What a Woman's Gotta Do

What a Woman's Gotta Do

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What A Woman's Gotta Do
by Evelyn Coleman
Simon & Schuster Inc; 320 pages; 1998
(click title to order)
Reviewed by Thumper

Now this was a fascinating book. What A Woman's Gotta Do is a fascinating book that successfully weaved together the spiritual, science, and mystery in the form of a suspense novel starring a full-blooded, three-dimensional African-American woman. Patricia Conley is an African-American journalist, who lives and works in Atlanta. She doesn't know who her parents are and was raised the foster care system. Patricia is a smart loner who has the feeling of abandoment and a longing to have a family. On the day that she is to be married to Kenneth Lawson, she is drawn into a mystery. Kenneth Lawson is a no show. So starts the her journey into finding the truth behind the disappearance of her future husband to be. Along the way, Patricia does some self exploration, has a man, Jeffrey Samuels, who says he loves her but who Patricia doesn't trust, and discovers the true meaning of family. Patricia is taken through the mill, literary. She dives into the mythical, religion and science. This may sound like a tall order but Coleman fills it beautifully.

This book causes me to ponder the future of mankind and the role that science will play in it. I will not go in depth about the specifics of the book. I want everyone to read it. Coleman does her homework. The storyline is so plausible that at times it seemed that I was reading a true account or more frightening, a look into the future. No joke. The science is awesome. I found myself reaching for textbooks that I did not have. The science does get deep. I want to say that up front. But do not let that deter anyone from giving this book a try. Coleman does explain everything. I was never left with a feeling of being stupid.

Coleman places spirituality along side of science. She brings in the history of the Dogon people and the oneness that Patricia found when she acknowledged God. Also at the center of this book is the book of Genesis and what it actual says. Yes, Coleman will have you reaching for your bible as well.

This book is a marvel. One that causes me still to ask questions. Especially, my place in the scheme of things. I can help but to think of my place with God, in this country, or in the universe. It's heavy, baby.

The book does all of the above and is still entertaining. Patricia is my girl. I had a wonderful time sitting inside Patricia's head.

I could go on and on about this book, but I won't. I didn't finish it until 5:24 in the AM! You will not be disappointed with this book. Coleman has left me standing in the dust with my mouth wide open. I am simply in awe.

Ms. Coleman, welcome to my favorite author list. Not every author can be on it. Thanks for a marvelous novel. It was a pleasure reading it. Now...I want another!! Where is it? *S*