Crave

by Darnella Ford

Dear Jesus,

Gerry didn't work out because Gerry didn't work. And after spending one night in complete darkness because "pretty didn't pay the light bill," Gerry and I broke up and are no longer speaking.

Marshall wasn't a viable suitor because when he finally revealed himself to me, I found out that his breasts were larger than mine because he used to be a she. Marshall and I are no longer speaking.

Keith could have been the one. I met him at a taco stand and I was certain he was the "It Man." He was beautiful, articulate, and one my favorite things on earth, employed. When I was in his presence he felt like the last man on earth. But on our first date I became extremely irritated by this simple his wife kept paging him during our meal.

So, Jesus, I am down on my knees begging for mercy. I ask for an eligible, employed, nonviolent single man with no current wives or husbands who has more teeth than felony convictions to enter my world and escort me to the rest of my life. Amen.

---from Michael (a woman, craving her "It Man")

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 18, 2004

About the author

Darnella Ford is a bestselling author known for her ability to craft raw and compelling narratives. She gained recognition as the Best New Voice of 2003 and has written five bestselling novels, including Finding Me, which was nominated for the 2010 Stonewall Literary Award.
In 2006, her life took a transformative turn when she began an intensive three-year study in Quantum Physics, Neuroscience, and Neurobiology under leading physicists. Inspired by these studies and her personal journey, she launched Journey to Worthy in 2008—an initiative aimed at expanding self-awareness and promoting self-worth. Rooted in the principles of quantum science, the program reaches diverse audiences, from inner-city communities and prisons to corporate settings, advocating the message: You are worthy!
A key component of the initiative is Beautiful, a program designed to help teenage girls explore self-esteem and authentic beauty. Ford’s vision is to make the understanding of self-worth as culturally ingrained as modern technology and social media. Dedicated to empowering individuals, she continues her work in pursuit of truth and the realization of human potential.

Reviews

[Lakeesha Broughton]

This was an easy read adult book, about a young lady trying to find herself, while in the mist of looking for love. Just like all women we desire to have Mr. Right to sweep us off our feet and have that picket fence with the flower garden, the beautiful home with shutters, the husband, and kids. Michael is no exception to this desire, but the question is what will she do to get it. Her problems don't start or stop there. Growing up in a home that was pretty much dysfunctional doesn't help with her adult issues. You will have to read to see if Ms. Michael finds her prince charming, as well as meet the many people that make up Michael's wild, crazy, and far from normal life. This book has adult content and topics. It was a pretty good book that kept me interested, especially with wanting to know how it will end.

[Shannon Krieger · Rating 4 out of 5]

i generally dont read these kinds of books, but her style in writing is fuckin addicting. i couldnt even put it down.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m going to be fair and rate this book based on how I probably would’ve felt about it had I read it when it was first released, but I’m not entire sure if this book aged well over time. I originally purchased it two years ago when some friends and I tossed around the idea of staring a book club. Initially, I was on board with the choice because I had read another book by the author over 10 years ago and loved it. But today, in my mid 30s, this type of writing does nothing for me. I felt no connection to the main character, Michael and stopped reading it back in 2017. I just recently decided to pick it up again as part of my 2020 reading challenge.

Much of the dialogue was frivolous. I felt as though the author was more interested in filling up a page than actually writing something with meaning. I felt the gnawing in my stomach that I feel when I watch a movie full of teenaged angst - bored and annoyed. There were times however, when she was able to thoroughly convey Michael’s inner turmoil and dissent into chaos, so it definitely wasn’t all bad. I also wasn’t a fan of how the mother’s character arc ended as little more than a footnote at the close of the story. I really thought she would be more important than she turned out to be.

I did like the premise story though, it’s rare for me to find a book of this type so entertaining, but toward the end, I felt like I was going through the drama with Michael and rooting for her to find her way. I’d rate it somewhere between 2-3.

[Shay May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put this book down. Read in 1 day

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

So raw and real. I truly felt her pain (although I wanted to slap some sense into her). The writing is beautiful and pulls you in deeply.

[Sheliz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author has a way with her writing. It was so passionate; as if I was experiencing the protagonists emotions. I must’ve read this over a decade ago but it still resonates with me. I don’t read too many books twice. This was certainly a book I had to pick up again-years after reading it the first time.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I also read this book in one night. Something about the character's early twenty experience with her sexuality, vulnerability and her development struck a chord that resounded perfectly through me. so clever.

[Toshana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the stalker book equal to "single whit female"

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

An okay book; a little odd though.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the only good things about this book was that it was short. PS - I only paid $2 for this book but it was $2 too much.

[Cam · Rating 4 out of 5]

good