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Meant to Be: A Novel
In a novel reminiscent of the work of Maya Angelou and Ntozake Shange, Rita Coburn Whack tells the story of how a young woman’s spiritual awakening leads her to maturity and self-fulfillment.
When Meant to Be opens, thirteen-year-old Patience Jan Campbell is called upon to read and interpret her favorite scripture for the church “I think this scripture means that children know every shut eye ain’t sleep and every head bowed ain’t praying, so grown-ups ain’t fooling us or God. . . . So nobody should hold a child back from God just ’cause they may be having trouble finding Him.”
But a traumatic experience causes Jan to stumble and lose her “voice.” Unable to turn to those around her, she calls for her grandmother Hannah—who died before Jan was born—in prayer. Unbeknownst to Jan, Hannah does come, and through her wise eyes we follow Jan into her early twenties as she moves to the big city, goes to college, and begins a career. A reflective father, a misunderstood mother, a sage aunt, and two pivotal lovers all build emotional bridges that help Jan progress on her journey to womanhood.
When Meant to Be opens, thirteen-year-old Patience Jan Campbell is called upon to read and interpret her favorite scripture for the church “I think this scripture means that children know every shut eye ain’t sleep and every head bowed ain’t praying, so grown-ups ain’t fooling us or God. . . . So nobody should hold a child back from God just ’cause they may be having trouble finding Him.”
But a traumatic experience causes Jan to stumble and lose her “voice.” Unable to turn to those around her, she calls for her grandmother Hannah—who died before Jan was born—in prayer. Unbeknownst to Jan, Hannah does come, and through her wise eyes we follow Jan into her early twenties as she moves to the big city, goes to college, and begins a career. A reflective father, a misunderstood mother, a sage aunt, and two pivotal lovers all build emotional bridges that help Jan progress on her journey to womanhood.
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 12, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 17, 2018
The author takes us back to a time when things were different. Different because of the circumstances for people of color and because of beliefs and nurturing. In this case we watch as Jan goes through her own life challenges and growing pains. We watch as her decisions lead her on different paths. Then we see Jan's life and choices from the view point of her celestial grandmother Hanna. The feel and message of the book deepens as does the journey. I love the place this author takes me too. Yes it is still before my time but not by much and the association is there. A simpler time yet so complicated as relayed in this story.
My first read by this author and I have completely enjoyed it. Her flow and dialogue takes me back to listening to stories from my grand parents or sitting and drinking lemonade in their backyard. We may not always make good choices but we always return to our roots and right where we are meant to be.
My first read by this author and I have completely enjoyed it. Her flow and dialogue takes me back to listening to stories from my grand parents or sitting and drinking lemonade in their backyard. We may not always make good choices but we always return to our roots and right where we are meant to be.
March 5, 2018
Warm, evocative and lyrical
I really enjoyed this book. The writing evoked rich memories of childhood. A beautiful and deeply spiritual read. Highly recommended!
I really enjoyed this book. The writing evoked rich memories of childhood. A beautiful and deeply spiritual read. Highly recommended!
January 22, 2022
This book was pretty good
December 4, 2016
Beautiful!
I didn't know where this book was going, but when I got to the part where Hannah comes in, u became mesmerized. Hannah is the dead grandmother of PJ. When she is introduced she talks about Earth people (the living) and the prayers and how they are received in heaven:
"And children, fresh from the place where they were created, pray simple prayers that rise with such clarity, many of us stand still to absorb every word and watch colors that shame rainbows. Often, in unassuming phrases that light our laughter, their wants for wisdom, love, and understanding beam forth, cleaning the floors of heaven, polishing them with youthful light. These prayers beam and in faith linger, until an angel grabs each request with both hands and is dispatched to answer."
So many life lessons. My main thing I took away is this: yes young people have to have their own journey, but it helps when there is someone to guide and advise to help minimize the foolishness and confusion. Some things can be resolved with a simple - or difficult - conversation. I really enjoyed this book.
I didn't know where this book was going, but when I got to the part where Hannah comes in, u became mesmerized. Hannah is the dead grandmother of PJ. When she is introduced she talks about Earth people (the living) and the prayers and how they are received in heaven:
"And children, fresh from the place where they were created, pray simple prayers that rise with such clarity, many of us stand still to absorb every word and watch colors that shame rainbows. Often, in unassuming phrases that light our laughter, their wants for wisdom, love, and understanding beam forth, cleaning the floors of heaven, polishing them with youthful light. These prayers beam and in faith linger, until an angel grabs each request with both hands and is dispatched to answer."
So many life lessons. My main thing I took away is this: yes young people have to have their own journey, but it helps when there is someone to guide and advise to help minimize the foolishness and confusion. Some things can be resolved with a simple - or difficult - conversation. I really enjoyed this book.
March 25, 2015
Well written book depicting a young woman's journey to find herself, find her voice and evolve into who she is meant to be with help from her parents, extended family, lovers, jobs and the protective watchful spirits of her ancestors. Subdued but good story line.
June 17, 2011
Very confusing did not enjoy the story.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews