The Justus Girls

by Slim Lambright

In the 1960's, four African-American preteensbanded together to form the Justus Girls, a crack drill team. They vowed to be friends forever, but Peaches, Sally Mae, Jan, and Roach drifted apart. It is Peaches's sudden death that brings them together again. The hip-swinging Sally Mae is a new grandmother; the beautiful and once-shy Roach has become a devout Muslim named Rasheeda; and the levelheaded Jan has launched her own business. The Justus Girls soon find out that they need each other now just as much as in the old days. Jan's husband has died and her business is faltering. Rasheeda faces the battle of her life, trying to keep custody of her two sons. And though Sally Mae doesn't know it yet, her past is about to catch up with her. The JG's make a pact to find out what happened to Peaches, to meet once a week, and to reclaim their own lives. It's a pact that will take them through the old neighborhood, with all its characters, and reveal secrets that have remained unspoken for too long. Through it all, the Justus Girls rediscover the love, laughter, and support they had forgotten, but that rescues them just in the nick of time.

Genres: African American

356 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2001

Reviews

[Zack RS]

As a kid, you're always told not to judge a book by its cover and for the most part, I agree with that. But, when I was given the task of choosing a book to read independently this term I was immediately drawn to the cover art of the book The JustUs Girls by Evelyn “Slim” Lambright and let's just say in this case it was an accurate assumption. This book fit my traditional criteria for a good read. It’s the total package; mystery, romance, talks of important issues in society, and much more. The story begins with the murder of Peaches, a friend of three women. The three African American women, Sal, Jan, and Roach are brought back together after years of little communication for their close friend’s funeral. They want to figure out what happened to their friend but the women also have a lot going on in their own lives. Children, exhusbands and even accusation of murder give the women enough to deal with on top of their friend’s murder. The author does a great job of flashing back into the past to explore all aspects of the four women’s lives. I definitely would recommend this book for a couple of reasons. The first and most important reason for me is the talk of race and persecution of African Americans in the mid to late 1900s. The second reason is that the women protagonists in this book are strong and resilient to the challenges they face.

[Yolanda Roy]

Rated this with three stars as it is an entertaining book for young audiences and a light read that could provide older audiences a moment to reminiscence. The editors however did the author a small injustice by failing to correct flaws in music timeline. Those of us who can readily recall some of the tunes mentioned in the novel may rely on the title of songs as a chronological guideline and these unchecked errors unnecessarily confuses the reader.

[Natasha]

This was an excellent book that wove the past with the present. The characters were well developed and interesting. For me, the murder sub-plot was a distraction that was completely unnecessary to the book as a whole. I would highly recommend this book and find it unique among most fiction selections.

[Karah]

I read this novel in January 2004. I decline to post my initial review because it was actually a book summary. That's unjust to Miss Lambright. No foolishness or fakery in this story. Four friends who lived in the trenches and hugged each other through the war. It speaks volumes about what the publishing industry holds valuable because I have not seen another work by Miss Lambright. Oops!!! I stand corrected. I almost confirmed my ignorance!!! Thank goodness, I just went on the MSN search engine and learned that Miss Lambright has published another novel. Why just two? I pray Miss Lambright didn't get discouraged. No, I don't believe that.

Brilliance often accompanies realness. A lot of people can't handle that.

[Sophianna]

I really liked most of it, I just felt at the end there was just a bunch of things thrown in that didn't really add to the story. it was like she got to the end of the book and thought oh I forgot to wrap this section up and so she just threw a bunch of stuff together. I'm sure that's not what happened but that's how it reads. but I did love the story of friendship and the realness of the characters.

[Tamara Mayo]

Beautifully written. Very compelling. Has funny, natural dialogue.

Stories are supposed to be remembered. They're supposed to touch you so deeply that you remember them decades later.

THIS is one of those books. The story makes you care about each of the characters, from little girls to adults.

You'll get lost in this story from page one.

[Tatum McBride]

This book grabs you in quick but somewhat slows down but it is was necessary to understand each character… Would have gave it a 5 but I wanted more from the ending overall a good read and would suggest it to anyone …. Especially if you’re into reading nostalgic books this might be just for you .

[Ms Lovejoy]

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants + Out of the Easy = The Justus Girls

[Brian]

A page-turner with characters that I rooted for and some unexpected twists, but flawed...a bit cheesy at times, especially when tying in historical events. A little Forrest Gumpish in that way. Also, I had a trouble keeping certain characters straight (maybe my issue) plus some scenes escaped my comprehension. And please, publishers, teach your editors some basic common-sense math: the notion that 2 million plus people would spend $4 million over a weekend event, pleasing a mayor for the economic stimulus, is absurd for the late 1990s. That's $2 bucks a person. It was an unnecessary but distracting inclusion.

[Daphne]

I can't remember what year I first read this but I love the dedication to friendship in this book! You go ladies! Work it out!

[Kandiz Oliver]

Fantastic book.. I loved every bit of it.. It was very educational and real..

[Stasha]

A great story about four women's life journeys. I especially liked the flashbacks to their childhoods.

[Dee]

Liked the storyline.

[Beth]

Great Girly books. Shows bonds of girlfriends.

[Tamiko Grant]

Very good read.

[auie]

friends, especially girl-friends are living treasures.

[Tammy]

took me back to childhood days of fun

[Tynece]

This book is taking me through emotions and they aren't good ones....