Crisis Mode

by Michelle Larks

Book Overview

Crisis Mode is a compilation of four novellas set in modern day Chicago. Women of varied financial and economical backgrounds struggle to steer their lives back on track. The heroines experience... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0976238381
• ISBN13: 9780976238386
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: F&M Enterprises
• Length: 302 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.3" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

Best reading

Crisis Mode was one of the best written books that I have in my collection. Michlle Larks touches on so many different topics that we all have either gone through ourselves or know of someone that has. I am in the process of reading her second book now" Myriad of Emotions" and this book is just as touching.

Positive Reading

This was an excellent book. The stories were all encouraging. You could relate to them as well in your own little way. I really enjoyed reading this book and recommend others to do so as well. All I can say is you must read this book. It speaks on family, friendship, loving and unity.

Women in Crisis

Michelle Larks' CRISIS MODE is a compilation of four novellas that depict women who each have burdens to bear and life altering changes to make. The first story, "What's a Woman to Do?" introduces the reader to Sharita Atkins and her family. After years of being on public assistance, Sharita has finally taken steps to move her family from the projects. She has completed a nursing course and set small but attainable goals for herself. Then the unthinkable happens, she finds herself pregnant with her fourth child. Sharita resents the idea of enduring another pregnancy and having to give up all she has worked for, so she considers the idea of an abortion. Ultimately, heart to heart conversations with her family and Antone, the father of her children, provide her with insight to make what she believes will be the right decision. Domestic violence is the subject for the second novella, "Family Secrets." Jeanine Meyers has stood by and defended her abusive husband James for years until he does the unthinkable and their son Jamal ends up severely injured and in a coma. Jeanine feels responsible, sinks into a deep depression, and eventually tries to commit suicide. After realizing she is way past her breaking point, Jeanine gets professional help and learns the "real" reason she has always had a low self-esteem and why she has never really felt a part of her family. "Letting Go" is what Desiree Cooper must do to go on with her life. Three days before she is to marry the man of her dreams, she finds a phone number and an opened package of condoms in his tuxedo. Fearing the worst, she jets off to visit with her estranged mother, Mia. Desiree has chosen not to have a relationship with her mother, because she feels as if her mother jumps carelessly into relationships and because she believes that her mother chose her boyfriend over the love of her daughters. When she arrives, the lines of communication are finally opened and Desiree learns a little about her mother and a lot about herself. She discovers what she has to do to let go and live her life, but you have to read the story to find out if the wedding is still on. The last novella is "Family Meetings." Marsha Douglas' mother Anna has been the glue that held the family together. When Anna suffers from a stroke and refuses artificial life support, the family is distraught to say the least. After much anger, accusations, and denials, they have a series of family meetings that ultimately bring the family closer and able to accept the inevitable. CRISIS MODE combines realistic characters with situations that people either go through themselves or know of someone who has had those experiences. The character development is so rich that at times I felt as if I was reading about a friend or family member. The stories were so real that I often found myself laughing, crying, or just reminiscing. What I enjoyed most is that each story focused on family and the importance of communication. Mic

Crisis Mode

Michelle Larks, really knows how to get readers right away! I loved all 4 stories, The characters seemed real, especially if you know anyone who's going through what each and every character went through. I have told anyone who will listen to buy this book and read it. It's the great!!!

Sabrina's review

I found Crisis Mode to be an outstanding book. Each story took me to a place I had been at some point in my life, whether it was me, a family member or friend, I could empathize with the main character. My favorite story was the first one, but I truly enjoyed all four of the stories. The book evoked many emotions in me and I found myself having to put the book down several times to wipe my tears. This book dealt with sibling rivalry, being gay and coming out, a sick parent, domestic violence and family surviving it all. I just loved the book. Thanks Michelle for putting it all out there!With this being your second book, I can hardly wait for the next.