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Substitute Me by Lori L. Tharps
Zora Anderson is a 30-year-old African American middle class, college educated woman, trained as a chef, looking for a job. As fate would have it, Kate and Brad Carter, a married couple, aspiring professionals with a young child are looking for a nanny.Zora seems perfect. She’s an enthusiastic caretaker, a competent house keeper, a great cook. And she wants the job, despite the fact that she won’t let her African American parents and brother know anything about this new career move. They expect much more from her than to use all that good education to do what so many Blacks have dreamed of not working for White folks. Working as an au pair in Paris, France no less, was one thing, they could accept that. Being a servant to a couple not much older nor more educated, is yet another. Every adult character involved in this tangled web is hiding the husband is hiding his desire to turn a passion for comic books into a business from his wife, the wife is hiding her professional ambitions from her husband, the nanny is hiding her job from her family and maybe her motivations for staying on her job from herself.Memorable characters, real-life tensions and concerns and the charming—in a hip kind of way—modern-day Park Slope, Fort Greene, Brooklyn setting make for an un-put-down-able read.
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First published July 30, 2010
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About the author
Lori L. Tharps
9 books38 followersLori L. Tharps is an assistant professor of journalism and author based in Philadelphia, PA. She writes about issues of cultural diversity, race, identity politics and parenting.
She is a graduate of Smith College and Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism.
Visit Lori at www.loritharps.com or at her blog: www.myamericanmeltingpot.com
She is a graduate of Smith College and Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism.
Visit Lori at www.loritharps.com or at her blog: www.myamericanmeltingpot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 31, 2010
A young, White, professional mother and wife, Kate, places an ad for a nanny for her baby when she must return to work from an extended maternity leave. She is looking for a "substitute me", someone who will care for her child as well as she does. She hires Zora, a 30 year old African-American women who is still trying to decide what to do with her life, much to her successful family's dismay. Even though Kate's husband, Craig, isn't too keen on the idea of having a Black nanny, it turns out to be a great match as Zora takes on more duties like cooking (she is professionally trained) and housekeeping.
Everything goes pretty smoothly, but Kate's demanding job requires that Zora spends more and more time at the couples' home and it becomes tricky when certain secrets come to light.
WHAT I LIKED:
I liked the Zora character a lot. Her lack of direction and inability to focus on a career really resonated with me as I sometimes feel the same way. Even though being a nanny was not her long-term goal, she put every effort in to do the best job she could and I admire that sort of work ethic.
WHAT I DISLIKED:
The dialogue at times was written really dry. It made it hard to stay excited about reading the book because it felt like something was missing. Still can't quite put my finger on it. Also, I wasn't very happy with the ending, it felt like it wrapped up really quickly. This wasn't a great book, though it wasn't a bad book. It was kind of okay.
Everything goes pretty smoothly, but Kate's demanding job requires that Zora spends more and more time at the couples' home and it becomes tricky when certain secrets come to light.
WHAT I LIKED:
I liked the Zora character a lot. Her lack of direction and inability to focus on a career really resonated with me as I sometimes feel the same way. Even though being a nanny was not her long-term goal, she put every effort in to do the best job she could and I admire that sort of work ethic.
WHAT I DISLIKED:
The dialogue at times was written really dry. It made it hard to stay excited about reading the book because it felt like something was missing. Still can't quite put my finger on it. Also, I wasn't very happy with the ending, it felt like it wrapped up really quickly. This wasn't a great book, though it wasn't a bad book. It was kind of okay.
May 1, 2011
In the beginning of this story, I really thought the ending COULD happen, but the author veered in another direction in the middle of the book, so that I completely banned the thought from my mind. Then, in the end, it DOES happen. I wanted to hate this book... after all any book that gets me to root for what I normally consider wrong or immoral actions, is not one I normally like. But in this story, there was more to it than at first blush. The author says in an interview: "I actually believe women can have it all, just not all at the same time." There is that lesson in the book, no doubt. But as I thought about it for several days after I read it, the message I took from it is how deeply we yearn to understand and be understood by another human being. It seems that the bond that comes of two people truly understanding and caring for one another can be stronger than family ties.
Another message that I got from "Substitute Me" is that maintaining a love relationship is work and when we are distracted from our most important relationships for too long by an ambition, we can lose track of what is most important to us -- that of caring for those closest and dearest to us.
As I first mentioned, I wanted to hate this book because of the turn it takes in the end, but darn if I didn't love it because it took me to a place I don't normally go and taught me something by turning my views inside out.
Another message that I got from "Substitute Me" is that maintaining a love relationship is work and when we are distracted from our most important relationships for too long by an ambition, we can lose track of what is most important to us -- that of caring for those closest and dearest to us.
As I first mentioned, I wanted to hate this book because of the turn it takes in the end, but darn if I didn't love it because it took me to a place I don't normally go and taught me something by turning my views inside out.
January 2, 2011
So finished this short little book in one day and honestly dont know how I feel about it..For the first hundred or so pages I thought it was just a case study on a new mother, her fears and concerns hiring a nanny and then a look into the mindset of the nanny.. I read about their lives, the precocious child in the middle of the family with minimal references to the husband or anything else interesting then bam the book takes off in a totally unexpected way that made me so mad..I wanted to love this book but I cant condone the morals of the supposedly relatable thirty year old African American main character...They praise this book as a bookclub read that brings up alot of issues but honestly I dont feel like that. The ending was cruel to me as the wife got off unfairly and the whole scenario was wrong wrong wrong..I dont like it but appreciate the story I suppose,honestly I dont recommend this one and if anyone else reads it tell me if you think its better than I did..
December 3, 2014
If a he does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.—Henry David Thoreau
The quote by Henry David Thoreau reminds of the heroine in this book.
I enjoyed the novel “Substitute Me,” by Lori L. Tharps. This novel concerns the wonderful bonds that can develop between employers and their nannies. In addition, it reveals the liaisons that can develop between the male employer and the nanny. This is not new. We have read newspaper headlines concerning actors and politicians having liaisons with the family’s nanny or babysitter. However, it is unfair for me to categorize this as a male-oriented issue. The woman of the house has been known to have affairs with her gardener, plumber, etc. In addition, I cannot be judgmental concerning this story. This is a fact of life.
The novel also is about the choices you make in your career and in love and being true to yourself.
The book revealed similarities between Nanny, Zora Anderson, and her employer, Kate Carter. Both had middleclass upbringings. They are college educated, conscientious, strong willed, efficient, and hardworking women.
Initially, both women appeared guilt-ridden. Zora felt tormented because of her parents’ disapproval of her being a nanny.
Zora’s family are educated professionals. They could not understand her career choice. They looked at her job as the antithesis of everything African-Americans had fought for during the 1960s. However, Zora considered the nanny position temporary until she obtained a position as a personal chef.
Kate felt anguished that she returned to her previous corporate PR job, giving up her role as full time mom and wife. Despite this, both women were gratified, exhilarated, and derived much pleasure from their work.
In contrast, nurturer, world traveler, and rolling stone, Zora, is a thirty-year-old African-American, single woman and college dropout. Instead, of finishing college, she completed a course in culinary cooking at a school in Michigan.
Zora is fluent in French and spent time in Paris, France employed as a nanny for two French families.
Grounded Kate is 32, white, married, and has completed college. Persuasive and resourceful, she toiled long hours in her PR firm, and took on the job of two, to obtain a loftier position.
In the meantime, Zora turned out to be the best nanny ever. She was an expert caregiver, which was her sole position. However, Zora began to make use of her culinary skills, do the laundry and clean the Carter home.
Like her late grandmother, Zora thought herself the “keeper of the castle,” the unofficial lady of her employers’ manor.
She was the woman that lovingly fed, and took care of the Carter family’s needs. She was the one that encouraged and supported Brad Carter. She was the one cooking superb meals, and won Brad’s affection. She was unselfish and happiest when allowed to serve and care for others.
Like all of us, Zora is flawed too. Warm and accommodating, she wanted to make everybody happy, but that’s impossible. She made poor choices with the previous men in her life. Through rose-colored glasses, she believed former lover, Alexander, a sophisticated European businessman, wanted more than a brief affair. However, I believe single, promising, New York actor, Keith, seemed enamored with Zora. He might have been a great choice if she showed more interest.
Kate’s flaw was she found it hard to realize her husband had ideas to explore. She was always on, and at times, her demeanor was too business-like to relate, which annoyed Brad. She was not cold, but at times appeared somewhat prim.
With Kate’s late hours, Brad and Zora developed a friendship. They enjoyed discussing their hopes, dreams, fears and how to solve their problems.
Zora’s well-educated brother also carped about her job. So Brad suggested Zora invite her brother to an artwork event she would cater for her friend, Angel. From this affair, Zora’s brother’s fiancé hired her to cater a dinner party. Zora’s brother expressed his pride at what she had achieved.
After this feat, Zora decided to show Brad her appreciation by making his favorite dinner. This is the turning point in Zora and Brad’s relationship.
Later, Brad revealed his attraction for Zora, captivated by her inner beauty, and her culinary skills. Tasting a sumptuous, luxurious meal can almost be a sensual pleasure. Brad could not help being drawn to Zora. Empathetic and altruistic, she displayed genuine love, and kindness for his son, Ollie.
On impulse, instinctively, Brad sought more than friendship. The two blended like soul mates.
At that moment, neither judged their character or their morals. But inevitably, sometimes pleasure becomes the precursor for emotional pain.
With Zora, I believe Brad had a voyage of self-discovery concerning his interests and what he wanted to achieve and whom he wanted to love.
I liked the unexpected direction of the conclusion.
The quote by Henry David Thoreau reminds of the heroine in this book.
I enjoyed the novel “Substitute Me,” by Lori L. Tharps. This novel concerns the wonderful bonds that can develop between employers and their nannies. In addition, it reveals the liaisons that can develop between the male employer and the nanny. This is not new. We have read newspaper headlines concerning actors and politicians having liaisons with the family’s nanny or babysitter. However, it is unfair for me to categorize this as a male-oriented issue. The woman of the house has been known to have affairs with her gardener, plumber, etc. In addition, I cannot be judgmental concerning this story. This is a fact of life.
The novel also is about the choices you make in your career and in love and being true to yourself.
The book revealed similarities between Nanny, Zora Anderson, and her employer, Kate Carter. Both had middleclass upbringings. They are college educated, conscientious, strong willed, efficient, and hardworking women.
Initially, both women appeared guilt-ridden. Zora felt tormented because of her parents’ disapproval of her being a nanny.
Zora’s family are educated professionals. They could not understand her career choice. They looked at her job as the antithesis of everything African-Americans had fought for during the 1960s. However, Zora considered the nanny position temporary until she obtained a position as a personal chef.
Kate felt anguished that she returned to her previous corporate PR job, giving up her role as full time mom and wife. Despite this, both women were gratified, exhilarated, and derived much pleasure from their work.
In contrast, nurturer, world traveler, and rolling stone, Zora, is a thirty-year-old African-American, single woman and college dropout. Instead, of finishing college, she completed a course in culinary cooking at a school in Michigan.
Zora is fluent in French and spent time in Paris, France employed as a nanny for two French families.
Grounded Kate is 32, white, married, and has completed college. Persuasive and resourceful, she toiled long hours in her PR firm, and took on the job of two, to obtain a loftier position.
In the meantime, Zora turned out to be the best nanny ever. She was an expert caregiver, which was her sole position. However, Zora began to make use of her culinary skills, do the laundry and clean the Carter home.
Like her late grandmother, Zora thought herself the “keeper of the castle,” the unofficial lady of her employers’ manor.
She was the woman that lovingly fed, and took care of the Carter family’s needs. She was the one that encouraged and supported Brad Carter. She was the one cooking superb meals, and won Brad’s affection. She was unselfish and happiest when allowed to serve and care for others.
Like all of us, Zora is flawed too. Warm and accommodating, she wanted to make everybody happy, but that’s impossible. She made poor choices with the previous men in her life. Through rose-colored glasses, she believed former lover, Alexander, a sophisticated European businessman, wanted more than a brief affair. However, I believe single, promising, New York actor, Keith, seemed enamored with Zora. He might have been a great choice if she showed more interest.
Kate’s flaw was she found it hard to realize her husband had ideas to explore. She was always on, and at times, her demeanor was too business-like to relate, which annoyed Brad. She was not cold, but at times appeared somewhat prim.
With Kate’s late hours, Brad and Zora developed a friendship. They enjoyed discussing their hopes, dreams, fears and how to solve their problems.
Zora’s well-educated brother also carped about her job. So Brad suggested Zora invite her brother to an artwork event she would cater for her friend, Angel. From this affair, Zora’s brother’s fiancé hired her to cater a dinner party. Zora’s brother expressed his pride at what she had achieved.
After this feat, Zora decided to show Brad her appreciation by making his favorite dinner. This is the turning point in Zora and Brad’s relationship.
Later, Brad revealed his attraction for Zora, captivated by her inner beauty, and her culinary skills. Tasting a sumptuous, luxurious meal can almost be a sensual pleasure. Brad could not help being drawn to Zora. Empathetic and altruistic, she displayed genuine love, and kindness for his son, Ollie.
On impulse, instinctively, Brad sought more than friendship. The two blended like soul mates.
At that moment, neither judged their character or their morals. But inevitably, sometimes pleasure becomes the precursor for emotional pain.
With Zora, I believe Brad had a voyage of self-discovery concerning his interests and what he wanted to achieve and whom he wanted to love.
I liked the unexpected direction of the conclusion.
August 11, 2010
Thirty year old Zora Anderson has floated from place to place and job to job on a whim. Moving on when things become too much to handle, she finds herself in New York with a place to stay, but in desperate need of a job. The college-educated daughter of upwardly mobile parents, Zora realizes that she's not living up to the goal her parents have set for her. Even still, the former au pair in France decides to give being a New York nanny a try.
Kate Carter is headed back to work after an extended maternity leave and the search is on to find the perfect nanny. She has regrets about leaving her infant son home with a stranger, but figures the ad she's placed will guarantee a perfect fit.
Substitute Me: Looking for a nanny who will take care of my six-month-old baby as if he were her own. Five full days a week. No cooking or cleaning required. Must love children and be prepared to show it. References required.
Raised in a working class neighborhood, Brad Carter is hesitant to bring in a nanny to watch his son, Oliver. While his and Kate's jobs afford them certain privileges, he's unsure that this new situation meshes well with the way he was raised. As Kate begins to work longer hours and Brad becomes more accustomed to Zora's presence in the house, it seems that the 'substitute me' is beginning to take on additional duties that have nothing to do with baby Oliver.
It's important to note that while Zora is black and the Carters are white, their races are not necessarily the central issue. It seems to me that the issue is one woman completely giving power over her life to someone else and then questioning it when that person steps in and does a better job at it. Kate and her mother make racially charged comments about Zora, but if they were being honest with themselves, they would realize that her race has nothing to do with the situation Kate finds herself in.
In Jodi Picoult fashion, Lori L. Tharp has crafted a nanny story that gives the reader all sides. Often the story is only told from the point of view of the nanny. In Substitute Me, you really get a chance to learn the characters and understand that perception really is reality.
What did you like about this book?
It really made me think beyond the obvious. As a black woman, I think I see race first sometimes and sex second. This book made me realize that in this case, while race played a small part, overall it was not caused the real conflict.
What didn't you like about this book?
Zora's relationship with Keith isn't as fleshed out as I would have liked to see it.
What could the author do to improve this book?
I don't know that I love the cover of the book. Nothing about it screams nanny lit or anything else that would grab my eye. If I saw it in the bookstore, I would assume it was a thriller/murder mystery just based on its darkness.
Kate Carter is headed back to work after an extended maternity leave and the search is on to find the perfect nanny. She has regrets about leaving her infant son home with a stranger, but figures the ad she's placed will guarantee a perfect fit.
Substitute Me: Looking for a nanny who will take care of my six-month-old baby as if he were her own. Five full days a week. No cooking or cleaning required. Must love children and be prepared to show it. References required.
Raised in a working class neighborhood, Brad Carter is hesitant to bring in a nanny to watch his son, Oliver. While his and Kate's jobs afford them certain privileges, he's unsure that this new situation meshes well with the way he was raised. As Kate begins to work longer hours and Brad becomes more accustomed to Zora's presence in the house, it seems that the 'substitute me' is beginning to take on additional duties that have nothing to do with baby Oliver.
It's important to note that while Zora is black and the Carters are white, their races are not necessarily the central issue. It seems to me that the issue is one woman completely giving power over her life to someone else and then questioning it when that person steps in and does a better job at it. Kate and her mother make racially charged comments about Zora, but if they were being honest with themselves, they would realize that her race has nothing to do with the situation Kate finds herself in.
In Jodi Picoult fashion, Lori L. Tharp has crafted a nanny story that gives the reader all sides. Often the story is only told from the point of view of the nanny. In Substitute Me, you really get a chance to learn the characters and understand that perception really is reality.
What did you like about this book?
It really made me think beyond the obvious. As a black woman, I think I see race first sometimes and sex second. This book made me realize that in this case, while race played a small part, overall it was not caused the real conflict.
What didn't you like about this book?
Zora's relationship with Keith isn't as fleshed out as I would have liked to see it.
What could the author do to improve this book?
I don't know that I love the cover of the book. Nothing about it screams nanny lit or anything else that would grab my eye. If I saw it in the bookstore, I would assume it was a thriller/murder mystery just based on its darkness.
April 2, 2015
I read this in three days. First, this isn't the type of novel I usually pick up. I don't want to read about someone's everyday life and everyday ordinary troubles. I need one or a combination of the following: murder, car chases, space chases, aliens, dragons, wizards, planets blowing up, end of the world infectious diseases, etc. Having said that, I found myself intrigued with a world completely foreign to ME.
Kate is ambitious, but she has a child and someone needs to take care of him. She enjoyed six months at home with him, but finds herself bored and ready to return to work. Zora answers her ad to "Substitute Me" and become the baby's nanny.
From the very beginning I had trouble liking Kate. She professes to love her child, but she never sees him. Kate works from 8am to 9 or 10pm every night and even works on some weekends. She is NEVER home. She convinces herself it is all for the "good" of her family. It comes down to priorities and balance. Kate's priority is getting a promotion. There is no balance.
On the other hand I liked Zora almost from the beginning. I could relate to her better as a stay at home mom who loves to cook. She has trouble admitting to herself that she enjoys being a nanny. She's good at it, really good, but she never tells her own parents that she has taken this job. Zora fears their disappointed in her as an educated black women who has chosen to revert to slavery by working for a white woman. However, Zora works and searches for what she really wants to do with her life.
I enjoyed the book, and I was satisfied with the ending. In an effort not to spoil the ending, I'm not going to tell you why I liked the ending. Just know that for me, that's how I wanted it to end. For me, the best part of the book was the last 140 pages or so. I LOVED the drama in those pages!
Kate is ambitious, but she has a child and someone needs to take care of him. She enjoyed six months at home with him, but finds herself bored and ready to return to work. Zora answers her ad to "Substitute Me" and become the baby's nanny.
From the very beginning I had trouble liking Kate. She professes to love her child, but she never sees him. Kate works from 8am to 9 or 10pm every night and even works on some weekends. She is NEVER home. She convinces herself it is all for the "good" of her family. It comes down to priorities and balance. Kate's priority is getting a promotion. There is no balance.
On the other hand I liked Zora almost from the beginning. I could relate to her better as a stay at home mom who loves to cook. She has trouble admitting to herself that she enjoys being a nanny. She's good at it, really good, but she never tells her own parents that she has taken this job. Zora fears their disappointed in her as an educated black women who has chosen to revert to slavery by working for a white woman. However, Zora works and searches for what she really wants to do with her life.
I enjoyed the book, and I was satisfied with the ending. In an effort not to spoil the ending, I'm not going to tell you why I liked the ending. Just know that for me, that's how I wanted it to end. For me, the best part of the book was the last 140 pages or so. I LOVED the drama in those pages!
March 9, 2016
"Substitute Me" is about Zora, a 30+ year old Black nanny , who everyone feels should have a more professional career. Raised in Ann Arbor, MI by parents who were both professors, she was expected to do big things in life like her attorney brother, but she dropped out of undergrad, and traipsed around Europe, learning languages and taking care of children. After a decade, she moves to Brooklyn, but can't find a job so opts to be a nanny, again. Enter the Carters, Kate and Brad, a white couple in Park Slope wanting help with their son when Kate's maternity leave ends.
Zora is great with their son, Oliver, and even starts cooking for the Carters when Kate starts putting in long nights at the office. Zora doesn't mind since she has has a culinary degree that she's never put to use, but she can't shake the feeling that she's disappointing her race by taking on the role of Black mammy for a white family. Zora struggles with getting stagnant when she becomes comfortable in her nanny jobs. Kate, on the other hand, struggles with wondering if she loves her job too much, and grows attached to Zora because Zora's presence in her home allows her to freely climb the corporate ladder.
Eventually, the Carters fall in love with her... more than they should. Much more than they should. Things quickly fall apart, and the drama soars from 0 to 100 out of nowhere. Seriously. This book was something else.
Though I started this book in October and put it down after 30 pages because I needed a little more action, I'm so happy that I picked it back up. It was highly entertaining. I'd suggest this for book clubs and people who enjoy books with passionate female protagonists and story lines about family dynamics once children enter the picture.
Zora is great with their son, Oliver, and even starts cooking for the Carters when Kate starts putting in long nights at the office. Zora doesn't mind since she has has a culinary degree that she's never put to use, but she can't shake the feeling that she's disappointing her race by taking on the role of Black mammy for a white family. Zora struggles with getting stagnant when she becomes comfortable in her nanny jobs. Kate, on the other hand, struggles with wondering if she loves her job too much, and grows attached to Zora because Zora's presence in her home allows her to freely climb the corporate ladder.
Eventually, the Carters fall in love with her... more than they should. Much more than they should. Things quickly fall apart, and the drama soars from 0 to 100 out of nowhere. Seriously. This book was something else.
Though I started this book in October and put it down after 30 pages because I needed a little more action, I'm so happy that I picked it back up. It was highly entertaining. I'd suggest this for book clubs and people who enjoy books with passionate female protagonists and story lines about family dynamics once children enter the picture.
March 30, 2011
Le sigh. The topics of this book should hit me in the gut right? Working mom, dealing with the childcare conundrum, Buppy type, etc. I mean, I've convinced myself that daycare is philosophically and morally superior to a nanny, because... well just because I said so. So I should love it or hate it, right? I don't, I can't muster passion either way. I think that Tharps is a more than capable writer, and I will read more of her stuff. But the actual unfolding of the story just didn't sit with me. I saw this ending coming miles away (oh, let's be generous and say by page 15). So trite has this become, that I actually convinced myself that it was NOT going to end this way, and that I was going to praise Tharps for her bait and switch. But no, it was a bait and hook. And yes, despite my eyerolls and exhortations to the contrary, she did go out that way.
May 31, 2011
I really enjoyed the book. While I could see a mile away what took place I didn't think that it would occur in quite the fashion that it did. And I was ecstatic to see the ending. Glad it wasn't just some romp. The author's writing style is easy to follow yet entertaining and not in a juvenile manner. Good read.
July 25, 2012
It was a hard read for me in the beginning. I kept waiting for it to get as good as the reviews on the back said it would. And it finally did, a bit more than halfway through. For that, I'm glad I picked it up from the library.
November 3, 2010
Kate is about to return to her high powered ad-exec job after a six month maternity leave for her newborn son, Oliver. Though she's a very caring and devoted mother, Kate feels a void in her life that can only be filled by resuming her career. When she discovers the perfect nanny named Zora, things seem to be looking up for her. Zora is a godsend to Kate. A thirty year old woman who has had a vast amount of experience with children, Zora is having difficulty deciding what she wants to do with her life. While Kate rushes off to her job, Zora begins to fall in love with little Oliver and starts to do more and more around the house to make up for Kate's absence. But being an African-American nanny working for a white employer seems to make Zora and Kate's husband Brad very uncomfortable. Zora is keeping her position with the Kate and Brad a secret from her family, who would be appalled that she has taken a job as a servant to a white couple, but she can't deny that she finds the job fulfilling. Meanwhile, Zora and Kate form a bond that Kate would like to see stretch further, and Zora begins also to cook and feed the family, becoming, in effect, the perfect nanny and substitute for Kate. When Kate takes on a few extra jobs at the office, Zora is left playing a major role at the house and soon finds that her job is putting her in a very bad position with certain members of the family. This leads to an explosive and shocking series of events that neither the married twosome nor Zora saw coming. Both timely and eye-opening, Substitute Me tells a story of two women who want to have it all and the consequences that having it all can manifest.
I wasn't sure I was going to like this book, and like a lot of the books I have been reading in the past few months, it took me a little time to warm up to both the story and the characters. There are a lot of books now that have sort of burst out of the mold of chick-lit and into more of the area of women's fiction, and I felt this book straddled both of these genres. I guess I consider chick-lit a more fluffy variety of women's fiction that stays away from more serious issues, whereas women's fiction tends to be more relevant and tackles the more serious sides of life. Substitute Me was somewhere in-between, and though it started off with a very chick-lit feel, it ended up morphing into a more serious and thought-provoking piece of fiction.
This book was essentially the story of two very different women and was told in alternating chapters from both viewpoints. Kate, the career woman who wants it all, seems to have only slight difficulty handing the reins of her household to another woman. She deliberates with herself about this for maybe two seconds and decides that she would rather further herself in the business world than stay at home raising her son. It's made clear to the reader very early on that this is not a situation that has to do with money. Kate and Brad could still live extravagantly without Kate's income but Kate feels like there's something tangible she will be sacrificing by not returning to her career. I didn't necessarily feel that Kate was being selfish, but it would be easy to get that impression in light of the fact that she continues to climb the corporate ladder as ferociously as she can and grants Zora more and more power in her household.
Zora, on the other hand, is conflicted about the type of life she wants to lead. Her parents have made it very clear that her options should be limited to prosperous and high profile jobs, which bothers Zora, whose real passion is to become a personal chef. Zora looks at her time with Oliver as a stepping stone and has no plans to remain in the world of nannydom. But she is filled with indecision and vacillates between being satisfied with her current situation and wanting to follow her dreams. The real problem isn't what Zora thinks about her situation, it's what everyone else thinks of her situation. The people she has been open with about her current employment sneer at her for her role as a nanny, pressuring her in subtle ways to leave this glorified serfdom behind and get on to better things. Her parents simply don't know about her job because Zora refuses to tell them.
There is a lot made about the racial divide between whites and blacks and the positions they hold in one another's lives and in society. It seems to be a problem that most of the nannies in New York are black and it causes a lot of tension in the storyline. I honestly never thought about it before because I don't tend to stereotype people by their skin color, but in this book it's exceedingly bad to be a black woman working as a nanny for a white family. I can see that this issue is one that I probably don't understand as well as I think I do and I'm sure that there are a lot of things I haven't considered about these types of arrangements, but I'm not so sure that these issues are all that important. The only thing that should be important is the quality of care that the nanny gives and the respect that is due to her for this care. But generalizations are made and stereotyping and mild prejudice pop their ugly heads up, and the issue of color is one that takes on great importance in the tale.
There are parts of this book I won't discuss because I think it's better to discover them for yourself. What I will say is at times this book could be a little cliché and preachy. I felt that the same issues were tackled over-abundantly and sometimes to the point of annoyance. I liked the book, I really did, but I felt that some things should have been left on the back burner once being thoroughly discussed. Other than that small niggle, the book was solidly written and I liked that there was gravity to what I initially thought was a light story. I found the characters to be three dimensional and lifelike, and the dialogue was also rather believable.
I think this would be a great book for book clubs because there's a lot here to discuss, and I think it would be interesting to get other people's opinions on the idea of working mothers. I also think the book has a lot to say about racial stereotyping and the perceived inequalities that exist between whites and blacks, and though it does push it's messages rather hard, I do have to admit they are interesting and affecting messages. I ended up being very pleased with this book, and despite some minor problems I had with the way the story was told, I did really enjoy it overall. I would be interested in seeing what others think of it as well, so if you have read this book or are planning on it, drop me a line!
I wasn't sure I was going to like this book, and like a lot of the books I have been reading in the past few months, it took me a little time to warm up to both the story and the characters. There are a lot of books now that have sort of burst out of the mold of chick-lit and into more of the area of women's fiction, and I felt this book straddled both of these genres. I guess I consider chick-lit a more fluffy variety of women's fiction that stays away from more serious issues, whereas women's fiction tends to be more relevant and tackles the more serious sides of life. Substitute Me was somewhere in-between, and though it started off with a very chick-lit feel, it ended up morphing into a more serious and thought-provoking piece of fiction.
This book was essentially the story of two very different women and was told in alternating chapters from both viewpoints. Kate, the career woman who wants it all, seems to have only slight difficulty handing the reins of her household to another woman. She deliberates with herself about this for maybe two seconds and decides that she would rather further herself in the business world than stay at home raising her son. It's made clear to the reader very early on that this is not a situation that has to do with money. Kate and Brad could still live extravagantly without Kate's income but Kate feels like there's something tangible she will be sacrificing by not returning to her career. I didn't necessarily feel that Kate was being selfish, but it would be easy to get that impression in light of the fact that she continues to climb the corporate ladder as ferociously as she can and grants Zora more and more power in her household.
Zora, on the other hand, is conflicted about the type of life she wants to lead. Her parents have made it very clear that her options should be limited to prosperous and high profile jobs, which bothers Zora, whose real passion is to become a personal chef. Zora looks at her time with Oliver as a stepping stone and has no plans to remain in the world of nannydom. But she is filled with indecision and vacillates between being satisfied with her current situation and wanting to follow her dreams. The real problem isn't what Zora thinks about her situation, it's what everyone else thinks of her situation. The people she has been open with about her current employment sneer at her for her role as a nanny, pressuring her in subtle ways to leave this glorified serfdom behind and get on to better things. Her parents simply don't know about her job because Zora refuses to tell them.
There is a lot made about the racial divide between whites and blacks and the positions they hold in one another's lives and in society. It seems to be a problem that most of the nannies in New York are black and it causes a lot of tension in the storyline. I honestly never thought about it before because I don't tend to stereotype people by their skin color, but in this book it's exceedingly bad to be a black woman working as a nanny for a white family. I can see that this issue is one that I probably don't understand as well as I think I do and I'm sure that there are a lot of things I haven't considered about these types of arrangements, but I'm not so sure that these issues are all that important. The only thing that should be important is the quality of care that the nanny gives and the respect that is due to her for this care. But generalizations are made and stereotyping and mild prejudice pop their ugly heads up, and the issue of color is one that takes on great importance in the tale.
There are parts of this book I won't discuss because I think it's better to discover them for yourself. What I will say is at times this book could be a little cliché and preachy. I felt that the same issues were tackled over-abundantly and sometimes to the point of annoyance. I liked the book, I really did, but I felt that some things should have been left on the back burner once being thoroughly discussed. Other than that small niggle, the book was solidly written and I liked that there was gravity to what I initially thought was a light story. I found the characters to be three dimensional and lifelike, and the dialogue was also rather believable.
I think this would be a great book for book clubs because there's a lot here to discuss, and I think it would be interesting to get other people's opinions on the idea of working mothers. I also think the book has a lot to say about racial stereotyping and the perceived inequalities that exist between whites and blacks, and though it does push it's messages rather hard, I do have to admit they are interesting and affecting messages. I ended up being very pleased with this book, and despite some minor problems I had with the way the story was told, I did really enjoy it overall. I would be interested in seeing what others think of it as well, so if you have read this book or are planning on it, drop me a line!
August 19, 2011
At first Zora sounded a little like me (or at least she had similar opportunities I have had and want to have, such as living in Europe or at least another country for awhile. We lost our connection whenever cooking was mentioned, haha) "she loved cooking, she loved traveling, and she liked kids. She liked feeling useful, and she liked being in beautiful spaces. She loved music and dancing and the taste of a foreign language rolling off her tongue. She loved reading literary fiction with multicultural characters and watching spoken-word poetry performances in intimate theaters. All of these things made her happy, but none of them fell under any job description she'd ever seen" (pg. 18). I could relate to that statement until I took a Comparative Government&Politics class and discovered I LOVE international politics so now I have a idea for a major (but of course that could change). So I was already fond of the book since I thought Zora was the embodiment of who I wanted to be. After reading the entire book I'm not so sure I would want her whole life but she gained some noteworthy experiences and while the route to her somewhat happy ending was rough, it wasn't depressing or anything. I wasn't enamored with the writing style, it didn't make me wince by being overly dramatic/too flowery but it didn't wow me with its beauty either. I was surprised at how long it took for the Brad&Zora storyline to take off and I didn't see it as a cliche since it's the first book I've ever read with a nanny/husband affair. while I was surprised by Kate and her friends, Brad was less surprising because I've met many liberal white people who can still be racially insensitive (unconsciously). He had a nice quote about love "[l]ove is such a crazy thing. Sometimes you can convince yourself it's not even real, that's just this elusive concept, yet when you fall in love, it can shake your world in ways you never dreamed possible" (pg. 319). It was bizarre to me as to why Kate disapproved so much about one of the career secrets Brad kept from her. I thought it was cute and nice that he got the chance to really follow his dreams.
I'm fairly naive when it comes to issues concerning working mothers and race relations. My mouth dropped open several times when conversations between Kate and Fiona (one of her white friends) were shared because they were so...not outrageously racist but very subtly prejudiced. I couldn't believe educated, so called 'modern' women still talked in a particular way. BUT I don't think the older generation would be that surprised. I also didn't realize mothers had such dilemmas about leaving their children with nannies. My mother has been working since I was born and I've never known anything else and I don't mind one bit. I felt a twang of sympathy for her if she agonized so much over her decision to leave my siblings and I with a babysitter. Working moms as a kid whose mom has always worked (still does), your kids will turn out fine and no they won't hold it against you (honestly I wouldn't like it if my mom was super-involved in my life, ugh). Anyway I digress, this book seems like an obvious bookclub pick because it addresses very accessible, universal issues. I really appreciated (and chuckled) over how often Zora bemoans how cliche her story is and she reiterates over and over that she wants to be more than just "Mammy". It sort of reminded me of all The Help controversy about Black women once again being regulated to "Mammy" roles/characterizations. To me she seemed to hint at the fact that there's nothing wrong with being nanny if you love being one and are treated with respect.
I'm fairly naive when it comes to issues concerning working mothers and race relations. My mouth dropped open several times when conversations between Kate and Fiona (one of her white friends) were shared because they were so...not outrageously racist but very subtly prejudiced. I couldn't believe educated, so called 'modern' women still talked in a particular way. BUT I don't think the older generation would be that surprised. I also didn't realize mothers had such dilemmas about leaving their children with nannies. My mother has been working since I was born and I've never known anything else and I don't mind one bit. I felt a twang of sympathy for her if she agonized so much over her decision to leave my siblings and I with a babysitter. Working moms as a kid whose mom has always worked (still does), your kids will turn out fine and no they won't hold it against you (honestly I wouldn't like it if my mom was super-involved in my life, ugh). Anyway I digress, this book seems like an obvious bookclub pick because it addresses very accessible, universal issues. I really appreciated (and chuckled) over how often Zora bemoans how cliche her story is and she reiterates over and over that she wants to be more than just "Mammy". It sort of reminded me of all The Help controversy about Black women once again being regulated to "Mammy" roles/characterizations. To me she seemed to hint at the fact that there's nothing wrong with being nanny if you love being one and are treated with respect.
January 16, 2012
Lori Tharps’s Substitute Me follows the story of Zora Anderson, a college dropout out turned nanny as she struggles with her lack of ambition and family’s hopes for her life. The daughter of upwardly mobile black parents, Zora is expected to have a white collar career. Instead, Zora finds herself as “the help” for affluent white families, just as her ancestors had been. Her new employer, Kate Carter, is eager to get back to work after having a baby, and upon hiring Zora, jumps headfirst back into her job, leaving little time for her newborn son and restless husband. Zora begins picking up many of Kate’s former duties, allowing Kate to disconnect more and more from her home life. But in the process of pursuing career goals, will Kate find herself completely replaced by Zora? Read the book to find out!
I loved Substitute Me for so many reasons. First, it is a common yet unique storyline. Does a woman risk her own home life by letting another woman take care of it? Second, the question of race relations is often identified in this book. How do whites feel about hiring blacks as the help? How do black feel about being the help? How do black and whites think the other race perceives them? Third, the book is well written and focuses on issues within the black community that are often not addressed in fictional books such as contemporary race relations, family/community expectations, the role of women in home life and society, and career paths of women. Substitute Me is a great novel for book clubs because it raises many questions that could be debated for hours. Tharps pens a refreshing read that I would highly recommend to readers tired of the same old books and looking for something outside the box.
I loved Substitute Me for so many reasons. First, it is a common yet unique storyline. Does a woman risk her own home life by letting another woman take care of it? Second, the question of race relations is often identified in this book. How do whites feel about hiring blacks as the help? How do black feel about being the help? How do black and whites think the other race perceives them? Third, the book is well written and focuses on issues within the black community that are often not addressed in fictional books such as contemporary race relations, family/community expectations, the role of women in home life and society, and career paths of women. Substitute Me is a great novel for book clubs because it raises many questions that could be debated for hours. Tharps pens a refreshing read that I would highly recommend to readers tired of the same old books and looking for something outside the box.
June 2, 2015
I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did. The situation was intriguing, the characters interesting on an individual basis, and the relationship between Kate and Zora fascinating, given the issues of race, class, feminism, and definitions of femininity. And the idea of the modern Black woman raising the White woman's family, taking care of her home, child and eventually her husband? The possibilities were endless for rich character development and thoughtful situations. But ultimately, the delivery left much to be desired for me at least.
***SPOILER AHEAD***
The first 75% of the book belabored the minutiae of Zora's days as a nanny, her relationship with other nannies and with a man she never quite seemed to fully connect with, and then in the last 25% there was an accelerated romance with the man of the house and a mutual conviction that they could not live without each other. The idea of that happening was entirely plausible, but the depth of the relationship was told to the reader rather than shown to us. I also never felt I 'knew' Zora, the main character as much as I knew Kate, the woman whose child she was taking care of. I liked the book, but wanted so much more.
***SPOILER AHEAD***
The first 75% of the book belabored the minutiae of Zora's days as a nanny, her relationship with other nannies and with a man she never quite seemed to fully connect with, and then in the last 25% there was an accelerated romance with the man of the house and a mutual conviction that they could not live without each other. The idea of that happening was entirely plausible, but the depth of the relationship was told to the reader rather than shown to us. I also never felt I 'knew' Zora, the main character as much as I knew Kate, the woman whose child she was taking care of. I liked the book, but wanted so much more.
May 1, 2011
Zora and Kate are two sides of the same coin. Both come from privileged backgrounds, speak from the same voice, except Zora is black and Kate is white. Zora makes the unforgivable decision (from her family's standpoint) to become a nanny for Kate's infant son.
It was a slow read with good character definition of Zora not knowing what to do with her life, and Kate as the high-powered business woman. The story plodded along to the obvious attraction between Kate's husband Brad and Zora. I would call it trite if not for the painful attempts by Zora and Brad to explain away any semblance of racism.
What started out as a likable cast of characters left me wondering why I read this book in the first place.
It was a slow read with good character definition of Zora not knowing what to do with her life, and Kate as the high-powered business woman. The story plodded along to the obvious attraction between Kate's husband Brad and Zora. I would call it trite if not for the painful attempts by Zora and Brad to explain away any semblance of racism.
What started out as a likable cast of characters left me wondering why I read this book in the first place.
July 5, 2012
Told from the different perspectives of each of the main characters; this book is an interesting look at what it means to be a working mother as well as a nanny in an upper class Brooklyn neighborhood. The book cleverly describes the dynamics of the relationships between various women: friends and acquaintances, employers, rival coworkers and employees, mothers and adult daughters, even with elderly nosy neighbors.
While this book is an easy read, dealing with a fairly common plot, the characters are well developed and sympathetic. Mixed throughout the book are different thoughts about class and race. On the surface, this book appears to be a fairly easy bit of chick lit fluff, however there are some pretty deep social commentaries in here too.
While this book is an easy read, dealing with a fairly common plot, the characters are well developed and sympathetic. Mixed throughout the book are different thoughts about class and race. On the surface, this book appears to be a fairly easy bit of chick lit fluff, however there are some pretty deep social commentaries in here too.
February 2, 2013
My favorite kind of book is one where I feel a sweet loss when I reach the final page because I don't want to part with those characters. I became engrossed enough in this story to finish the book but I didn't have that sense of loss at the end. I could never quite shake the feeling that the characters in this book were too good to be true, despite any transgressions they might have committed during the course of events. In particular, the white husband, Brad, was hard to believe. There seemed to be a lot of stereotyping in the creation of these characters: even the flamboyant black artist who wanted to get back to Italy to paint felt cookie cutter. Hard to bond with characters that didn't quite feel real. I'm not saying it wasn't realistic. It just didn't *feel* convincing.
May 14, 2012
This was a decent story, but had the potential to be a really good book if (do not read the spoiler if you do not want to hear about the end of the book)
The story was decent without adding all the extra drama.I actually was intrigued with the relationship between of Kate and Zora.
Happy Reading,
Erika
The story was decent without adding all the extra drama.I actually was intrigued with the relationship between of Kate and Zora.
Happy Reading,
Erika
January 26, 2012
Although the premise of the Black woman working as a nanny for the yuppie white couple who eventually falls for the husband might seem a little cliched, what makes this story work is the writing. The fresh voice of Lori Tharps captures the sights, smells, places and people of New York with flair.
Tharps offers a conclusion which will satisfy some readers and yet may offend others. The only question is whether Zora, Brad and Kate will rise above the pile of smouldering ashes.
Tharps offers a conclusion which will satisfy some readers and yet may offend others. The only question is whether Zora, Brad and Kate will rise above the pile of smouldering ashes.
August 31, 2011
Reading this now -- it's the local club's September 2011 BOM pick. I'm about half way through and I'm not really engaged with the story. Will finish it tonight - don't want to spend anymore time with these characters -- want to move on to something else.
April 13, 2017
I read this real quick, but found it a lot more compelling than really enjoyable. It brings up about a bazillion discussion-worthy social issues, but sometimes at the expense of just allowing the story to unfold & letting the characters do what they'd naturally do.
January 26, 2020
I didn't really care for this book. First off, I'm not looking for social justice commentary in my fiction novels. Yes, fiction can be impacted by current realities and perceptions. But the fact that it was the underlying theme of the story simply wasn't to my taste when I really read for escapism. However I still would have given the book 3 stars just for the writing and storytelling if the plot hadn't gone the way it did
(Spoilers ahead)
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I hated the fact that when Brad started to get to know Zora that automatically made their affair a forgone conclusion. In a novel that seemed to want to be thoughtful and provocative, why would the author use the affair-with-the-nanny trope? It turned me off completely from a book I already had problems with.
(Spoilers ahead)
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I hated the fact that when Brad started to get to know Zora that automatically made their affair a forgone conclusion. In a novel that seemed to want to be thoughtful and provocative, why would the author use the affair-with-the-nanny trope? It turned me off completely from a book I already had problems with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2021
I made it through the whole thing, however, I found the plot ho-hum and predictable. I found all the characters to be extremely selfish which made it hard to like any of them. Take a pass on this. There are plenty of other books to choose from that actually have interesting plots.
November 14, 2018
Sometimes the situation is wrong but love never is.
November 14, 2018
Slow buildup yet enjoyable
June 19, 2011
After weeks of maternity leave, Kate Carter is getting ready to head back to work. But she has one very important task left before she returns to her job at a public relations agency. She needs to find a nanny for her son Oliver. Zora Anderson, a 30 year old African American woman is looking for a job. Her parents would kill her if they knew she was applying to be a nanny, but Zora just isn’t sure what she wants to do with her life yet.
Once Zora gets the job, everything seems perfect. Zora is a wonderful nanny. Not only does she love Oliver like he was her own, she is an amazing cook and keeps the house extremely tidy. Kate thinks she’s hit the nanny jackpot.
Enter Kate’s husband Brad. When Zora first starts working for the Carter’s, Brad is uncomfortable with the situation. He acts strangely around Zora and Kate cannot figure out why. They get into argument after argument about race. Kate thinks that Brad is acting weird because Zora is black and Brad feels bad having a black woman work for him. Zora is able to win Brad over with her delicious cooking and before she knows it, she is in way too deep and yearns for the days where Brad quietly ignored her.
SUBSTITUTE ME explores the topic of race in a way that I haven’t seen accomplished in modern fiction. I was lucky enough to meet the author of this book a few months ago when I went to an alumni weekend at my college, Temple University. Ms. Tharps is a journalism professor there. During the signing and panel, Tharps spoke about the inspiration for this book and how and why she decided to tackle the topic of race from both a black and white woman’s perspective.
Perhaps my favorite part of this book was the alternating chapters told from both Kate and Zora’s perspectives. This technique is done extremely well in SUBSTITUTE ME. When I finished the book, I felt like I really knew and understand both Kate and Zora. Better yet, I was able to relate to and empathize with both women. Neither were the enemy in my eyes. I rooted for them both equally. Even though they came from two different worlds, it was interesting to see that as women, we have so many similarities regardless of race.
The book takes us slowly through a year in the life of these two women. While there certainly was action in the book, I sort of enjoyed the mundane everyday-ness that we got to experience through Kate and Zora’s eyes. I especially enjoyed the scenes of Kate at work. She is a PR executive, and as a young PR professional myself, I always enjoy reading about my profession. I also enjoyed the scenes of Zora taking care of Oliver; her love for him was completely apparent- and very sweet. The scenes of Zora cooking also didn’t hurt; my stomach definitely grumbled a time or two while reading this book.
Secondary characters and side stories gave this book zest. I loved watching Zora explore her passion for cooking and starting her own business. I also grew to love the man she dated and Angel, her fellow nanny and friend. Unfortunately, we only really got to see this more fun side of Zora. The scenes of Kate mainly took place at work. It would have been nice to see Kate explore other passions.
I absolutely fell in love with New York City after reading this book. The descriptions of the gorgeous setting made me want to pack up and move to the city immediately. I also liked learning about the different neighborhoods that Kate and Zora lived in.
I really, really, really did not like the ending of this book. Without spoiling anything, I know that life isn’t perfect and that everyone doesn’t get their happy ending, but for some reason, the ending of this book really rubbed me the wrong way. When I first started reading the book, I kind of predicted the ending, but somewhere in the middle of the book, Tharps veered off into a more welcoming direction. I was bummed when what I predicted came true. After 343 pages of getting to know these two women and coming to respect them, I completely lost all respect when I closed the book. Even still, this is a beautiful story well worth reading for the simple reason that it will make you think, and will stay with you for days.
Once Zora gets the job, everything seems perfect. Zora is a wonderful nanny. Not only does she love Oliver like he was her own, she is an amazing cook and keeps the house extremely tidy. Kate thinks she’s hit the nanny jackpot.
Enter Kate’s husband Brad. When Zora first starts working for the Carter’s, Brad is uncomfortable with the situation. He acts strangely around Zora and Kate cannot figure out why. They get into argument after argument about race. Kate thinks that Brad is acting weird because Zora is black and Brad feels bad having a black woman work for him. Zora is able to win Brad over with her delicious cooking and before she knows it, she is in way too deep and yearns for the days where Brad quietly ignored her.
SUBSTITUTE ME explores the topic of race in a way that I haven’t seen accomplished in modern fiction. I was lucky enough to meet the author of this book a few months ago when I went to an alumni weekend at my college, Temple University. Ms. Tharps is a journalism professor there. During the signing and panel, Tharps spoke about the inspiration for this book and how and why she decided to tackle the topic of race from both a black and white woman’s perspective.
Perhaps my favorite part of this book was the alternating chapters told from both Kate and Zora’s perspectives. This technique is done extremely well in SUBSTITUTE ME. When I finished the book, I felt like I really knew and understand both Kate and Zora. Better yet, I was able to relate to and empathize with both women. Neither were the enemy in my eyes. I rooted for them both equally. Even though they came from two different worlds, it was interesting to see that as women, we have so many similarities regardless of race.
The book takes us slowly through a year in the life of these two women. While there certainly was action in the book, I sort of enjoyed the mundane everyday-ness that we got to experience through Kate and Zora’s eyes. I especially enjoyed the scenes of Kate at work. She is a PR executive, and as a young PR professional myself, I always enjoy reading about my profession. I also enjoyed the scenes of Zora taking care of Oliver; her love for him was completely apparent- and very sweet. The scenes of Zora cooking also didn’t hurt; my stomach definitely grumbled a time or two while reading this book.
Secondary characters and side stories gave this book zest. I loved watching Zora explore her passion for cooking and starting her own business. I also grew to love the man she dated and Angel, her fellow nanny and friend. Unfortunately, we only really got to see this more fun side of Zora. The scenes of Kate mainly took place at work. It would have been nice to see Kate explore other passions.
I absolutely fell in love with New York City after reading this book. The descriptions of the gorgeous setting made me want to pack up and move to the city immediately. I also liked learning about the different neighborhoods that Kate and Zora lived in.
I really, really, really did not like the ending of this book. Without spoiling anything, I know that life isn’t perfect and that everyone doesn’t get their happy ending, but for some reason, the ending of this book really rubbed me the wrong way. When I first started reading the book, I kind of predicted the ending, but somewhere in the middle of the book, Tharps veered off into a more welcoming direction. I was bummed when what I predicted came true. After 343 pages of getting to know these two women and coming to respect them, I completely lost all respect when I closed the book. Even still, this is a beautiful story well worth reading for the simple reason that it will make you think, and will stay with you for days.
November 25, 2010
Kate Carter is ready to go back to work after maternity leave and she would like to hire a nanny. Zora Anderson, a college educated black woman, is in need of a job.
Zora was afraid of what her family thought of her chosen profession, but she didn’t let their narrow-minded opinions prevent her from doing what she loved to do. “They used to call it being a slave, but today the job is called being a nanny.” Those were Zora’s words on page 199. Nanny/Slave – I don’t see the comparison. Zora wasn’t being forced against her will to do the work she did for Kate and Brad. She chose to apply for the job and she was getting paid well. She was very good at what she did. She wasn’t just cleaning up after white people and raising their child; she was a professional and she deserved to be respected. Taking care of children takes skill and patience and lots of love for these little ones. Zora had all of that and using her talents to help a couple in need of her services was not beneath her. She had nothing to feel bad about. Now, the choice she made near the end of the story? That was something she shouldn’t have felt good about, and she didn’t.
I liked Angel (Zora’s closest friend in New York). She was a good friend to Zora and she was funny. She knew what she wanted out of life and nobody was going to stand in her way. It would have been nice if she didn’t use so much profanity, though.
Kate loved her job and she worked hard, and I admired that, but she put her work before her husband and her son. If she would have taken care of certain things herself (for instance, she should have been the one who made her husband tasty meals and had meaningful conversations with him at the dinner table), the outcome of this story could have been different. And even though Kate claimed to care about Zora, she seemed to believe a nanny was all this talented black woman could ever be, despite her dreams.
I did not like Kate’s friend Fiona, who thought she knew black women so well.
Favorable reviews helped me decide to buy this book. As I read the story, which is told from Zora and Kate’s alternating points of view, I kept thinking it was okay, but it wasn’t as entertaining or even as thought-provoking or as deep as I expected it to be. Reading about the everyday lives of the characters – their dreams and goals, their opinions about races other than their own, their professions – was kind of interesting, but there was nothing that made me eager to read on… until chapter twenty-nine (there are forty chapters). I wasn’t totally shocked by what happened, because I kind of figured it was coming, but after that I became very interested in how things were going to turn out. What choice was Zora going to make next? The ending was disappointing to me. Every feeling doesn’t have to be acted upon, especially when others will be hurt, lives altered and a relationship destroyed.
Zora was afraid of what her family thought of her chosen profession, but she didn’t let their narrow-minded opinions prevent her from doing what she loved to do. “They used to call it being a slave, but today the job is called being a nanny.” Those were Zora’s words on page 199. Nanny/Slave – I don’t see the comparison. Zora wasn’t being forced against her will to do the work she did for Kate and Brad. She chose to apply for the job and she was getting paid well. She was very good at what she did. She wasn’t just cleaning up after white people and raising their child; she was a professional and she deserved to be respected. Taking care of children takes skill and patience and lots of love for these little ones. Zora had all of that and using her talents to help a couple in need of her services was not beneath her. She had nothing to feel bad about. Now, the choice she made near the end of the story? That was something she shouldn’t have felt good about, and she didn’t.
I liked Angel (Zora’s closest friend in New York). She was a good friend to Zora and she was funny. She knew what she wanted out of life and nobody was going to stand in her way. It would have been nice if she didn’t use so much profanity, though.
Kate loved her job and she worked hard, and I admired that, but she put her work before her husband and her son. If she would have taken care of certain things herself (for instance, she should have been the one who made her husband tasty meals and had meaningful conversations with him at the dinner table), the outcome of this story could have been different. And even though Kate claimed to care about Zora, she seemed to believe a nanny was all this talented black woman could ever be, despite her dreams.
I did not like Kate’s friend Fiona, who thought she knew black women so well.
Favorable reviews helped me decide to buy this book. As I read the story, which is told from Zora and Kate’s alternating points of view, I kept thinking it was okay, but it wasn’t as entertaining or even as thought-provoking or as deep as I expected it to be. Reading about the everyday lives of the characters – their dreams and goals, their opinions about races other than their own, their professions – was kind of interesting, but there was nothing that made me eager to read on… until chapter twenty-nine (there are forty chapters). I wasn’t totally shocked by what happened, because I kind of figured it was coming, but after that I became very interested in how things were going to turn out. What choice was Zora going to make next? The ending was disappointing to me. Every feeling doesn’t have to be acted upon, especially when others will be hurt, lives altered and a relationship destroyed.
November 2, 2010
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In Lori Tharps’ new novel Substitute Me, Zora Anderson, an African American and college dropout, is having trouble; she is caught in between her overly ambitious parents and her relaxed lifestyle. She fears that her life choices do not comply with her parents’ dream for her. With no life plan, Zora runs as fast as she can away from her ambitious and driven family towards a more relaxed lifestyle. She answers an ad and becomes a nanny for a wealthy Park Slope family.
Quickly Zora transforms her lifestyle to conform to this families every whim and desire. This WASP-y Carter family has a small child, Ollie, who quickly bonds with Zora. Zora has dreams of becoming a personal chef yet her restrictive parents don’t want her to become a common day slave when they have worked hard to provide her with many more opportunities.
Brad and Kate Carter are very driven people; both are trying to search for something new and different in order to transform their lives from the mundane to a new unique lifestyle. Kate follows a different path as a working mother she falls full force back into her work and take on every new opportunity while relinquishing more and more control to her nanny. Zora becomes a dominant figure in the Carter household in many ways replacing the overbearing mother.
Each character –besides Ollie- is trying to reinvent themselves and hopes to pursue many other things in place of their mundane lives. We follow each character down a track of innovation and experience searching for their true identity. Zora is searching for more in life besides working as a nanny, something that inspires her and she emerges as a powerful character. Brad is looking for more in life then to follow down his predestined life as a WASP. Kate aspires to business perfection as well as family perfection. While the story focuses on Zora’s on life it truly give the reader insights to a world much different from their own.
Lori Tharps brings the reader on a rollercoaster ride through this family’s life and the changes and turmoil that surrounds them. Tharps’ writing is creative and thought provoking, begging the reader to engage with the literature that surrounds them. Her voice is powerful and beyond comparison to others as she approaches this topic with a new unique voice that not only intrigues the reader but a group as a whole. The character Tharps describes is realistic and unforgettable. She is able to attack tensions that have plagued society; she leaves the author questioning everything and their own decisions. Is everything attainable? Find out in Lori Tharps’ new novel Substitute Me.
In Lori Tharps’ new novel Substitute Me, Zora Anderson, an African American and college dropout, is having trouble; she is caught in between her overly ambitious parents and her relaxed lifestyle. She fears that her life choices do not comply with her parents’ dream for her. With no life plan, Zora runs as fast as she can away from her ambitious and driven family towards a more relaxed lifestyle. She answers an ad and becomes a nanny for a wealthy Park Slope family.
Quickly Zora transforms her lifestyle to conform to this families every whim and desire. This WASP-y Carter family has a small child, Ollie, who quickly bonds with Zora. Zora has dreams of becoming a personal chef yet her restrictive parents don’t want her to become a common day slave when they have worked hard to provide her with many more opportunities.
Brad and Kate Carter are very driven people; both are trying to search for something new and different in order to transform their lives from the mundane to a new unique lifestyle. Kate follows a different path as a working mother she falls full force back into her work and take on every new opportunity while relinquishing more and more control to her nanny. Zora becomes a dominant figure in the Carter household in many ways replacing the overbearing mother.
Each character –besides Ollie- is trying to reinvent themselves and hopes to pursue many other things in place of their mundane lives. We follow each character down a track of innovation and experience searching for their true identity. Zora is searching for more in life besides working as a nanny, something that inspires her and she emerges as a powerful character. Brad is looking for more in life then to follow down his predestined life as a WASP. Kate aspires to business perfection as well as family perfection. While the story focuses on Zora’s on life it truly give the reader insights to a world much different from their own.
Lori Tharps brings the reader on a rollercoaster ride through this family’s life and the changes and turmoil that surrounds them. Tharps’ writing is creative and thought provoking, begging the reader to engage with the literature that surrounds them. Her voice is powerful and beyond comparison to others as she approaches this topic with a new unique voice that not only intrigues the reader but a group as a whole. The character Tharps describes is realistic and unforgettable. She is able to attack tensions that have plagued society; she leaves the author questioning everything and their own decisions. Is everything attainable? Find out in Lori Tharps’ new novel Substitute Me.
August 12, 2010
Stop by www.notoriousspinkstalks.com to win a copy.
“Substitute Me. Looking for a nanny who will take care of my six-month-old baby as if he were her own. Five full days a week. No cooking or cleaning required. Must love children and be prepared to show it. References required.”
Be careful what you ask is so cliché, but sometimes we just want to take it all back and start over. Kate Carter doesn’t think anything of it when she placed the article in her local paper for a “substitute.” Kate’s a new mom to now six-month old, Ollie and in need of a nanny to care for him while she and her husband Brad work.
Although, she’s not sure what she wants to be when she grows up, 30-year-old Zora Anderson reassures herself regularly, “I am a good person.” After recently returning to New York to sublet her friend Sondra’s apartment, Zora needs work. So the Ann Arbor, MI native checks the classifieds. She stumbles across “substitute me” and applies. Zora is no stranger to domestic work being that she spent four years in Paris as an au pair.
Then there’s Mr. Carter. Brad’s an all around good person that usually holds everything together. His friends look to him for guidance since he’s the good one. Brad’s not convinced that hiring a nanny is the best thing. He didn’t grow up on the side of the tracks where caviar was a regular menu item and having “help” was routine. However, to please his wife, Brad agrees to the whole nanny thing.
In Substitute Me, Lori L. Tharps pulls the sheet off race relations. She talks about issues that America sometimes wants to hide or identify as playing the race card. As I often say, “The whore (America) likes to throw rocks and hide her hands.” Lori does a great job of not basing this novel around the skin color of the characters. It’s like the Carter’s just so happen to be white and Zora, black. The story line is carried in a way that the characters could have easily been all white, all black or even Asian.
Don’t’ be mistaken. When you read this novel don’t expect everything to be peachy perfect or in harmony. I cringed many times when I came across, “the help.” This book serves as a classic example of; they like you as long as they can control you or predict your actions. Don’t get it twisted, that statement is geared to any person or situation. I also really love the fact that this story resorted to love. When you love someone, you just love him or her.
“Substitute Me. Looking for a nanny who will take care of my six-month-old baby as if he were her own. Five full days a week. No cooking or cleaning required. Must love children and be prepared to show it. References required.”
Be careful what you ask is so cliché, but sometimes we just want to take it all back and start over. Kate Carter doesn’t think anything of it when she placed the article in her local paper for a “substitute.” Kate’s a new mom to now six-month old, Ollie and in need of a nanny to care for him while she and her husband Brad work.
Although, she’s not sure what she wants to be when she grows up, 30-year-old Zora Anderson reassures herself regularly, “I am a good person.” After recently returning to New York to sublet her friend Sondra’s apartment, Zora needs work. So the Ann Arbor, MI native checks the classifieds. She stumbles across “substitute me” and applies. Zora is no stranger to domestic work being that she spent four years in Paris as an au pair.
Then there’s Mr. Carter. Brad’s an all around good person that usually holds everything together. His friends look to him for guidance since he’s the good one. Brad’s not convinced that hiring a nanny is the best thing. He didn’t grow up on the side of the tracks where caviar was a regular menu item and having “help” was routine. However, to please his wife, Brad agrees to the whole nanny thing.
In Substitute Me, Lori L. Tharps pulls the sheet off race relations. She talks about issues that America sometimes wants to hide or identify as playing the race card. As I often say, “The whore (America) likes to throw rocks and hide her hands.” Lori does a great job of not basing this novel around the skin color of the characters. It’s like the Carter’s just so happen to be white and Zora, black. The story line is carried in a way that the characters could have easily been all white, all black or even Asian.
Don’t’ be mistaken. When you read this novel don’t expect everything to be peachy perfect or in harmony. I cringed many times when I came across, “the help.” This book serves as a classic example of; they like you as long as they can control you or predict your actions. Don’t get it twisted, that statement is geared to any person or situation. I also really love the fact that this story resorted to love. When you love someone, you just love him or her.
February 5, 2016
There was something about Zora, the main character, that reminded me of myself in so many ways. As a young AA woman from a middle class background who is struggling to find and accept my passion and feeling as though I'm not living up to parental expectations there were so many points in Substitute Me that reminded me of myself and the fact that I need an Angel of my own to help push me towards my best, unafraid self. I think since I see so much of myself in Zora I related to her immensely and wanted the best for her, even when it seemed she didn't deserve. I enjoyed the turn the book took and story we were invited to witness. I will say that I had issue with the race elements in the book since I found Kate to be a racist who was pretty much unchecked but, maybe that's the whole point. There are certainly people in this present day and age who believe the stereotypes that are cast at them by friends and family about certain groups of people, even when they know the difference. I found Kate quite unsympathetic in the story because I think she definitely suffered from thinking she "owned" Zora and was quick to make demands of her that were unreasonable, but seemingly justified by gifts and money (but I will say that Zora should have stood up for herself more) and she was quite dismissive of her husband and who he truly was. What I will say this reminded me of in regards to race relations was slavery and Jim Crow (and I'm sure even present day) because Kate thought Zora was good enough to watch her son, clean her house, cook her food and be in her home, but nothing beyond that and certainly nothing that anyone would find attractive outside of some other Black person like Zora. It was interesting to see race play out with Kate because we could see how she thought of Zora as she assessed her and compared her beauty to what is considered the gold standard of hetero-normative beauty, which is White, blond and thin. I wish that we could have gotten more about why Kate feels the way she does and why Brad seems to be the bleeding heart liberal - I think that could have been more beneficial than the majority of the first half of the book being taken up by mostly mundane issues of taking care of the baby and constant reminders to Zora by everyone in her life that she was not living up to her potential. Overall, it was an enjoyable ride and I'd be interested to see what happens next.
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