Grits & Grace

by Dara Harper

The follow-up novel from Off-Broadway playwright and award-winning filmmaker, Dara Harper is set in the author's hometown, Detroit, Michigan. This coming of age story follows 15-year-old Natalie Tillman's journey from Thomasville, Georgia to the Motor City in 1959. She and her parents move into a crowded west side flat with six other family members. Natalie struggles to adjust to life in the north, busy streets, integrated schools, beautiful cars, flirtatious men and freezing weather. The house overflows with food, laughter and music. But there's also abuse, alcoholism and painful secrets. When the unthinkable happens, Natalie is forced into adulthood. Her tale reveals the consequences of honesty and the burden of heroism.

188 pages, Paperback

First published October 22, 2010

About the author

Dara Harper is an Off-Broadway playwright, journalist, artist, novelist and award-winning filmmaker. She won the Best African American Filmmaker Award at the Brooklyn Film Festival for her short film, la Revolution. While residing in New York City, she became a member of the Harlem Writer’s Guild. Her feature film, Sweeter Without Sugar was an official selection at the African American Women In Cinema Film Festival. Her debut play, "Passing" had a sold-out run Off-Broadway and was nominated for an AUDELCO Award. She has authored two novels, "Grits & Grace" and "Magic In Moon Time."

Reviews

[Sherice Dionisio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read

This book was very interesting. I enjoyed it very much. It was about a young black girl coming of age in the sixties.

[Juanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Grits & Grace

Very moving. I wanted to know so much more. Didn't wanted the story to end. Is there a second book that follows this one. Hope it is.

[Jona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real Family Love

This book told the story about the love of family. The hardship that is faced even when the love is there. A great read

[Donni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, this is my second book I've read by Ms Harper...her books start off strong, keep you interested, butt the endings ticks me off....so many unanswered questions about this book..what became of Natalie and Owen? Did Carol finally see her mother? I'd like a sequel letting us know what happened to Aunt Mickie, did she get better? How are the boys?? This ending was just too abrupt...

[RenishaRenewed · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author has a tendency to write a solid story but it leads no where. It concludes abruptly and sort of leaves you hanging.

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me

I didn't care for this book. It had many grammatical errors and had no conclusion. Story was all over the place and the characters were shallow.

[colina coker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story line, but ended abruptly