What Readers Say About The Sing
Great read. True to the times.
Chuck Holmes speaks with a voice from the '50s, but sadly, many of the voices can still be heard today. Who is family? How do we treat those we consider family? How do we overcome prejudice that we've grown up with? How do we know something is wrong if we've never thought about it? The Sing might make you uncomfortable. That's probably a good thing.
What's Old is NOW—an entertaining look at our historical present!
This book is, first and foremost, highly readable and entertaining. It provides a humorous look at a very serious time in our history. And as they say, those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. This book is keenly relevant today, even though it’s set sixty years ago. The human rights issues that we thought we had managed with laws, diversity inclusion and more of a greater conscious regarding the bigger picture about how we're all connected will re-emerge as a theme in our current society when you reflect upon the story in this book. It certainly provides food for thought in these times. Thank you for this walk through time that sheds light on what we're once again grappling with in our society.
Bessie Interrupts the Rhythm
This is not just the story of a small, Eastern North Carolina farm community; it's a story about all of us, then and now. The characters are real, and the relationships are complicated pinpointing many of the lies that we all live until we are called out on them. The biggest lie: Negros know their place. Bessie—Mrs. Bessie Williams—interrupts the rhythm; she wants change and she doesn’t “…want to be waiting for ‘later’ when Jesus calls me home.” Bessie wants the Bethel AME Church choir to compete in the all-white Sing. River Falls is going to change. Chuck Holmes examines the lives of those who intersect, their confrontations, and their inner strengths or lack thereof. Chuck’s perspective is as one who was there. The Sing is a truly three-dimensional story told vividly about heroes and heels that will leave you thinking long after you put the book down; it will challenge your resolve.
Holmes Captures the Tensions of the Times
You don’t have to be from the South to recognize these people and their culture. Holmes has a wonderful ear for dialogue and you’ll recognize the universal themes he weaves so skillfully into a suspense-driven plot. Even if you’ve never considered a white man’s thoughts when he shakes a black man’s hand for the first time you’ll most likely recognize parents diplomatically overlooking their teenage son’s “secret” transgressions. Holmes captures the tension of the times – tension between public and private faces we all wear – in a gentle, but realistic look at issues that were barely under the carpet then – and well out in the open and in our faces today. And while you think may know the times he writes about, you don’t know the ending until it actually happens.
An Engaging Story about a Time We'd Rather Forget
Chuck Holmes has written an engaging story about a time in America's history that many of us would like to forget. It reminds us that prejudice still exists and will prompt readers to examine their hearts for ways in which they may cling to idea and habits in the name of tradition that are harmful to others. The characters are true to life and believable. He captures the interal struggles they face as they seek to change their old ways of thinking. It's a great story that needs to be heard.
The Sing Is a Delightful Book!
The Sing is a delightful book! It is tells a powerful story with authentic insight into humanity with just the right touch of humor. The issues the story addresses are still with us. I too, was raised in the south. The descriptions of people and attitudes are spot-on. It is a realistic story about injustice and courage. I loved the book! I felt like I knew these people.