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Like Sisters on the Homefront
When Gayle gets into trouble with her boyfriend, her mother sends the street-smart 14-year-old-and her baby, José, down to Georgia to live with Uncle Luther and his family. There's nothing to do, nowhere to go, and no one around except kneesock-wearing, Jesus-praising cousin Cookie. Then Gayle meets Great, the family matriarch-and her stories of the past begin to change how Gayle sees her future.
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First published September 1, 1995
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About the author
Rita Williams-Garcia
38 books761 followers"I was born in Queens, N.Y, on April 13, 1957. My mother, Miss Essie, named me 'NoMo' immediately after my birth. Although I was her last child, I took my time making my appearance. I like to believe I was dreaming up a good story and wouldn’t budge until I was finished. Even now, my daughters call me 'Pokey Mom', because I slow poke around when they want to go-go-go.
"I learned to read early, and was aware of events going on as I grew up in the 60s. In the midst of real events, I daydreamed and wrote stories. Writing stories for young people is my passion and my mission. Teens will read. They hunger for stories that engage them and reflect their images and experiences."
Author of four award winning novels, Rita Williams-Garcia continues to break new ground in young people's literature. Known for their realistic portrayal of teens of color, Williams-Garcia's works have been recognized by the Coretta Scott King Award Committee, PEN Norma Klein, American Library Association, and Parents' Choice, among others. She recently served on the National Book Award Committee for Young People's Literature and is on faculty at Vermont College MFA Writing for Children and Young People.
"I learned to read early, and was aware of events going on as I grew up in the 60s. In the midst of real events, I daydreamed and wrote stories. Writing stories for young people is my passion and my mission. Teens will read. They hunger for stories that engage them and reflect their images and experiences."
Author of four award winning novels, Rita Williams-Garcia continues to break new ground in young people's literature. Known for their realistic portrayal of teens of color, Williams-Garcia's works have been recognized by the Coretta Scott King Award Committee, PEN Norma Klein, American Library Association, and Parents' Choice, among others. She recently served on the National Book Award Committee for Young People's Literature and is on faculty at Vermont College MFA Writing for Children and Young People.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
January 9, 2009
Like Sisters on the Homefront
Like Sisters on the Homefront is a realistic fiction book by Rita Williams-Garcia. The theme of the book is to have self esteem and not to envy others with more than you.
Like Sisters on the Homefront is mainly about a young girl named Gayle , who has a baby and she has recently had an abortion. Her mother sends her to live with her cousins but she does not enjoy anything in Atlanta, Georgia and she often says things like: “I want to go back to my friends and Jose’s daddy”
When Gayle begins speaking with her grandmother she learns many things about her family’s history and some things help her decide on her future, like how she will raise Jose and how she will live her life. When Gayle goes back home she also starts treating her old friends and her mom different, more respectfully. And she stops calling Jose’s daddy names. But overall her experience in Atlanta taught her that she needs to have more respect for herself due to the fact that she is 14 years old and has a baby.
I would recommend this book to young women who maybe live in an urban area or young single mothers because this book helps people to understand how life is for a young single mother who comes to realize that she needs to stop envying her friends and take better care of her son.
I liked this book because it kind of gives reader’s who don’t have kids and who aren’t really from an urban area an idea on what goes on in a young girl’s mind when she feels alone in a place where no one really cares.
If you like Soul food books for teens I would recommend Like Sisters on the Homefront because Soul food talks about daily things that teens go through like sex, drugs, and peer pressure.
Like Sisters on the Homefront is a realistic fiction book by Rita Williams-Garcia. The theme of the book is to have self esteem and not to envy others with more than you.
Like Sisters on the Homefront is mainly about a young girl named Gayle , who has a baby and she has recently had an abortion. Her mother sends her to live with her cousins but she does not enjoy anything in Atlanta, Georgia and she often says things like: “I want to go back to my friends and Jose’s daddy”
When Gayle begins speaking with her grandmother she learns many things about her family’s history and some things help her decide on her future, like how she will raise Jose and how she will live her life. When Gayle goes back home she also starts treating her old friends and her mom different, more respectfully. And she stops calling Jose’s daddy names. But overall her experience in Atlanta taught her that she needs to have more respect for herself due to the fact that she is 14 years old and has a baby.
I would recommend this book to young women who maybe live in an urban area or young single mothers because this book helps people to understand how life is for a young single mother who comes to realize that she needs to stop envying her friends and take better care of her son.
I liked this book because it kind of gives reader’s who don’t have kids and who aren’t really from an urban area an idea on what goes on in a young girl’s mind when she feels alone in a place where no one really cares.
If you like Soul food books for teens I would recommend Like Sisters on the Homefront because Soul food talks about daily things that teens go through like sex, drugs, and peer pressure.
March 15, 2008
Gayle's fourteen and already has one baby; after she gets pregnant and has an abortion, her mother sends her south to live with her aunt and uncle in Georgia. At first she only thinks about escape, but gradually comes to be part of the family, after bonding with her fiesty great-grandmother, called Great. A quick read, and totally engaging; it manages to be both funny and moving and also totally realistic, which is an impressive feat.
April 28, 2011
This is still popular with adolescents despite being over 20 years old so I had been wanting to read it. It is fast paced and dramatic. The dialect is a little dated, but gives the book style. I enjoyed Gayle's inner monologue and how the author used it to reveal how she was changing. Preachy and straightforward in parts but overall still a realistic look at attitudes about teen pregnancy.
August 9, 2020
Forced abortion, wrong attitudes about sex, dysfunctional family, yet an atypical teen novel.
While this may seem to be a typical teen abortion novel, Williams-Garcia’s take on a dysfunctional African-American family includes many atypical elements. For example, Gayle is forced into abortion, which is typical of many fourteen-year-olds whose mothers think that having a baby is the end of their daughters’ lives, yet the integrity of the family unit is maintained (kinda sorta like kinda) at novel’s end, which was atypical of African-American families in 1995 and even more so now in 2020.
Overall, however, the novel is typical for teens who want to read about abortion, sex, and family dysfunction.
The balance of this review will collate elements of the novel into the five questions of right-to-life literary theory.
First, does the literary work support the perspective that human life is, in the philosophical sense, a good, some “thing” which is priceless? The answer to this question must remain ambiguous, although various statements from characters suggest that human life is more drudgery than joy.
Second, does the literary work respect the individual as a being with inherent rights, the paramount one being the right to life? There is little evidence to support a positive answer to this question. Perhaps the best evidence to show that characters in this novel respect human life is the great-grandmother's rehearsal of the family’s history since slavery times. The narration of “who begat whom” at novel’s end is a life-affirming technique, one which Gayle appreciates after 195 pages of trying to understand what a family means.
Third, if the literary work covers the actions of a family, does it do so respecting heterosexual normativity and the integrity of the family? Excepting the Georgia faction of her family, Gayle has little idea of what constitutes a normal heterosexual family. Her father is dead. Her mother struggles to maintain a household of two children. Gayle’s eighteen-year-old brother is content to be lazy. Gayle herself seems to have no idea that sexual activity is meant for a marital covenant; she must think sex is something to do to have fun or a means to while away an afternoon.
Fourth, does the literary work comport with the view that unborn, newborn, and mature human life has an inherent right to exist? Obviously not on the part of Gayle’s mother, who forces her into abortion because she considers her unborn grandchild a “mistake” (3). Nor is it obvious on Gayle’s part. Although fourteen, she could have resisted her mother’s effort to force her into abortion; the author describes her capability in physically fighting with her mother, so Gayle could have escaped her mother’s clutches.
Moreover, Gayle’s claim that she “went along with the abortion because she could always have another baby” just makes her more complicit in the abortion. Besides that, her claim shows that she has no respect for each individual human life, thinking that the child aborted was somehow “replaceable” (20-21).
The characters' attitudes about sex are even more backward: Gayle treats sex as a mere casual activity, and her uptight Christian cousin Cookie thinks of it as sinful. No character evinces the idea that sex is a natural activity given by God for the delight of spouses for their pleasure and for the procreation of children. Thus, no Theology of the Body in this novel; the characters are stuck in the mindset of sex the way the abortion business Planned Parenthood thinks of it.
Fifth, when they are faced with their mortality, do the characters come to a realization that there is a divine presence in the world which justifies a life-affirming perspective? The great-grandmother, who is on her deathbed, is genuinely aware of religious tenets which guide human life. Otherwise, the characters are either hostile to Christianity or at least the Protestant version of it (Gayle), ignorant of its teachings (Gayle again), or hypocritical (Gayle’s uncle, a dour and angry minister).
One item in the novel is unrealistic. The narrator identifies a woman at the abortion clinic who wears a “RESPECT LIFE” pin (7; all caps in original). How is it possible that someone wearing such a pin would work in an abortion clinic? That’s like saying someone with a “Trump for President” button would attend a rally of the racist organization Black Lives Matter.
Despite this and maybe other faults, a cultural critic or African-American activist working for the integrity of the traditional family (like Ben Carson or Candace Owens) would be able to cite this novel as more evidence, not only of the unfortunate state of the African-American family during the horrendous Clinton years, but also of the even sadder condition of African-American families under the Obama reign/dictatorship.
While this novel is dated, it can help contemporary readers understand the disastrous effects of an anti-life philosophy on a teenager’s life.
While this may seem to be a typical teen abortion novel, Williams-Garcia’s take on a dysfunctional African-American family includes many atypical elements. For example, Gayle is forced into abortion, which is typical of many fourteen-year-olds whose mothers think that having a baby is the end of their daughters’ lives, yet the integrity of the family unit is maintained (kinda sorta like kinda) at novel’s end, which was atypical of African-American families in 1995 and even more so now in 2020.
Overall, however, the novel is typical for teens who want to read about abortion, sex, and family dysfunction.
The balance of this review will collate elements of the novel into the five questions of right-to-life literary theory.
First, does the literary work support the perspective that human life is, in the philosophical sense, a good, some “thing” which is priceless? The answer to this question must remain ambiguous, although various statements from characters suggest that human life is more drudgery than joy.
Second, does the literary work respect the individual as a being with inherent rights, the paramount one being the right to life? There is little evidence to support a positive answer to this question. Perhaps the best evidence to show that characters in this novel respect human life is the great-grandmother's rehearsal of the family’s history since slavery times. The narration of “who begat whom” at novel’s end is a life-affirming technique, one which Gayle appreciates after 195 pages of trying to understand what a family means.
Third, if the literary work covers the actions of a family, does it do so respecting heterosexual normativity and the integrity of the family? Excepting the Georgia faction of her family, Gayle has little idea of what constitutes a normal heterosexual family. Her father is dead. Her mother struggles to maintain a household of two children. Gayle’s eighteen-year-old brother is content to be lazy. Gayle herself seems to have no idea that sexual activity is meant for a marital covenant; she must think sex is something to do to have fun or a means to while away an afternoon.
Fourth, does the literary work comport with the view that unborn, newborn, and mature human life has an inherent right to exist? Obviously not on the part of Gayle’s mother, who forces her into abortion because she considers her unborn grandchild a “mistake” (3). Nor is it obvious on Gayle’s part. Although fourteen, she could have resisted her mother’s effort to force her into abortion; the author describes her capability in physically fighting with her mother, so Gayle could have escaped her mother’s clutches.
Moreover, Gayle’s claim that she “went along with the abortion because she could always have another baby” just makes her more complicit in the abortion. Besides that, her claim shows that she has no respect for each individual human life, thinking that the child aborted was somehow “replaceable” (20-21).
The characters' attitudes about sex are even more backward: Gayle treats sex as a mere casual activity, and her uptight Christian cousin Cookie thinks of it as sinful. No character evinces the idea that sex is a natural activity given by God for the delight of spouses for their pleasure and for the procreation of children. Thus, no Theology of the Body in this novel; the characters are stuck in the mindset of sex the way the abortion business Planned Parenthood thinks of it.
Fifth, when they are faced with their mortality, do the characters come to a realization that there is a divine presence in the world which justifies a life-affirming perspective? The great-grandmother, who is on her deathbed, is genuinely aware of religious tenets which guide human life. Otherwise, the characters are either hostile to Christianity or at least the Protestant version of it (Gayle), ignorant of its teachings (Gayle again), or hypocritical (Gayle’s uncle, a dour and angry minister).
One item in the novel is unrealistic. The narrator identifies a woman at the abortion clinic who wears a “RESPECT LIFE” pin (7; all caps in original). How is it possible that someone wearing such a pin would work in an abortion clinic? That’s like saying someone with a “Trump for President” button would attend a rally of the racist organization Black Lives Matter.
Despite this and maybe other faults, a cultural critic or African-American activist working for the integrity of the traditional family (like Ben Carson or Candace Owens) would be able to cite this novel as more evidence, not only of the unfortunate state of the African-American family during the horrendous Clinton years, but also of the even sadder condition of African-American families under the Obama reign/dictatorship.
While this novel is dated, it can help contemporary readers understand the disastrous effects of an anti-life philosophy on a teenager’s life.
March 3, 2020
This book was a quick, easy read. The story focuses on a 14-year old who is sent to live with relatives. Going from New York City to a small town in Georgia, and a totally different life-style proves to be a challenge to the main charcter. I didn't realize this was a young adult reader. Use caution with younger readers as the book deals with abortion, early motherhood, and many crude sexual references. The story is well written, the characters are likable, and thre are some laugh out loud moments.
Word: Contralto: The lowest female voice or voice part, falling between tenor and mezzo-soprano.
Quote: "Be a child while you are a child. Once you take salvation you are responsible for your rights and wrongs."
Pop Sugar Reading Challenge Prompt: A book by a woman of color.
Word: Contralto: The lowest female voice or voice part, falling between tenor and mezzo-soprano.
Quote: "Be a child while you are a child. Once you take salvation you are responsible for your rights and wrongs."
Pop Sugar Reading Challenge Prompt: A book by a woman of color.
April 15, 2019
There are some stories you just never forget. This is one of them. I read this story in 2001 when I was 13 years old, around the same age as the main character. Because of my ability to connect with the main character, I truly think this story shaped my teenage years, and also started my love for genealogy and family history.
I would definitely recommend this story to any 12-16 year old girl.
I would definitely recommend this story to any 12-16 year old girl.
November 17, 2009
A very well written, tightly edited realistic fiction for teens about a 14 year old mother sent to live down south with family members who don't like her. Except for a finale that tied up lose ends a little too perfectly, this book was great. It is perfect for reluctant readers and fans of urban or realistic fiction. I read three-quarters of it in 3 hours.
July 27, 2021
Williams-Garcia is a wonderful writer, but this book just didn't touch me. I wanted to like it, but somehow Gayle, the main character, just didn't seem believable. There were many inconsistencies to her personality. I longed to like the book, but this one just wasn't right for me.
January 30, 2020
Well, I didn’t realize this was released quite awhile ago. Liked the story but didn’t like the main character... is that possible?
November 30, 2020
I pre-read this book because I thought it might be something my 14 y.o. daughter might like. I will not be sharing the book with my daughter. The story starts with the main character being forced into an abortion, and then shipped off to live with relatives. The writer crafts a unique story with likable characters. The plot moves along quickly and the main character transforms and matures as the story progresses. Great’s straightforward conversations with Gayle made me laugh. Overall, I couldn’t stop listening to this satisfying read.
February 24, 2020
I think I would have rated this higher if I read it another time. It was good but I believe I wasn't really in the right mood.
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December 17, 2019The first thing you should know is that parts of this book (specifically Gayle's speech and her narration---it switches from her thoughts to third person) are in dialect. It made it better for me because I could really hear Gayle in my head, but I know some people really hate it. If that's you, probably avoid this book.
And Gayle isn't an easy person to like, at least at first. She doesn't seem very into being a mom (it's clear she loves Jose, but she loses her temper a lot) and she doesn't seem to like anyone but her friends and guys. (To be fair, I don't blame her for not liking her mom all that much.)
When she goes south to be with the bulk of her family (and is essentially told that she isn't going home until her mom says it's OK), she goes out of her way to make sure everyone knows how much she hates it. She's rude and compares her chores to being a slave (but it does seem like she's doing a lot, so I don't necessarily blame her for being upset. I hate cleaning too, so Team Gayle there).
She changes slowly, which I find realistic. And it's not like A Christmas Carol where she becomes a completely different person. She stays herself, just maybe a little friendlier and a lot more attached to her family.
I definitely want to read more by this author. She does a lot with a few words and her characters jump off the page.
And Gayle isn't an easy person to like, at least at first. She doesn't seem very into being a mom (it's clear she loves Jose, but she loses her temper a lot) and she doesn't seem to like anyone but her friends and guys. (To be fair, I don't blame her for not liking her mom all that much.)
When she goes south to be with the bulk of her family (and is essentially told that she isn't going home until her mom says it's OK), she goes out of her way to make sure everyone knows how much she hates it. She's rude and compares her chores to being a slave (but it does seem like she's doing a lot, so I don't necessarily blame her for being upset. I hate cleaning too, so Team Gayle there).
She changes slowly, which I find realistic. And it's not like A Christmas Carol where she becomes a completely different person. She stays herself, just maybe a little friendlier and a lot more attached to her family.
I definitely want to read more by this author. She does a lot with a few words and her characters jump off the page.
July 17, 2021
Realistic fiction geared towards young adults. Experienced adults could read and enjoy this book also.
Many women could identify with the friendship between streetwise Gayle and pure-hearted Cookie. I wish Gayle had improved her spelling skills. I don't think she could read and write at a third-grade level. She was quick-witted but poorly educated. She had maternal affection and instinct but barely any scholastic inclinations. The ending provides hope.
I waited till adulthood to read this book. It was worth the wait.
Many women could identify with the friendship between streetwise Gayle and pure-hearted Cookie. I wish Gayle had improved her spelling skills. I don't think she could read and write at a third-grade level. She was quick-witted but poorly educated. She had maternal affection and instinct but barely any scholastic inclinations. The ending provides hope.
I waited till adulthood to read this book. It was worth the wait.
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December 3, 2019Gayle is 14 years old, has a baby, and is now pregnant again by a different man. Her mom takes her to get an abortion and soon after decides to send her down south to live with her uncle and his family. Her cousin Cookie (Constance) tries to befriend her, but Gayle is not interested. Gayle stays home and helps take care of her Great Grandmother, Great, and does whatever her Miss Auntie tells her to do along with taking care of her son, Jose. Gayle starts leading Cookie down the wrong path with a boy and Cookie fights against it to a point and then seems to give in. Great shares with Gayle some of their history and Gayle ends up softening up and becoming a part of the family.
Great story and character development. Would recommend for high school and up because of the abortion at the beginning and talk of sex throughout the book.
Great story and character development. Would recommend for high school and up because of the abortion at the beginning and talk of sex throughout the book.
November 17, 2019
*SPOILERS* That was an absolutely stunning read. What masterful writing! Truly an art! I did not like Gayle at the beginning of the story, and by the end I was crying with her! How did the author DO that?! The only likable thing about her, in the beginning, was her resilience to do whatever she wanted against an abusive mother. But her choices were nowhere near wise, and I was horrified she didn't argue against the forced abortion at all. In fact she was making fun of the women in the clinic who advocated life! Whoa.. some serious unlikability here. But the more she eased up talking about all the explicit things she had done, and the more she got to know Great, and the more she connected with her roots the more likable, and even lovable, she became! What a gorgeous transformation story!
October 14, 2019
I thought this sounded interesting, because I can't even begin to know what it would be like to be a twice pregnant, African american 14 year old. It's a great book. Hard to put down, and there's something deeply compelling about Gayle's hard shell -- I was fascinated at the idea that one of the things your community does for you is to fight with with you, That snapping at each other is a healing thing. I loved her journey, even though it is certainly a hard one. And I particularly loved that she was always 100% into her kid. Not always a stellar exemplar of parenting, but definitely very attached and committed to him.
Being reissued, got the advanced reader's copy from Edelweiss.
Being reissued, got the advanced reader's copy from Edelweiss.
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October 20, 2021When Gayle gets into trouble with her boyfriend, her mother sends the street-smart 14-year-old and her baby, Jose down to Georgia, to live with Uncle Luther and his family. There's nothing to do, nowhere to go, and no one around except kneesock-wearing, Jesus-praising cousin Cookie. Then Gayle meets Great, the family matriarch, and hear stories of the past begin to change how Gayle sees her future.
April 28, 2012
3.5 stars --- While often predictable, Homefront is nevertheless a well-written and enjoyable read. I'm not sure how my book discussion group ladies will react to it--they will no doubt wince at the main character's language and bad attitude. However, it is my hope that they stick with it, because I think they will find this to be a rewarding book full of memorable characters.
August 14, 2019
I really enjoyed Gayle's voice in this book--her writing, her humor, her understanding of friendship--she just seemed quite real. I was afraid it would be a bit cliche, but the story ran and read quite naturally, although it seems a bit open ended. Bravo on an easy to read story that was well told.
December 20, 2018
I read the book “Like Sisters on the Homefront” by Rita Williams-Garcia. This book is about a teenage girl who got pregnant for a second time and is sent to her Uncle Luthers. This book was made in 1996. This is a good book to read if your into things from the 90’s. This is one of my favorite books that I have read so far and I feel like a lot of people would like it as well.
Everybody would like this book from the start of it to the finish. Gayle’s sons name is José. The characters down in Georgia with Uncle Luther are Cookie, who is a pastor of the church, Great is the family matriarch. Matriarch means the head of the household or tribe and is a powerful family member. And then Uncle Luther. They live basically in the middle of nowhere, there’s no one around, nothing to do, and things like that. Which is why Gayle’s mom sent her down there, so she couldn’t do anymore things like get pregnant.
I feel like the book is an entertaining book and yet it could also be a little informal as well. From the first page to the last page of the book, it talks about important things and it has lots of humor and things like that. That’s the stuff you look for in a book because if it’s not entertaining or informal, what is the reason to read it? This book talks about the importance of not being dumb while your young, have fun yes, but don’t do things that will mess up your future and stuff that you’ll regret later in your lifetime. The characters in this book give each other great advice that you can personally take from it and understand what their saying.
Everybody would like this book from the start of it to the finish. Gayle’s sons name is José. The characters down in Georgia with Uncle Luther are Cookie, who is a pastor of the church, Great is the family matriarch. Matriarch means the head of the household or tribe and is a powerful family member. And then Uncle Luther. They live basically in the middle of nowhere, there’s no one around, nothing to do, and things like that. Which is why Gayle’s mom sent her down there, so she couldn’t do anymore things like get pregnant.
I feel like the book is an entertaining book and yet it could also be a little informal as well. From the first page to the last page of the book, it talks about important things and it has lots of humor and things like that. That’s the stuff you look for in a book because if it’s not entertaining or informal, what is the reason to read it? This book talks about the importance of not being dumb while your young, have fun yes, but don’t do things that will mess up your future and stuff that you’ll regret later in your lifetime. The characters in this book give each other great advice that you can personally take from it and understand what their saying.
March 12, 2021
"Troubled fourteen-year-old Gayle is sent down South to live with her uncle and aunt, where her life begins to change as she experiences the healing power of the family. At 14, Gayle is pregnant. Again. The first time she kept the baby. This time her mother drags Gayle to have an abortion and then sends her away from the projects in Jamaica, New York, on a one-way ticket to family in Georgia. For Gayle, it's like being "sold to slavery." She's never met her mother's family, and they don't particularly want her in their big mansion. Only her great-grandmother, a soul mate, loves Gayle's spirit, laughs at her irreverence, and tells Gayle the family history of slavery, protest, and faith."
I had to remind myself that this child was 14 and didn't know a thing. Even though she thought that having sex and having a baby made her wise. Her uncle Luther was evil. Just mean for no reason. Honestly, his attitude wasn't a surprise. Bible thumpers like him, were not nice men. Great was the best.
I realize that family and friends failed the main character. He mother kept her at a distance. Her uncle, the only MAN present, made her feel unwelcome. Her friends, whom she shares men with, don't write and neither does her boyfriend Troy or her son's father José.
Great giving the genealogy, the Telling, at the end had me in tears. I LOVED IT!!! Reminded me of Homegoing, the part about the sisters and the cowrie shells.
I had to remind myself that this child was 14 and didn't know a thing. Even though she thought that having sex and having a baby made her wise. Her uncle Luther was evil. Just mean for no reason. Honestly, his attitude wasn't a surprise. Bible thumpers like him, were not nice men. Great was the best.
I realize that family and friends failed the main character. He mother kept her at a distance. Her uncle, the only MAN present, made her feel unwelcome. Her friends, whom she shares men with, don't write and neither does her boyfriend Troy or her son's father José.
Great giving the genealogy, the Telling, at the end had me in tears. I LOVED IT!!! Reminded me of Homegoing, the part about the sisters and the cowrie shells.
March 13, 2017
The book that I read was Like sister on the HomeFront it was a great book I really like it because I learn a life lesson like I try in all my book that I read to learn something from them. I this book I learn that we should try our best on everything we do and never something that later on life you would of a wish to not done it like hang up with your boyfriend and might end up pregnant and the one that has to go through all the bad stuff is the baby and the mother. That never give up in life because you have keep try to be better because all the stuff you do it will pay off later in the future
What I really like about the book was that Gayle and her baby Jose never stop trying in their life. That she was looking around her baby no matter what was happened she still wants on. She didn’t care if her boyfriend wants to be with her.
This book brings member that had happened to me like all my past been really hard like Gayle in the book but in future everything would pay off because we will get better at the end. I would tell any girl in young age of 12 and up to read this book because it would show them what it will happen if they don’t look before doing something they wouldn’t like to be in I feel so bad for teenage know it today that is going through a lot. It’s a great book it touches the girl to look after them.
What I really like about the book was that Gayle and her baby Jose never stop trying in their life. That she was looking around her baby no matter what was happened she still wants on. She didn’t care if her boyfriend wants to be with her.
This book brings member that had happened to me like all my past been really hard like Gayle in the book but in future everything would pay off because we will get better at the end. I would tell any girl in young age of 12 and up to read this book because it would show them what it will happen if they don’t look before doing something they wouldn’t like to be in I feel so bad for teenage know it today that is going through a lot. It’s a great book it touches the girl to look after them.
October 26, 2022
This was AMAZING!!! I cried 2 times at the end and I’m really amazed this book doesn’t have more reviews! To think I stumbled across this looking for a book by Gayl Jones and figured I’d use this as a “light” read since the book I originally wanted wasn’t available!.
This book is Funny, relatable , thought provoking and I’m shocked it’s marketed towards teens just due to the subject matter , but then again the author is not discussing things that teens aren’t going through. But Do not let that stop you from reading this if you’re an adult (I’m an adult and I loved it lol)
**trigger warning this does deal with forced abortion , teen motherhood , and explicit content**
My issue with the cover of this book is they depicted the 14 year young mother as a brown /dark skinned girl when she is a light skinned girl. Disgusting they would not only get the cover wrong on the original but also on the updated version. Gayle is described as “yellow bone” there’s absolutely NO REASON to make her brown/dark skinned on the cover of this book except to play into colorism stereotypes. I blame this on the publisher !!
But as far as the writer this was a fantastic story! Great for mature teens and adults !
This book is Funny, relatable , thought provoking and I’m shocked it’s marketed towards teens just due to the subject matter , but then again the author is not discussing things that teens aren’t going through. But Do not let that stop you from reading this if you’re an adult (I’m an adult and I loved it lol)
**trigger warning this does deal with forced abortion , teen motherhood , and explicit content**
My issue with the cover of this book is they depicted the 14 year young mother as a brown /dark skinned girl when she is a light skinned girl. Disgusting they would not only get the cover wrong on the original but also on the updated version. Gayle is described as “yellow bone” there’s absolutely NO REASON to make her brown/dark skinned on the cover of this book except to play into colorism stereotypes. I blame this on the publisher !!
But as far as the writer this was a fantastic story! Great for mature teens and adults !
July 24, 2020
Williams-Garcia takes reader's on a joyous coming of age story as New York born teen mother Gail as she's forced to live down to Georgia with relatives she barely knows. While nursing baby Jose, who's only a few months old,Gail finds herself pregnant again. Not having it, her mother quickly takes her for an abortion and sends her packing down south to live with her strict and religious Uncle, Auntie and their out-of-date daughter Cookie.
If I tell you, I have not wanted to slap a character in a book in quite some time,but this little girl made me want to go there. From the way she spoke to her Mom, to the devious webs she tangled between Cookie, her suitor and family. Gail was a force to be reckoned with, and she found that reckoning in Great (her maternal great-grandmother).
It wasn't until I finished the audio that I discovered the book was a few decades old. The story-line was very modern with contemporary scenarios. The mother/daughter relationship was extremely believable. Rita Williams-Garcia does a fine job of placing the reader right in the middle of the action, keeping them engaged with life of one unforgettable character.
If I tell you, I have not wanted to slap a character in a book in quite some time,but this little girl made me want to go there. From the way she spoke to her Mom, to the devious webs she tangled between Cookie, her suitor and family. Gail was a force to be reckoned with, and she found that reckoning in Great (her maternal great-grandmother).
It wasn't until I finished the audio that I discovered the book was a few decades old. The story-line was very modern with contemporary scenarios. The mother/daughter relationship was extremely believable. Rita Williams-Garcia does a fine job of placing the reader right in the middle of the action, keeping them engaged with life of one unforgettable character.
April 4, 2023
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. The storyline was very relatable, and the humorous responses from the main character (Gail) had me laughing out loud. The undertones of historical views and understanding was an added appreciation. My favorite character was Great. The way she gave knowledge to Gail and made her appreciate the family roots were amazing to read.
I was invested in all of the characters, and Gail's character development throughout the book was joyous to see. I highly recommend this book for anyone is a reading slump, and seeking a good read with depth.
I was invested in all of the characters, and Gail's character development throughout the book was joyous to see. I highly recommend this book for anyone is a reading slump, and seeking a good read with depth.
April 10, 2020
14 year old Gayle is sent to the South with her son Jose to her Aunt and Uncle’s house. Gayle is determined to get back to New York, but begins to learn and build roots by learning about her family history, and spending time with her cousin Cookie. She learns about her family’s faith and about her own place within her family’s history. This work is touching, difficult and openly discusses sexual experiences, thoughts, and boundaries. Tw: abortion.
July 27, 2021
I loved every part of this story. I had such a soft spot for Miss Brash and Sassy Gayle! I loved the rich history that was described. I would actually love to learn more about Cookie and how Gayle and her mama are handling the south. Ms. Great was depicted absolutely beautifully. Funny, witty, real! Joniece Abbott Pratt was amazing bringing this story and these characters to life. One of my top listens of the year for sure.
July 4, 2022
So, I spent a good part of this book wanting to have a stern talking to with this lil disrespectful girl. She tested my patience in real life! 😆 Once the reader gets past her rudeness and stubbornness, the author deftly gives us a front row of her humanity and vulnerability. This is less a story about this teenager dealing with the repercussions of her actions and far more about the importance of intergenerational ties, healing, rootwork and growth of the human spirit through love.
October 20, 2022
Like Sisters on the Homefront
By Rita Williams-Garcia
1995
1996 Coretta Scott King Award.
After a rough beginning where the main character Gayle shows that she can care less for school and just wants to have a good time with boys, men, and her friends, Gayle is sent down south to live with her relatives that she has never met. While there she learns to listen to others and their stories and to look beyond herself.
4 stars.
By Rita Williams-Garcia
1995
1996 Coretta Scott King Award.
After a rough beginning where the main character Gayle shows that she can care less for school and just wants to have a good time with boys, men, and her friends, Gayle is sent down south to live with her relatives that she has never met. While there she learns to listen to others and their stories and to look beyond herself.
4 stars.
September 18, 2023
Relatable
This book touched a nerve in me when I first started it. I was so frustrated with Gayle’s way of thinking. She seemed so determined to mess up her own life. I was glad she was able to connect with Great. She needed that kind of old wisdom. Their bond became so special. That was the best part of the book for me. It seemed like Gayle was never going to mature or evolve. I was glad to get a glimpse of her growth at the end.
This book touched a nerve in me when I first started it. I was so frustrated with Gayle’s way of thinking. She seemed so determined to mess up her own life. I was glad she was able to connect with Great. She needed that kind of old wisdom. Their bond became so special. That was the best part of the book for me. It seemed like Gayle was never going to mature or evolve. I was glad to get a glimpse of her growth at the end.
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