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Church #2

So You Call Yourself a Man

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The acclaimed national bestselling author of such smart, sexy novels as The Preacher's Son and Player Haters returns with a tale of three best friends who've grown from boys to men together.
But now that they're each either married or about to be, they're coming up against some of the real tests of manhood- James Robinson and his wife, Cathy, have had their rough patches. But seven years into their marriage, things are better, and hotter, than ever- until the not-so-distant past catches up with James. During a particularly rocky period, James hooked up with a woman on his UPS route, and he wasn't just delivering packages. Now, three years later, the fling has come back to haunt him- with a baby in tow.
James has to decide whether to tell his wife, or keep the affair a secret and give in to his ex-mistress's outrageous child support demands. The choice might not be so tough if he wasn't falling in love- with his newfound son.
Meanwhile, James's best friend, Brent Williams, has got his own romantic complications. He's a fine brother who's had women throwing themselves at him all his life, but it's taken Brent a while to find someone who wants him for the man he is on the inside. He thinks he's found her in his fiancée, Alison Jones. The plus-size beauty isn't his usual type, but more important to Brent, she's a born-again Christian, like him. They seem like a match made in heaven until a sexy third party threatens to come between them- someone Brent has been praying to resist.
Ever since he got married and moved to Seattle, Sonny Harrison has missed his friends in New York. But that's going to change now that James has pulled some strings and gotten him a job at UPS. There's just one problem- Sonny's wife. When Sonny tells her the good news, she promptly sends him packing. Sonny's heartbroken- until he reunites with his high school sweetheart, Tiffany. But his quick devotion soon turns suffocating- and scary. Tiffany wants out, but the harder she tries to end things, the harder Sonny hangs on. As his behavior becomes more and more obsessive, Brent and James may be the only ones who can intervene. But will helping Tiffany mean losing their friend forever?

274 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2005

97 people are currently reading
1801 people want to read

About the author

Carl Weber

92 books2,107 followers
Carl Weber is a New York Times and #1 Essence® bestselling novelist.

In addition to his writing, Weber is the founder and publisher of Urban Books and in 2005, he was named Blackboard's Publisher of the Year. He is the owner of the Urban Knowledge chain of book stores and a past recipient of Blackboard's Bookseller of the Year award.

Weber graduated from Virginia State University and holds an MBA in marketing from the University of Virginia.

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5 stars
2,032 (57%)
4 stars
1,025 (29%)
3 stars
389 (11%)
2 stars
59 (1%)
1 star
23 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
Profile Image for MsTiptress.
191 reviews3 followers
January 30, 2016
Exceptionally deceptive and beautiful. This is without question one of the top books I have read this year.He really did put a spin on an old trick. Something we thought we were all used to lies and cheating and accidental babies.. but all with such a twist that will shock you right out of your pants.. lol. I truly truly enjoyed this story. This is something that happens everyday if people would just open their eyes.. Yes, its right in front of you but we all try to deny it.We got to here the Man’s side of the story. We all know women can be more conniving then men. There were plenty of times I had to stop myself from screaming out “That Bitch” Ok so I didn’t stop myself.Dramatic and Sexy.
Profile Image for Samantha.
16 reviews5 followers
February 13, 2012
All I can say about this book is : Oh my dam!!!! This book is about three male friends that have grown up together. They are all married or in serious relationships and we get to see the twists and turns that life hands us in romantic relationships. I will say this book is full of surprises and will literally have you with your mouth hanging open at the end. Prepare to expect the unexpected! I can't say anymore without giving spoilers.
Profile Image for Sheila Jackson.
Author 9 books33 followers
June 18, 2009
OMG! This book took me through twist and turns with these three friends. Sonny was crazy and obessed. James should have just talked with his wife, instead of all that sneaking he was doing to keep his secret from Cathy (His Wife). And Brent, he was just messed up, I hated what happened to him in the end, but you can't play around with someone's heart and not feel the backlash from it.

All I can say is that you need to read this book. Because it was some things in it that I didn't expect.

Awesome Carl Weber
Profile Image for Eva-Marie Nevarez.
1,701 reviews135 followers
March 9, 2010
WOW~ To think, I may have continued putting off reading any of Carl Weber's books because I wasn't sure what to expect if not for a friend! I honestly was expecting Weber's books to be a little more romance oriented than I like so, even though I've picked a few up over the years, I hadn't actually read any of them.... until now.
This is officially one of my favorite books. And this is one of those books you can't streamline into one genre. Almost any fiction lover would like or love this book - not just urban fiction readers.
I actually (I can't believe I'm admitting this) talked out loud to myself while reading this.... numerous times.
When that (you who have read this KNOW what I'm talking about!) came out about Jackie?!!! What??? I was flipping back through the book determined to dispute it and Weber's next sentence had me laughing my ass off! Sonny's character? Oh my. So many surprises and twists. Only an author with so much behind him, talent-wise, could pull this off. I'm so happy one of the one-hit wonder authors didn't try this - thankfully Weber did it first - and did it WELL.
Profile Image for OOSA .
1,802 reviews237 followers
January 3, 2009
Choices,
So You Call Yourself a Man tells the story of three lifelong friends, James, Brent and Sonny, and the up and downs of everyday life. One friend had an extramarital affair that ended years ago, or so he thought. Another seems to have it all: looks, a good job and a wife who loves him unconditionally. But this picture seems too perfect. The other friend has a wife and two kids, until she takes off suddenly. Is there more to her leaving that he's letting on? James, Brent and Sonny's problems are in no way small - complicated love affairs being Weber's signature.

So You Call Yourself a Man makes for good reading. For me, it could have ended better, but for the most part, it was good. As with his other books, whichever book you choose to read, you'll get a crash course in drama Weber-style.

Reviewed by: Tracy
Author 4 books1 follower
Read
December 13, 2011
I think this book was filled with just enough drama to keep you guessing. I am an author (check out Un-Equally Yoked by Tamela Cozart Tucker) and I can say that Carl Weber definitely inspired me. I can easily see his book being a made for tv movie. We could use a Lifetime for African American genre. I totally did not see the Sonny storyline and that is what I like the most about Carl. He keeps you shocked!
Profile Image for Keia chat.
21 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2013
This is the first Carl weber book I have ever read and fell in love with not only the book but him love it love it
Profile Image for Sophie Sealy.
379 reviews21 followers
February 15, 2016
It started out as boys behaving badly then I began cursing up a storm, the beginning will in no way prepare you for the ending.
Profile Image for Rhoda Dede.
61 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2018
This books really had me on the edge of my seat. I didn’t know men could be so vulnerable to cheating, lying, and control. James, Brent, and Sony had so much in their shoulders and to be honest if they would had just been honest from the jump none of this would had happened. But then the book wouldn’t be good and I wouldn’t be here writing a review. James was a weak man and ever time his chapter came up I was rolling my eyes. His wife Cathy was pretty decent until I found out she had dirty laundry and my mood for her changed. Michelle was useless and it sad to know there are women out here like her. Sonny was straight up crazy and driven by control. I didn’t mind his crazy antics until he start spying on Tiff and put his hands in her that was a huge no no. Jessica was smart to run but she was too afraid to call the cops which lead to Tiffany dealing with Sonny. Tiffany was straight stupid you just got out of one toxic relationship. Knowing you have kids you need to relax and be careful who you allow in your life and the kids but I guess Sonny was laying down some good pipe because once she saw them roaches she ran into his house where she would had died like her ex husband Kareem. Brent was something else. My mom always told me the ones who scream the word of God the loudest are the ones who are sinning the most. I know being gay is something a lot of people can’t stomach down but he should had told Allison from the jump. She already didn’t think she as good enough for him. And Allison, Ms. Perfect Churchgoer. Smh she really took for better or worse to another level when she had Brent attacked but aye you reap what you sow. Lastly Jackie, whole time I’m thinking she was a she come to find out she was a he. But it made sense since I’m most churches organist are male not female. He was just lusting over Brent sex because the moment Brent was paralyzed dude dipped like no tomorrow. No real likable characters in this one but it was a great book and I can’t wait to read the next installment of this 4 part series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dee Musa.
269 reviews3 followers
April 2, 2024
10 stars 🌟 OMG OMG OMG!!!! 😆😆😆😆😆 Mr Carl Webb you are a wild boi for this one. My goodness my goodness, your pen be penning 🔥🔥🔥

James: trifflin
Sonny: crazy deranged
Brent : scandalous
6 reviews
December 30, 2013
So You Call Yourself A Man by Car Weber is a drama novel about three best-friends, James, Brent, and Sonny. James is seven years into his marriage with his wife Cathy and things are getting better than ever. But when James and Cathy got into their feuds James needed desire and he found it in Michelle, a usual "delivery" on his UPS route. Consequently, that affair developed a baby and now Michelle is going to make James's life hell.

On the other hand, Brent and Alison are the quintessence of marriage and it's like no other. Although Brent is a lady killer his marriage is always tested by different women Alison can't compete with. But Brent meets Jackie someone that he's known for years at his church and the love he has for Jackie is indefinite compared to Alison physically and emotionally.

Lastly, Sonny, Sonny moved to Seattle and he's missed friends in New York. Luckily, James found him a job as a computer analyst at UPS. So Sonny went to New York he got the job and a house for his wife and family but when his wife Jessica sends his stuff early he's perplexed that it's just his stuff. After Sonny gets over the fact Jessica abandoned him he quickly reunites with his high school girlfriend Tiffany. But as their relationship progresses Tiffany suspects he's delusional and obsessed.

I couldn't put this book down I liked the plot and how each character had something to do with the other. For example Brent had nothing to do with Sonny's wife Jessica but Brent and James saved Tiffany from being killed. I was definitely surprised by how quick of a read it is i usually don't read these type of genres. The dialogue between the characters is very explicit it seemed so real. I didn't like the transitioning of time in this book it was hard to keep track. For example a situation with Brent happened that affected his relationship to Sonny. Brent asked James to spy on Sonny but as I read through James chapter it never indicated until later in the chapter that he spied on him more than once. So the timing was a little late but that didn't prevent me from putting it down.

Overall the books plot was great. Besides the bad transitioning the characters, setting its all coherent. I would recommend this book to anybody who's into the drama, romance, and comedy. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Mrs Tupac.
724 reviews52 followers
October 14, 2018
Carl W. Has done it again I liked this one just as much as I liked (lookin for luv and baby mama drama) certain books of his really pull me in. I just hated he used n*ggger smh....

Brent and Sonny seemed so secretive James Sr. was just a weak , adulterous push over. I didn't really find any likeable characters besides Allison she was insecure but still a good woman whom deserved better.
1) I think of James would've been honest with Cathy after getting back together things probably would not have unfolded like they did.
2) sunny slowly but surely revealed his nutty side dude was not wrapped too tight.
3)what made James weak was how he lied to his wife and continued to kiss Michelle's ASS when he could've just been a real man.
4)That whole Jackie senereo threw me through the ringer that person was a devil with a golden tongue. I figured he was a female because he was mentioned as a she and also a mistress wow good mind f***
5)tiffany broke up with one lunatic just to get with the king of lunatics. She should've just took Her ex husband to court so she could support herself and her kids instead of depending on a stranger she barely knew.
6)Michelle was a weak , needy , immature trick who didn't deserve to be a mother in the first place.
7)I knew sonny was crazy when he pulled a gun on random people
8)the biggest sins are committed in church and disguised as all types of people with the same aura of wacoJacko
9)I Wouldn't have forgave James if I was Cathy but it was for the kids sake so that's understandable.
10)I just figured Jessica had a good reason for leaving Looney sonny I just had to read to find out.
11)I really emphasized with Allison if I could've gotten away with something like that I probably would've did the same thing.
12) I think sonny deserved to die but not killed by his own friend
Profile Image for Pamela.
47 reviews5 followers
January 1, 2012
I honestly expected NOT to like this book, but I have to honestly admit I had a hard time putting it down. The plot was really engaging and the characters were believable. The author actually manages to insert a plot twist, which is REALLY hard to pull off seamlessly in a book, but I got it. There are three very different friends who experience three very different hardships in three VERY different relationships. All of which could probably happen to a man that you or I know. As they go through these problems, sometimes I felt each of their pain, sometime's I felt their woman's pain, and sometimes I just didn't know WHAT to think. I would recommend this book to someone looking for an entertaining read that manages to make you think a little.

Profile Image for Adrienna.
Author 18 books242 followers
September 7, 2019
This book definitely has drama, and makes you wonder if men are truly this weak with temptation instead of resisting; even the church boy gives in too after marrying a girl that he convinced himself he was attracted to (she even asks before the day of their marriage, if he was truly attracted to a 250-270 lb dark skinned girl that only good quality is that she is a church girl). However, I definitely easily connected to the characters and could not put the book down. close to the end was some turns I didn't expect and had to pause for a moment.

Leisure read 2016 from B Library.

Read again in August to September 2019. Now borrowing an audiobook copy from the Sac Public Library, and the actors are fabulous, which would make it a 5 star rating this round.
Profile Image for Belinda .
1 review
June 15, 2008
While reading this book, I found myself more drawn into a certain character's story over another's; and wanted to skip to the next chapter involving that character(Although, I never did.) When I finished the book I felt that the entire book was entertaining and funny. This is a book you have to read!!!
29 reviews8 followers
September 5, 2009
Wow. When I first read it, I thought it would be typical. Once I got to the end, wow. So many twists and turns, right up til the last page!
Profile Image for Barbara.
103 reviews3 followers
March 9, 2019
At first it was moving kind of slow- It was about these three friends named James, Sonny and Brent.
James was married to Cathy and had two boys, but while James was driving for UPS he met Michelle while they was separated. But when James and Cathy decided to work out there issues and get back together Michelle ended up calling him and he didn't want to talk to her so she told him he had a son.
In ordered to keep Michelle from telling his wife he agreed to babysit so she could work but he ended up babysitting all the time. So he told her he could babysit for her because he was going to the game and by the time he made it home Michelle had dropped off his son with a suitcase to his wife.
Sonny left town to go back home to apply for a job with UPS as a truck driver but he got an offer for a computer analyst job. So he told his wife Jessica it would take about two weeks to find a house and start packing up every thing so they could move when he gets back. But the day he was getting ready to get on the plane he kept calling her but the phone was disconnected.
And then he had a delivery and he thought it was one package but she had packed up all his things and sent to him when he found a house. She disappeared and he didn't know where she was.
But Brent was every woman dream, but he didn't want anything to do with them because of Allison who weigh 250 pounds, and women couldn't understand while he was interested in her. But he ended up marrying her but he was still in love with Jackie.
One day she came home and found the two of them together and she told him Jackie used to be a man and that her unborn baby was better off dead than with him as a father.
But the of this book went out with a bang!!!!
Profile Image for Susan.
1,226 reviews4 followers
February 28, 2019
It probably would have been two stars until the end, which was a giant WTF for me. But there was a lot I didn’t like even before the very end. Reading the back of the book, I thought this was going to be about three friends challenging and helping one another to be better, and I thought it might be something of a redemption story. Not necessarily Christian redemption; but certainly “I can meet the eyes of the man in the mirror and like who I see” redemption. But the friendship between the men was almost peripheral to their individual stories. Well over half the book is devoted to detailing how each of them either get into a mess or dig themselves into a worse mess than they were previously in. I found this excruciating. Disc five out of eight was scratched and wouldn’t play in my car. Houseguests kept me from playing it at home. I took a break and listened to another book, during which it occurred to me that I might not miss much if I just skipped ahead to disc six. And that I wouldn’t care too much about whatever I did miss. I was right. The author made some interesting choices with at least two of the three major plot lines so that the reader is surprised (possibly) by certain revelations. That wasn’t my problem with the book.

I hated the decisions these characters made. I hated the decision the author made about which way to take a storyline involving a character in a marginalized population...doubly marginalized. I cannot believe the ending. What a horrible ending.
Profile Image for His Wife7474.
135 reviews32 followers
February 27, 2020
Weber can weave a story! This book was not what I expected, but it was an enjoyable read. In So You Call Yourself A Man, Weber takes us on a journey with 3 friends- Sonny, James, and Brent. Each is harboring secrets that can destroy themselves and their loved ones. Some of the secrets are deadly.

I had a few "WTF" moments while reading this book. Weber does an excellent job of layering this story and revelations are made bit-by-bit. Though this book is paced ok, I feel like it was rushed in some areas. However, considering the genre I can't complain too much. Speaking of genre... "God" and "church" are mentioned but this is NOT a Christian novel lol. There are even a bishop and first lady. But, I repeat, this is NOT a Christian novel lol.

Though I enjoyed this book I am not gung-ho to jump into another book by this author. It was fun but I doubt I'll read it again.
Profile Image for Tamara Thomas.
170 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2023
Didn't like this one so much

Everyone in the book was messy and messed up, except for the kids. Sonny was a lunatic! Who calls and gets someone fired and then pays good money for nasty roaches, just to get someone to move in with them? I'm sorry to say but he got what he deserved.
That Michelle was so trifling, abandoning her son for a no-good man! It's sad but women do it in real life. James was just as bad for getting her pregnant in the first place, not every person is parent material. Brent and Allison had their own issues with fidelity and sexuality. I don't know if I would have gone to the extreme that Allison did, but I would have been unhappy and humiliated for sure.
On to the next one!
Profile Image for Jonathan.
607 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2020
TW// violence, abuse
In this installment of the" Church" series Carl Weber really shows the affect of keeping too many secrets. James and his wife have gone through a lot of things, including rough patches in their marriage,but are together more than ever. All is well until his mistress shows up with his son. Now he's got to figure out a way to break the news to his wife, which is easier said than done. Brent has found his match is a lady as well, but can he remain faithful? Sonny's marriage is on the rocks as well, can he fix it, or will he move on for good? Read it and find out! A quick and fun read!
49 reviews
January 8, 2023
The plot had my interest and I was able to get the audio book from the library. My hope was that the characters in this book would somehow be able to find resolution to their issues. This story had baby mama drama, infidelity issues and abuse which was sad. However, two of the characters make it through the the muck in their relationships which alters their lives forever. I was glad that their friendship survives and they stayed in contact with each other. After listening to this book I had to think. Life is messy, drama filled and imperfect but with love, patience and forgiveness happiness is found at the end. These characters make it through and their friendship stays intact.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sidney.
117 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2024
The men in this book almost drove me crazy! They were the worst trio of best friends ever!

James was stupid.
Sunny was psyhco.
Brent was just dis-re-pect-ful.

I was not excepting all that I got out of this book. The twists were great. I knew these were going to be trash men but I didn't know it was going to be to this extent! This was a great read. Now, I need to read some romance to rid my mind of these no good men!

Sidenote: There was some no good ladies in this book too. Michelle is trifling and James' mother wasn't no good either telling him to keep hiding that baby! Okay I'm done!
Profile Image for that girl &#x1f9cb;.
344 reviews2 followers
October 25, 2020
This was crazy. Insane. So many twists and turns I didn't see coming. I'm not even sure how many stars I should give this book! I enjoyed it but it also made me...angry? I hated the characters, not because they were dull (they weren't) but because they were so real, and terrible. Definitely not a feel-good story, but dramatic and heart-wrenching. I recommend it if you like getting angry over fictional characters and being shocked/mind-blown.
Profile Image for Amaka Azie.
Author 27 books228 followers
January 1, 2022
This book was hilarious and messy.
All the characters made me laugh.
There were unexpected twists and turns.
Carl Webber knows how to tell a story in a way that keeps you hooked.
It’s like listening to a girlfriend telling you hot gossip that is scandalous but you can’t help but listen.
Hahaha
The story is about 3 male friends navigating their relationships and family life.
All with dark and even dangerous secrets.
I enjoyed this this thoroughly.
Profile Image for Mike.
404 reviews32 followers
February 17, 2021
Honestly I can just copy every other review by this author and paste it here. This one has the same “waiting to exhale” formula of filling the book with multiple personalities and points of view. I enjoyed it, it wasn’t bad it just won’t be memorable.

This was neither here nor there. For me just a quick read; empty calories to artificially fill me up while I’m in between novels
3 reviews
July 1, 2017
I gave this book a 5 because I liked how it took off. At 1st this was a bathroom read, however, the book takes a serious turn that keeps you engaged til the end. The chapters are very short and the story line switches back and forth but it was still very good!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews

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