Got to Be Real: Four Original Love Stories

by E. Lynn Harris, Eric Jerome Dickey, Marcus Major, et al.

Book Overview

Four brand-new, original stories from four of the biggest names in black writing today. Sexy, raucously funny, and unfailingly honest - they deal with modern relationships, navigating the complex... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451202236
• ISBN13: 9780451202239
• Release Date: December 2000
• Publisher: New American Library
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.3" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Lyrical and Touching

I didn't know what to expect from a book of love stories written by four men. I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly entertained. Each story had a different rhythm, the words of love danced off the pages. I loved it. I was especially touched by the relationship between Michael and Mia Fortuna in "I'm Still Waiting". It made me cry because I felt it on so many levels. Can a man really be that in tune to the inner workings of a woman?I've been an avid fan of E. Lynn Harris and Eric Jerome Dickey for years. Colin Channer's words are lyrical, their melody makes me want to dance. I look forward to reading the next offering from Marcus Major. "Got To Be Real" is like cuddling with a warm blanket. Enjoy it as much as I did.

Four different stories, Four different styles

but the one that stands out is I'm Still Waiting by Colin Channer. A story of love lost and found in the beautiful serenity of Jamaica. Michael Chinsee is a man lost of spirt and movitivation until he meets Patience, a songstress who needs a miracle worker to turn her career around. THe two begin to work together forming a bond based on their appreciation for music, but this isn't enough and Michael knows it for sure when he runs into his first love Mia who is now married to someone else. The first thing Mia wants to know is why she wasn't enough for Michael when they were young and married. Now 45 years old, she is a woman ready to give herself to Michael completely. Their love is rekindled and soon must pay the consequences. The story was rich in detail especially when it came to the love scenes. This is Mr. Channer's fortay. No one can make a love scene last three pages and still leave you wanting more. Look forward to your new book Mr. Channer. Bravo!

Thumbs up!!

These stories were a pleasure to read. While all of the stories are excellent, "Amir & Kenya" by Marcus Major really sticks out. I must admit, I was looking forward to reading EJD's and ELH's stories, but "Amir & Kenya" just blew me away. Men and women can relate to the characters, and the story is touching and humorous. You'll want to by Marcus Major's other title, "Good Peoples," to get to know the characters on a deeper level. Also, anyone from the Burlington and Camden Counties in NJ will get a kick out of this.

The Soul of Men

In "Got to Be Real", four African-American male authors give us their different views on love and relationships. All four authors present fascinating stories of hard to forget characters. The writing style of these four authors offers up enough variety to keep the reader interested enough to stay up half the night flipping pages to get to the next story. I reread Marcus Major's story of Kenya and Amir 3 times because I worried so much about these folks and what happened when I turned the last page. He wove a story of two lovers who you want to see succeed so bad that you fear the end and yet want to experience the pain or joy anyway. I already preordered his next book "Four Guys and Trouble" due out shortly. E. Lynn Harris shares a love story that also demands your emotional involvement. I appreciate having a deeper understanding of what my gay friends experience and being reminded that love is love. Colin Channer is a new author to me but one which I will continue to follow as his story took me into a land I am not familiar with, but have now developed an appreciation. Eric Jerome Dickey serves up another tale of man's struggle with following a dream and finding the right woman along the way. This book belongs in everyone's library. Don't be the only one without a copy and don't loan it out either.

Four brothas representing black writers to the full!

These stories where excellent! Each and every one of these authors brought something fresh and good to the table, making "Got to be real" a true feast for books lovers everywhere. First with EJD's story it was both exciting and capitivating. I was also memorized by the writing skills of Colin Channer and Marcus Major, both whom I had not read before. I look forward to reading their solo projects now! E. Lynn Harris has always been my favorite author, and he definitely kept up with his reputation of excellence with his novella, "Money can't buy me love." I have to say though, when I got tot he end of his story, I was on the floor screaming, "No he didn't go there!" You guys have to read his story to know what I mean, lol All in all, if you are a reader, BUY THIS BOOK! ASAP!!!!!