Hand Me Downs

by Michele Carter

Circa 1950-60’s fictional tale spun around the true-life memoir of the author’s moving and cathartic journey as she chronicles her mother Cynthia’s illicit affair with Laurence, her best friend Anna’s husband. In painful, but sometimes humorous recollection, she gives an account of the lover’s 3000-mile desperate run with Laurence’s abducted twin sons, Cynthia’s two children, and their lovechild. The escape from New York to California offers them a new beginning, where they assume the identity of Reverend and Mrs. Laurence Greene—and despite the hypocrisy, the Reverend rules his house with a twisted fanatical iron fist.

Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2021

Reviews

[Sharde]

Hand Me Downs was a book I could not out down. I got sucked into the characters and the life they lived. If you are looking for a twist and a turn fiction book, this is it. The book is set in the 50's and follows the life of best friends that lives intertwine in interesting ways. The actions that are taken by the characters, affect not only the trajectory of their lives, but generational ones unintendedly. Michele E. Lovett-Carter opens or eyes to a perspective on how black families deal with mental health, gender roles, and walking the tightrope of perfection.
The book left me with wanting to see how some characters lives went on, and how things were resolved that were unspoken. For example how mother and daughter trauma is resolved in this families life would have been a touching point. I highly recommend this book to add to your to read list and give it 3 out of 4, mainly because the book was honestly hard to out down. I finished it in literally 3 days.

[Shubhangi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hand Me Downs is a compelling read that grips you from the very first page, making it nearly impossible to put down. The urge to keep turning the pages is so strong that time seems to fly by as you become engrossed in the story. The book intriguingly transforms the author’s life experiences into a deeply engaging and thought-provoking narrative. It poignantly illustrates how the choices we make as adults can profoundly affect our children and future generations.
The story explores the often-overlooked perspective of children in major life decisions, showing how adults sometimes dismiss their voices and make life-altering choices on their behalf.
The character development is richly detailed, with each chapter beginning with a defining keyword that encapsulates the essence of each character, such as Cynthia being a Butterfly and Robert a Peacemaker. The book adeptly addresses sensitive topics like mental health, gender bias, and infidelity, offering a multifaceted perspective that is both insightful and empathetic. It sheds light on the pervasive issues of emotional and physical abuse, particularly among children, and critiques how such experiences have been normalized by society. The narrative celebrates Cynthia’s courage as she leaves an abusive marriage to raise her children alone. The book also delves into the fascinating role of faith in our lives, illustrating how, in desperate times, we seek divine blessings and guidance.
The book offers valuable insights that help you put your relationships into perspective, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges adults face and their long-term consequences. Additionally, it encourages forgiveness, inviting you to make peace with those who have hurt or misunderstood you throughout your life.
Finally, I commend the author for employing straightforward, effective vocabulary and a relatable, informal tone throughout the book. I would rate it 4 out of 5, as it offers an honest reflection of life’s complexities. Overall, it is an excellent read that I highly recommend.

[Diane Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a good read kept you hookef

I liked the whole book all was good the father was too much I like that all them went out and did something with th ere life and I would. recommend to friends Yes I enjoyed reading this book