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Leaving Cecil Street
A riveting tale about a back-room abortion that has devastating consequences for two teenage girls on a close knit Philadelphia block circa 1972 Block parties were king in this West Philadelphia neighborhood, especially the year Cecil Street decided to have two. These energetic, sensual street celebrations serve as backdrops to the story of best friends Neet and Shay and their families. When Neet becomes pregnant by one of the corner boys, Shay arranges an abortion that goes terribly awry when Neet begins to hemorrhage. Neet is left unable to bear children and to Shay’s horror slips under the spell of her mother Alberta’s severe, esoteric religious beliefs. Shay is left to struggle with the grief of losing a cherished friendship, while she also bears witness to the the disintegration of her parents’ marriage. The story climaxes during the second block party, during which time it is discovered that Neet and Alberta have disappeared from Cecil Street―the holy-roller mother, Alberta, having finally been set free from the shackles of her church by none other than Shay’s father.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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798 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 3, 2017
❝He'd stand out on his porch in the mellow warmth of a summer night after the Corner Boys were done. He'd transform his breaths and reconcile his past in the notes he played.❞
The scandalous, sad, and celebratory events on and around Cecil street in West Philly during one summer back in 1969.
What I Liked:
-There were several perspectives for actions going on along Cecil Street. It was especially interesting to know that Deucie was being an unseen observer to a lot of it
-The author's descriptive writing - especially whenever Joe played his horn and when the ladies were getting their hair done at the salon
What I Didn't Like:
-The depiction of southern women as slow and sex-starved
-
-There were some loose ends left hanging at the end of the book for which I felt readers should have been given a little more resolution
What I Wanted More Of:
-Satisfaction for Louise
-More insight into Neet's personality shift
-Hard to say what I felt was missing from the story, but at the end, I felt like I was being let off the bus one stop too early
I'm rating it 3 stars, which for me means, "This book was alright. Might be worth reading, but there are things about it that might keep me from recommending it to all."
The scandalous, sad, and celebratory events on and around Cecil street in West Philly during one summer back in 1969.
What I Liked:
-There were several perspectives for actions going on along Cecil Street. It was especially interesting to know that Deucie was being an unseen observer to a lot of it
-The author's descriptive writing - especially whenever Joe played his horn and when the ladies were getting their hair done at the salon
What I Didn't Like:
-The depiction of southern women as slow and sex-starved
-
-There were some loose ends left hanging at the end of the book for which I felt readers should have been given a little more resolution
What I Wanted More Of:
-Satisfaction for Louise
-More insight into Neet's personality shift
-Hard to say what I felt was missing from the story, but at the end, I felt like I was being let off the bus one stop too early
I'm rating it 3 stars, which for me means, "This book was alright. Might be worth reading, but there are things about it that might keep me from recommending it to all."
December 14, 2023
This story held so many topics, teenage dating, friendship, a botched abortion, trauma, self - acceptance, cheating spouse, and most importantly forgiveness.
🎷
Diane knows how to write a family story, written so you can understand the why’s and see the backstory unravel within the story. The craziest part was when Joe realized that playing his saxophone was something he missed, along with realizing that the grass is definitely not always greener on the other side. Louise feeling as If her appearance and her teeth may be why her husband, Joe’s attention is wandering.
🎷
Then you have Neet and Shay, best friends and neighbors since childhood. A scarred friendship after Neet’s pregnancy is dealt with and something goes wrong. Then there’s Alberta, one who had a rough childhood and turns to church hoping that this will erase her sinful past. So much that she believes her daughter should follow her steps, until the church takes her daughters “situation” too far, causing her to rethink everything, even leaving Cecil Street.
🎷
Diane knows how to write a family story, written so you can understand the why’s and see the backstory unravel within the story. The craziest part was when Joe realized that playing his saxophone was something he missed, along with realizing that the grass is definitely not always greener on the other side. Louise feeling as If her appearance and her teeth may be why her husband, Joe’s attention is wandering.
🎷
Then you have Neet and Shay, best friends and neighbors since childhood. A scarred friendship after Neet’s pregnancy is dealt with and something goes wrong. Then there’s Alberta, one who had a rough childhood and turns to church hoping that this will erase her sinful past. So much that she believes her daughter should follow her steps, until the church takes her daughters “situation” too far, causing her to rethink everything, even leaving Cecil Street.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2007
This is an amazing story about a tragedy that changes a friendship, family love/discovery, and loss. Every character plays an important role & the way the author tells the story keeps you engossed until the very end.
October 13, 2009
In her latest novel, Leaving Cecil Street, Diane McKinney-Whetstone transports the reader to 1969, suburban Philadelphia. Life is good for the residents of Cecil Street -- a neat, clean, tree-lined community filled with a close-knit group of law-abiding, hardworking middle class citizens. The story centers on two families: Joe, Louise and their daughter Shaylala (Shay) live next door to Alberta and her daughter, Bonita (Neet). Shay and Neet are best friends from infancy, but their 17-year-old bond, along with family marriage vows, religious convictions, and the neighborhood's tenacity are tested when tragedy strikes.
The novel opens in the afterglow of a festive neighborhood summer block party -- on the surface, all seems well. However, within Joe, this magical night has unleashed a longing for his first love and his balm: a mysterious prostitute named "C" and his music. He is a former tenor sax musician who seventeen years ago gave up the club life for his wife and family and now suddenly wants to pick up his horn again. He recklessly engages in an affair with a young, southern belle visiting for the summer in an attempt to recapture the freedom and passion that the previous lifestyle offered. Louise, Joe's wife, is wrestling with thoughts of Joe's fidelity and her own demons stemming from unresolved childhood issues of loss and abandonment. Alberta, harboring her own secrets, is the neighborhood outcast who emerges herself and Neet in a cult like "fire and brimstone" religion to atone for her shady past.
Like most of America at that time, Cecil Street has slowly recovered with mixed emotions in the wake of the turbulent political and social outcries that besieged the 1960's. Their hopes and dreams of a brighter and promising future are entrusted in the next generation. Outgoing Shay and reserved Neet are nice, college bound, wholesome girls idolized within the neighborhood. However, when Neet, one of Cecil Street's brightest flowers, nearly dies from a botched abortion performed in the very heart of the neighborhood, Shay and the whole of Cecil Street internalize the tragedy and are thrown back into the reality that reminds them of their shortcomings, misdeeds, and misgivings. When one of their own hurts, the neighborhood mourns and rallies to ease the pain and initiate the healing. It is in the healing that each of the characters through several subtle, yet unexpected plot twists resolves their issues with humility and dignity.
McKinney-Whetstone uses daydreaming and flashback sequences to reveal the pain of lost loves, suppressed sadness, underlying fear and insecurities of the characters. She builds delicate layers of complexity with amazing skill and delves into the emotional psyche to deliver wonderfully developed characters - a reader can clearly see their desires, needs, and understand their motivation. Reader empathy is definitely elicited in this wonderfully blended saga of love, forgiveness, and resolution.
The novel opens in the afterglow of a festive neighborhood summer block party -- on the surface, all seems well. However, within Joe, this magical night has unleashed a longing for his first love and his balm: a mysterious prostitute named "C" and his music. He is a former tenor sax musician who seventeen years ago gave up the club life for his wife and family and now suddenly wants to pick up his horn again. He recklessly engages in an affair with a young, southern belle visiting for the summer in an attempt to recapture the freedom and passion that the previous lifestyle offered. Louise, Joe's wife, is wrestling with thoughts of Joe's fidelity and her own demons stemming from unresolved childhood issues of loss and abandonment. Alberta, harboring her own secrets, is the neighborhood outcast who emerges herself and Neet in a cult like "fire and brimstone" religion to atone for her shady past.
Like most of America at that time, Cecil Street has slowly recovered with mixed emotions in the wake of the turbulent political and social outcries that besieged the 1960's. Their hopes and dreams of a brighter and promising future are entrusted in the next generation. Outgoing Shay and reserved Neet are nice, college bound, wholesome girls idolized within the neighborhood. However, when Neet, one of Cecil Street's brightest flowers, nearly dies from a botched abortion performed in the very heart of the neighborhood, Shay and the whole of Cecil Street internalize the tragedy and are thrown back into the reality that reminds them of their shortcomings, misdeeds, and misgivings. When one of their own hurts, the neighborhood mourns and rallies to ease the pain and initiate the healing. It is in the healing that each of the characters through several subtle, yet unexpected plot twists resolves their issues with humility and dignity.
McKinney-Whetstone uses daydreaming and flashback sequences to reveal the pain of lost loves, suppressed sadness, underlying fear and insecurities of the characters. She builds delicate layers of complexity with amazing skill and delves into the emotional psyche to deliver wonderfully developed characters - a reader can clearly see their desires, needs, and understand their motivation. Reader empathy is definitely elicited in this wonderfully blended saga of love, forgiveness, and resolution.
December 24, 2011
Did not expect to like this book as much as I did. I like the way the author unfolds this story
September 30, 2024
So Good
It’s been over twenty years since I read this book for the first time. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting it. The writing is so vibrant and entertaining. The characters were well developed and relatable. The plot was really interesting. It tackled hard topics without being preachy. I wanted to climb into the pages and meet the people of Cecil Street. I’m in awe of how well this book withstood the test of time. It’s still a phenomenal book.
It’s been over twenty years since I read this book for the first time. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting it. The writing is so vibrant and entertaining. The characters were well developed and relatable. The plot was really interesting. It tackled hard topics without being preachy. I wanted to climb into the pages and meet the people of Cecil Street. I’m in awe of how well this book withstood the test of time. It’s still a phenomenal book.
March 10, 2017
Leaving Cecil Street is a story about two families living side by side on a street in West Philadelphia. Shay and Neet are two seventeen-year old best friends who have lived next to each other since they were babies. Shay lives with her father Joe and mother Louise. Formerly a musician, Joe works in the subway, his wife is a nurse. While they are a close family, they are not without problems. Neet's mother, Alberta is very pious, devoted to her church which demands obedience and penitence. She dresses in black, wears no makeup, and shuns her neighbors. Neet dresses like her mother when she is at home and when she must accompany her mother to church. Once out of sight of Alberta, however, Neet changes into more "worldly" clothes and tries to live as a normal teenager. Because of her rigid, judgmental attitude, the neighbors avoid Alberta. Joe and his family are an integral part of Cecil Street as are Tim, the barber; Clara, the hairdresser; Johnetta, the gossip; and Little Freddie and the Corner boys who stand on the corner and sing do wop.
The street plays an essential part in the novel as do the characters. Commenting on writing the novel, McKinney-Whetstone says she begins with a sense of place. A street in West Philadelphia where everyone knows each other, Cecil Street is a place of safety, friendship, and camaraderie, insulated from the outside world. Everyone knows everyone's business. They have block parties and look after the youngsters on the block. The author writes about the sounds and comforting smells that permeate the air. She creates vivid images and intriguing backstories. Her characters are well-developed.
Whetstone is a first-rate writer. I was immediately drawn into her story as it sparked my memory of growing up in Harlem. The characters are real and yet unique. It's easy to identify and empathize with them and their plight. Reading the novel is like coming home, realizing that what makes a novel stand out is the unique characters, identifiable situations, but rendered in a way that appears simple yet is very complex.
The street plays an essential part in the novel as do the characters. Commenting on writing the novel, McKinney-Whetstone says she begins with a sense of place. A street in West Philadelphia where everyone knows each other, Cecil Street is a place of safety, friendship, and camaraderie, insulated from the outside world. Everyone knows everyone's business. They have block parties and look after the youngsters on the block. The author writes about the sounds and comforting smells that permeate the air. She creates vivid images and intriguing backstories. Her characters are well-developed.
Whetstone is a first-rate writer. I was immediately drawn into her story as it sparked my memory of growing up in Harlem. The characters are real and yet unique. It's easy to identify and empathize with them and their plight. Reading the novel is like coming home, realizing that what makes a novel stand out is the unique characters, identifiable situations, but rendered in a way that appears simple yet is very complex.
August 5, 2024
Confession: I am not a summer reader. I used to be but as a wife and mother to 2 young boys, summer now feels short-lived. There's too many things to do, see, and explore together to sit in one spot for too long. In fact, I find myself more excited about helping them reach their summer reading goals before diving back into my own in autumn.
However, Diane McKinney-Whetstone's Leaving Cecil Street made me question if my seasonal disinterest was a real thing. Her writing drew me in immediately.
The story begins and ends in 1968 West Philly (the setting for many of her other novels) before and after 2 summer block parties. Yet, the parties themselves are not the highlight; it's the inhabitants of the community and how their stories are intertwined (very 3 degrees of separation-ish) but also disparate. It's a story of how people become who they are because life is full of nuance.
By the time I closed the book at midnight, I felt like I was also leaving Cecil Street, saying goodbye to a life that was no longer my own. Fortunately, what will not leave me is the lesson that when we meet people, we get to know them at one mere point in their life's journey. We have no clue what they have been through, are going through, or who they will become. We also don't know how long we will be in connection with them. Regardless how short-lived those moments may seem (like the summer with my children)--it matters. Make the best of it. You never know what impact you can have on someone else’s life.
Rating: 4.5 stars, I would recommend it to all my fellow bookworms. The characters and plot were well developed and Diane's writing is descriptive without being verbose. She's been added to my list of favorite authors and I can't wait to read the rest of her novels.
However, Diane McKinney-Whetstone's Leaving Cecil Street made me question if my seasonal disinterest was a real thing. Her writing drew me in immediately.
The story begins and ends in 1968 West Philly (the setting for many of her other novels) before and after 2 summer block parties. Yet, the parties themselves are not the highlight; it's the inhabitants of the community and how their stories are intertwined (very 3 degrees of separation-ish) but also disparate. It's a story of how people become who they are because life is full of nuance.
By the time I closed the book at midnight, I felt like I was also leaving Cecil Street, saying goodbye to a life that was no longer my own. Fortunately, what will not leave me is the lesson that when we meet people, we get to know them at one mere point in their life's journey. We have no clue what they have been through, are going through, or who they will become. We also don't know how long we will be in connection with them. Regardless how short-lived those moments may seem (like the summer with my children)--it matters. Make the best of it. You never know what impact you can have on someone else’s life.
Rating: 4.5 stars, I would recommend it to all my fellow bookworms. The characters and plot were well developed and Diane's writing is descriptive without being verbose. She's been added to my list of favorite authors and I can't wait to read the rest of her novels.
August 21, 2024
It took me forever to get through this book, only because life was life-ing… but this book is a MASTERPIECE. The ending? *chef’s kiss*. Character development was 10000% the main purpose of this book. I loved that the characters were all different people by the end of the book. A little more grateful, a little more open, a little more willing to give and receive genuine love. This book was for sure a 10/10
February 18, 2020
Absolutely brilliant! This was such a beautiful read from beginning to end. I fell in love with all of the characters and enjoyed their journeys. I love the way Diane writes these stories with such rhythm and strikes emotion within myself as a reader. I think anyone can appreciate this book and will love it as much as I did.
September 1, 2023
This was a very engaging read. My book club loved it but it had some problems with the characters. I did not find the main character sympathetic. Imo. But the author’s writing kept me in the story and wanting to see it through. I would most likely recommend this book.
August 24, 2025
The Neighborhood
This was a riveting story of neighbors coming together when it really mattered.
The back stories of the characters were intriguing and complex, which made this novel an amazing narrative.
I highly recommend this deeply intense and exciting novel.
Goldie
This was a riveting story of neighbors coming together when it really mattered.
The back stories of the characters were intriguing and complex, which made this novel an amazing narrative.
I highly recommend this deeply intense and exciting novel.
Goldie
September 16, 2025
Beautiful story
Such a beautiful novel by this author. It was my first time reading anything from her and I'm glad she came recommended. Looking forward to diving into her catalog.
Such a beautiful novel by this author. It was my first time reading anything from her and I'm glad she came recommended. Looking forward to diving into her catalog.
November 8, 2017
4.5 stars
September 17, 2020
Good good good
May 14, 2021
This book was so good. ❤
July 7, 2022
3.5 stars for a compelling neighborhood-centric story based in a predominantly African American community in Philadelphia during the 1960s.
August 18, 2022
Another story of 3 degrees of seperation
August 10, 2023
2.5 Enjoyed the storytelling, but really did not like any of the characters. Almost dnf.
February 13, 2024
My favorite fiction book of all time. I keep coming back to it.
June 22, 2025
an intimate exploration of a black neighborhood and the various, colorful lives that define said community, both on their own and when intertwined with other aforementioned lives.
July 16, 2025
Great storytelling. I love reading historical fiction that takes place in my city. I plan to read all of her books.
March 21, 2022
Leaving Cecil Street
I personally enjoyed the book..it pulled at my heart strings for those who suffered life’s heartbreaking events, lost loves, abuse, wanting, givings..very good read and I felt it all.
I personally enjoyed the book..it pulled at my heart strings for those who suffered life’s heartbreaking events, lost loves, abuse, wanting, givings..very good read and I felt it all.
October 31, 2024
I wanted a more impactful conclusion that truly reflected the characters' journeys.
January 20, 2010
Author Mckinney-Whetstone has impressed me yet again with another wonderful novel about an African American community in Philadelphia. Cecil Street harbors many personalities, secrets, friendships, and enemies that the author effortlessly brings to life within the pages of the book. She introduces the reader to a long-term friendship that is tested after a brutal trauma occurs, and she displays a marriage on the verge of a significant change they may impact their future. Lessons on the idea of "right and wrong" and the decisions that impact those results are learned by the individuals who share a community. This is definately a must-read!
June 20, 2014
Another amazing book by Diane Mckinney-Whestone. This book, just like all her others are so rich in its descriptive quality. I literally saw West Philly, Cecil street and all the characters involved reading this and I found it hard to put down. The plot twists also floored me, I tried so hard spot the twists before they happened but she got me again! One question that nags at me so much though is *SPOILER ALERT* ...is Joe Neet's father??? The book hinted at it but never outright stated it, if anyone knows the answer please reply to this.
Another thoroughly enjoyable book and I will definitely be buying the only Diane Mckinney book that I have left to read: Trading Dreams at Midnight
Another thoroughly enjoyable book and I will definitely be buying the only Diane Mckinney book that I have left to read: Trading Dreams at Midnight
October 9, 2014
I read this book several years ago before joining Goodreads. Just saw it in my recommendations today. Because I'm from Philly, I love almost everything involving my fair city and this book was no exception.
Cecil Street was full of life, fun times, and houses with closets full of skeletons that refuse to stay indoors.
I absolutely loved Alberta. She didn't fit in with the neighbors and didn't seem to mind. Frankly, all of the characters are multi-layered. I loved the flow of the story and how you could not really look ahead to see the inter-twinings.
Very good read. Highly recommend.
Cecil Street was full of life, fun times, and houses with closets full of skeletons that refuse to stay indoors.
I absolutely loved Alberta. She didn't fit in with the neighbors and didn't seem to mind. Frankly, all of the characters are multi-layered. I loved the flow of the story and how you could not really look ahead to see the inter-twinings.
Very good read. Highly recommend.
November 19, 2008
I Loved this book! I just finished it and I was so into it that I just couldn't put it down. It's one of those books tha will take you on an emotional roller coaster. i laughed and cryed with the book. There was even a little mystery that kept me trying to make connections about the relationships of the characters. I highly suggest this book. It's definitely a page turner that will keep you hanging on every word and make you never want to put it down. The only thing I didn't like about this book was the fact that it ended.
May 3, 2018
I'm on page 45 of 320 of Leaving Cecil Street: Wow do i love this book, I am just on page 20 but already it brings back so many memories of the times. I realized that the book is fiction but the writing is so good. From 1967 until 1971 I was a teenager and actually grew up just one and half blocks from Cecil street. I know all the references and the name changes of some of the landmarks. I look forward to being teleported back to that time again
August 22, 2012
This book was interesting. It was set in Philadelphia which I am from Philly. To read about areas you know about was great. The characters were interesting and set in the 60s. I remember some of the events that occur in this book from my parents. The story has a very intriguing story line. You have to read it to understand what I mean. Happy reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews