Some Soul to Keep

by J. California Cooper

Exuberant and heart-warming, J. California Cooper is the embodiment of the simple folk tradition in black writing associated most often with Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes. The author of seventeen plays and two novels, it is her stories of black family life in rural and small town America that have achieved the most acclaim and the broadest audience. SOME SOUL TO KEEP is amongst the finest and most enduring of her work.

Cooper writes with a transparent clarity and such high-spirited energy that her characters leap off the page, bursting with the stories they've got to tell--stories of simple people, stories of families and fate, of love and marriage, of death and the triumph of the human spirit. Cooper is that most rare and wondrous a true storyteller whose tales trace the energies of life itself.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, African American, Black Literature, Book Club, Adult, Historical Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

J. California Cooper first found acclaim as a playwright. The author of seventeen plays, she was named Black Playwright of the Year in 1978. It was through her work in the theater that she caught the attention of acclaimed poet and novelist Alice Walker. Encouraged by Walker to turn her popular storytelling skills to fiction, Cooper wrote her first collection of short stories, A Piece of Mine, in 1984. Called "rich in wisdom and insight" and "a book that's worth reading," A Piece of Mine introduced Cooper's trademark style: her intimate and energetic narration, sympathetic yet sometimes troubled characters, and the profound moral messages that underlie seemingly simple stories. Two more story collections followed on the heels of A Piece of Mine. In 1986 came Homemade Love, winner of an American Book Award, and, in 1987, Some Soul to Keep.

Reviews

[Octavia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Everybody I know, I watch their love life. That's why I know love IS life . . . but life ain't always love."

I loved every single Stitch of this Collection 💛.

I just had to take my time reading these stories since J. California Cooper literally shares her Heart and Soul through her storytelling in these stories. This Title even welcomes readers to the emotional connections that develop from this author's characters during their trying experiences with Life, Love, Death, "Passing" (racial identity), and much more.

While reading this collection of stories, I felt like I was back at my Grandmother's house; listening to her share some of her stories like she did when I was younger. This is written in a form so lovingly Rare. I embraced the Love and Wisdom within the laughter on each and every page. I also admired this author's Revelations during the painful moments of her characters. This was my first J. California Cooper book and she has already become my second favorite author. Her stories are those of everyday people that you would meet right in your own neighborhood. As a reader, you will definitely experience these characters' Joys, heartaches, struggles, and pain.

I tried my best to decide which story I appreciated and savored more. But, that was so inconceivable because each story holds its own moral principle so, Beautifully.

This Collection just Blessed me in so many ways. My goal is to read all of her novels 💛.

[Tawana · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I finished my first J. California Cooper book I knew she would be one of my favorite authors. Since finishing my second book, I'm sure she's one of my favorites! Her books are so real that from page one you are hooked into the story. I have found myself talking to friends about characters from her book like I have known them all my life. She makes me cry, laugh out loud, and dream of love while waiting patiently from my knight in shining armor. Each of her stories remind me that it isn't about the material things in life because in an instance they can be gone, but friendship, family, and people you meet along the way makes life worth living. Don't get me wrong each character experiences hardships that for me are unimaginable and those I have learned on my journey lies, deceit, heartache,depression, and death, but each character keeps going as many of us do. The rewarding part about Cooper's books is that the ending reminds you that regardless of how bad people treat you, you have to turn the other cheek, continue to be giving and loving. That in the end is the best payback.

[Crystal (Melanatedreader) Forte' · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very, very, very, very good. Cooper is the queen of southern short stories. Just perfection. She can write no wrong 🤷🏾‍♀️

[Z. · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is an easy read, but the common theme of downtrodden women finding happiness through men was a turn off.

Also, the way they speak in the book -- along the line of "I'se," "Chile" and the like -- is a turn off. I felt the it was stereotypical and wasn't necessary to get the point across.

[Lit_Vibrations · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special thanks to the author, @stmartinpress, & @netgalley for my gifted copy‼️

When I say this was by far one of the best historical short story collections I’ve come across recently I MEAN IT‼️ Some Soul to Keep was the perfect title because she only left me with a little bit the way she snatched mine with this book. I was wondering why I never saw anyone really talk about it and now realize it’s because it’s a gem from the past. A MUST READ ONE TOO.

✨Sisters of The Rain - Superior was a strong character the amount of betrayal she endured from her husband and so called friends was unimaginable.

✨The Life You Live (May Not Be Your Own)- Neither Molly nor Belle had a good man. Gravy thought he did some getting a younger woman and got treated the same way he did his wife.

✨Red-Winged Blackbirds- This one moves quickly and I felt bad the way Birdie lost her parents. Spent her whole life wanting to be loved and to love someone almost died a virgin. When she found Reva she knew she was meant to be her daughter. Reva’s situation started out just as bad.

✨About Love and MoneyLove’s Lore and Money’s Myths- This one was so crazy siblings left to fend for themselves cause dad’s in prison and mother passed away. Oh but the twists in this one will get you. The way they talked about sex was funny too and knowing the reason Doctor’s wife was cheating on him.

✨Feeling for Life- this one might get to you our MC was born blind, mother passed away, abandoned by her siblings at the church, and had a baby by the pastor. This story was the icing on the cake.

I love that everything was so fleshed out, well-written, and detailed with southern dialect making each story sound so authentic. The unforgettable characters, the suffering of Black women and their trauma, heartbreak, struggle, and pain felt so real. I wasn’t left with unanswered questions but definitely wanted more. If you’re a fan of Alice Walker, Mary Monroe, or Latoya Watkins definitely think you’d enjoy this collection.

[Ghostcat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this author for the first time and this book amazed me by its wisdom. There are a lot of little lessons on life and positivity that runs through every page. It's an ode to feminism, woman power, self respect and self-care. And at the core of these stories, the main subject is "take your own life in your own hands, don't let anyone or anything crush you under its power".
I entend to read her other works for sure, her stories will leave a print on my mind and in my heart for a long time.

[Lala · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book of short stories about the lives of different A.American characters. All written by this same author. Candid storylines. Clear discriptions that helps you create your mind's own illustrations. Some of the "short stories" could get a bit long and the storyline drawn out a bit. Also noticed that the read to be a little choppy and didn't always roll off of my tongue sometimes (or maybe it's just me), but its still a good read.

[She Reads for Jesus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book, filled with intriguing short stories that dealt with love, heartbreak, sadness, and triumph. Cooper is a talented writer who creates personable characters for the reader to relate to or get inspired from. I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates African American literature.

[Jenettha Baines · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of short stories was absolutely one of the best reads ever. The stories are captivating and the characters are very memorable. I felt like I was embodied with each leading character because I could relate in some kind of way to their lives and the situations they found themselves in. Very moving, heartfelt stories.

[Deborah Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

All her books are excellent. I love the way she develops relationships in the books. The characters are full bodied and realistic. Not just cut and dried romance. You always learn something from Ms. Coopers stories.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories in this book are wonderful. Love and life, raw, real & uneasy. I can't wait to read more of her works

[Ellice · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a certain sameness to these short stories. They almost all feature African American women protagonists who are poor, are treated badly by life, specifically by men (and sometimes by women, too), and yet surprisingly, they often find love or happiness with a man in the end (or at least through sex). As minor a point as this may seem, the abundance of exclamation points made it a little hard for me to really immerse myself in the characters' lives--in my head, I kept hearing every sentence emphasized, even when the exclamation points weren't there. Still, I feel it was worth a read as a glimpse into a world very different than the one I grew up in--I just can't get quite as enthusiastic about it as many of the other reviewers.

[Dimitri Kizer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a family and some of there generations. I can't say I was very interested in this book. It wasn't that bad but it was hard to keep up with. All of the different generations made it hard to tell who was who. But from what I understood the book was very relatable. I felt that this book was very life like.
One way I could relate to this book is all of their struggles. The first little girl had her childhood taken from her "Her face was a old face, not from lack of innocence but lack of carefree childhood and that joy of living"(Cooper,2). Also how their family members were dying in the story I can relate to that.

[Tasheika B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing if you want to read short stories and feel like you are watching a movie then this book is for you. J. Cooper has a way with words that makes you feel everything she says! She is simply the best! Queen of short stories!

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite authors. She has a way of developing characters that you want to read more about. Beautiful writing. Wonderful book.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great collection of short stories (parables) each story full of well rounded characters and a great lesson to learn. Very easy read.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good read recommend to everyone all her books are good reads.

[Barbara Washington]

I really want to read this book. I am currently reading
Hommade Love and can't wait to see how this book is written!

[Quisha Light · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I read J. California Cooper, the more I long to meet her. She has truly become my favorite writer.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it ...I fell in love with the characters as always with her novels. I understand much of the ups and the downs! I'm completely connected!!

[Dolls Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new-classic to me. It's very engaging, and draws you in. It made me instantly want more from J. California Cooper.

[L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great collection of short stories. Once again, J. California Cooper lives up to the high expectations she’s created for herself.

[Tamra Parker-davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! This is the first time that I read a book with short stories. There was a common theme and I like reading the stories of such courageous young women. A must read for all women.

[Tracey Hook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember the first time I read one of her books and how I felt as if I just ate a warm slice of apple pie. Her work is so soulful and humorous.

[Ari · Rating 3 out of 5]

"But I didn't want to live again like he could afford! I wanted what Icould afford! Then, on the other hand, I could afford him...for me. And wasn't that what I had worked for? For me?" ('About Love and Money', 149)

"Her face was an old face, not from lack of innocence but a lack of carefree childhood and that special joy of living, given almost alone, to children." ('Sisters of the Rain', 2)

SOME SOUL TO KEEP is a quiet, didactic collection of five short stories that share similar themes and story structure about southern Black women. Cooper's voice is always distinctive but this collection reminded me why I needed to take a break from trying to read her entire body of work in one year, her stories had started to all sound the same to me. This collection is a mix of bitter and sweet, most of the stories starting off with a young Black girl suffering from a tremendous loss and eventually finding her way in the world. These almost read as novellas so it makes sense that Cooper next decides to publish a novel as it feels like that's what she's working up to, these stories are more mid length than short. The stories emphasize the importance of independence, love, education and eventual comeuppance for those who've done you wrong. They're told in Cooper's signature folksy and all knowing style. There's some valuable lessons within and some great one liners that made me laugh. Read these to appreciate Cooper's voice and her contributions to the short story format and Black literature.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

“Some Soul to Keep”.  is a treasure trove of exuberant storytelling by the incomparable J. California Cooper. In this collection, she weaves five incredible short stories that explore love’s impact on family relations, friendships, and romantic entanglements.

“Layla”: A tale of forbidden love, secrets, and redemption. Cooper’s warm narration brings Layla’s spirit to life, making her leap off the page.

“The Last of the Great Love Letters”: A poignant exploration of love’s enduring power. Through letters exchanged over decades, Cooper captures the essence of longing and connection.

“The Other Woman”: A complex web of relationships unfolds as a woman grapples with her husband’s infidelity. Cooper’s characters are flawed, real, and utterly relatable.

“The Eye of the Beholder”: A story of self-discovery and acceptance. When a young woman confronts societal expectations, she finds her own path to happiness.

“Some Soul to Keep”: The title story delves into the heartache of lost love and the resilience required to move forward. Cooper’s prose is both lyrical and grounded.

With each story, Cooper invites us to sit and to be part of these lives, their struggles, and their triumphs. Her writing is a celebration of Black family life, rich in spirit and unforgettable. 🌟📖

[T.L. Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some Soul to Keep by J. California Cooper reflects life in several long short stories that are realistic enough to feel voyeuristic while simultaneously feeling symbolic of something larger. Cooper captures the essence of life in a way that pulls the reader into the hearts and minds of her characters with unrelenting tenacity and compassion. She never shies away from the pain people can inflict on one another even as she offers a sense of hope that people can survive and grow and overcome the obstacles they face. Some Soul to Keep presents multi-dimensional characters who grab hold of one's beliefs, flips them over, and turns them inside out leaving one questioning life yet somehow feeling like one understands the world just a smidgen better than before one started reading.

[Shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always I enjoy this author’s work. This was my first time reading a collection of her short stories.Not as engaging as her novels, but I still enjoyed it.
Some of the stories were very interesting but it was at times hard to follow since it was written in southern drawl. The book focused on Black women, some love,a lot of pain,some highs, & some lows. The author does a great job capturing the lives & issues that the black women during that time period endured. The stories kind of slightly sounded the same. My favorite was the last story, the story of the Blind woman, Christine.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[KKEC Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Soul to Keep J. California Cooper
This is a complication of short stories. They were intimately written, almost giving the reader a voyeuristic glimpse into the souls of the characters within.

I enjoyed how each story flowed and how the characters were developed. Cooper's writing style is brilliant: lyrical and melodic, it lulls you in and captures you with each page.

These stories are powerful, the writing superb, and the emotions raw. This is the best-written form of humanity I’ve experienced in a long time. It was almost like watching slam poetry or getting lost in delicious prose.

Publication date: December 1, 1998
Publishers: St. Martin’s Press

[Trey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been such a joy to read both Homemade Love as well as Some Soul to Keep by J. California Cooper. I was able to listen to the audio as well for Homemade Love and cannot wait to do the same with Some Soul to Keep.

As a Black American who also lives in a small town, there were so many little nods to the Black American experience in this long short story collection that I could relate to. In the author's note, J. California Cooper says "On this journey through my imagination these long-short stories came to me. They, now, come to you with pieces of my soul. So...I named this book what I offer you.... Some soul to keep." And I cannot stress just how fitting that title is. This book feels like sitting on the front porch listening to your grandma tell stories that have been passed down for generations as you watch steam build up from the gravel driveway after a quick summer storm. Literal perfection! These stories show what our ancestors have shown us, that there’s always joy and hope in the midst of pain and trials.

I am so grateful to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the chance to be an early reader. This is one of those books that will stick with you long after reading and that I will cherish forever.