What do you think?
Rate this book
Onyx and Eggshell
In this journey of self-discovery, five young women from very different backgrounds vie for membership in Gamma Beta Alpha sorority. As the five strive to get closer to the women in the organization, they are forced to become closer to each other or not make it through.Sabina, Akia, Tammy, Luci and Chilli struggle to get to know each other and put their differences aside for their mutual greater goal. The journey is one of self-discovery and they must face it together.The process isn't just one of achievement and personal development. External forces and personal secrets threaten to tear the group apart. Their journey together is a life changing experience for them all, as they become closer to each other than anyone would have ever expected.
404 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2010
2 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 17, 2013
I think we all can agree that we judge books by their covers. If the cover does not catch your attention then you are less likely to book buy the book. I will be honest and say that when I first saw the book covers for Wyatt Bryson’s novels, Sankofa and Onyx and Eggshell, the idea of buying the books was miles away from my mind. It wasn’t until I actually read the synopses of the novels and learned the meaning behind the titles that I wanted to actually read the books.
The first book I bought was Onyx and Eggshell because it was focused on five girls pledging a sorority (Gamma Beta Alpha). As a member of Sigma Gamma Rho, my interest in this book was almost automatic. I haven’t read a lot of books which focus on Greek life so I definitely couldn’t wait to start this one. (Sidebar- the sorority’s official colors are onyx and eggshell hence the title of the book)
To begin, Onyx and Eggshell centers itself around five main characters, Sabina, Akia, Tammy, Luci and Chilli who attend Freedom College. The first thing I instantly loved about the characters was the fact that they were all noticeably different and every character had something that made you feel connected to them. As much as I would love to go into grave detail about each character, I won’t, because I don’t want to give away anything. There are a lot of things that come out in the novel about each of these characters, but giving away the goods is not my style. I will say this, though- out of the five characters, my favorite was Chilli. Despite her obstacles, Chilli always had sort of a calm demeanor about herself. It seemed as if certain things never got to her. I honestly felt that her name fit her to the T. However, towards the end of the book…things took a turn. Yep, a big surprise in the plot!
Although this book was about pledging, do not expect to read a story about five girls being hazed. Expect to receive more of a history lesson on Gamma Beta Alpha and how the organization embodies African traditions. It’s obvious that Mr. Bryson did his research with the amount of references to African culture that is in the book. As the characters receive their history lesson, please believe that you will be getting yours as well!
In the end, the point that I really want to make is this. Although we judge books by their covers, we really shouldn’t. Onyx and Eggshell is an example of that. I would definitely be missing out on a great story if I had let the cover discourage me from buying the book. I highly suggest that you look pass the cover and head directly to the pages!
The first book I bought was Onyx and Eggshell because it was focused on five girls pledging a sorority (Gamma Beta Alpha). As a member of Sigma Gamma Rho, my interest in this book was almost automatic. I haven’t read a lot of books which focus on Greek life so I definitely couldn’t wait to start this one. (Sidebar- the sorority’s official colors are onyx and eggshell hence the title of the book)
To begin, Onyx and Eggshell centers itself around five main characters, Sabina, Akia, Tammy, Luci and Chilli who attend Freedom College. The first thing I instantly loved about the characters was the fact that they were all noticeably different and every character had something that made you feel connected to them. As much as I would love to go into grave detail about each character, I won’t, because I don’t want to give away anything. There are a lot of things that come out in the novel about each of these characters, but giving away the goods is not my style. I will say this, though- out of the five characters, my favorite was Chilli. Despite her obstacles, Chilli always had sort of a calm demeanor about herself. It seemed as if certain things never got to her. I honestly felt that her name fit her to the T. However, towards the end of the book…things took a turn. Yep, a big surprise in the plot!
Although this book was about pledging, do not expect to read a story about five girls being hazed. Expect to receive more of a history lesson on Gamma Beta Alpha and how the organization embodies African traditions. It’s obvious that Mr. Bryson did his research with the amount of references to African culture that is in the book. As the characters receive their history lesson, please believe that you will be getting yours as well!
In the end, the point that I really want to make is this. Although we judge books by their covers, we really shouldn’t. Onyx and Eggshell is an example of that. I would definitely be missing out on a great story if I had let the cover discourage me from buying the book. I highly suggest that you look pass the cover and head directly to the pages!
Read
December 26, 2014Too many story devices & not enough story.
This started out a better story than it ended for me. Five women that have nothing in common pledge a sorority and find out that all or none will get in. The history of the sorority and college are explained as they go through the process. The problem for me are all the unfinished storylines. While the history seems to dictate a need for the Blake character his actions don't support his being there. This book could have gone on without him. His interactions with the women while meaningful are unfinished and confusing. Each of the 5 women have a story but only 2 (Sabina and Akia) are well rounded & fleshed out. There were too many unanswered questions (i.e (not to give out any spoilers) What did the vandal put on the water tower? Why go from a felony to a misdemeanor? What's the deal with the dreams/drums/health issue?). I'm not sure if there was a problem with the digital conversion of this book but there were lots of little pictures used as breaks that were in the middle of the action - not moving to something else. Also the almost flashbacks (both car trips) were confusing.
Overall the story had real promise but lacked a good editor & consistency.
This started out a better story than it ended for me. Five women that have nothing in common pledge a sorority and find out that all or none will get in. The history of the sorority and college are explained as they go through the process. The problem for me are all the unfinished storylines. While the history seems to dictate a need for the Blake character his actions don't support his being there. This book could have gone on without him. His interactions with the women while meaningful are unfinished and confusing. Each of the 5 women have a story but only 2 (Sabina and Akia) are well rounded & fleshed out. There were too many unanswered questions (i.e (not to give out any spoilers) What did the vandal put on the water tower? Why go from a felony to a misdemeanor? What's the deal with the dreams/drums/health issue?). I'm not sure if there was a problem with the digital conversion of this book but there were lots of little pictures used as breaks that were in the middle of the action - not moving to something else. Also the almost flashbacks (both car trips) were confusing.
Overall the story had real promise but lacked a good editor & consistency.
September 10, 2012
Very rarely do I not finish a book. This one got put down 70 pages in.
Maybe because I am not the 'Alpha Delta Like Yeaahhh' type or girl, I found that an entire book about stuck up and rude college girls was not my cup of tea.
When I originally saw this book, I did not read the bio - my fault yes. I would have never purchased it if I would have known its context. What can I say, I liked the cover.
The characters annoyed me, it was predictable and I felt like the author tried to hard to create the story and the dialog.
Maybe the next book by the same author will be more appealing to me.
Maybe because I am not the 'Alpha Delta Like Yeaahhh' type or girl, I found that an entire book about stuck up and rude college girls was not my cup of tea.
When I originally saw this book, I did not read the bio - my fault yes. I would have never purchased it if I would have known its context. What can I say, I liked the cover.
The characters annoyed me, it was predictable and I felt like the author tried to hard to create the story and the dialog.
Maybe the next book by the same author will be more appealing to me.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews