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A Natural Woman
When Aliesha, a dark-skinned beauty who seemingly has it all--a prestigious academic job, a respected role at church and an adoring boyfriend--meets barber Dante, she is forced to confront what has been missing from her life all along--him. Original.
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2009
24 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Lori Johnson
2 books56 followersLori’s Latest Publications & Literary Honors
The Forge Literary Magazine featured my essay "Hair Care Chronicles" for the week of April 7, 2025.
MPL UNBOUND (a publication of the Memphis Public Library) reprinted two of my essays--"MaDear's Scrapbook" and "Tracing My Black Roots In Old Whitehaven" in their Fall 2024 issue.
The first chapter of my novel-in-progress BLOOD KIN received an honorable mention in the 2024 Chapter One Prize of the Gutsy Great Novelist Contest.
My essay “Mama Say She Had A Dream” appears in issue #7 of NELLE Literary Journal.
“Mama Say She Had A Dream” won NELLE’s Three Sisters Award for creative nonfiction.
My essay “Hattie Mae’s Harvest” appeared in the September 2022 online issue of Midnight & Indigo.
“Hattie Mae Mae’s Harvest” was a nonfiction finalist in Charlotte Lit’s 2022 Lit/South Awards.
See the following for info about my two novels.
My second novel, A Natural Woman, which contains a hint of mystery and a touch of the paranormal, was published by Kensington/Dafina in November 2009.
My debut novel, After The Dance, was published by Kensington/Dafina in April (2008). After The Dance is a romantic comedy about a couple of neighbors who stop their bickering long enough to fall in love.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 21, 2019
This story had me on such a rollercoaster of emotions, I was absolutely exhausted by the end. I was taken by how relatable the characters were from the trials, errors and tribulations we go through with our hair and with men. It was a wonderful story and I was sad to see it end. It is a must-read for whatever stage your relationship, or your hair in.
April 14, 2010
let me begin by saying i wrote a putlizer prize winning review of this absolutely wonderful novel, only to have the page refresh and erase it :-(
THIS IS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE READ IN THE PAST TWO YEARS!!!
i love the way it was crafted, the character development, the syntax, the spirituality, musical references, fluidity of the plot, and as dr. rodriguez would say : the intersection of race, class, and gender. lori johnson is the newest entry in my favorite author list. granted i wasn't on the emotional roller coaster i ride when i read octavia butler and gloria naylor but i like the merry go round almost as much as i like wooden coasters! never the less reading this book was the most pleasant experience i have had in a very long time. the fact that the characters would attend church and then one would say something like "did you talk to jesus". tickled my fancy. i'm goofy. i'm okay with that. also okay with drawing my own parallel between Dante and The Divine Comedy. i'm a nerd and i'm okay with that too. i'm just in love with this book. it was like watching pieces of myself, misadventures in grad school/past relationships, random people from my neighborhood, my imagination and an award wining storyteller have an orgy.
THIS IS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE READ IN THE PAST TWO YEARS!!!
i love the way it was crafted, the character development, the syntax, the spirituality, musical references, fluidity of the plot, and as dr. rodriguez would say : the intersection of race, class, and gender. lori johnson is the newest entry in my favorite author list. granted i wasn't on the emotional roller coaster i ride when i read octavia butler and gloria naylor but i like the merry go round almost as much as i like wooden coasters! never the less reading this book was the most pleasant experience i have had in a very long time. the fact that the characters would attend church and then one would say something like "did you talk to jesus". tickled my fancy. i'm goofy. i'm okay with that. also okay with drawing my own parallel between Dante and The Divine Comedy. i'm a nerd and i'm okay with that too. i'm just in love with this book. it was like watching pieces of myself, misadventures in grad school/past relationships, random people from my neighborhood, my imagination and an award wining storyteller have an orgy.
August 28, 2015
LOVED this book. Review to come.
February 14, 2021
This was an awesome book, I really love books that address colorism and featurism. This book was very entertaining Alesia and Monica were hilarious to me. The romance between Alesia and Dante was nice but I felt the book ended before it could really be explored. This book is probably more Chic lit than Romance, but overall a great read.
June 5, 2019
I picked this book up from a second hand book sale at my local library. A visit to a new hairdresser sparks a new direction in life
January 10, 2015
APB Perspective Reviews:
When I finished this book I wanted more ! Natural Woman is a book that made me feel understood , I felt like this author got me , that she looked inside my head and wrote parts of my story . I also feel any woman would feel the same way after reading this book. Aliesha is a woman I can truly relate to, I felt basically she just wanted to be loved and understood , she wanted a man to touch her soul ,a man who appreciated her for they she is , a natural woman ,Dante is that man. Lori Johnson can write male characters that will have you giving them their hearts, as she introduces you to them in the pages of this book. I fell in love with Kenneth he was a cool character with a darkness on his heart that I would love to see him healed and complete in another book . The Kenneth he takes charge and opens his heart in this story is something I would love to know more about. Dante ,what can I say , when he is with Aliesha for the first time , I said to myself " ooh take me there!" and he did . Dante is a man most women would fall in love with , he's good looking, he's intelligent but there is so much more to his story,Aliesha sees that in him and is drawn to him from the first time he puts his hands in her hair. This is more than a book about two people falling in love , this is a book about a woman comfortable being who she is , a natural beautiful ,confident woman. She meets a man Dante, but there is so much more to her story. I loved it!
When I finished this book I wanted more ! Natural Woman is a book that made me feel understood , I felt like this author got me , that she looked inside my head and wrote parts of my story . I also feel any woman would feel the same way after reading this book. Aliesha is a woman I can truly relate to, I felt basically she just wanted to be loved and understood , she wanted a man to touch her soul ,a man who appreciated her for they she is , a natural woman ,Dante is that man. Lori Johnson can write male characters that will have you giving them their hearts, as she introduces you to them in the pages of this book. I fell in love with Kenneth he was a cool character with a darkness on his heart that I would love to see him healed and complete in another book . The Kenneth he takes charge and opens his heart in this story is something I would love to know more about. Dante ,what can I say , when he is with Aliesha for the first time , I said to myself " ooh take me there!" and he did . Dante is a man most women would fall in love with , he's good looking, he's intelligent but there is so much more to his story,Aliesha sees that in him and is drawn to him from the first time he puts his hands in her hair. This is more than a book about two people falling in love , this is a book about a woman comfortable being who she is , a natural beautiful ,confident woman. She meets a man Dante, but there is so much more to her story. I loved it!
December 5, 2021
I totally loved this book, it took me through a variety of emotions. I totally enjoyed the characters, the scenes we witnessed were absolutely life changing. The characters were fully developed and so real. I was absolutely thrilled to experience the depth of this story. Alicia, Dante, Monica, Tamara, Wally, Big Momma, Lelah, Kenneth, Yaz and even the lesser cast members all had a roll that they fulfilled. Fabulous read!
March 20, 2017
Enjoyed reading this book.
January 8, 2016
3.5 stars
This was an ok read for me. A female college professor falls for a barber and what transpires is (sort) what happens when their worlds get mixed. In actuality, this barber is in a world of drama we don't get into until it's too late for it to matter (trying not to spoil things here) and the woman is entangled in a couple of relationships that are far more interesting than the one she is pursuing. I don't think this is an overdone subject (dating outside of your professional "bracket") as there's always another way to tell the story. I wish the pacing was a little faster; the main characters interacted more with each other; the emotions more relatable. I think she built an interesting world that had the framework for a compelling story, but overall, it was so "other" I couldn't get into it.
This was an ok read for me. A female college professor falls for a barber and what transpires is (sort) what happens when their worlds get mixed. In actuality, this barber is in a world of drama we don't get into until it's too late for it to matter (trying not to spoil things here) and the woman is entangled in a couple of relationships that are far more interesting than the one she is pursuing. I don't think this is an overdone subject (dating outside of your professional "bracket") as there's always another way to tell the story. I wish the pacing was a little faster; the main characters interacted more with each other; the emotions more relatable. I think she built an interesting world that had the framework for a compelling story, but overall, it was so "other" I couldn't get into it.
February 19, 2015
A story of one woman's self-growth
Aleisha aka Miz Babygirl, is accomplished, educated, and knows her worth. Yet, she longs for passion in her personal life. There was fire with Kenneth, but he had unresolved issues that she overlooked. Javiel, the rebound, just couldn't measure up even though his love seemed true. Dante, oh Dante, is the mystery man she couldn't manage to ignore. Told in the first person of both Aleisha and Dante, the reader gets to experience each coping with their current place in life and what they truly want. Outside forces take them both through some changes. Pivotal moments force them both to go for what will bring them happiness. Be prepared, this story is slow-paced and the author is verbose. Overall, good story if you're patient.
Aleisha aka Miz Babygirl, is accomplished, educated, and knows her worth. Yet, she longs for passion in her personal life. There was fire with Kenneth, but he had unresolved issues that she overlooked. Javiel, the rebound, just couldn't measure up even though his love seemed true. Dante, oh Dante, is the mystery man she couldn't manage to ignore. Told in the first person of both Aleisha and Dante, the reader gets to experience each coping with their current place in life and what they truly want. Outside forces take them both through some changes. Pivotal moments force them both to go for what will bring them happiness. Be prepared, this story is slow-paced and the author is verbose. Overall, good story if you're patient.
Read
November 16, 2009A Natural Woman is the story of Aleisha Eaton a successful college professor who could be your next door neighbor, best friend or sister. Lori Johnson's sophomore effort is a must read if you're looking for a good solid story, complete with conflict, suspense and of course a solid love story. It is much more than a love story, it's really a life story and confronts some of the many issues that African American professionals face regularly, from classism to abuse.
Johnson does a wonderful job with POV, and the dialouge moves you through the story with great ease. It's familiar and as is a trait of Johnson's it is lyrical and familiar.
I highly recommend A Natural Woman.
Johnson does a wonderful job with POV, and the dialouge moves you through the story with great ease. It's familiar and as is a trait of Johnson's it is lyrical and familiar.
I highly recommend A Natural Woman.
October 8, 2010
I am so mad! It was a beautifully written AA romance. The author had me on the edge of my seat waiting for the two main characters' romance to begin. I was rooting for them. I waited out all the twists and turns and foolish choices and hunger and pain and loss. I just wanted the two lovers-to-be- Dante and Aliesha to get together. Finally the romance begins...on the very last page! What kind of foolishness is this?
It was a well-written heart teaser though. If you are starved for a good love story with a twirly ending, this isn't for you. I've never felt more hungry for more in my entire reading life!
It was a well-written heart teaser though. If you are starved for a good love story with a twirly ending, this isn't for you. I've never felt more hungry for more in my entire reading life!
January 7, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Aliesha is a professor, with a questionable ex-lover, a lackluster current beau, and a natural hairstyle which is an interesting starting point for a story. I could totally relate to all the barber/beauty shop experiences and I loved all the music references throughout the story. (I even dusted off an old vinyl copy of John Coltrane's Impressions and gave it a listen). At times it seemed like she had a bit of a chip on her shoulder and a sharp tongue, but I think those were defense mechanisms. Dante seemed deep, sincere, and sexy...I think I knew someone like that once upon a time. Wish I still did.
August 30, 2011
I loved this book. It was funny, had some drama, and had a little psychic woohoo thrown in. I actually admired and like Dante more for dealing with his past baggage when he had the chance, even though it was at an inconvenient time for the heroine. I would have loved for Kenneth and Aleisha to have had a conversation after he started going to AA and counseling. I love how Aleisha was raised to be secure in who she was, a dark skinned natural headed woman. This was a library book, but I am going to get my own copy as soon as I can.
January 14, 2012
I loved this book and did not want it to end when it did! The story had me guessing what the characters would do next because they were certainly not predictable. I want to know more about Aliesha, Dante, Peaches and yes, Monica so would definitely entertain a part 2.
The book touches on racism, interracial relationships, a man's struggle to come into his own, relationships between female friends among other things.
The book touches on racism, interracial relationships, a man's struggle to come into his own, relationships between female friends among other things.
September 16, 2013
Must admit, I'd almost given up on my library when it came to its "african american" shelves. Then I saw the cover with a woman whose 'fro was bigger than mine. I was hooked.
What I liked most from this book was that it reflected myself to me, without being abrasive. Lori allowed the characters to be who they were, without losing their intellect
One of the things I'm taking from this book is to know yourself and your worth in the world. Good job Lori. I enjoyed your work.
What I liked most from this book was that it reflected myself to me, without being abrasive. Lori allowed the characters to be who they were, without losing their intellect
One of the things I'm taking from this book is to know yourself and your worth in the world. Good job Lori. I enjoyed your work.
December 23, 2009
I throughly enjoyed this novel.
My fav character was dark skinned, natural haired, strong sister Aliesha. I enjoyed Dante and he and Aleisha's realistic relationship. This book made me feel good about being an African woman. I am so happy there is a book like this that has a main character who looks and behaves like Aleisha. Way to go Lori!
My fav character was dark skinned, natural haired, strong sister Aliesha. I enjoyed Dante and he and Aleisha's realistic relationship. This book made me feel good about being an African woman. I am so happy there is a book like this that has a main character who looks and behaves like Aleisha. Way to go Lori!
June 16, 2010
This was an okay. I like some of the characteristics of the main character. There ended up being too much drama and too many men involved w/this 'church girl's' life. I enjoyed Dante and some of the barber shop banter. I thought that Kenneth's role was overstacked and the third guy was just strung along.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2009
A real treat. Johnson presents a tender love story while raising important questions about African-American culture and what/who is considered beautiful.
May 18, 2011
I listened to this book. It was actually my first experience at listening to a play away, and I enjoyed it very much. It was a good listen!
May 22, 2012
This book is a nice unlikely love story. The characters were well developed and very intriguing, Gotta love it!
March 28, 2013
This is a sweet book. A good read.
April 16, 2013
In the beginning it's a slow book, there are a couple spelling errors but other than that it was a good book loved the ending
April 28, 2013
I think this book was just ok. On a scale from 1 to 10 I only gave it a 7.
September 2, 2013
For the main character to be so confident, she seemed to be extremely insecure. It seemed like she swam in false confidence but it did not help her self esteem/ insecurity issues.
August 12, 2016
A Natural Woman is about a love story that begins over the shampoo bowl. It was easy read and a good change of pace for me.
May 19, 2019
The ending was a let down also it was very drawn out it felt like it dragged but I couldn’t stop reading? It had the potential to be amazing tho but it was alright.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews