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235th out of 404 books
—
466 voters
Passin'
by
Karen E. Quinones Miller (Goodreads Author)
Shanika Ann Jenkins is the pride of her African-American family; smart, beautiful, and born with blue eyes and blonde hair. Though her grandmother and father are happy because she represents years of passing down light skin and marrying well, Shanika's mother insists on her name reflecting her African-American heritage so that she will always be proud of who she is. When S...more
Paperback, 256 pages
Published
February 15th 2008
by Grand Central Publishing
(first published 2008)
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Okay so I was not impressed by the book at all. I guess going into reading this book I had high expectations since the author is Karen Quinones-Miller and given the topic.
The development of the story was just okay. The characters were a bit bland and teetering on the lines of being a bit unrealistic. Some of the points were valid but then after a while it was starting to feel like an after school PBS special.
The climactic part was barely a climax, it was more of a bump in the road. Not being...more
The development of the story was just okay. The characters were a bit bland and teetering on the lines of being a bit unrealistic. Some of the points were valid but then after a while it was starting to feel like an after school PBS special.
The climactic part was barely a climax, it was more of a bump in the road. Not being...more
Imitation of Life
Most families have traditions. Well, the Jenkins family has a tradition of sorts - keep it light-bright and damn near white. With that in mind, Mother Jenkins was not too pleased with her son Peter's choice of a mate in Rina as she doesn't fit with her darker skin. At forty-eight years of age, Rina thought she was long past child bearing years, so she was surprised to learn of her pregnancy. She was even more surprised when she gave birth to a fair-skinned daughter with blond ha...more
Most families have traditions. Well, the Jenkins family has a tradition of sorts - keep it light-bright and damn near white. With that in mind, Mother Jenkins was not too pleased with her son Peter's choice of a mate in Rina as she doesn't fit with her darker skin. At forty-eight years of age, Rina thought she was long past child bearing years, so she was surprised to learn of her pregnancy. She was even more surprised when she gave birth to a fair-skinned daughter with blond ha...more
Karen E. Quinones Miller paints a vivid portrait of the practice of "passing'"by lighter-skinned blacks.
She has positioned the spotlight on a topic not often addressed because the subject matter is too taboo.
PASSIN' is a bravely written novel delving into the delicate topic of being "color struck"in the African American community.
Karen E. Quinones Miller delivers a powerful message as she composes Shanika's thought provoking tale.
Karen E. Quinones Miller makes some salient observations about rac...more
She has positioned the spotlight on a topic not often addressed because the subject matter is too taboo.
PASSIN' is a bravely written novel delving into the delicate topic of being "color struck"in the African American community.
Karen E. Quinones Miller delivers a powerful message as she composes Shanika's thought provoking tale.
Karen E. Quinones Miller makes some salient observations about rac...more
Easy and enjoyable reading. I just think that the misconception went on too. I think the cat could have come out the bag many times but especially when she got married. Didn't she want her only brother to be there? It could have been a good story line that her brother being a black man walks in. For her husband to divorce her because she came clean and admitted she was black is crazy! His own momma is black! Makes me think because he was successful he wanted a trophy white woman. Did he not fall...more
More like 3.5 stars really. C;mon GR, get w/ the halfstar program already. This book was well written & provocative. As a darked hued African American, I have no idea of what it would be like to consider "passing", but this book is a glimpse into what it would be like. I found myself equal parts intrigued and incensed as I read. This one is a pot stirrer to say the least.
May 17, 2008
Brooklyn Darkchild
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to Brooklyn by:
saw it on APOOO and Urban Reviews
There were several things I liked about this book. First, Shanika was a very believable character; so were the situations she found herself in. The book is written in such an easy breezy way that I tore right through it. In fact, I was pret-ty much disappointed when I came to the ending: the book was so good I wanted to read more.
Another thing I liked was that, as a subject matter, "passing" hasn't really been tackled all that much, especially recently. It sparked quite a discussion on whether...more
Another thing I liked was that, as a subject matter, "passing" hasn't really been tackled all that much, especially recently. It sparked quite a discussion on whether...more
Mar 22, 2012
Ciuin
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to Ciuin by:
Karen E. Quinones Miller
Karen E. Quinones Miller tells the story of a young African American woman who is the pride of her family in that she can pass as white. Shanika is talented, intelligent, and ambitious, ready to take on her dream job in a PR firm. This book took me on a few unexpected twists and turns and I loved the ride! I finished the book in a weekend. Check this book out!
This was my book club's February pick. It generated a lot of discussion, but everyone agreed it was a ridiculous story. The central character had absolutely no justification for her actions. This is a subject that's been done to death. Unfortunately, this book trivalized "passing" for a different race.
I read this book in the span of about 10 hours. It is that good. It has such a interesting perspective on blacks passing for white, because we read the novel from the pov of someone who is doing it. We get her reasoning and arguing with herself and even hating herself for doing it. We are also able to pass our own judgement on her doing it for how long she does it. Although we hear Nikkie's excuses and reasons for continuing, Miller also does an great job of keeping her character truthful to her...more
This is an interesting book that discusses passing in our current society. I found it interesting that the story of passing is still told as this cautionary tale of the performance of race. Its crazy that this world still places so much value on one's racial identity.
I enjoy reading books that allow you to look into lives of people who might or might not have something to hide. This book allows you see what people think of other races when they think no one's looking.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Easy read with an unexpected ending. Would make a good "beach book."
bad writing, poor character development, awful dialogue.
This was tragic but good.
Thought provoking book, Shanika/Nikkie thought being white would solve her problems- getting a plush job- but soon founds that pretending to be something you're not is more trouble than it's worth. Her mom dies knowing she wasn't proud of her race and her only brother disowns her for being a fake, although sadden by their feelings she continues her charade. Her perfect white world crumbles with the birth of her child. Ms. Miller did a great job in softening a tough subject "Race".
Listening on my ipod.
A fast read. Entertaining. OK.
The book 'Passin' by Karen Miller is interesting and crazy. Its about a young black woman in her early twenties passing for white in New York. At first its just to land a job, afterwards the journey of hiding her heritage begans to take on a life of its own. As the saying goes, always be true to one's heritage.
I wonder if people still are passing in 2008! Interesting. The book was ok. Nothing to write home about, but it kept my interest, plus I had to finish it because it was the book of the month for my book club.
I really liked this book. It really focused on an issue that occurs in black society. A black person "passing" as white to get ahead. I had to watch "Imitation of Life" again after reading this book.
Well Nikkie, Shanika, Nicole or whatever her name was..had a very bad dilemma. I felt bad for her some, but i think in the end she did learn her lesson.
Excellent book.
As a white woman I didn't know the degree that racism is so prevalent. It opened my eyes and told a heartbreaking story as well.
As a white woman I didn't know the degree that racism is so prevalent. It opened my eyes and told a heartbreaking story as well.
Just be yourself... and you'll do just fine
Good quick read but predictable
Intrigued by the storyline.
Just completed for my book club, Just think this is stil going on.
May 20, 2013
Zipporah Redding
added it
May 19, 2013
Pam Trefftzs
marked it as to-read
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book club | 2 | 4 | 22 août 22:55 | |
| Does race matter | 2 | 2 | 26 avr. 18:58 |
Karen E. Quinones Miller is the author of the Essence best selling novels Satin Doll, I’m Telling, Using What You Got, Ida B., (nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction), Satin Nights, and Passin’.
Miller was born and raised in Harlem and dropped out of school in the 8th grade, but later finished her education and became a reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
I...more
More about Karen E. Quinones Miller...
Miller was born and raised in Harlem and dropped out of school in the 8th grade, but later finished her education and became a reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
I...more
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