Passing

by Patricia Jones

Book Overview

Like a glass of lemonade that is both sweet and tart, writer Patricia Jones mixes up a refreshing blend of deep emotion and raw truth, tempered by a grounded dose of wisdom. To Lila Giles, the term "passing" refers to those pale-hued folks who take advantage of their creamy shade by crossing into the white world. Descended from a long line of an elite Baltimore family awash with "high-colored" skin just right for "passing", family lore told Lila that...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0380805855
• ISBN13: 9780380805853
• Release Date: August 1999
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Excellent read

Patricia has a jones for writing. This was an excellent, well-formed story about class. You always know about these certain types, but I know that I've never been subjected to it, and Ms. Jones made it very clear. Whether it was a tad-bit exaggerated or right on the mark, I loved it. A lot of people say the title is misleading, but I don't think it was. The word passing can have many different meanings, we just decided to go with the most obvious. After reading the book, you found that Eulelie wasn't passing for white, yet she was passing off as something she was not and bread her children in the way she transformed, so in actuality, the title fit perfectly. This made me think in a bigger realm of our world and how racism and things of the sort are "passed" down to children who don't know otherwise, except from what they over-hear or were taught. This book was great because it makes you wonder who's who, and if who you think they are really is who they are. (Did that make sense :)

YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW!

I really enjoyed this book. I agree it was too wordy at times, but everyone got what they truly deserved in this story, except for Gil. I don't think he deserved that, however I know how Sandra felt. Gil really didn't fit in and I would have questioned from the start why I could not meet his family. That says a lot about his insecurities. It was tacky for him to just spring Sandra on his family. I will admit the title was a little misleading, however once you read it, it really wasn't because although it wasn't about passing for white, it was nonetheless, about passing. Eulilie got what she deserved & I only wish that the girls could have known what a real "fake wannabee" she was. It was a GREAT read! I highly recommend it.

DON'T EAT THAT OREO BEFORE LOOKING IN THE MIDDLE

LIES, DECEPTION, SECRETS plague this entire book. Let truths be known. No stone is left unturned. Lila, the eldest of the Giles daughters finally takes a stand against their stepmother "Eulelie Giles" also known as Momma aka Doralee, against racism within the classes. Uppity, rich black folks looking down on the less fortunate blacks. At least Sandra found her soulmate.

A very intriguing read...

I found this book to be very intriguing simply because of Eulelie/Doralee. Here she raised another woman's children into believing that they were better than others "You are a Giles and Don't forget that". Yet, she was raised and brought up as poorer as a church mouse. I understand wanting to be a better person, building toward that life, but that don't mean that you forget where you come from and she didn't learn that lesson. Instead, she come into this man's life(after scaring off the competition),raises the children to be snobs and brats, makes them forget their mother,controls them, and all the while, keeps a secret inside of her that if can to the light of day, she'd lose her standing. personally, I like that Sandra came in because she shook those folks up. I recommend this book as well.

The truth will find you out!

This is a wonderfully crafted story that bobs and weaves you through the workings of African-American High Society. It captivates the reader and entices you to read on (I finished it in only 3 days). The characters and their motivations are very real and thought provoking. By the time you complete this reading, lifes' important lesson of "The truth will find you out!" is completely reinforced. Great reading. Highly recommended.