Fiction Review    

Set in contemporary Atlanta, Some Things I Never Thought I'd Do, is about taking back one's life, one's community, and one's pride.

Regina Burns, known as Gina to her friends, is on the verge of losing a house that has belonged to the women in her family for three generations. A bad break-up with a good man sent her on a downward spiral. After six months of rehab, she accepts a job from his mother (who, incidentally, caused the break-up). Beth Davis, a powerful author, speaker, and personality, didn't care for the fact her son was involved with "the help." Her interventions sent her son into the arms of another unsuitable woman and into a secret life.

Gina's Aunt Abbie, whose visions started during menopause, has told Gina the trip to Atlanta will change Gina forever and she'll meet a blue-eyed man who has been looking for her across time. Cynical, but desperate and curious, Gina sets off to do her job, make amends, and get her house out of foreclosure. She doesn't want to meet her maternal relatives in the afterlife with the loss of the family home on her conscience.

Some Things I Never Thought I'd Do is a pleasure to read. Cleage has created strong women characters who've made mistakes but are willing to do what it takes "to make things right." 

The ending, though happy, is left open and it's hard not to wish for a sequel.

 

Pam Kingsbury

Southern Scribe Reviews

© 2003, Southern Scribe Reviews, All Rights Reserved