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Acting Out

by Benilde Little

Acting Out Cover

 

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

Benilde Little, the beloved bestselling author of Good Hair and The Itch, is a writer whose works are touchstones for legions of people because they reach deeply into readers' lives. Her new novel will do that again. Acting Out is the probing, poignant, and ultimately uplifting story of a woman caught between the life she thought she was supposed to lead and the dreams she gave up long ago.

Ina West grew up independent and solitary, raised by an artistic, unavailable mother and a reliable, loving father. As a twenty-something photographer, Ina landed in Manhattan's bohemian art scene after college, at the same time that she started dating the devoted, hardworking Jay Robinson. When her mother's mental state began to deteriorate, her closest cousin became dangerously ill, and her free artist's lifestyle put her in some vulnerable situations, Ina found comfort in Jay's trajectory into the safe, privileged world of the African-American upper middle class. Forsaking her independence and creativity for the joys of family life and material wealth, she married Jay, had three children, and moved to the suburbs; gradually, Ina gave herself completely to motherhood and the upkeep of their increasingly luxurious lifestyle. And they had it all: the SUV, the lavish home, the expensive but casual wardrobe.

Then one day, after twelve years, Jay comes home from work and announces that he's leaving. Amid her shock, grief, and fear, a single clear truth emerges: though still physically present, Ina herself had checked out of the marriage long ago.

As she struggles with single motherhood, reduced financial stability, and the emotional roller coaster of her breakup, Ina undertakes a journey of self-discovery with no sure destination. She moves to a smaller house, rekindles an old love, and takes up photography again. The old adventuresome, independent Ina begins to resurface, tempered by a self-knowledge borne of experience: she has learned how to look unflinchingly into her past and to determine what she wants for her future.

Little delves into some of the most private and difficult questions people face. This moving, ambitious, and accomplished novel explores the fallout — and the healing — that can occur when the African-American dream crumbles, and when a woman is torn between divergent lifestyle choices. Ina's story of loss and courageous self-revelation will resonate for any woman who has struggled with finding her path in life.

Synopsis:

A moving and ambitious work, "Acting Up" inhabits the world of the black upper middle class, but even more so it shows what happens when the African-American dream falls apart, or in this case, falls together. In her newest novel, the author of "Good Hair" and "The Itch" delves into some of the most private and difficult questions a woman could ever face.

Synopsis:

Benilde Little has always written powerful fiction that draws large readership because it deals with issues that affect people on so many levels. A moving and ambitious work, Acting Up inhabits the world of the black upper middle class, but even more so it shows what happens when the African-American dream falls apart, or in this case, falls together. In her newest novel, Little delves into some of the most private and difficult questions a woman could ever face.

About the Author

Benilde Little is the bestselling author of Good Hair, which was selected as one of the ten best books of 1996 by the Los Angeles Times, and The Itch. She lives in a suburb of New York City with her husband and two young children.

Product Details

ISBN:
9780684854809
Subtitle:
A Novel
Author:
Little, Benilde
Publisher:
Free Press
Location:
New York
Subject:
General
Subject:
Women
Subject:
Divorced women
Subject:
Psychological fiction
Subject:
Loss (psychology)
Subject:
Upper class
Subject:
General Fiction
Subject:
General Fiction
Series Volume:
3er Band
Publication Date:
20030107
Binding:
Hardback
Grade Level:
General/trade
Language:
English
Pages:
288
Dimensions:
8.4375 x 5.5 in 14.464 oz

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Acting Out Used Hardcover
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Product details 288 pages Free Press - English 9780684854809 Reviews:
"Synopsis" by , A moving and ambitious work, "Acting Up" inhabits the world of the black upper middle class, but even more so it shows what happens when the African-American dream falls apart, or in this case, falls together. In her newest novel, the author of "Good Hair" and "The Itch" delves into some of the most private and difficult questions a woman could ever face.
"Synopsis" by , Benilde Little has always written powerful fiction that draws large readership because it deals with issues that affect people on so many levels. A moving and ambitious work, Acting Up inhabits the world of the black upper middle class, but even more so it shows what happens when the African-American dream falls apart, or in this case, falls together. In her newest novel, Little delves into some of the most private and difficult questions a woman could ever face.
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