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Life Is Short But Wide
Beloved writer J. California Cooper has won a legion of loyal fans and much critical acclaim for her powerful storytelling gifts. In language both spare and direct yet wondrously lyrical, LIFE IS SHORT BUT WIDE is an irresistible story of family that proves no matter who you are or what you do, you are never too old to chase your dreams.
Like the small towns J. California Cooper has so vividly portrayed in her previous novels and story collections, Wideland, Oklahoma, is home to ordinary Americans struggling to raise families, eke out a living, and fulfill their dreams. In the early twentieth century, Irene and Val fall in love in Wideland. While carving out a home for themselves, they also allow neighbors Bertha and Joseph to build a house and live on their land. The next generation brings two girls for Irene and Val, and a daughter for Bertha and Joseph. As the families cope with the hardships that come with changing times and fortunes, and people are born and pass away, the characters learn the importance of living one’s life boldly and squeezing out every possible moment of joy.
Cooper brilliantly captures the cadences of the South and draws a picture of American life at once down-to-earth and heartwarming in this-as her wise narrator will tell you-“strange, sad, kind’a beautiful, life story.” It is a story about love that leads to the ultimate realization that whoever you are, and whatever you do, life is short, but it is also wide.
Like the small towns J. California Cooper has so vividly portrayed in her previous novels and story collections, Wideland, Oklahoma, is home to ordinary Americans struggling to raise families, eke out a living, and fulfill their dreams. In the early twentieth century, Irene and Val fall in love in Wideland. While carving out a home for themselves, they also allow neighbors Bertha and Joseph to build a house and live on their land. The next generation brings two girls for Irene and Val, and a daughter for Bertha and Joseph. As the families cope with the hardships that come with changing times and fortunes, and people are born and pass away, the characters learn the importance of living one’s life boldly and squeezing out every possible moment of joy.
Cooper brilliantly captures the cadences of the South and draws a picture of American life at once down-to-earth and heartwarming in this-as her wise narrator will tell you-“strange, sad, kind’a beautiful, life story.” It is a story about love that leads to the ultimate realization that whoever you are, and whatever you do, life is short, but it is also wide.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published March 24, 2009
170 people are currently reading
1606 people want to read
About the author
J. California Cooper
24 books770 followersJ. 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
May 5, 2015
Another great book by J. California Cooper. If you're of fan of JCC, then I would highly recommend reading and/or listening to this audio book.
October 11, 2009
Author J. California Cooper takes us to Wideland, Oklahoma to chronicle the lives, loves, and losses of two families in her latest offering entitled, Life Is Short But Wide. A 91 year-old narrates the story and immediately espouses Cooper's signature edicts of loving life, yourself, one another, and God. The "do right," work hard, save money, importance of education, etc. lessons are also overtly and repeatedly layered in the stories of Val and Irene, Joseph and Bertha, and their children. Their courtships and hardships are fodder for the take-away lessons of living life to the fullest and appreciating who and what one has in life.
Those familiar with Cooper's earlier work might experience deja vu with this new release. The characters evoke familiar auras of protagonists past; even their actions and reactions to physical, financial, and social challenges were evidenced in similar backgrounds and scenarios in The Wake of the Wind, In Search of Satisfaction, and Family. The reading experience is further diluted with some elongated passages and a tad too much repetition for this reader's liking. Of course, this will not deter die-hard fans of the author who will want to purchase the novel to complete their collection. However, newcomers might want to consider this literary legend's earlier works to experience her trademark bits of heart-warming anecdotes, down-to-earth wisdom, and folksy advice.
Those familiar with Cooper's earlier work might experience deja vu with this new release. The characters evoke familiar auras of protagonists past; even their actions and reactions to physical, financial, and social challenges were evidenced in similar backgrounds and scenarios in The Wake of the Wind, In Search of Satisfaction, and Family. The reading experience is further diluted with some elongated passages and a tad too much repetition for this reader's liking. Of course, this will not deter die-hard fans of the author who will want to purchase the novel to complete their collection. However, newcomers might want to consider this literary legend's earlier works to experience her trademark bits of heart-warming anecdotes, down-to-earth wisdom, and folksy advice.
March 6, 2015
The narrator of this beautiful story is a ninety year old woman that is recounting her history. Slavery, love and redemption correlate the story as she takes the reader on a journey on the people that paved the way for her life. Starting with Irene who falls in love with a man named Val in the early twentieth century. Despite the love that she has for him, she makes it clear that she is not going to be anyone's slave. Teaching him how to read and write is one of the benefits of their relationship, but Irene's family think that she is moving too quickly. Uncertain where her future is going to go, she puts her life in the hands of God and this trusted companion that she loves. Faith, love and tragic circumstances occur in this beautifully written story!
I guess the fair question is why the average rating? Well it had way too many characters to keep up with,I was confused which one was speaking. It would have been better if it was divided into parts, instead of the concise chapters. Also I felt that Irene and Val story was not as explored as I would have liked, so that really contributed to the average rating. Despite those minor things, this was a beautiful book that will appeal to all ages.
I do plan to read novels by Cooper, her writing style is very unique and luring.
I guess the fair question is why the average rating? Well it had way too many characters to keep up with,I was confused which one was speaking. It would have been better if it was divided into parts, instead of the concise chapters. Also I felt that Irene and Val story was not as explored as I would have liked, so that really contributed to the average rating. Despite those minor things, this was a beautiful book that will appeal to all ages.
I do plan to read novels by Cooper, her writing style is very unique and luring.
August 28, 2010
I like a good character study, and was looking forward to this story of the lives of a small neighborhood of family (biological and "lifelong friend" family) in Oklahoma. The beginning of the book was adequate to keep me interested, but nothing that really stood out as outstanding. In the middle, I did come to care for the characters and was engaged in their stories and what would happen to them.
I personally felt like things fell apart in the last quarter or so of the book. All of the sudden Cooper relied really heavily on "character talking to self" to further the plot and catch the reader up on action that had taken place as time passed. I'm not a big fan.
My other problem with the last part of the book was that there were multiple (TOO many) references to what I imagine are the author's socio-political and religious opinions randomly included in the text. The action is moving along and then there is a 2 page interruption to talk about President Reagan and how Republicans are screwing the poor and middle class, or the last chapter of the book which seemed to be the author taking her chance to share the "testimony" of the Jehovah's Witness faith. No thank you. And, while not a J.H., I didn't even disagree with a lot of the positions, just didn't think they were worked into the story well.
My last problem: one of the main reasons I was interested in reading the book is because the narrator is a 90+ year old woman from the town. Only, this fact barely played into the story at all. It was mentioned a few times as an aside and there were a few occasions where the language used was, I guess, supposed to reference an elderly woman or someone born in the south of the early 1900's, but it didn't add much to the story.
Overall, I did not dislike the book. I liked many of the characters, the flow of the narrative (other than the previously mentioned instances), the overall story. I probably would NOT recommend it to friends, though, because of the philosophical wanderings of the last section, which most of my friends wouldn't agree with or appreciate, I don't think.
I personally felt like things fell apart in the last quarter or so of the book. All of the sudden Cooper relied really heavily on "character talking to self" to further the plot and catch the reader up on action that had taken place as time passed. I'm not a big fan.
My other problem with the last part of the book was that there were multiple (TOO many) references to what I imagine are the author's socio-political and religious opinions randomly included in the text. The action is moving along and then there is a 2 page interruption to talk about President Reagan and how Republicans are screwing the poor and middle class, or the last chapter of the book which seemed to be the author taking her chance to share the "testimony" of the Jehovah's Witness faith. No thank you. And, while not a J.H., I didn't even disagree with a lot of the positions, just didn't think they were worked into the story well.
My last problem: one of the main reasons I was interested in reading the book is because the narrator is a 90+ year old woman from the town. Only, this fact barely played into the story at all. It was mentioned a few times as an aside and there were a few occasions where the language used was, I guess, supposed to reference an elderly woman or someone born in the south of the early 1900's, but it didn't add much to the story.
Overall, I did not dislike the book. I liked many of the characters, the flow of the narrative (other than the previously mentioned instances), the overall story. I probably would NOT recommend it to friends, though, because of the philosophical wanderings of the last section, which most of my friends wouldn't agree with or appreciate, I don't think.
June 9, 2015
2.5 stars.
I wanted to like this more than I did. I really thought I would love it. It even had a great title.
I did enjoy the narration in this. It was a story that spanned multiple generations that contained both the good and the bad. I also liked the journey the characters were on. It felt meaningful.
What I didn’t like, is that the plot seemed to be all over the place. I wish it had been reigned in and tightened up. There were so many people in this that the specifics were spread a little thin. Because of that, it lacked a punch. With so many characters, there were a lot of threads that needed more substance. Also, many of the lives of some of the characters were identical to others. So in that respect it felt kind of long towards the end because it just seemed like more of the same.
There were also details that didn't add much to the characters or the feel of the story. That kind of detail is a pet peeve of mine.
While I appreciated the overall life-thoughts that emerged, I will have to settle on 2 stars.
I wanted to like this more than I did. I really thought I would love it. It even had a great title.
I did enjoy the narration in this. It was a story that spanned multiple generations that contained both the good and the bad. I also liked the journey the characters were on. It felt meaningful.
What I didn’t like, is that the plot seemed to be all over the place. I wish it had been reigned in and tightened up. There were so many people in this that the specifics were spread a little thin. Because of that, it lacked a punch. With so many characters, there were a lot of threads that needed more substance. Also, many of the lives of some of the characters were identical to others. So in that respect it felt kind of long towards the end because it just seemed like more of the same.
There were also details that didn't add much to the characters or the feel of the story. That kind of detail is a pet peeve of mine.
While I appreciated the overall life-thoughts that emerged, I will have to settle on 2 stars.
May 25, 2016
When I started reading this book, I had no idea that I would finish it in one day. Life is Short But Wide" by J. California Cooper is a complicated romance novel that leaves you wondering so much.
As I maneuvered through "Life is Short But Wide", I felt the pain that Cooper was describing. The grief, the abuse, and the poison are all elements of the book that made me cringe. Cooper forced me to question human nature. How can someone be evil or selfish or uncaring? What motivates someone to be full of spite?
In "Life is Short But Wide", Cooper tells a story that makes you crave true love. She gives you hope that real love is possible. I could relate to both Herman's desires, as well as Myine. The ending of the text was everything I hoped it to be, but ironically, it made me appreciate the beginning even more. I love stories that end on a happy note.
If I continue writing more, I will have to include spoilers. However, I must say that J. California Cooper is a masterful storyteller, who did not disappoint me in "Life is Short But Wide."
As I maneuvered through "Life is Short But Wide", I felt the pain that Cooper was describing. The grief, the abuse, and the poison are all elements of the book that made me cringe. Cooper forced me to question human nature. How can someone be evil or selfish or uncaring? What motivates someone to be full of spite?
In "Life is Short But Wide", Cooper tells a story that makes you crave true love. She gives you hope that real love is possible. I could relate to both Herman's desires, as well as Myine. The ending of the text was everything I hoped it to be, but ironically, it made me appreciate the beginning even more. I love stories that end on a happy note.
If I continue writing more, I will have to include spoilers. However, I must say that J. California Cooper is a masterful storyteller, who did not disappoint me in "Life is Short But Wide."
April 15, 2013
I am a big fan of J. California Cooper and her short story anthologies. However, this is the first actual novel that I have read of Cooper's.
This book is a historical journey that reaches across a few generations. It tells of two sisters that grow up and take very different paths. The story mostly follows Rose, the sister that stays home. Ultimately, it ends up being a story of how Rose finds her true love.
This was an interesting enough story with a lot of people and situations to follow throughout the story. Keeping up with all of the people can get cumbersome at times. Some of the characters were interesting, and that is enough to keep reading. I liked the narrator, but she is just an onlooker and not one of the important characters of the book.
Towards the end of the book, it loses the flow as the author takes the time to include a religious discussion between two of the characters. It seemed like an attempt for the author to show her personal religious beliefs within the book, but it did not really fit in well. The book should have really ended with the two loves finding each other.
If you are familiar with J. California Cooper, then this book will seem similar to others that she has written. That is actually a good thing because she does write good stories. I may try another novel, but, so far, I am still partial to the short story collections.
This book is a historical journey that reaches across a few generations. It tells of two sisters that grow up and take very different paths. The story mostly follows Rose, the sister that stays home. Ultimately, it ends up being a story of how Rose finds her true love.
This was an interesting enough story with a lot of people and situations to follow throughout the story. Keeping up with all of the people can get cumbersome at times. Some of the characters were interesting, and that is enough to keep reading. I liked the narrator, but she is just an onlooker and not one of the important characters of the book.
Towards the end of the book, it loses the flow as the author takes the time to include a religious discussion between two of the characters. It seemed like an attempt for the author to show her personal religious beliefs within the book, but it did not really fit in well. The book should have really ended with the two loves finding each other.
If you are familiar with J. California Cooper, then this book will seem similar to others that she has written. That is actually a good thing because she does write good stories. I may try another novel, but, so far, I am still partial to the short story collections.
March 17, 2011
Maybe I shouldn't have purchased a reader, but just kept borrowing from the library....I feel I have to finish a book I don't even like, just because I have purchased it! Crazy, I know. I really do love "folksy" books ("Cold Sassy Tree" and "Enemy Women" are two of my all-time favorites). This book, however, was disjointed, inappropriately folksy, and boring. Added to that, there were a lot of outright comments against conservatism, and in the end a long "commercial" for the Jehovah Witness Church. Please just give me the story, and I will form my own opinions. I won't read a book by this author again.
December 28, 2009
Really enjoyed this book at the outset but as it went along I felt like the author spent way too much time on a lot of unnecessary narrative. It ended on a bad note for me when the author rambled for pages on a completely disjointed character epiphany. It was a nice story but needed some fine tuning and EDITING!
February 3, 2013
Although this book is well written, and at times interesting, I found it to be tedious (very repetitious) and I found then ending to be very preachy. It was as if the author was trying to convert readers to become Jehovah's Witnesses! It's too bad because I have long enjoyed many of her books-- they have been some of my favorites of all time! I'll stick with her earlier works!
July 23, 2018
I didn’t care for the writing style. It is very abrupt, short sentences like a child would write. A lot of repetition and preachy.
March 7, 2019
This book is told over generations. It’s like your grandma is sitting with you Saturday morning telling you the back story on various small town folks. You can’t believe the drama found right down the street! I enjoyed the narration, historical context and characters. The story revealed over and over the source of true happiness and how precious commitment is between two people. It illustrates how one can be poor in wealth but rich in spirit. As I was reading I recognized tenacious faith and resilience to focus on hope through life’s challenges.
I’ve had a goal to be more aware of unconscious bias since reading Great Small Things. Books by authors Zora Neale Hurston and this author give me a new lens on race. Acknowledging different traditions and experiences is important to expand our awareness. I don’t think reading books by African American authors who write about growing up and being in the world make me an expert or removes unconscious bias, but I do think it helps my north lander Caucasian self step out of my zone.
I’ve had a goal to be more aware of unconscious bias since reading Great Small Things. Books by authors Zora Neale Hurston and this author give me a new lens on race. Acknowledging different traditions and experiences is important to expand our awareness. I don’t think reading books by African American authors who write about growing up and being in the world make me an expert or removes unconscious bias, but I do think it helps my north lander Caucasian self step out of my zone.
October 28, 2012
This was an interesting story. I liked the style in which the story was told. I felt that there was a lot of sadness, loss and grief in this story, but the happy ending made the story worthwhile. I liked the fact that the story had a nice theme of love, family & friendship. It helped to balance out the sadness and misfortune.
I liked that the setting of this story was in Oklahoma. I lived there for almost ten years. I finally moved to another state in 2009. Like some of the characters in the story, I felt that it was a little hard to get away from there. Now that I moved away, I realized that I kind of liked it there. It wasn't bad at all, there was a certain amount of peace there (at least in the city that I lived in). This helped me to feel a little more connected to the story.
I think the narrator did a great job reading and telling the story. I liked the way she portrayed the characters with her voice and tone.
This was my first read by J. California Cooper and I liked it very much. In the future, I plan to read more of her novels.
I liked that the setting of this story was in Oklahoma. I lived there for almost ten years. I finally moved to another state in 2009. Like some of the characters in the story, I felt that it was a little hard to get away from there. Now that I moved away, I realized that I kind of liked it there. It wasn't bad at all, there was a certain amount of peace there (at least in the city that I lived in). This helped me to feel a little more connected to the story.
I think the narrator did a great job reading and telling the story. I liked the way she portrayed the characters with her voice and tone.
This was my first read by J. California Cooper and I liked it very much. In the future, I plan to read more of her novels.
September 8, 2009
I haven't read Cooper in many years, mainly because I found her use of exclamation points annoying. (Yes, I read the Writer's Chronicle article and I understand why she uses them. They still bug.) I read this for book group and honestly...I forgot about these people as soon as I closed the book. Maybe it needed more exclamation points? The dialogue definitely needed more apostrophes.
SPOILER*****
What was the point of the outside narrator? I kept expecting her to play some major role -- like, she was someone's best friend, or even someone's cousin -- but all she did was narrate! Was she even necessary?
SPOILER*****
What was the point of the outside narrator? I kept expecting her to play some major role -- like, she was someone's best friend, or even someone's cousin -- but all she did was narrate! Was she even necessary?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2018
20% Done: Ah hell, cut him Rose, cut him!
46% Done: Now I'm irritated. Not in a "I hate this book" type of way but at what's going on it this story. I wanna fight someone right now. lol
52% Done: RAGE
64% Done: Finally!! Cuss her ass out T!
4.5 Stars: This book made me go through a myriad of emotions. At first I thought I was going to be angry the whole book because let's be honest some books are all about black pain but I soon found myself saddened, then exposed, nostalgic and the list goes on. By the end I found myself joyful! LOL. I never would have expected that journey for me. I'm a new JCC reader but I am curious about her work so I'll be reading more soon.
46% Done: Now I'm irritated. Not in a "I hate this book" type of way but at what's going on it this story. I wanna fight someone right now. lol
52% Done: RAGE
64% Done: Finally!! Cuss her ass out T!
4.5 Stars: This book made me go through a myriad of emotions. At first I thought I was going to be angry the whole book because let's be honest some books are all about black pain but I soon found myself saddened, then exposed, nostalgic and the list goes on. By the end I found myself joyful! LOL. I never would have expected that journey for me. I'm a new JCC reader but I am curious about her work so I'll be reading more soon.
July 3, 2017
This was the first book I've ever read by J. California Cooper. I've known about her all of my life but never got around to reading any of her books until now.
Life is Short But Wide is the perfect title for this book. All of its characters go through life, some of them living their dreams, others letting their own self-limiting beliefs delay their dreams, and yet others letting their environment trick them into believing that pursuing dreams is a luxury they can't afford.
The book is narrated by an elderly woman who imparts her wisdom throughout the book. This was a very enjoyable read. The only reason I gave it four stars was because at the end I felt I was being preached to. J. California Cooper definitely highlights the struggle that Black people go through, and I appreciate that. But the last few pages seemed to be her, and not her characters, that were doing the talking.
I will definitely be reading more of her books.
Life is Short But Wide is the perfect title for this book. All of its characters go through life, some of them living their dreams, others letting their own self-limiting beliefs delay their dreams, and yet others letting their environment trick them into believing that pursuing dreams is a luxury they can't afford.
The book is narrated by an elderly woman who imparts her wisdom throughout the book. This was a very enjoyable read. The only reason I gave it four stars was because at the end I felt I was being preached to. J. California Cooper definitely highlights the struggle that Black people go through, and I appreciate that. But the last few pages seemed to be her, and not her characters, that were doing the talking.
I will definitely be reading more of her books.
June 20, 2017
All the characters in this book have hard lives. It follows several generations in a family. They work hard to try to survive and are often did wrong. They try to always do what's right and keep God in mind. It covers several family relationships and romances. You see several characters from childhood to death. Some die from old age. Others die too soon. Basically, I think the point is just how difficult yet fulfilling life can be and also maintain your faith.
August 13, 2011
J. California Cooper is a phenomenal writer. She inspires and motivates inside her short stories and novels, through her characters. This book was no exception. Unfortunately, I still enjoy her short stories better than her novels.
This book discussed how these families lived, how lives came together through the journey of life, and how love never grows old or dies. This book was very depressing and stressful in some parts. Having to read about how a young girl was sold away from her family because of some gold-digging woman who was only trying to capitalize on deranged and murderous opportunities. It was just such a shame reading how people desire love so much that they will literally give away their life in pursuit or in the hopes of getting a slice of love... not really being proactive and aggressive in getting what they want... but to settle, and be miserable.
I was shocked and appalled by how people mistreat others, how selfish people can be, and how life does not stand still for nobody. I appreciated a happy ending in this story though. Reading about the successes helped in relieving the anger, disappointment, and sorrow for the terrible things that happened.
There were several quotes that got me through this book with a great attitude. Again, J. California Cooper is an extraordinary motivator. I loved picking up small tidbits here and there to share with others. One of my favorite quotes are: "Be something besides born." This book shared many life lessons, advice, and examples of what love should and should not look like.
Pretty engaging story throughout. Told from the perspective of a narrator. I would recommend this book to other J. California Cooper readers. I rate this book a 4.
This book discussed how these families lived, how lives came together through the journey of life, and how love never grows old or dies. This book was very depressing and stressful in some parts. Having to read about how a young girl was sold away from her family because of some gold-digging woman who was only trying to capitalize on deranged and murderous opportunities. It was just such a shame reading how people desire love so much that they will literally give away their life in pursuit or in the hopes of getting a slice of love... not really being proactive and aggressive in getting what they want... but to settle, and be miserable.
I was shocked and appalled by how people mistreat others, how selfish people can be, and how life does not stand still for nobody. I appreciated a happy ending in this story though. Reading about the successes helped in relieving the anger, disappointment, and sorrow for the terrible things that happened.
There were several quotes that got me through this book with a great attitude. Again, J. California Cooper is an extraordinary motivator. I loved picking up small tidbits here and there to share with others. One of my favorite quotes are: "Be something besides born." This book shared many life lessons, advice, and examples of what love should and should not look like.
Pretty engaging story throughout. Told from the perspective of a narrator. I would recommend this book to other J. California Cooper readers. I rate this book a 4.
January 12, 2014
shelfnotes.com
January 10, 2014
Dear Reader,
This was an another audiobook find that I stumbled across on my local library's Overdrive site. I don't know that I would have come across it otherwise, but I am glad I did - and that I gave it a fair shake, because it almost immediately turned me off with religious talk: I thought it might not be my kind of book. But, ultimately, the God talk was pretty limited, and did all work with the theme and feel of the book, so I am glad I stuck with it. Cooper is a prize-winning poet, and you can hear that in her writing.
I actually finished this book in mid-December, but it's taken me a long time to write about it. I am not sure why. It was a great story - an epic look at three generations of a family (and their loved ones, who are simply extended family to them) which settled in the midwest around the turn of the century. Irene and Val begin the family, purchasing a house and some land and settling down in Wideland, even though Val travels often for his cowherding work. The book leads you through this family's joys, triumphs, and of course tragedies. It's fascinating to watch promising young people grow up, some failing in life and in love. Ultimately, those with good hearts and morals really do succeed, even though they bear their share of misfortune. The title of the book is very approrpriate; there are many short lives in the story, but their histories are very far-reaching. As in real life, their stories overlap and interweave and become something entirely whole, outside of the individual. It was a great listen, and I might check out more of Cooper's writing in the future.
Yours,
Arianna
January 10, 2014
Dear Reader,
This was an another audiobook find that I stumbled across on my local library's Overdrive site. I don't know that I would have come across it otherwise, but I am glad I did - and that I gave it a fair shake, because it almost immediately turned me off with religious talk: I thought it might not be my kind of book. But, ultimately, the God talk was pretty limited, and did all work with the theme and feel of the book, so I am glad I stuck with it. Cooper is a prize-winning poet, and you can hear that in her writing.
I actually finished this book in mid-December, but it's taken me a long time to write about it. I am not sure why. It was a great story - an epic look at three generations of a family (and their loved ones, who are simply extended family to them) which settled in the midwest around the turn of the century. Irene and Val begin the family, purchasing a house and some land and settling down in Wideland, even though Val travels often for his cowherding work. The book leads you through this family's joys, triumphs, and of course tragedies. It's fascinating to watch promising young people grow up, some failing in life and in love. Ultimately, those with good hearts and morals really do succeed, even though they bear their share of misfortune. The title of the book is very approrpriate; there are many short lives in the story, but their histories are very far-reaching. As in real life, their stories overlap and interweave and become something entirely whole, outside of the individual. It was a great listen, and I might check out more of Cooper's writing in the future.
Yours,
Arianna
December 25, 2016
Although I love JCC, this was not amongst my favourite reads. The main characters were good, honest and likeable but were beset by way too many misfortunes which resulted in their demise and replacement of the main characters twice. The last two main characters Herman and Mynne were okay - well Herman had the potential to be absolutely loveable and I think opportunities to exploit this promise were missed. Mynne on the other hand, although not a weak character, she did not make any resounding statement.
A special mention must be made of Tonya, the main nemesis - I was rooting for her to get a worthy comeuppance but in the end I did not think that the penalty was apt.
I liked how the novel ended but I was not left with a desire to mull it over and again as happens when I have finished reading a really gripping tale.
A special mention must be made of Tonya, the main nemesis - I was rooting for her to get a worthy comeuppance but in the end I did not think that the penalty was apt.
I liked how the novel ended but I was not left with a desire to mull it over and again as happens when I have finished reading a really gripping tale.
September 25, 2014
I have to admit, I was drawn to this book simply by the title, so simple yet so true. I'd never read this author before and was pleasantly surprised by her storytelling ability. I found myself drawn into each character in the small town of Wideland,Oklahoma. Amidst lifes tragedies there is always so much beauty, if only one is able to recognize it. It was a sad yet hopeful story... and I quite like the story of folks finding a passionate love pass what most would deem their prime. "Life is Short, But Wide" - really enjoyed it!
March 3, 2017
I normally love anything by J. California Cooper, but I just couldn't connect with this book. Maybe I'm the wrong audience (I never could get into romance, and a love story underpins the book.)
The writing and characters are, as usual with JCC, knockouts. The voices were so bright, and the characters diverse and endearing. But plot-wise, nothing much happened. These people fell in love and get married and had kids. Then these people fell in love and got married and built a house and had kids. Wash, rinse, repeat.
The writing and characters are, as usual with JCC, knockouts. The voices were so bright, and the characters diverse and endearing. But plot-wise, nothing much happened. These people fell in love and get married and had kids. Then these people fell in love and got married and built a house and had kids. Wash, rinse, repeat.
May 7, 2009
Growing up my mom had just about all of J. California Cooper's books and I happily read them. I was excited when I found out there was a new one out and it more than lived up to my expectations. I could barely put it down for want of finishing it. Nobody spins life lessons and love stories into 1 quite like this author.
January 26, 2010
written from the perspective of the poor black community beginning in the 1930's on, this is the story of one family "just livin'". wonderful vocabulary and cadence bring you into the heart of their experiences; their heartbreaks and victories, their loves and losses. I say read it to open your mind and heart to a world most of us will never know.
September 30, 2009
This book was different from what I expected, or maybe it's just that it's been so long since I put it on my list that I forgot what it was about! It kept me interested in the characters though :)
December 26, 2014
Re-read.
December 14, 2013
I liked parts of it a lot and other parts not so much. After about 2/3, the book started to drag. Some gritty portrayals of life made me want to slap some people up side the head.
July 8, 2017
This book made laugh, made me want to cry, & made me furious. I will definitely read this author again.
November 18, 2025
This novel is multigenerational family chronicle that tells the loves, triumphs and struggles of a black family living in Wideland, Oklahoma. The patriarch of the family Val, purchases a house in the early 1900’s for the love of his life Irene and so begins the saga that winds its way through the years up to the 1990’s. The story is narrated by someone who is not a part of the immediate or extended family. To be honest I’m not sure who the narrator was and was a tiny bit confusing. Nevertheless, this was a good interesting story that kept my attention throughout most of the book. There were definitely highs and lows and characters that I did not like or agree with. I found a few contradictions where the author had told us one thing early on, only for it to be changed a little later on. These types of conflicts kind of kicked me out of the story and I would struggle to keep interest. This book went on for 43 chapters. In my opinion, 20% for that could have been consolidated or edited out. I detest preachiness of any kind in books that I read. There’s a fine line between what is necessary for the story and when an author seems to be pushing certain religious, political or personal views. It just felt like it went on longer than necessary and possibly grasping at filler to make it lengthy. After 60% of the book suddenly things were way more drawn out and overly detailed.
This is a 3 star ⭐️ for me.
**Spoiler conversation below for those who have read the book & want some share a rant**
**SPOILERS**
-I did not like how some of the chats were so cliche. Some of the men were so stupid and fell victim to these double crossing shady women. There was a definite double standard happening.
-Aunte Tante wasn’t shhh. She was in Paris her whole life never checking on her sister when she was going through hell and then pops up after her death like super rich woman to save the day? Poor Mine’s abuse was brushed over. Tante ignored that her sister was murdered telling her niece about religion when legal justice was needed. Tanya committed two murders and nothing happened! She sold Mine into modern day slavery! This whole situation had me livid. And THEN Tante sends HER OWN daughter back to Wideland, the place that she hates and talks so much crap on, so that her daughter can have a baby and leave it there? The author tried to praise Tante but she was just as hot mess as everyone else. She was a snob. Coming to save the day. She gets my whole side eye! 😒
-I hated how Cloud and Juliet were written for most of the book like something was wrong with them. Juliet like she couldn’t take care of herself and Cloud like he had TB or something and was mute, yet he was in his 70’s by the end of the book.
-What is it with these ages changing. They were said to be old but then were only in their 40’s or 50’s? That is called middle age and not old. For crying out loud the issues Mine spoke of I was yelling please tell this woman about perimenopause.
Finished ranting. Just my opinions.
This is a 3 star ⭐️ for me.
**Spoiler conversation below for those who have read the book & want some share a rant**
**SPOILERS**
-I did not like how some of the chats were so cliche. Some of the men were so stupid and fell victim to these double crossing shady women. There was a definite double standard happening.
-Aunte Tante wasn’t shhh. She was in Paris her whole life never checking on her sister when she was going through hell and then pops up after her death like super rich woman to save the day? Poor Mine’s abuse was brushed over. Tante ignored that her sister was murdered telling her niece about religion when legal justice was needed. Tanya committed two murders and nothing happened! She sold Mine into modern day slavery! This whole situation had me livid. And THEN Tante sends HER OWN daughter back to Wideland, the place that she hates and talks so much crap on, so that her daughter can have a baby and leave it there? The author tried to praise Tante but she was just as hot mess as everyone else. She was a snob. Coming to save the day. She gets my whole side eye! 😒
-I hated how Cloud and Juliet were written for most of the book like something was wrong with them. Juliet like she couldn’t take care of herself and Cloud like he had TB or something and was mute, yet he was in his 70’s by the end of the book.
-What is it with these ages changing. They were said to be old but then were only in their 40’s or 50’s? That is called middle age and not old. For crying out loud the issues Mine spoke of I was yelling please tell this woman about perimenopause.
Finished ranting. Just my opinions.
May 14, 2025
I wanted to finish this sooner but I got sucked in by the end of the semester. I’m a little fuzzy on some parts of it but I wanted to read it because I loved “Their Eyes were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston and I heard that California J. Cooper had a similar voice and theme. I think because I expected Hurston it made me dislike Cooper a bit more than I should have. This book was good in many ways, the writing was beautiful, but it sped through generations so quickly that it was hard to get attached to the characters and character development was minimal, mostly only being shown through regrets at the end of their lives. There were also some absolutely insane, unrealistic plot points (poisoning and getting rid of an entire family to steal their house?) that took me out of this story a bit. It is framed as a realistic look into the beautiful and ugly parts of life but I feel the ugly parts were emphasized for shock and the beautiful parts were few and far between (mostly sexual?) and I just didn’t connect well with this novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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