle's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
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