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Passin'
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 Shanika gets the opportunity to work for a PR firm in New York, she finds that everyone assumes she is white; she also notices that being white has it advantages, from getting respect at work to getting picked up by a cab when other African-Americans are passed by. When she starts dating a successful white colleague, she continues with the lie, despite the guilt she feels at disappointing her mother and her heritage. When she falls for a handsome African-American business man, she must finally face who she is and what she's done, even if it means losing everything and everyone she loves.
- GenresFictionAfrican American
306 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
11 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Karen E. Quinones Miller
21 books192 followersKaren 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.
In 1999 she self-published her first novel, Satin Doll, and sold 3,000 copies in just six weeks --and ultimately sold 28,000 copies in six months. The publishing rights to Satin Doll and a second book were ultimately sold at auction for a six-figure deal. She has subsequently been published by Simon & Schuster, Warner Books, and Grand Central Books.
Miller, who is included in the book Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African-American Women in Literature, is a frequent and accomplished public speaker. Miller has conducted numerous publishing/self-publishing workshops that have been attended by people nationwide.
But more than anything, Miller’s passion is writing. She used her publishing company – Oshun Publishing Company, Inc. – to publish Harlem Godfather: The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson -- the first biography written about the Harlem gangster who was depicted in the movies Cotton Club, Hoodlum and American Gangster – which she co-authored along with Bumpy’s 93-year-old widow, Mayme Johnson. Oshun Publishing also recently published Raw: An Erotic Street Tale by Shay, and Prey For Love by Leyton Wint.
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.
In 1999 she self-published her first novel, Satin Doll, and sold 3,000 copies in just six weeks --and ultimately sold 28,000 copies in six months. The publishing rights to Satin Doll and a second book were ultimately sold at auction for a six-figure deal. She has subsequently been published by Simon & Schuster, Warner Books, and Grand Central Books.
Miller, who is included in the book Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African-American Women in Literature, is a frequent and accomplished public speaker. Miller has conducted numerous publishing/self-publishing workshops that have been attended by people nationwide.
But more than anything, Miller’s passion is writing. She used her publishing company – Oshun Publishing Company, Inc. – to publish Harlem Godfather: The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson -- the first biography written about the Harlem gangster who was depicted in the movies Cotton Club, Hoodlum and American Gangster – which she co-authored along with Bumpy’s 93-year-old widow, Mayme Johnson. Oshun Publishing also recently published Raw: An Erotic Street Tale by Shay, and Prey For Love by Leyton Wint.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 19, 2009
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 cynical, but it's the truth. The ending was not at all great either, it was just like you were reading one of the earlier chapters in the book. You could kind of tell that this book was written to meet a deadline.
Overall it was a bit of a disappointment and definitely not one of the authors better books.
I wouldn't not recommend this book,just because it might open someones eyes to what both worlds are like; but I wouldn't recommend it either.
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 cynical, but it's the truth. The ending was not at all great either, it was just like you were reading one of the earlier chapters in the book. You could kind of tell that this book was written to meet a deadline.
Overall it was a bit of a disappointment and definitely not one of the authors better books.
I wouldn't not recommend this book,just because it might open someones eyes to what both worlds are like; but I wouldn't recommend it either.
July 14, 2012
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 hair and blue eyes. Determined to keep her husband's family from negatively influencing her child, Rina instilled important values and principles in young Shanika Jenkins.
All grown up and proud of her African-American heritage, Shanika is ready to step out in the real world with her newly earned college degree. She runs smack dab into a brick wall when she doesn't obtain the job of her dreams because she is not "black" enough. She flips the script and decides to pass as a white woman. Quickly she finds herself deep into a world that there is no easy way out of. With her family disappointed and upset by her actions but her career on the rise, which world will Shanika choose?
Karen E. Quinones Miller paints a vivid portrait of the practice of "passing" by lighter-skinned blacks. She has shed light (no pun intended) on a topic not often addressed. PASSIN' is brave, written with style and has a message, and makes some sharp observations about race. It's well worth the read.
Reviewed by: Toni
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 hair and blue eyes. Determined to keep her husband's family from negatively influencing her child, Rina instilled important values and principles in young Shanika Jenkins.
All grown up and proud of her African-American heritage, Shanika is ready to step out in the real world with her newly earned college degree. She runs smack dab into a brick wall when she doesn't obtain the job of her dreams because she is not "black" enough. She flips the script and decides to pass as a white woman. Quickly she finds herself deep into a world that there is no easy way out of. With her family disappointed and upset by her actions but her career on the rise, which world will Shanika choose?
Karen E. Quinones Miller paints a vivid portrait of the practice of "passing" by lighter-skinned blacks. She has shed light (no pun intended) on a topic not often addressed. PASSIN' is brave, written with style and has a message, and makes some sharp observations about race. It's well worth the read.
Reviewed by: Toni
August 8, 2009
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.
September 3, 2020
𝙍𝙀𝘾𝘼𝙋:: Shanika was always mistaken for white because of her pale skin. A recent graduate, she goes to NY in search of PR jobs, and learns the opportunities are limited for Blacks and she’s considered “too light” for the black PR training program. She starts to pass to get a foot in the door, and once she does, it’s too hard to tell the truth. How long will Nikkie be able to keep up her charade?
𝙎𝙒𝙀𝙀𝙏𝙏𝙀𝘼 ☕️:: I first read this book in 2008 and it remains on my bookshelf. I wanted to reread this one about a girl who passes, gets to revel in white privilege and the backlash once she’s exposed. I also liked seeing how her passing affected her and her family in many ways.
This was a very engaging read - it leaves you anxious to know how Nikkie’s passing will unfold. But, what stood out to me the most is this quote that I find so ironic and gives a symbolic view on inequality.
“𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙖 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨, 𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙧 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙢, 𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙪𝙥, 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙠𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙨𝙨. 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙖 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘, 𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙣𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙞𝙢, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙨.“
𝙎𝙒𝙀𝙀𝙏𝙏𝙀𝘼 ☕️:: I first read this book in 2008 and it remains on my bookshelf. I wanted to reread this one about a girl who passes, gets to revel in white privilege and the backlash once she’s exposed. I also liked seeing how her passing affected her and her family in many ways.
This was a very engaging read - it leaves you anxious to know how Nikkie’s passing will unfold. But, what stood out to me the most is this quote that I find so ironic and gives a symbolic view on inequality.
“𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙖 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨, 𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙧 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙢, 𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙪𝙥, 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙠𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙨𝙨. 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙖 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘, 𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙣𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙞𝙢, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙨.“
November 26, 2022
The book Passin’ was a great reading experience. The author did an excellent job developing characters, settings, and life issues. The storyline examines issuse facing Americans since slavery. The color line and The inner conflict of leaving darker family members for an employment and financial security.
The author shows us the cost of passing and the danger of not being true to oneself. Some people are too proud to pass no matter the financial gain. Others pass, send money home, and never look back. Then others pass to fit in. This book explores each of those three scenarios.
We hear some reasons people pass, see how their lives changes, and witness the sadness that occurs when the family is deserted. The beauty of this story is it requires us to look at the issues, our preferences, prejudices, and our degree of tolerance. The interaction were plausible, the dialogue believable, and the story line was well developed. I would love to read a part two.
The author shows us the cost of passing and the danger of not being true to oneself. Some people are too proud to pass no matter the financial gain. Others pass, send money home, and never look back. Then others pass to fit in. This book explores each of those three scenarios.
We hear some reasons people pass, see how their lives changes, and witness the sadness that occurs when the family is deserted. The beauty of this story is it requires us to look at the issues, our preferences, prejudices, and our degree of tolerance. The interaction were plausible, the dialogue believable, and the story line was well developed. I would love to read a part two.
March 28, 2019
I had a hard time getting into the beginning of the book because the main character was not super likeable and the plot seemed far fetched. About halfway through the book the story began to grow on me. 3.5 stars is more for the concept of the book and the important discussion it raises...not so much for writing style.
March 29, 2020
A fun and insightful read. Sharon Washington gave a delightful narration of the book.
December 22, 2021
This was a good read.
August 28, 2022
Good book.
April 10, 2011
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 race. She handles it beautifully & honestly.
Shanika is an interesting protagonist but the secondary characters are a bit anemic.
Passin' discusses a substantially controversial topic that still effects America today, believe it or not.
This is an excellent pick for book clubs.
It's well worth the read; Karen E. Quinones Miller really out did herself on this novel.
This is truly an outstanding book.... a page turner.
Once you open this book you won't be able to put it down & will want to see what becomes of Shanika & her life.
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 race. She handles it beautifully & honestly.
Shanika is an interesting protagonist but the secondary characters are a bit anemic.
Passin' discusses a substantially controversial topic that still effects America today, believe it or not.
This is an excellent pick for book clubs.
It's well worth the read; Karen E. Quinones Miller really out did herself on this novel.
This is truly an outstanding book.... a page turner.
Once you open this book you won't be able to put it down & will want to see what becomes of Shanika & her life.
May 17, 2008
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 "passing" still exists, and to what extent. I even blogged on my personal experiences with "passing."
Finally, I thought the ending was artfully done. We all knew eventually Shanika would get caught, but the way Ms. Quinones Miller handled it was stellar. I just didn't see that coming.
Passin' goes down in my book as another "don't miss" read.
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 "passing" still exists, and to what extent. I even blogged on my personal experiences with "passing."
Finally, I thought the ending was artfully done. We all knew eventually Shanika would get caught, but the way Ms. Quinones Miller handled it was stellar. I just didn't see that coming.
Passin' goes down in my book as another "don't miss" read.
October 4, 2009
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 herself and the readers. As readers, we see her continually cross lines she previously declare she would never cross even as she is passing.
Throughout all the action, Miller somehow manages to even have an entertaining and creative denouement that leaves the reader wanting more of Nikkie's story.
Throughout all the action, Miller somehow manages to even have an entertaining and creative denouement that leaves the reader wanting more of Nikkie's story.
August 18, 2012
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 in love with her not the color of her skin? Definiately interesting reading
December 31, 2013
I was a little perturbed by Shanika's denial about WHY she was passing for white. She created the mountain out of the molehill and denied her race, worse than the denial were the repeated betrayals while in the company of whites. This book didn't touch on anything new as far as stereotypes go in the same manner as "Milk In My Coffe" does. I wanted the author to dog deeper than the disparity between the races insofar as our tastes in music, cuisine, and views when we think no one is listening.
September 10, 2016
This is the second book I have read by Quinones Miller. The controversial topic of racial passing made this book quite an interesting read, as the protagonist is faced with biases and dilemmas that involve this possibility. Her questions and (lack of) actions lend easily to a discussion on self-perception, as well as past and present race relations. The plot was a bit longer than necessary to drive the point home; as a result, it became a bit predictable after a while. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it and look forward to more from this author.
February 19, 2008
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.
March 6, 2010
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.
March 23, 2012
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!
June 7, 2008
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.
July 2, 2008
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.
February 11, 2013
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.
April 4, 2008
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.
August 26, 2008
Good quick read but predictable
July 28, 2009
Just be yourself... and you'll do just fine
January 25, 2010
Listening on my ipod.
June 4, 2014
Just completed for my book club, Just think this is stil going on.
June 14, 2010
A fast read. Entertaining. OK.
June 22, 2011
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.
October 29, 2013
Reality in the mindset of those who don't wanna belong....
March 17, 2012
This was tragic but good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews