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The Choir Director
"A lively mix of church politics and bedroom follies." --Publishers Weekly
New York Times bestselling author Carl Weber takes readers back to church--where preaching isn't always enough. . .
Bishop T.K. Wilson has done all he can to make First Jamaica Ministries a success. But with his last choir director getting caught in a scandal, attendance and cash flow are down. To fill the pews and collection plates, Bishop is counting on a new choir director, the charismatic Aaron Mackie, to revive the church.
Aaron has been waiting his entire life to prove he has what it takes to be a big-time choir director. But his ways around women, past and present, could cost him more than his job. Soon, the Bishop is dealing with in-fighting, jealousies, and personal vendettas. But a final piece of the puzzle has yet to be revealed: Someone has been robbing the church blind. Someone whose connection to the Bishop is far too close for comfort. . .
"A masterfully written gem." --RT Book Reviews
"Faith, hope, and fornication constitute the theme of this lusty tale." --Booklist (starred review)
New York Times bestselling author Carl Weber takes readers back to church--where preaching isn't always enough. . .
Bishop T.K. Wilson has done all he can to make First Jamaica Ministries a success. But with his last choir director getting caught in a scandal, attendance and cash flow are down. To fill the pews and collection plates, Bishop is counting on a new choir director, the charismatic Aaron Mackie, to revive the church.
Aaron has been waiting his entire life to prove he has what it takes to be a big-time choir director. But his ways around women, past and present, could cost him more than his job. Soon, the Bishop is dealing with in-fighting, jealousies, and personal vendettas. But a final piece of the puzzle has yet to be revealed: Someone has been robbing the church blind. Someone whose connection to the Bishop is far too close for comfort. . .
"A masterfully written gem." --RT Book Reviews
"Faith, hope, and fornication constitute the theme of this lusty tale." --Booklist (starred review)
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2011
128 people are currently reading
1366 people want to read
About the author
Carl Weber
81 books2,122 followersCarl 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
August 27, 2014
WOW!! This book was everything drama.....I was not disappointed at all!! There were so many times in the book were I had my "Florida Evans moments".....DAMN, DAMN, DAMN!! My emotions were so up and down.....the characters, the storyline.....amazing! Go 'head on wit yo bad self, Carl Weber!!
I have to add.....this book is good enough to be read as a stand alone, but to really get a good impression of the characters and all that they have encountered up to the point, you must start the church series from the beginning. I like that Mr. Weber will often times bring back characters from one of his books, just by merely mentioning their names in the room or something....then I will think back and be like...."oh yeah, that's so and so who did that thing!" There are five books altogether, with this being the 5th. I'm praying for a 6th!
I have to add.....this book is good enough to be read as a stand alone, but to really get a good impression of the characters and all that they have encountered up to the point, you must start the church series from the beginning. I like that Mr. Weber will often times bring back characters from one of his books, just by merely mentioning their names in the room or something....then I will think back and be like...."oh yeah, that's so and so who did that thing!" There are five books altogether, with this being the 5th. I'm praying for a 6th!
April 25, 2011
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December 31, 2012
There is one word I can use to describe this work: ridiculous. Completely ridiculous. A total waste of time. It was only half way about a choir director, as implied by the title. There wasn't a single stable character in the entire work. Just...a waste of time. I would not recommend this.
October 3, 2019
I haven’t read a Carl Weber book in a while..... he’s still full of drama. In The Choir Director, Bishop T.K. Wilson is banking on dynamic new choir director Anthony Mackie to reverse the failing congregation’s fortunes. But while Anthony’s got more than enough chops to raise a heavenly chorus, he’s also got a weakness for the ladies that could make the Devil himself stand up and take notice.
February 22, 2011
I met with the Literary Diva’s Book Club at Atlanta Bread Co. to discuss Carl Weber’s latest, THE CHOIR DIRECTOR - $9.99. I’m here to tell you, that man knows how to tell a story. I read the second in this series, THE FIRST LADY - $4.47, just to get a better knowledge of Bishop T.K. Wilson, who I think is one the most best characters in novels around. He has the looks and intelligent of a man of the cloth, but still a man with some serious needs in the bedroom just like any other man. Second book is about his wife coming back from the dead to help him find a new wife. The women after scared the day lights out of me. It has been a long time since I’ve read so many evil-minded and venomous bitches get a man, and this is in church. Then I read his newest one. Took the woman’s hair our by mixing the woman’s hair shampoo with Neet hair removal. Taking a sister down by accusing her, maybe a new boyfriend, of being a rapist. Stealing money from the church, yes I said it, stealing money from the church, even though that’s not really unusual in today’s society. Damn, are we woman that desperate for a man? Wo-cheggin!!!
I laughed so hard, my dog fell out of the bed and gave me a, “what the hell is wrong with you look,” and one of the best lines, let me set it up for you first. Mackie is getting it on with Sandra. Knock at door, Mackie hides Sandra in bedroom. The two men are Bishop T. K. Wilson and Reverend Jenkins,. Bishop is offering Mackie a job and Reverend is a mentor to Mackie and his boss at their church. Mackie turns down the job offer and both men leave. Mackie goes back to finish “getting it on” with Sandra, but there’s another knock at the door, this time its just the Reverend. Mackie is thinking the Reverend is coming back to thank him for not taking the job, but my boy the Reverend pulls out a gun and accuses him of having an affair with his wife. Mackie lies and says no, but the Reverend knows he is lying because when he was there earlier with the Bishop, he saw his wife’s hat pushed into the sofa. Tells Mackie to show him where the wife is and they find her naked on the bed, she is shock and trying to cover her self, with clothes and an excuse. The Reverend tells Mackie to take the job and leave town or he’s going to shoot him. Reverend smacks wife and knocks her off the bed, then says, “She may be a ho, but she’s my ho, bought and paid for.” Damn!!!
You have got to read to this book. You will in no way be disappointed and I’m glad I got a chance to meet him at Books A Million in Charleston. He was funny even in person and he still want to own a McDonalds.” Side joke
I laughed so hard, my dog fell out of the bed and gave me a, “what the hell is wrong with you look,” and one of the best lines, let me set it up for you first. Mackie is getting it on with Sandra. Knock at door, Mackie hides Sandra in bedroom. The two men are Bishop T. K. Wilson and Reverend Jenkins,. Bishop is offering Mackie a job and Reverend is a mentor to Mackie and his boss at their church. Mackie turns down the job offer and both men leave. Mackie goes back to finish “getting it on” with Sandra, but there’s another knock at the door, this time its just the Reverend. Mackie is thinking the Reverend is coming back to thank him for not taking the job, but my boy the Reverend pulls out a gun and accuses him of having an affair with his wife. Mackie lies and says no, but the Reverend knows he is lying because when he was there earlier with the Bishop, he saw his wife’s hat pushed into the sofa. Tells Mackie to show him where the wife is and they find her naked on the bed, she is shock and trying to cover her self, with clothes and an excuse. The Reverend tells Mackie to take the job and leave town or he’s going to shoot him. Reverend smacks wife and knocks her off the bed, then says, “She may be a ho, but she’s my ho, bought and paid for.” Damn!!!
You have got to read to this book. You will in no way be disappointed and I’m glad I got a chance to meet him at Books A Million in Charleston. He was funny even in person and he still want to own a McDonalds.” Side joke
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2014
The writing was pretty decent. The storyline was mediocre until closer to the end for me. However I guess this book could be categorized as "church drama" but there were some parts that personally just didn't sit well with me. I believe I also felt similar way when I read "First Lady" by the same author. Not saying Christians are saints, but to read them cursing and carousing and adulterous affairs for invalid reasons, it makes me turn the other cheek and bat my eyes. Again this is my personal vendetta with Urban lit these days when they speak on church issues or use church as the scene for the main characters throughout the novel.
So therefore it was difficult for me to rate this novel. With all things considered, I think it still was a pretty decent read. I plan to read the sequel in the future.
Leisure eBook read, 2014
Adrienna Turner
Author of God is in the Equation
Dream4More Reviewer, www.dream4more.org
So therefore it was difficult for me to rate this novel. With all things considered, I think it still was a pretty decent read. I plan to read the sequel in the future.
Leisure eBook read, 2014
Adrienna Turner
Author of God is in the Equation
Dream4More Reviewer, www.dream4more.org
March 19, 2011
This book had me from the very beginning, to the very end. OMG! I have said this before, and I will repeat myself, Carl Weber never disappoints. I am a fan for life. Be sure to read "The Preacher's Son", "First Lady" and "Up To No Good", so you will know some of the players/characters. LOL! I give this book 5-stars, as I did with most all of the rest of Carl Weber books. I hope this is released on audio. LOL!
March 6, 2011
Great book. So many twists and turns...there were quite a few times where my mouth dropped open in shock. What I loved most was that it was unpredictable...I love a juicy novel with surprises! Great job Mr. Weber!
May 26, 2022
Church
I really need to get back to church! I miss all the shenanigans 😩 It was so much going on I could picture it as a movie! Can’t wait to read parr 2!
I really need to get back to church! I miss all the shenanigans 😩 It was so much going on I could picture it as a movie! Can’t wait to read parr 2!
August 18, 2017
Good read!
August 5, 2012
The Choir Director by Carl Weber is set at First Jamaica Ministries with a reoccurring cast from previous books by Weber, such as The First Lady (my review – 5 stars). The Choir Director contains the usual over exaggerated stereotypes that books using the black church as a backdrop seem to require. If it was written in the Ten Commandments, then it is open game.
I had the privilege of sitting in on a book club discussion of the Choir Director and I mentioned to one of the members that the book sounded interesting. Without hesitation she gave me her copy, which probably should have been a sign that it wasn’t going to be as enjoyable as the discussion. The Choir Director was a quick read because the drama was so over the top. I kept reading because I wanted to see what else could possibly go down.
From a review standpoint, my biggest issue with The Choir Director is the title. The book has very little to do with the choir director. The story opens with scandal running through the pews, as the wife of the current choir director reveals his dirty little secrets. The church quickly falls apart—let’s be serious—a black church is only as strong as its choir…right? With failing attendance and tithes at an all time low, Bishop T.K. Wilson sets out to find a new director. With dreams of national competitions, Aaron Mackie leaves his current church (and not a second too soon) to take Wilson up on his offer. From this point, the story of the choir director takes a seat on the last pew.
So what is the book about? Well mainly a lot of lying, thieving, blackmailing, backbiting, fornicating, jealousy, cheating, and just downright sinning. Weber obviously has a strong following of readers who take delight in his works. My downfall when reading some of his books is that I often end up feeling taken for granted, and wondering if Weber really expects me to believe some of this stuff can actually happen. I then find myself tsk’ing and rolling my eyes at the absurdity of the characters actions. Yes it is fiction, but there still needs to be some believability.
If you are looking for a fast read that is overflowing with drama, you will probably like The Choir Director. It wasn’t my favorite book by Carl Weber, but it won't be my last.
My final rating is 3 stars
Peace and Blessings,
Tracy
www.TracyLDarity.com
I had the privilege of sitting in on a book club discussion of the Choir Director and I mentioned to one of the members that the book sounded interesting. Without hesitation she gave me her copy, which probably should have been a sign that it wasn’t going to be as enjoyable as the discussion. The Choir Director was a quick read because the drama was so over the top. I kept reading because I wanted to see what else could possibly go down.
From a review standpoint, my biggest issue with The Choir Director is the title. The book has very little to do with the choir director. The story opens with scandal running through the pews, as the wife of the current choir director reveals his dirty little secrets. The church quickly falls apart—let’s be serious—a black church is only as strong as its choir…right? With failing attendance and tithes at an all time low, Bishop T.K. Wilson sets out to find a new director. With dreams of national competitions, Aaron Mackie leaves his current church (and not a second too soon) to take Wilson up on his offer. From this point, the story of the choir director takes a seat on the last pew.
So what is the book about? Well mainly a lot of lying, thieving, blackmailing, backbiting, fornicating, jealousy, cheating, and just downright sinning. Weber obviously has a strong following of readers who take delight in his works. My downfall when reading some of his books is that I often end up feeling taken for granted, and wondering if Weber really expects me to believe some of this stuff can actually happen. I then find myself tsk’ing and rolling my eyes at the absurdity of the characters actions. Yes it is fiction, but there still needs to be some believability.
If you are looking for a fast read that is overflowing with drama, you will probably like The Choir Director. It wasn’t my favorite book by Carl Weber, but it won't be my last.
My final rating is 3 stars
Peace and Blessings,
Tracy
www.TracyLDarity.com
June 15, 2011
Date: 6/9/11
Title: The Choir Director
Author: Carl Weber
ISBN 10: 0-7582-3184-9
ISBN 13: 978-0-7582-3184-0
Pages: 330
Publisher: Dafina/Kennsignton
Cover: Hardcover
Reviewer: Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant – Literary Wonders!
Rating: 5 Stars
The Choir Director, by bestselling author Carl Weber, is a part of the “Church Series”. First Jamaica Ministries’ choir director has just been outted by his wife, right in the middle of service. Determined to keep his church above water, Bishop T.K. Wilson ventures down south and brings back one of the baddest choir directors in the land. It doesn’t hurt that he’s handsome . . . very handsome. It is believed where there are fine women, men will follow and Aaron Mackie is just what the church needs to get women’s attention.
Needless to say, just like the old choir director, the new one has skeletons in his closet and has everything to lose if anyone found out, that includes the love of his life. But Aaron isn’t the only one with skeletons in his closet. First Jamaica Ministries has so many skeletons, you’d think it was built on a burial ground. Things get really messy when one of the deacon’s guilty conscious gets the best of him and he commits the one unforgiveable sin.
I have several books by Carl Weber in my library and shamefully I have to admit that I had not read one. After reading The Choir Director, it’s guaranteed I’ll be reading those other books. I’m not prone to giving out five star ratings but I felt this book was highly deserving of it. I hate to be cliché-ish and say that this book was a page-turner but, this book was a page turner! There was rarely a dull moment in this book. The ending makes this title a standalone story, however, I can see one little skeleton that was not revealed, coming out of the closet and I believe there could be another book in the works. Awesome story Carl!
You’ve just experienced another Literary Wonders! 5 Star Review – Vid-review to follow!
Title: The Choir Director
Author: Carl Weber
ISBN 10: 0-7582-3184-9
ISBN 13: 978-0-7582-3184-0
Pages: 330
Publisher: Dafina/Kennsignton
Cover: Hardcover
Reviewer: Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant – Literary Wonders!
Rating: 5 Stars
The Choir Director, by bestselling author Carl Weber, is a part of the “Church Series”. First Jamaica Ministries’ choir director has just been outted by his wife, right in the middle of service. Determined to keep his church above water, Bishop T.K. Wilson ventures down south and brings back one of the baddest choir directors in the land. It doesn’t hurt that he’s handsome . . . very handsome. It is believed where there are fine women, men will follow and Aaron Mackie is just what the church needs to get women’s attention.
Needless to say, just like the old choir director, the new one has skeletons in his closet and has everything to lose if anyone found out, that includes the love of his life. But Aaron isn’t the only one with skeletons in his closet. First Jamaica Ministries has so many skeletons, you’d think it was built on a burial ground. Things get really messy when one of the deacon’s guilty conscious gets the best of him and he commits the one unforgiveable sin.
I have several books by Carl Weber in my library and shamefully I have to admit that I had not read one. After reading The Choir Director, it’s guaranteed I’ll be reading those other books. I’m not prone to giving out five star ratings but I felt this book was highly deserving of it. I hate to be cliché-ish and say that this book was a page-turner but, this book was a page turner! There was rarely a dull moment in this book. The ending makes this title a standalone story, however, I can see one little skeleton that was not revealed, coming out of the closet and I believe there could be another book in the works. Awesome story Carl!
You’ve just experienced another Literary Wonders! 5 Star Review – Vid-review to follow!
October 14, 2013
The gang came back to entertain me and was brilliant with doing so. I normally denotes particulars and fundamentals of the book characteristics, but I read most of this book from my e-reader. It was nice to see all the characters from the previous novels come back together in this pager tuner, and like old pros, they put on a magnificent performance. Things are not what they seem, nearly everyone is hiding behind a mask. There is so much backstabbing and secrets, can you say: "Christians behaving badly!" You may need a score card to keep up with all the players doings. Mr. Weber weaved together a storyline I think that shined better than some of his previous works. -The Choir Director comes to First Baptist Ministries as their savior, but drama follows this Fine-Sexy brother wherever he goes. At first I thought he was James Black replacement, but no he had unique problems of his own, but just like Jame Black the Choir director Simone W. was one of them. Simone... what a spoil 'B.' -The storyline moves at an easy pace at first, but 1/3 into the novel, it takes off and becomes a true page tuner. I liked every character's role except for the First Lady, she was too gullible, but maybe it's me. I can't stand a stupid woman. I think you will enjoy this dramatic twister from beginning to end.
~LW~
~LW~
May 25, 2015
This was the first book I read in the Church series. I did not read the back of the book beforehand so I had no clue what it was about. I am glad it was not too predictable. I would make up in my mind what I thought would happen next but it would actually be something else. This was definitely a page turner.
The only problems I had with this book were 1) There was too much drama. I know it sounds crazy but really there was so much drama I could not remember all of it. It read like a soap opera instead of a movie. What I mean by that was there was so much drama, you have to keep up with what happened with each character instead of everything revolving around one main storyline. 2) I did not like how the church people acted. I know there are some shady church people and the book was set up north so maybe its just my southern church mentality but the way the characters acted were just unbelievable. I know we are all human but I cannot picture any pastor, first lady, deacon, trustee etc committing the secular acts in this book inside or outside the church.
The only problems I had with this book were 1) There was too much drama. I know it sounds crazy but really there was so much drama I could not remember all of it. It read like a soap opera instead of a movie. What I mean by that was there was so much drama, you have to keep up with what happened with each character instead of everything revolving around one main storyline. 2) I did not like how the church people acted. I know there are some shady church people and the book was set up north so maybe its just my southern church mentality but the way the characters acted were just unbelievable. I know we are all human but I cannot picture any pastor, first lady, deacon, trustee etc committing the secular acts in this book inside or outside the church.
October 21, 2014
The Choir Director by Carl Weber opens with the departure of a mega-church's choir director, immediately leading to a decline in attendance (and offerings) and a financial crisis. As might be expected from a fast-moving romance/thriller, things get worse both for the personal lives and the church. The romance centers around the new choir director - the sexy Aaron Mackie - and three women: spoiled rich girl Simon, slutty Porsche, and prim and proper Tia. In addition to the ubiquitous "romance," there is plenty of mayhem: murder/suicide, embezzlement, fraud, and blackmail. For the final quarter of the book, I couldn't put it down.
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March 1, 2011
Oh.My.God. I haven't read a book by Carl Weber in a while and now I want to devour everything he has written! This book was full of delicious drama and the church setting made it that much more juicer. After a scandal dealing with their choir director, Bishop T.K. Wilson is on a mission to find a new one for First Jamaica Ministries. Aaron Mackie is that new choir director and man is he a lady's man. He's been given his dream of directing a church choir for a huge church and he is good at it. There is so much going on in this book! If you like twists and turns, drama and are familiar with black church life then you will definitely like this book!
December 8, 2011
Drama, drama, drama. Like any Carl Weber book this was hard to put down. Plenty of plot twist and surprises. I wonder if Weber has a personal vendetta against the church or if he's writing from experience. I really hope it's a vendetta because if his church is like First Jamaica the church as a whole has some serious issues. It's hard to believe they even open their bibles. If I said turn to Genesis 1:1 would they even know where to look? Let's just praise the Lord that these are fictional characters.
January 28, 2013
I've spent the last few months reading books from authors by the name of James Patterson, Heather Graham, Nora Roberts, etc. When I decided to start back reading black authors, this was the first book that caught my eye in my book collection. I am so happy I chose this one, because it did not disappoint. This story was full of so much drama that I could not put it down! Just when I think it can't get any better, it does! Big props to Carl Weber, because he did his thing with this novel!
January 15, 2015
I loved it!! Carl Weber is one of my favorite authors. Aaron's past completely shocked me. And I'm not surprised at who he ended up with because the right girl will attract the right man in due time. Simone was doing the most in this book but she got what was coming to her in the end. I hope she gets so counseling in part 2. I can't wait to read what's next for First Jamaica Ministries!!
June 5, 2011
Quick, drama-filled and entertaining read. Though predictable at times, the storyline held my interest from the opening page until the end. Can't wait to see what's up next because I definitely don't think Carl Weber is ready to end this story with this installment.
June 6, 2011
I really like Carl Weber's books and this one did not disappoint, however, it wasn't as good as some of his others such as "So You Call Yourself a Man?" Of course there was drama, crazy characters, and the ending made me want more. Hopefully there will be another book in the Church series!!
Want to read
April 7, 2016STARTED ON IT SORT OF SLOW.....PUT IT DOWN...WILL TRY AGAIN....MUST SAY ALL HIS OTHER BOOKS WAS GOOD BUT WITH THIS ONE I WAS NOT FEELING....
I did read this book...yes it took me awhile but I did enjoy the book and now I must read The Choir Director 2 I need to know what happen to everyone.
I did read this book...yes it took me awhile but I did enjoy the book and now I must read The Choir Director 2 I need to know what happen to everyone.
June 19, 2012
There's no drama like church drama! This book just shines light on the fact that church folks have secrets, regrets, issues and pat lives! It was a good read a kept me interested all the way through.
February 19, 2011
Carl Weber said that he considered "The Choir Director" to be his best book to date. I wholeheartedly agree with him. AND I will need a sequel.
Read
February 14, 2011Funny and I enjoyed it from beginning to the end.
March 30, 2011
I can't wait to read more about First Jamaica Ministries. There was a lot of scandal from Simone to Monique to Aaron. I want to read more about Aaron and what continues to develop with him.
April 9, 2011
this was a Damn good book! but before you read this one, you have to read So you call yourself a man, and then First lady by Carl Weber in order to follow the characters in this book...
July 8, 2011
It was a page turner. As expected, there was plenty of drama.
May 14, 2011
page turning throughout until the end. Big let down with the fast paced ending.
August 18, 2011
If you love drama...
Read this book.
If you prefer a plot worth following, characters worth your time investment, a cohesive storyline, and a satisfactory ending...
Don't.
Read this book.
If you prefer a plot worth following, characters worth your time investment, a cohesive storyline, and a satisfactory ending...
Don't.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews