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Friday Night at Honeybee's: A Novel
Everyone who's anyone in the Harlem music scene has heard of Honeybee McColor and the famous Friday night gathers that fill her house to bursting. In the early 1960s, nowhere but "The Big House" attracts so many renowned jazz and blues musicians—and no one but Miss Honeybee attracts talented lost souls like Forestine Bent and Viola Bembrey.The two singers come from separate one the Brooklyn projects, the other the Baptist, rural South. One has a God-given voice and the ambition to be a star, the other a more subtle gift and a handful of hazy fantasies. But both learn the destructive consequences of following their hearts. They find sanctuary together under Honeybee's tender guidance, struggling to find the balancing point where music doesn't overpower love. Including a passel of characters both wildly raunchy and remarkably dignified, Andrea Smith has woven an unforgettable tale overflowing with energy, heart, and humanity.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2003
20 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Smith
2 books53 followersAndrea Smith has received fellowships from the Frederick Douglass Creative Arts Center and The New York Council on the Arts. She was born and raised in Brooklyn and now lives in Atlanta.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 30, 2019
The story of two young women who flew their nests and everything they were taught to become singers in the music world of the 1950s, early 1960s. The plot centers around the jazz and blues music scene of the time, and the culture of promiscuity embedding the people.
The story is colorful with its many characters populating the drama of the two girls who rejected marriage, having children and the strict (hypocritical) religious teachings within their communities. Their path was not easy, neither was their choices.
So many master players of the two genres were commemorated in the book, which was a good slice of nostalgia for me although I was born after this era reached its peak. But what great music it was. My dad loved it. I grew up with these sounds always filling our home. My dad used to train brass bands in these genres, being a saxophonist and pianist himself. I have a special affinity for jazz and blues. Add a little bit of Dixieland Brass Bands to it, and I'm smiling right around my head. In fact, if I ever will be so fortunate to visit the USA, it will be my first, and most important mission to find those clubs who still offer this enchanting music to their devotees. I still listen to it.
However, the story did not capture my soul as I hoped. The underlying message was to predictable, mediocre. There wasn't any highs and lows which rattled my expectations, sort of. No music in the prose itself. I needed something new, something different.
Not a bad read though. It just wasn't for me.
The story is colorful with its many characters populating the drama of the two girls who rejected marriage, having children and the strict (hypocritical) religious teachings within their communities. Their path was not easy, neither was their choices.
So many master players of the two genres were commemorated in the book, which was a good slice of nostalgia for me although I was born after this era reached its peak. But what great music it was. My dad loved it. I grew up with these sounds always filling our home. My dad used to train brass bands in these genres, being a saxophonist and pianist himself. I have a special affinity for jazz and blues. Add a little bit of Dixieland Brass Bands to it, and I'm smiling right around my head. In fact, if I ever will be so fortunate to visit the USA, it will be my first, and most important mission to find those clubs who still offer this enchanting music to their devotees. I still listen to it.
However, the story did not capture my soul as I hoped. The underlying message was to predictable, mediocre. There wasn't any highs and lows which rattled my expectations, sort of. No music in the prose itself. I needed something new, something different.
Not a bad read though. It just wasn't for me.
November 16, 2019
Friday Nights At Honeybee’s is a good first novel for this author. This novel has a slow start. Interest did not peak until after Viola was excommunicated from the church and town, for wanting to know what true warmth and passion is like. This was at the end of the eighth chapter. The host of characters who attended Miss Honeybee McColor establishment for the gather where full of life, intrigue, passion, and danger. The gather was every 1st and 3rd Friday night at Miss Honeybee’s where jazz came alive in Harlem, NY. It was a place where musician, inspiring new talent, and singers could perform all night. A place where everyone feels at home displaying his/her true talents without fear of reprisal or competition. Everyone is family. Family is always welcome.
The two main characters Forestine Bent and Viola Bembrey came together at Miss Honeybee’s when each where excommunicated from their former lives to their present. Viola was escaping false appearances of a family and town who worshipped God in name only and not the true meaning of Christian. Forestine realizing that ambition, love, and priorities has scarifies. She learned this lesson from her son who became deaf and with that blamed herself for his condition. Until Willis, her father, released her guilt by reminding her God has a will and purpose for her son's life, Benny.
Hattie Bent and Nelvern Bembrey, Forestine and Viola mother’s respectfully, lives were parallel. In that appearances meant more than true feelings or living a complete life. What others perceived or thought ruled their destiny. In the end, both ladies (Viola & Forestine) held on to what was special, music of the soul. For Forestine it is jazz, Viola R&B. Friday Nights at Honeybee’s.
The two main characters Forestine Bent and Viola Bembrey came together at Miss Honeybee’s when each where excommunicated from their former lives to their present. Viola was escaping false appearances of a family and town who worshipped God in name only and not the true meaning of Christian. Forestine realizing that ambition, love, and priorities has scarifies. She learned this lesson from her son who became deaf and with that blamed herself for his condition. Until Willis, her father, released her guilt by reminding her God has a will and purpose for her son's life, Benny.
Hattie Bent and Nelvern Bembrey, Forestine and Viola mother’s respectfully, lives were parallel. In that appearances meant more than true feelings or living a complete life. What others perceived or thought ruled their destiny. In the end, both ladies (Viola & Forestine) held on to what was special, music of the soul. For Forestine it is jazz, Viola R&B. Friday Nights at Honeybee’s.
July 17, 2017
This book was wonderfully written and has fully fleshed-out, soulful characters. It's a compelling tale of two struggling young women from very different backgrounds who become friends when their paths eventually cross at the home of a magnetic socialite known as Honeybee.
The first chapters alternate between the two women in their home states, detailing the things that will bring them together. The final setting is '60s Harlem, but the reverberations of the Harlem Renaissance are felt throughout with all of the blues and jazz music. I don't know much about all of the music mentioned, what was real or made up, but the musical aspects add depth and flavor to the story (and made me want to go and find all of the music mentioned).
This book is definitely underrated. If you're thinking about reading it, please do. Now I want to read "The Sisterhood of Blackberry Corner".
The first chapters alternate between the two women in their home states, detailing the things that will bring them together. The final setting is '60s Harlem, but the reverberations of the Harlem Renaissance are felt throughout with all of the blues and jazz music. I don't know much about all of the music mentioned, what was real or made up, but the musical aspects add depth and flavor to the story (and made me want to go and find all of the music mentioned).
This book is definitely underrated. If you're thinking about reading it, please do. Now I want to read "The Sisterhood of Blackberry Corner".
September 10, 2010
Andrea Smith was highly successful in creating a great story that enchants the reader within the first couple of paragraphs.The characters are truly memorable and the focus on blues and jazz made the novel even more delightful. Smith captures the soul of Harlem during the blues and jazz era. Certainly a great read, I recommend this book to all who appreciate a well written, Harlem based novel.
August 26, 2020
This book had me saying wow out loud so many times. Not for the faint at heart 🤭
June 11, 2012
loved reading this book. I noticed as I read there were times i was actually talking to the characters out loud as if i were there too. at one point in the book i actually thought "oh, i can't look", like i was in a movie, but then had to laugh at myself because i was READING and wouldn't know what happened next unless I opened my eyes. EXCELLENT STORY.
July 4, 2011
Loved this book! The author transports you to the time when you wanted to party and listen to jazz and blues, you had to sneak into the back woods to clubs that were more shacks than real clubs. You can feel the energy!
June 19, 2008
Though somewhat predictable for me from almost the beginning, I had a good time reading this book nonetheless.
January 14, 2014
I like books that evoke a sense of time and place. This does both. It's an excellent book that really portrays the black American jazz scene in the 1950s extremely well. The two lead characters are both interesting in their own right and I enjoyed following their stories. This is the second book by Andrea Smith that I have read. Both have been excellent.
October 26, 2015
I enjoyed this book. Early 1960's......Musicians. Drugs, Sex and Early pregnancy are all parts of the puzzle. These 2 characters in the book come from totally different backgrounds, but end up as friends.....in a most peculiar way.
Definitely reccommend this!!!!
Definitely reccommend this!!!!
November 4, 2015
Emotional
Everyone has a story. Everyone needs something to ground them. It was easy to be drawn into the world of the various characters. These characters are people we know in one form or another. We all need a "gather" to feel fee.
Everyone has a story. Everyone needs something to ground them. It was easy to be drawn into the world of the various characters. These characters are people we know in one form or another. We all need a "gather" to feel fee.
August 7, 2011
It was cool. But nothing out the ordinary.
June 8, 2012
Loved it! I felt like I knew all the characters. Would love to read more by this author.
August 19, 2012
By the time I got to chapter three, I realized I'd already read this a while ago and loved it. Sadly, I don't remember anything about it.
February 4, 2021
Hard to find.. But if you can get your hands on this book READ IT!!!
May 29, 2015
More like a 4.5. I loved this story. i feel like there should be a sequel, though. The girls were just getting started. I want more!
January 25, 2016
Very enjoyable book. Not great, but good. I could easily see this being into a movie.
January 18, 2016
Touched my soul.
love this book omg!! It was definitely a page Turner and I couldn't put it down. I wish there was a part 2 to this.
love this book omg!! It was definitely a page Turner and I couldn't put it down. I wish there was a part 2 to this.
December 12, 2015
I loved it!!!! It broke me out of my slump.
May 8, 2019
This was a really great book. I loved it. I wish she had more than the 2 books as I really enjoy her writing and the time periods she places her stories in. Only negative I can say is i really hate how forestine and viola seemed so weary by the end like their lives were over and it was another place another time but they were only about 22 and 23 ...babies..whole lives ahead of them then still .. Great story and the characters were FANTASTIC. I love jazz and blues and Andrea had me so convinced I was looking up people and songs only to discover they were completely made up for the book. Man I wish she had more books
July 8, 2022
Honestly, I just wanna be born in the 1920s - 1960’s (Well, without the racism). It seems like it’s my favourite era stories to be placed in. Maybe it’s something to do with the way they dress and the music.
The story demonstrates how hard is was to be a woman during these times, and how having to live upto the expectations or others can crush you soul and lead to a range of poor decisions.
The main thing you learn from this book is not to let your trauma shape you… and guide your decisions.
The story demonstrates how hard is was to be a woman during these times, and how having to live upto the expectations or others can crush you soul and lead to a range of poor decisions.
The main thing you learn from this book is not to let your trauma shape you… and guide your decisions.
January 29, 2020
The story of Forestine and Viola, woven together by music, love, and heartbreak was touching on many levels. The first 2/3 of the story really hooked and grabbed me, but the last 1/3 became a bit forced to the point of wondering how much more negative can happen? Oh that we would each have Honeybee in our lives - a safe place to land, a person to love and challenge us, and unconditional love.
May 19, 2023
A beautifully soulful read. The seamless transition of bringing the two characters’ stories together was a graceful dance you just enjoy watching come together. Individually each background and experience is rich and vast in difference. My favorite personally is Viola’s story, maybe because I feel similar to her in ways. Each character brings a needed touch to the story, I wished I knew others like them in real life.
Andrea Smith did an amazing job with this novel, she has a fan for life.
Andrea Smith did an amazing job with this novel, she has a fan for life.
September 10, 2019
Really enjoyed this book. I initially re-read the author's book "The Sisterhood of Blackberry Corner," and it was such a good book, it left me wanting more from this author. It's funny how good a good book makes you feel. I would definitely recommend it.
March 12, 2020
Couldn't put the book down and I didn't want it to end. I'd love to find out what happened to the guy Viola had the affair with that got her banished from the town. Please write a sequel. Thank you.
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November 26, 2020People, Music, Life, & Choices
A book that travels through the lives of two women, their dreams, their struggles, and their accomplishments. It's a very drifting story that awakens your mind and senses to the rich world of life and music.
A book that travels through the lives of two women, their dreams, their struggles, and their accomplishments. It's a very drifting story that awakens your mind and senses to the rich world of life and music.
January 20, 2022
Exceptional
The poetry in the descriptions of Smith’s words lands you smack dab into Harlem swaying at the gathering while the pulse of the thought of music leads you into a rhythm that’s unexplainable.
The poetry in the descriptions of Smith’s words lands you smack dab into Harlem swaying at the gathering while the pulse of the thought of music leads you into a rhythm that’s unexplainable.
March 6, 2022
A page turner from beginning to end
The characters were vivid. The story kept me on the edge of my seT from the start. Forestine is a character to behold. Trust me, you will not be disappointed with this read.
The characters were vivid. The story kept me on the edge of my seT from the start. Forestine is a character to behold. Trust me, you will not be disappointed with this read.
January 13, 2024
Great read!
What a dynamic storyteller Ms. Smith is!! I felt, smelled, and heard every word written in this book. Nothing better than an author who transports you into a different world with their writing!!
What a dynamic storyteller Ms. Smith is!! I felt, smelled, and heard every word written in this book. Nothing better than an author who transports you into a different world with their writing!!
April 26, 2018
I can't believe I've this book setting on my shelf this long without reading it! There wasn't one part of this book I didn't love. Great read...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews