If I Could

by Donna Hill

Book Overview

With a voice as vivid and riveting as her characters, Donna Hill introduces readers to a gutsy, unforgettable heroine they will applaud from the first page to the last -- a woman who boldly, blindly,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1575665972
• ISBN13: 9781575665979
• Release Date: November 2000
• Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
• Length: 245 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

i most certainly would

If I couldRegina tried to live up to everybody's expectation and what did she get from it. Nothing but pure headache. You would think even her close friends would allow her to be herself. To think she had to meet a total stranger to live her dreams. I don't blame her for taking the risk she took. She made a lot of sacrifice, harsh decision, but overall she did what she needed to do at the time. I admire her courage and strength. For overlooking her family (mother's) traditional way of thinking and living her life to the fullest. Of course even her children may not have understood at first but they will able to benefit from it in the long run. Double Kudo's to Regina for stepping out on faith and giving me the courage to step out on faith for myself. This book impacted my life in more ways than one. I learned so much from her. I loved her humble spirit. She was even willing to let Toni and Vicki go (relationship wise) to follow her dreams. Because evidently for so called friends they didn't believe in her. But I'm glad she didn't let all the negative vibes and other people opinions shape her belief system. So many people right today allow other people to tell them how much they can achieve out of life and how far of the ladder of success they can go. This is excellent reading for some one with no ambition and really wanting to get motivated. I read the book in about 2 ½ days. It's was easy to read and easy to relate to. Be blessed and have an awesome day.

An Unlikely Trio

If I Could Is Donna Hill's mainstream debut novels. The storyline tackles issues such as self-worth/acceptance, class, race relations and identity and introduces us to memorable characters. Regina is the protagonist of the storyline and the storyline centers around her relationship with her husband, friends and meddling mother. Regina's closest friends include Victoria and Toni girlfriends she met in college and now some 20 years later events of daily living and smothering fires force them to confront each other and their personal situations. Ms. Hill did a wonderful job in developing the characters as we can see a little of ourselves in at least one of them; these were women in their late 30s/early 40 facing real life situations...some of them situations that we all face on a daily basis. Women from all walks of life can closely identify with the crossroads or transitions that each of these ladies faced. Regina-appeared to have it all a good husband, good job, wonderful home but happiness and inner peace appeared to be lacking. All her life she did what others told her to do..she was the proverbial good gurl. For years, Regina put everyone-husband, mother, children, friends-before herself but gradually overtime she snaps out of her stifling existence and awakens to find herself. Regina is really the only one who sees things for what they are and when life starts to fall apart for those around her...they realize that Regina was just always herself and that she didn't play games and she accepted you as you were. Victoria-scarred by evil sisters, her mom and society always felt that she wasn't good enough because of her skin color. She overcompensates and appears to be together on the outside but step inside and you see an individual who has low self-esteem, and is full of fear, insecurities and inner turmoil. Toni-realized that she couldn't help her illiterate and unemployed family in the heart of the Deep South but she succeeded in her mission to become a social worker and a darn good one. The only problem was while she was out saving all of mankind she forgot to include her husband and her son. Will she be able to save her marriage and her son? If I Could captured my attention and my heart; its an inspiring piece for anyone who looked up one day and thought If I Could...I Would. This book was a page turner and when I finished I felt satiated and good. Pick Up a Copy of If I Could today...and post the affirmations from the back of the book somewhere that you will see them often so that you can follow them. Yes they're applicable to real life situations.

A dazzling mainstream debut!

Donna Hill's debut mainstream novel, "If I Could" confirms her arrival as a major force among contemporary African American women novelists. The modern fable of Regina Everette, a black woman who seems to have it all but seeks to throw off the shackles of an oppressive life, is one that should resonate not just with African American women but with women in general. Her quest for self-determination and inner peace is a battle that many women face today. To Hill's credit, she never allows the themes of her story to be lost in her effort to create memorable characters. This book is yet another indication of Hill's ongoing evolution as a writer of insight and intelligence. Keep up the good work. We look forward to your next outing. Your books are a welcome relief from the lackluster books that wear black faces and clutter the bookshelves but have very little to say and even less to offer the reader. Excellent job!

Great Mainstream Debut

Donna Hill is well known for her sizzling romance novels. Well, Donna has done a wonderful job in this book, If I Could. Regina only wanted respect and support from her family and friends, but all they did was tell her how wrong she was about everything in her life. Only Regina herself could make her life what she wanted it to be. Sometimes in order to grow we have to stay away from people that have a negative influence. Regina's friends Toni and Vicky had major issues of their own. They could never see their problems, but was always telling Regina what was wrong with her life.I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I know a couple of people that are just like the characters in this book. All of us at some point in our lives think IF IF COULD.....Great story Donna.

An inspiring deama

Everyone who looks at Regina and Russell Everette feel the African-American couple has the perfect marriage. Obviously, they care for each other and together they are raising two wonderful teens. Both are reasonably successful at their jobs.So what caused Regina to file for divorce and quit her job as a reporter? Hidden from the public view of the couple is Russell, an old fashion chauvinist who expects his spouse to feed him, do the laundry, and clean the house even if he happens to be home all day. Regina has since grown from the person who cherished her husband's every word, but he has not seen her changing needs. As two of her best friends also go into relationship crisis, Regina decides to set the tone by no longer asking what IF I COULD, but by doing.Best-selling author Donna Hill writes an inspiring drama centering on the changing needs of middle aged African-American women that actually holds up for any fortyish female regardless of race. The story line encourages individuals to think positive and do what they feel is right. Although the plot reads at times somewhat like a motivational prescription for change, the tale works. Readers can empathize with Regina while understanding that Russell is not a bad person, just unable to hear what his wife asks of him.Harriet Klausner