Twelve Gates to the City

by Daniel Black

A novel of self-discovery, family bonds and the healing of one small southern townTwelve Gates to the City is the much-anticipated sequel to Black€™s acclaimed debut, They Tell Me of a Home. In this novel, Sister assumes the voice of the narrator, speaking from the spirit realm, telling her brother TL things he could have never known about their family. She constructs the story as a series of spiritual revelations, exposing to readers both who she was in the years of TL€™s absence and how every event in his life was an orchestration for his return. TL in the meantime is back in Swamp Creek, to stay this time, but he€™s still haunted by his sister€™s death. His decision to become the Schoolmaster is the only thing he€™s sure about, and his impact upon the students becomes palpable. But he still doesn€™t know what happened to Sister. As he searches for ultimate truth, he discovers the secrets and beauty of Swamp

Genres: Fiction, African American, Book Club

352 pages, Hardcover

Published December 6, 2011

About the author

Daniel Black is a native of Kansas City, Kansas, yet spent the majority of his childhood years in Blackwell, Arkansas. He is an associate professor at his alma mater, Clark Atlanta University, where he now aims to provide an example to young Americans of the importance of self-knowledge and communal commitment. He is the author of "They Tell Me of a Home" and "The Sacred Place".

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the prequel, though I'm not sure how easy this one would be to follow without first reading They Tell Me of a Home.

[Karen Miller · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why, why, why, why???????

I LOVED Perfect Peace by Daniel Black, and really enjoyed They Tell Me of a Home, and so I couldn't wait to read Twelve Gates to the City -- the prequel to They Tell Me of a Home. I can't even begin to express how disappointed I was!

I give you this, though . . . no one can capture the spirit and feel of the rural South like Daniel Black can. I loved reading about the Meeting Tree and the stories told and antics displayed there. Lawdy, Lawdy, Lawdy . . . felt like I was there. Wished I was there! I also enjoyed the family reunion, and seeing how the family member interacted, and viewed each other.

Unfortunately, those were not only the best parts of the book, it was probably the only parts of the book I can say I enjoyed.

This book starts out where They Tell Me of a Home leaves off; when T.L. gets off the bus and decides to stay in Arkansas rather than return to his home in New York City.

The problem is the book destroys many of the things readers think they learned about T.L.'s sister's death. Then it adds a supernatural bent that just doesn't ever really come together or make sense.

If so many of the things we learned in They Tell Me of a Home were untrue, the question is why did we read the book in a first place. And the new information revealed, is a LOT less interesting that the information given in the first place.

In short, not only did I not enjoy Twelve Gates, it made me rethink my view of They Tell Me of a Home.

I hate giving a book a bad review, but since I did promise a review -- I felt obligated to do an honest one.

[Antigo Martin-Delaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not his best work. The character development was weak. It seemed like he rush to get to the end of the story. If you have not read "They Tell Me of a Home" read it first before this one. That is the only way the story and characters make sense.

[Rell · Rating 5 out of 5]

YESSSSSSS..... This is my favorite read so far of the year. This book is filled with so much good information, it really will give you a different view on so many things and different perspectives. I found myself literally laughing out loud in a gym full of strangers looking at me like I've lost my mind!!!

This is one of those books that will make you laugh loudly, gasp and say I can't believe that happened and make you evaluate how you view life and some of the decisions that you've made.

It started out a bit strange but don't sleep on this book... It's an awesome read!!!!

[Yasmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a Daniel Black fan but this book tried to do too much and was all over the place for me. I kept reading because I wanted to find out what happened to Sister...once I did unfortunately I lost interest in the rest of the book. I will still read another book by Black as long as its not a sequel. :(

[Tsanderswoods · Rating 2 out of 5]

So disappointed! This book was written as if three different authors took turns writing chapters! Sister's voice did not add or take away from the story, I skipped most of all of Uncle Jesse's sections, and the ending was a rush to nothingingness! Too many loose pieces and patching together forgotten about characters! This was a poorly written sequel to "They tell me of home."

[Meg · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a difficult book to review. As other reviewers have noted, it's a bit all over the place, with a lot that is very good and a lot that just isn't. It's obviously not aiming for a white readership, and that's fair enough. But that isn't why I didn't like it very much in the end. It's well written and describes an interesting setting and story. I *really* liked the first quarter or so. But, and again, in agreement with other reviewers, it got too preachy. It also had a lot of unnecessary drama that didn't serve the plot but seemed to be there to support more heavy-handed moralizing. I would've given it 3 stars, except it ended with a repetition of one of the weaker scenes of the novel: a fawning depiction of the community gathered around the Meeting Tree telling jokes that just aren't funny.

[Lynn Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

TL has returned to his hometown of Swamp Creek, Arkansas for a family visit. He is a Ph.D. who lives in New York. He gets on the bus to return home, but something pulls him back and he gets off the bus to stay. He ends up taking the vacant teaching post left open after the teacher’s death. He realizes that there is something he needs to know. TL discovers that the former teacher was his biological mother and that she had had an affair with his father. This helps explain why he’d had such a strained relationship with Marion, the woman who raised him. He also searches for answers to the mystery surrounding his younger sister’s death, and is constantly warned that there are some things best left alone. The book is filtered with strong wisdom and shows how the Southern folks used humor to cope with the harsh realities of life. Great read.

[Kimberly Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful sequel to They Tell Me of a Home! Simply one of the most heartfelt books I've read in years. Daniel Black is an awesome writer, and I'd love to see his books into movies because the way his books read, they run like a movie in my mind.

TL Tyson found out that even though he may have left his home of Swamp Creek, you can't lose the home within you--his heritage--his roots. He has a heavy price to pay, but in the end, it was well worth it.

Outstanding read, and one that I will never ever forget!

[Latrel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read They Tell Me Of A Home about 4 yrs ago and loved it. When I read Black had added the sequel was over joyed. A little hard at first to remember the characters but Black's storytelling is amazing love how he weaves the story line but this book seem to be rushed in places. Still loved how the story answers so many unanswered questions from the first book "GREAT READ" anyway. Now reading "Perfect Peace" same little town (Swamp creek).

[Sarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it's an excellent read in outlining Black Heritage. I'm only 48 and there were many things I remember from my family history that correlated so closely to his book. I'm from a family of Educators and now I REALLY understand the love, passion and gift they had for wanting to teach children. I still have some unanswered questions about the city. However, I'm sure I'll get them from the many reviews. Don't miss out on this read!

[LaKeshaRenee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sequel although it did not end the way I expected. There was lots of symbolism here. It's an amazing story of family, forgiveness, acceptance, understanding and self-discovery. I wasn't crazy about the mysticism surrounding Sister's death. I am still left with the question of "What actually happened to Sister?" I would recommend Black's work for those seeking a captivating storyline.

[Chel-c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like They Tell Me of a Home, I really enjoyed this book. Black has a special way to tell a story and his stories always seem to come full circle. This novel was very spiritual and caused me to think about alot of things. The only reason this book lost a star was because I felt as though it dragged in some areas and Black was long winded in some areas. Overall, great book!

[Donni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Great story

[Amscott1970gmail.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sequel and it was a great read sometimes I believe the stories behind these novels has to be true.

[Book.Wormette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I have to say that I'm disappointed. The prologue was awesome, even the theme of the novel was powerful. However, the method the author uses to expand on the theme was painful to read at times. I found that the book was too "church" and "preachy". Too frequently, I felt the desire to skip the monologues so that I continue with the story. Likewise, although I very much believe in a unseen world, in this novel, too far out there for my taste and didn't add to the story. Honestly, if I wanted to read a book of sermons, I wouldn't pick-up a fictional book. I appreciate that the author is obviously a believing Christian, and his faith plays a vital role in his life, but I think this book should be classified as Christian fiction.

[James Turner · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was recommended by a friend who has never steered me the wrong way, but I got lost in this book, and (honestly) could not finish it. It meanders and wanders, and now that I've checked it out on Goodreads, I see that perhaps I should have read the author's first book, before this one.

The writing is good, but I just wasn't interested, and had to fight the urge to get past the little warnings and introductions by Sister. I agree with the reviews that say they just got lost and bored - that's me, and now I'm going to have to return this book to my friend and tell her it just wasn't for me. Maybe it will be for you, though.

[Starluvs Gholston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I DID NOT READ THE FIRST BOOK... This was a great read! I still have so many questions though like... Mama said that she didn't kill sister but sister never said exactly what happened... so what really happened to sister? Did him and George have sex or spooned naked? Why nobody whoop Willie James tail for getting his sister pregnant? Was Cliffsteen baby dead or alive? Idk things to think about I guess... still loved it! READ PERFECT PEACE

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't know this was a sequel so maybe that was my problem, but I just couldn't get into this story. The plot was slow and just nothing much seemed to be happening. The only thing good about it was the Meeting Tree, I looked forward to those parts because they were so funny and entertaining, but the rest just seemed to fall flat for me.

[Hyacinth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is deep. It cannot be just read, it has to be processed for the deeper meaning. This is Sister's story and TL's discovery of himself and his legacy. I enjoyed the journey. Black does it again. I am definitely hooked and a lifelong lover of his works. I now have a greater understanding and appreciation for Momma, Willie James, and Cleatis.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just believe and forgive

This book had me on the edge of my seat! It had so many twist and turns, funny and sad moments. It definitely a page turner. I loved anything about "Twelve Gates to the City! Made me think about my mother and father and sister living in The City.

[FlippingThePage (Natalie J) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Daniel Black's sequel to They Tell Me of a Home, Twelve Gates to the City continues with main character's T.L. (Tommy Lee), having returned to Swamp Creek after attempting to leave post attending Ms. Swinton's (his birth mother's) funeral. T.L. is at war with himself because he doesn't want to return to the slow, uneventful, life in Swamp Creek, however, something is pulling him back. The mysterious "I didn't hate you" message from his mama (Marion) had a hand in it, the need to follow in Ms. Swinton's footsteps, honor her wishes, and take over her position as Swamp Creek's Schoolmaster, and he's still not satisfied with the story he was given regarding Sister's death.

This novel is full of folklore, community, self discovery, spiritual awareness, forgiveness, and new beginnings. It was ALOT going on.

My favorite parts of the story were when the elders of Swamp Creek came together under "The Meeting Tree" and passed around stories and wisdom. The information/knowledge exchange and fellowship at the meeting tree was a highlight for me. It showed young and old, educated and uneducated, communicating and learning from one another. A true connection of generations; it was beautiful to read.

T.L. and his mother finally coming together and talking as they should have years ago was refreshing. Marion's story in how she had to deal with her husbands infidelity and love child was a bit heartbreaking. Her character was deeply developed in this novel.

T.L.'s discovery of who he really is and his relationship with George warmed my heart and broke it at once. I wish they could have found a way to be together. You could feel the love they had for one another bouncing off the page.

The whole Sister narrating in between and telling the story in her own way, even giving us some insight into her life during T.L.'s ten year absence shed a bit of light but at the same time confused me. I thought her spirit leading him around would eventually lead him to having a vision of her or at least hearing from her of what actually happened. I was a little disappointed that neither of those things came about. The whole symbolism of the 12 Gates To The City and how it tied into the city in which Sister's spirit now resided, was a little too much for me to grasp. I'm sure I'll have to reread this in the future to get it.

Everything else in between, Zeke and his troubled home, T.L.'s cousins and their stories, Cliffesteen and her beef with the townspeople about Aunt Easter, the valley of the dry bones, etc. It was all just too much, a little underdeveloped and seemed crammed together. I wanted to give 3 stars for that reason alone, but as I stated above there were just too many beautiful moments in this novel for me to that. I'm still confused on what actually went on with Sister, but maybe it just went over my head.

Overall, I would recommend this novel and any other Daniel Black story. He's a masterful storyteller as I've said before. This isn't his best work, in my opinion, but it was still good.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed. I'll give this sequel to "They Tell Me of a Home" 3.5 stars. The parts where TL's family were on the road to healing were good. But the supernaturel parts were a bit far fetched and too long.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a powerful writer… close to a 4.
I hate to label it religious so maybe spiritual.
Another novel of the soul the and the power of belief. About destiny and how you come to find your place. It’s not very far.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started as a promising good read then it abruptly ended. Perhaps I missed what TL was supposed to see and/or learn from his deceased sister. I also wanted to find out what happened between Zeke and his father. What happened to Cliffesteen?? Too many questions remain unanswered.

[Mic C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it better than the first book in this series

[Aaleyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

This is one of the best novels I have ever read. The author is brilliant and skillful. The play of words are enlightening and creative.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr Daniel Black
Again...you have written an amazing book.

[Tandricka G · Rating 5 out of 5]

twelve gates to the city

It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read. There has to be a part three to Tommy Lee Tysons story. What does he do after the Jordan swallows the valley?

[Nyasha Tarlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*