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Blues Dancing
"McKinney-Whetstone uses her gift for language to weave a love story that spans more than twenty years and three lives. . . . Blues Dancing is a novel well worth curling up with a long winter’s night." — Essence From acclaimed writer Diane McKinney-Whetstone, a richly spun tale of love and passion, betrayal, redemption, and faith, set in contemporary Philadelphia. My aunt says if you smell butter on a foggy night you're getting ready to fall in love. For the last twenty years, the beautiful Verdi Mae has led a comfortable life with Rowe, the conservative professor who rescued her from addiction when she was an undergrad. But her world is about to shift when the smell of butter lingers in the air and Johnson—the boy from the back streets of Philadelphia who pulled her into the fire of passion and all the shadows cast from it—returns to town. In "this story of self-discovery that moves seamlessly between the early 1970s and early 1990s" ( Publishers Weekly , starred review), McKinney-Whetstone takes readers into a world of erotic love, drugs, and political activism, and beautifully illustrates the struggle to reconcile passion with accountability and the redemptive powers of love's rediscovery.
This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.
This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.
Paperback
First published October 20, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 12, 2011
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.
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.
August 19, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. It delves into the issues of many couples but from the perspective of the author
September 11, 2013
I cried. It's four in the morning and I'm tearfully pumped. This woman is such an inspirational writer.
I NEVER know what to write as a review when I finish reading one of McKinney-Whetstone's novels. Never. My review is somewhere glittering in my tears or gasping at the familiarity of her characters...they respond like me, they emerge as older versions of me at family reunions, college roommates, they slouch with puffy red eyes in the seat across from me on the bus, they order the cheesesteak - salt, pepper, ketchup- right before me.....
Read more on my blog http://wp.me/p2k690-gB
I NEVER know what to write as a review when I finish reading one of McKinney-Whetstone's novels. Never. My review is somewhere glittering in my tears or gasping at the familiarity of her characters...they respond like me, they emerge as older versions of me at family reunions, college roommates, they slouch with puffy red eyes in the seat across from me on the bus, they order the cheesesteak - salt, pepper, ketchup- right before me.....
Read more on my blog http://wp.me/p2k690-gB
January 26, 2015
This author has an excellent writing style. The characters were well developed. The story line was believable. I believe how the author used the crayons of Sage to describe the colors of each person and scene gave life to the novel. I truly enjoyed reading this book.
As I was reading, I felt as though I was there seeing the characters in action. Verdi Mae was a weak person who did not know how to stand on her own until Sage (eight –year girl with learning disabilities) showed her how. Sage was Verdi’s second cousin. To live your life to the age of forty and not realize the power you have within is sad. But, Verdi was taken care of by so many people her parents, Johnson, Rowe, Kitt, and Poise. It takes time to grow-up.
Rowe for sixty years kept running away from his past. You can’t run away from whence you come. No matter how unhappy it made you.
Johnson learned the courage act of forgiven oneself. He had to forgive himself for what it did to Verdi. He hooked Verdi on heroine. But, Verdi had to take some responsibility for actions as well.
Love has some triangles, squares, and circles. It is wonderful when you learn to love yourself and those around you.
As I was reading, I felt as though I was there seeing the characters in action. Verdi Mae was a weak person who did not know how to stand on her own until Sage (eight –year girl with learning disabilities) showed her how. Sage was Verdi’s second cousin. To live your life to the age of forty and not realize the power you have within is sad. But, Verdi was taken care of by so many people her parents, Johnson, Rowe, Kitt, and Poise. It takes time to grow-up.
Rowe for sixty years kept running away from his past. You can’t run away from whence you come. No matter how unhappy it made you.
Johnson learned the courage act of forgiven oneself. He had to forgive himself for what it did to Verdi. He hooked Verdi on heroine. But, Verdi had to take some responsibility for actions as well.
Love has some triangles, squares, and circles. It is wonderful when you learn to love yourself and those around you.
November 1, 2016
I loved this book , I felt like I was listening to a sad love song , with a happy ending !
September 7, 2010
I read this book years ago, as a teenager, but I've never forgotten it. The language is so lyrical. It's sets a mood that, just like a song, you never forget. I plan to re-read very soon
September 22, 2017
Such a compelling and beautiful read with characters that stay with you long after you've finished the book.
January 19, 2020
This was a great book to get out of my reading slump
August 15, 2017
more like 3.5 stars!
I'm so biased in my rating of this, because I personally can't stand a cliché ending. If we were judging this book by how much I talked back to it though, it's a 5. The drug depictions and romance/sex drew me in deep. The dialogue between characters was sometimes not realistic, and that annoyed me, but I let it pass because the characters were supposed to be ivy league educated. But yeah. Reminds me of a BET movie. Was a good time, not a waste at all, great entertainment... just nothing very special.
I'm so biased in my rating of this, because I personally can't stand a cliché ending. If we were judging this book by how much I talked back to it though, it's a 5. The drug depictions and romance/sex drew me in deep. The dialogue between characters was sometimes not realistic, and that annoyed me, but I let it pass because the characters were supposed to be ivy league educated. But yeah. Reminds me of a BET movie. Was a good time, not a waste at all, great entertainment... just nothing very special.
March 24, 2022
That MF Rowe!! Uggghhh every time he popped up I wanted to puke, with his old a-s-s
This took me a lot longer to read bc I kept putting it down. But it wasn’t because I did not like this book, it was because it was so heavy. This is my second book in a row by Diane M Whetstone, and it’s apparent that like so many other great authors, she does not do light hearted literature lol
This actually was a really good story with some really complex characters that can stand on their own.
I’ll come back later to give a better review with more detail.
This took me a lot longer to read bc I kept putting it down. But it wasn’t because I did not like this book, it was because it was so heavy. This is my second book in a row by Diane M Whetstone, and it’s apparent that like so many other great authors, she does not do light hearted literature lol
This actually was a really good story with some really complex characters that can stand on their own.
I’ll come back later to give a better review with more detail.
January 19, 2014
I love this book it's a roller coaster of emotion and a well told story. By the end I was cheering for characters that u did t like in the beginning I would live a sequel just to continue this story.
March 7, 2008
Loved it! My favorite DMW book. Very richly and beautifully written.
April 19, 2016
One of my favorite authors......I've read all her books. This one is my fav. She's so good at character development.
Read
December 22, 20254.5 for now.
March 7, 2024
Verdi and Johnson were in love for real. They reunited after 20 years and after recovering from addiction, but unfortunately while Verdi is in a relationship. They were so in love I listened (shout out to Hoopla) with my mouth open in shock like, “girrrrrllllllll, you sure you wanna talk to him again?!!!” But her friend knows what she’s doing… sort of… by facilitating their reunion.
I cried at the end and I’m not sure Verdi is stable, but who is really. Johnson mentioned her age at some point and I gasped. Was it 41??? She seems much younger, but I think thats a side effect of her trauma.
I cried at the end and I’m not sure Verdi is stable, but who is really. Johnson mentioned her age at some point and I gasped. Was it 41??? She seems much younger, but I think thats a side effect of her trauma.
April 26, 2024
I think a chance on this author because if been enjoying reading books set in Philadelphia. I think she is great for people looking for urban reading. This just want for me. But I wouldn't discourage anyone from at least trying to read. I enjoy more historical reading so my review shouldn't discourage anyone. In fact I found her writing was easy to follow she quickly paints the entire scene and rich characters that quickly change to life. I just waynt particularly interested in their lifestyle.
November 11, 2023
I really hated these characters. None of them did right. Yeah Rowe was a republican and abusive but that doesn’t make cheating okay. She should have left him and then started her relationship back with Johnson. And I still hate Johnson for getting her on drugs and then leaving for 20 years. Not enough groveling for me. So she’s a piece of shit for cheating. They are all pieces of shit. But maybe that’s the point. I finished solely because I wanted to know if sage ended up talking (she did)
November 26, 2017
Damn Good Book!!
When I started reading this book there was a familiarity in the plot and characters that made me think that I might have read it before. Still uncertain i continued. I have read other books by this author and enjoyed each of them as well. All that to say it has to be a damn good book to read it twice!
When I started reading this book there was a familiarity in the plot and characters that made me think that I might have read it before. Still uncertain i continued. I have read other books by this author and enjoyed each of them as well. All that to say it has to be a damn good book to read it twice!
April 1, 2022
I enjoyed Ms. McKinney-Whetstone’s writing style in this book. You have to pay attention to how she switches the times in this book to fully grasp and understand why the main characters are who they are. It was very interesting. 4/5 stars.
November 27, 2018
Very original writing in this book, written with real honesty and feelings, will go back and reread all of her books!
June 18, 2019
Excellent writer! Great read.
June 8, 2021
This was a damn good book.
October 15, 2021
Audio format:
Adored this story and felt like I really knew the characters by the end. 4.5/5
Adored this story and felt like I really knew the characters by the end. 4.5/5
April 9, 2024
This book gave me all the feels! The ending was so necessary shown that even in your darkest hour God will bring you through. True miracle worker! Loved this book so much!
January 9, 2025
I enjoyed the writing but thought the characters were pretty one dimensional and the plot lacked nuance.
January 12, 2025
i ended up hating everyone involved 😂
April 2, 2025
Bravo! So beautifully written. The audiobook is stellar!
April 28, 2025
This was a beautifully written book that spun a complicated story of love, addiction, and self discovery. It was arguably one of the best stories I've read in a long time.
December 10, 2022
Just picked up audio version. I'm already on the 3rd disc. Whew. I'm loving this one...
My. My. My. 6 days later...and I finished listening to this one. Such a good story. I laughed, cried, and even danced while listening to this story. Diane McKinney-Whetstone did an awesome job with this one.
My. My. My. 6 days later...and I finished listening to this one. Such a good story. I laughed, cried, and even danced while listening to this story. Diane McKinney-Whetstone did an awesome job with this one.
March 18, 2024
“My aunt says the smell of butter on a foggy night means you’re ready to fall in love.”
.
Verdi has been in a relationship with Rowe, a college professor who rescued her from addiction when she was an undergrad. After twenty years, Verdi’s then boyfriend, Johnson comes to town.
.
This story shows how each character comes into themselves. From career choices, to relationships, addiction woes, and eventually rediscovery.
.
Verdi - undergrad turned into a user, recovered, educated, and then almost crashed and burned again. Johnson - depressed, undergrad, hopeless on the inside, turned to drugs, and trying to meet the expectations of the world. Kitt - a single mother to a special needs child who cares for her mother as well; very protective of those she loves, especially her cousin Verdi. Rowe - a college professor who is controlling to say the least, and fears that he would become a product of his upbringing.
.
Though these aren’t all of the characters, these are the ones that move the story forward. Family issues arise, especially from the past. Cashing each person to look within.
But Verdi eventually realizes that she doesn’t have to continue the path of being saved by anyone. Especially now that she’s overcome so much over the years. And with Johnson back in town wanting to talk, and Rowe still married and controlling, things shift for Verdi. In this story she learns to take her control back in every area of her life!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews