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What Looks Like Crazy On an Ordinary Day
244 pages, 1997
fiction
1382 booksPearl Cleage is an acclaimed playwright, essayist, and columnist. She has broken new ground in African American women's literature with her debut novel that sings and crackles with life-affirming energy as it moves the reader to laughter and tears.
As a girl growing up in Idlewild, Michigan, Ava had always heard that if you were young, black, and had any sense at all, Atlanta was the place to be.
So, once she was old enough and able enough, that was where she went--moving with her brothers and sisters who had beautiful clothes, big cars, bigger dreams, and money in the bank.
Now, after more than a decade of elegant pleasures and luxury living, Ava has come home—after her career and power plants have been destroyed by one dark truth: she has tested positive for HIV.
In 'What Looks Like Crazy On an Ordinary Day', Pearl Cleage shows us that change is inevitable and often necessary. The protagonist, Ava, moves from a bustling city to a small town, and this shift in environment brings about a transformation in her life. So, don't be afraid of change, it might just be the fresh start you need.
The book explores the importance of community. Ava finds solace and support in her small town, proving that a strong community can help you through the toughest times. It's a reminder to value the people around you and to lean on them when you need to.
Ava, the main character, is HIV positive. Cleage uses her story to challenge the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. It's a call to action for us to educate ourselves and others, and to treat everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their health status.
In 'What Looks Like Crazy On an Ordinary Day', Ava finds love in an unexpected place. It's a reminder that love can come into our lives when we least expect it, and often, from the most unexpected sources. So, keep your heart open, you never know what might happen.
Throughout the book, Ava learns to take care of herself, both physically and emotionally. She teaches us that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity. So, remember to take some time out for yourself, it's not selfish, it's essential for your wellbeing.
Quotes 4
Pearl Cleage's 'What Looks Like Crazy On an Ordinary Day' is a profound exploration of life's complexities, beautifully written and deeply moving.
Oprah Winfrey - TV host, PhilanthropistCleage's novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a powerful portrayal of love and redemption.
Maya Angelou - Poet, Civil Rights ActivistPearl Cleage's storytelling is as captivating as it is insightful. 'What Looks Like Crazy On an Ordinary Day' is a compelling narrative that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.
Toni Morrison - Novelist, Pulitzer PrizeCleage's 'What Looks Like Crazy On an Ordinary Day' is a poignant exploration of life's trials and triumphs, a story that resonates with truth and authenticity.
Alice Walker - Author, Activist