Wednesday, May 5, 2010

#BookReview: Who Does She Think She Is? - Benilde Little

You know how you just know you've read a book already? I could have sworn I read this a few years back. I figured the cover had changed and that's why I was so thrown by it. Turns out I hadn't read it. If Sterling had been at the library that day, I would have known because he would have told me. You would think the library could store a list of what you've read in their database or something so that people like me could keep track, but I digress.

Who Does She Think She Is? is really nothing more than Dorothy West's The Wedding shaken, not stirred.  In both books the main character is a well brought up, slightly spoiled, young, black woman engaged to a wealthy white man.  Something, or someone, happens to turn their heads in the direction of another man, in both instances he's African American, and the ladies question their decision to marry.

Who Does She Think She Is? possesses an overbearing grandmother, The Wedding has an overbearing mother. The mothers in both books are currently in or were previously in bad marriages and project their issues onto their daughters.  The only real difference in these books is that one is set in 1950s Martha Vineyard, the other in present day New York.  The similarities aren't enough to detract from the story line of WDSTSI and if you enjoyed The Wedding, you'll certainly enjoy this.

What did you like about this book?
The author flows her words and the story together very well.  It made for a quick read.

What didn't you like about this book?
Other than the fact that I felt like it was a rehash of another book, nothing.

What could the author do to improve this book?
The ending seemed a little rushed and wrapped up just a little too perfect to be believable.





269pp
Published April 2005

4 comments :

  1. I *think* I've read this before, too. LOL Wasn't the black guy who turned her head somehow related to her husband like they worked together or something? I go back & forth w/ my feelings on Benilde Little's writing, though. I think it's for the reason you named in your review, everything is wrapped up a bit too prettily & succinct at the end to be believable.

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  2. Yes, he was the fiance's father's mentee so he was close to the family. I really liked her other books, especially her first one, Good Hair. I've noticed a buppy theme across all of her books.

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  3. I've felt the same way about all of Benilde Little's books. The endings always turn out underwhelming and fairytale-esque. Not my cup of tea at all.

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  4. Sounds like all three of us have the same problem with her books. It's interesting that this was the last book she put out. Wonder if she got the same feedback from others that we're giving about her writing.

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