Here and Now

By: Kimberla Lawson Roby

Narrated by: Donna Bailey

Already at the top of the Blackboard Bestseller List, this critically acclaimed new voice in African-American literature is both passionate and vibrant. In this, Kimberla Lawson Roby's second novel, strong characters explore the complexities of such real life issues as relationships, single parenthood, and infertility. Racquel and Marcella are sisters with very little in common, except that each wants what the other has.

Racquel has a beautiful house, a fulfilling career and a loving husband. But driven by her desperate longing for a child, she is alienating her husband and family. Marcella is a single mom, trying to support her two children with a low paying job, food stamps, and occasional child support from a deadbeat ex-husband. She won't allow anyone to interfere with her dream for a better lifestyle, not even her own children. Narrator Donna Bailey skillfully renders the emotionally powerful experiences of two women as they learn to accept their losses. Sometimes funny and often heartbreaking, their story touches listeners with a message of healing and hope.

©1999 Kimberla Lawson Roby (P)2001 Recorded Books,LLC

Great story

The story was great. The narrator not so much. I almost wanted to trade for another book. The story was good enough to keep me wanting more.

It's all about life!!

Really down to earth, and it could had a book two to follow the story.

Kind of depressing

Lots of twists and turns overall a pretty good book but it wasn't what I expected at the end with the happy ending kind of depressing still love this author.

Early Kimberla

I would have rated higher had I read this years ago, however, I rated based on how she evolved as a writer (character development in particular) over the years.

A highly recommended reading!!

Ms. Roby is a very good writer. She developed her characters well in this book, providing a good balance between sisters whose their lives are both similar yet difference; the author demonstrates how their closeness supersedes animosity and jealousy as they love and support each other when the going gets tough. She shows how when it rains, it pours, but with preseverance and faith in God, their family survive adversity. Highly recommended reading!