Catch a Falling Heart: from Wild Stars Seeking Midnight Suns

by J. California Cooper

In this short story from J. California Cooper’s Wild Stars Seeking Midnight Suns, a loving friend constructs a slyly arranged marriage between two perfectly matched lonely fragile Harriet, who shakes when she’s excited and puts others’ needs above her own, and stoic, hardworking Issy. Told with Cooper’s signature warm and conversational wit, this is a heartrendingly human tale of love and companionship. A Vintage Short.

Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2022

About the author

J. 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.

Reviews

[Qteepyee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave this book 5 stars because I llove the story It was a story of innocent love. I was very happy for Harriett and Issy, he will make her a good husband What do I think happen to the characters after the story ended They had two sets of twins back to back. They loved each other only and their children. Harriett and Star became closer and Harriett and Ms. Realer remained friends until death. The kids called her Grandmother and that is what she was to them.

Ps.vThis is my favorite author of all time.

May your sleep be sweet Mrs. Cooper.

[Patricia Gaskin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Love her rich parables

I have read every single book j. California Cooper has released. I have loved her writhg for decades. My mother actually i trodu ed me to her short stories which are wonderful parables about love and life. I love her novels as well.

I feel so good after reading her work.

[Charmaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and Sweet

I always enjoy Cooper's stories! She asked so much like Hurston! I loved the characters and how she described them. I wish it was a bit longer. Good read and good fun!

[Lornett Upshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all her books

I always finishes her books lol the stories always make you feel better with something to think about you in your everyday life

So glad I didn't miss reading this one I love J California Cooper

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have waited years for a taste of J. California Cooper

This was a good sweet teas of a short story. It left me looking for more. The humor is still there and of course a happy ending.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good quick read

A very quick read. Good lessons on love mixed blessings. Not all that glitters is gold. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[Kim G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

J. California Cooper has just a special beauty in her writing. One of my favorite authors.

[Cornell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Warming

Great read with so much emotion and joy. Another excellent J California jewel for all to read, smile and enjoy.

[Angela Mccullers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly Recommended

Excellent. I lost track of time while reading. J. California Cooper is an excellent writer. I have read everything that she’s written.

[gloriabrumsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

I loved the way she set them up for love. They were what they needed for each other. I needed more on the sister. But the shake baby shake did it for me lol