There
are four dazzling stories in this part-humorous, part-hilarious collection of stories from
some of today’s leading African-American authors.
“Shameless”
by Leslie Esdaile
tells the story of Della Mitchell, a single mother and recent divorcee, who’s trying
to rid herself of her addiction of buying silky sexy lingerie with the help of her support
group. A bad marriage has left this confident woman with lot of bitterness, regret,
emotional scars that are yet to heal, and an addiction to shopping. A most unexpected and
exciting encounter with a handsome Airline pilot sets her heart pounding and for the very
first time, Della discovers the thrill that shopping always gave her is nothing compared
to the passion smoldering in one man’s eyes only for her. But there is just the
teeny-tiny problem of his girlfriend!
Leslie
Esdaile’s story about the struggle of a woman against painful emotional wounds is
very stirring and heart moving. What’s interesting is how Ms. Esdaile shows that
shopping addiction is not a disease; it’s just a manifestation of something
unfulfilled on a deep dark emotional level. This story lays the foundation for the other
stories which follow, and is very powerful in its own right.
“Please
baby Please” by Monica Jackson
is the story of Neecy Ballard, a woman who’s in very deep financial trouble due to
her shopaholic ways. Her debts are mounting up at the same rate as her weight, and when
her car is about to be repossessed, this Atlanta native is at her wit’s end. But the
handsome repo man makes her a startling proposition. Will Neecy take this opportunity to
straighten up her act or not?
In
Monica Jackson’s story, the central character of Neecy is basically bored with her
life and her job, and without any challenges to stimulate her, she’s chosen to bury
herself in the soothing and mind-numbing pastime of shopping. This story highlights how
through hard work, dedication and some fun help from a guy can change things around for
good. Charming and mischievous.
“It
takes two” by Reon Laudat
is the story of Ramona Jackson, who’s trying her best to break her shopaholic ways.
Her resolutions are firm and she manages to keep her wallet closed and her business
flourishing. Until her ex-boyfriend, Kadeem comes back into her life and changes things
completely.
In
her story, author Reon Laudat shows that how varied addictions can be, whether it is
shopping or something else entirely. Love and compulsiveness wage a war that is as harsh
as it is tender. Very moving.
“Promises”
by Niqui Stanhope
has successful career woman, Gillian Asher in a big fix. To rekindle her critically ill
grandmother’s interest in life, Gillian tells her that she’s engaged to be
married, although the reality is that she doesn’t even have a boyfriend. Her
obsession to keep her grandmother healthy leads her to get involved in an amazing and
unforgettable shopping scuffle in a prominent mall. Long after the incident is over, she
still hasn’t found a solution to her marriage problem and she’s still unable to
get the sexy mall manager. Can he be “The One”?
Niqui
Stanhope’s story is amusing and yet serious. Gillian’s a caring and determined
woman, but who’s emotionally wary. Can shopping really be the answer or the solution
to all of Gillian’s problems? This story has some hilariously funny scenes in it
along with some very interesting characters. Engaging!
As
the title suggests, the stories are about a group of female friends who’re all
equally addicted to shopping, and about their struggles to rid themselves of this
economically crippling habit. Each story takes place almost simultaneously, so we see the
four friends supporting each other, even as they individually struggle to rid themselves
of this crippling habit. Life, love and laughter lies in wait for them, and in front of
such temptations, the allure of shopping cannot but dissipate!
These
are four short stories of love and incredible hope, and as such, are an inspiration to all
of us who’ve ever felt the sensual lure of buying and buying yet more. Wonderful
indeed!
Reviewed
By Rashmi Srinivas for The Road to Romance
October
6, 2003 |
