Where Does Lena Live in Baby of the Family by Ansa, Tina Mcelroy

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 · 850 ratings  · 34 reviews

Kickoff your review of Baby of the Family unit

This was very disappointing. I had very high hopes for information technology desiring to read something backlist. The writing was vibrantly cute but there was admittedly no plot at all in this book which was surprising considering of the manner in which was written. Information technology's definitely a book about the baby of the family Lena, who has been recognized as a special child since she was built-in with a caul over her head. Information technology is believed that because of this she has inherited the power to meet ghosts and predict the future. Thursday This was very disappointing. I had very high hopes for it desiring to read something backlist. The writing was vibrantly beautiful merely there was admittedly no plot at all in this book which was surprising considering of the manner in which was written. Information technology's definitely a book well-nigh the baby of the family Lena, who has been recognized as a special child since she was born with a caul over her head. It is believed that because of this she has inherited the power to see ghosts and predict the future. The storyline follow closely the McPherson family. They are a blackness family living well in a large house unaware of their girl's plight. Babe of the family unit feels like vignettes that deal with Lena'south discovery of her power. However there doesn't seem to be existent goal or end to this story. Information technology took much longer to read this story than normal; probably considering I was searching for the reason of it's being written. There is a 2d part to this novel called The Paw You Fan With. I will definitely try to bank check it out to come across if things go amend. ...more

Jan 17, 2018 Jamal rated it really liked information technology

this novel has All the elements and components that makes a Novel awesome to me! Wish I had discovered this story much earlier.

Hither is another reason that I'1000 glad to have finally discovered the wealth of books by blackness authors. I hate that this book was published in 1989 and it was 2011 earlier I discovered Tina McElroy Ansa.
Lena is a girl who was built-in with a caul. An elderly nurse explains to Lena's female parent what she must exercise to keep Lena's 'gifts' positive, but the mother regards such every bit nonsense and destroys the caul.
Lena is bothered by the ghosts she sees and doesn't share her experiences and fears with anyone.
Later, t Here is another reason that I'chiliad glad to accept finally discovered the wealth of books by blackness authors. I hate that this volume was published in 1989 and it was 2011 before I discovered Tina McElroy Ansa.
Lena is a daughter who was built-in with a caul. An elderly nurse explains to Lena's mother what she must do to continue Lena's 'gifts' positive, but the mother regards such as nonsense and destroys the caul.
Lena is bothered by the ghosts she sees and doesn't share her experiences and fears with anyone.
Later on, the book becomes a coming of age story, which some readers constitute to be a cop out, but I didn't observe information technology disconcerting at all.
I'm reading equally much to study the craft of the author as well as their story, and I was entertained throughout and am amazed at how skillful it is for a debut novel. Her imagery is superb. ...more than

Jun xix, 2015 Megan Baxter rated it really liked it

I had never heard of this book before it popped up on one of my lists put together from one of the Nancy Pearl Book Lust books, and probable would never have come beyond or read information technology, if I hadn't. That would have been too bad, because while I can't say it prepare my globe on fire, information technology was thoroughly enjoyable, and a little on the enchanting side.

Notation: The residual of this review has been withdrawn due to the changes in Goodreads policy and enforcement. Y'all tin read why I came to this conclusion here.

In the mea

I had never heard of this book earlier it popped upwardly on one of my lists put together from i of the Nancy Pearl Book Animalism books, and likely would never have come across or read it, if I hadn't. That would have been as well bad, considering while I can't say information technology set my world on burn, it was thoroughly enjoyable, and a little on the enchanting side.

Note: The balance of this review has been withdrawn due to the changes in Goodreads policy and enforcement. You can read why I came to this determination hither.

In the meantime, you tin read the entire review at Smorgasbook

...more

iii.five stars. The novel offers an interesting premise though I am not sure that it had much of a plot. I love reading virtually stories of Black girlhood and relished the fact that this one was about Black Southern girlhood. Characters reminded me of people that I know well. Across that the book was a niggling flat for me and some of the capacity felt bit asunder. The last few chapters picked us some steam and redeemed the volume for me. I'm happy to finally exist able to check this classic off my list. iii.5 stars. The novel offers an interesting premise though I am non sure that it had much of a plot. I beloved reading most stories of Black girlhood and relished the fact that this one was about Black Southern girlhood. Characters reminded me of people that I know well. Beyond that the book was a niggling flat for me and some of the chapters felt flake disconnected. The final few chapters picked u.s.a. some steam and redeemed the volume for me. I'yard happy to finally be able to check this archetype off my list. ...more

I love this author, and this is her start book. I wish there were more than there are. In that location'south the sequel to this: The Manus I Fan With, plus Ugly Ways and You Know Better which are in the same boondocks only about other characters. At that place is supposed to be a sequel to Ugly Means chosen Taking After Mudear, simply I've not been able to notice it in any bookstore or library so far. Borders doesn't even have the ISBN in their catalog!! So unfair!! I suppose they cut their African American fiction list down? Or I love this author, and this is her outset book. I wish in that location were more than there are. There's the sequel to this: The Hand I Fan With, plus Ugly Ways and You lot Know Amend which are in the aforementioned boondocks but nearly other characters. There is supposed to be a sequel to Ugly Ways called Taking After Mudear, just I've not been able to find it in whatever bookstore or library then far. Borders doesn't even have the ISBN in their catalog!! And so unfair!! I suppose they cut their African American fiction list downwardly? Or mayhap the fact that these are more fantasy than fiction in places limits their entreatment to some? I can only speculate. Simply I wish at that place were dozens and I had them all. Should appeal to anyone who likes ghost stories or alternatively, Sandra Dallas fans. ...more

Jan 30, 2008 Mayastlpmc rated it it was amazing

This is 1 of my favs.... Information technology is total of strange happenings simply, if you go out your mind open your center will follow. ENJOY!!!!

Jan 16, 2020 Helaine rated it liked it

This review has been hidden considering it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The story of a well off black family unit in the 1950's. Their baby is born with a caul over her head and throughout her life, she tin run into ghosts and various demons. Bad and skillful happens to her--all supposedly considering of the caul. She makes special friendships, sees a ghost of a slave woman and gets life advice from all of them. The story concluded rather abruptly when her grandmother dies and returns as a ghost to assure her that those special powers will due her well in the hereafter as long equally she goes b The story of a well off blackness family in the 1950's. Their babe is born with a caul over her head and throughout her life, she can see ghosts and various demons. Bad and adept happens to her--all supposedly because of the caul. She makes special friendships, sees a ghost of a slave adult female and gets life advice from all of them. The story ended rather abruptly when her grandmother dies and returns equally a ghost to clinch her that those special powers will due her well in the future equally long as she goes back to her nurse who brought her upwardly for advice. Makes you want to read the next book to see what happens to her as an adult. ...more

January 05, 2019 Jenee rated it really liked information technology

I enjoyed the volume. It starts off with the Lena'due south birth and her encounters with spirits. Then it goes in another direction. Usually that wouldn't work for me, the other management was very interesting. I loved the town and the Black Southern charm of the characters. I wished there was more nigh her connection to the spirit world. I hope Tina McElroy Ansa writes a book that focuses more on Lena engaging with ghosts. I enjoyed the book. It starts off with the Lena'due south nascency and her encounters with spirits. And so information technology goes in some other direction. Usually that wouldn't piece of work for me, the other direction was very interesting. I loved the town and the Black Southern charm of the characters. I wished there was more most her connection to the spirit earth. I hope Tina McElroy Ansa writes a volume that focuses more on Lena engaging with ghosts. ...more

Aug 08, 2021 D Marie rated it really liked information technology

This is a skillful book. Years agone, I read The Hand I Fan With but not this ane. I'yard glad that this volume did not disappoint. The characters are wonderful and I love the setting. Mulberry sounds similar a lovely place. I felt bad for Lena. Nurse Blossom tried to protect her but her female parent didn't believe in " superstitions ". It seemed like she couldn't catch a break because there wasn't anyone to guide her. I would definitely recommend this volume.

I am from South Georgia, a small town like to Mulberry, and then at that place were some parts of this book that made me call up of my Greatgrands and land folk rituals. I like the book but it didn't keep my attention as I thought it would. Though I enjoyed many moments in the book because it touched dwelling, I simply expected much more from this novel that I did non get. I am from Southward Georgia, a small boondocks similar to Mulberry, so there were some parts of this book that made me think of my Greatgrands and country folk rituals. I similar the book just it didn't keep my attention as I thought it would. Though I enjoyed many moments in the volume because it touched dwelling, I only expected much more from this novel that I did non become. ...more

Nov 04, 2017 Helen Ladson rated it it was amazing

The follow up- The Hand I Fan With flows perfectly with this masterpiece!

Excellent book and it addresses an underwritten (?) subject in Black fiction. Ms. Ansa is a great author. Reminds me of Tananarive Due. Love both.

Jul 25, 2018 Lisa rated it really liked information technology

Sweet family story. Enjoyable read. Girl born in a caul with special gifts.

January 15, 2021 Mely rated it information technology was amazing

I throughly enjoyed this book. It'southward a light hearted journeying of a gift child. I look forward to reading the next book.

An astonishing author with a writing style that is sure to capture your imagination immediately!

The baby was built-in with a caul over her head, which ways she can run across ghosts. A wonderful story about family unit.

***

I chose wisely. Rereading my books from 1988 wasn't some sort of plan, my choices are

always unremarkably more random: putting a volume on a shelf and spotting another, going over a bookcase to purge a few...that sort of matter. Merely in that location, my first tow squares are devoted to rereads and I am not pitiful. There are a few new-to-me planned. I've spent some more time looking over my card, my list, a The baby was built-in with a caul over her head, which means she can see ghosts. A wonderful story about family.

***

I chose wisely. Rereading my books from 1988 wasn't some sort of plan, my choices are

always normally more random: putting a book on a shelf and spotting another, going over a bookcase to purge a few...that sort of matter. Just there, my commencement tow squares are devoted to rereads and I am not sorry. There are a few new-to-me planned. I've spent some more time looking over my carte, my listing, and my TBR stack, matching upwardly a few. My stack is rather more heavy on the mysteries: fourteen of my squares don't accept a book waiting for them so far.

Only I was saying, this volume was an excellent selection. There hasn't been a lot of Southern on my stack for a while, except Whiskey in a Teacup, which we'll just move quickly by. So, it was good to wallow in the heat for a scrap, to sit down downwardly to Southern food (only fictionally, I'yard not otherwise a fan), to enjoy the familiar from a different angle. Lena's globe somewhat resembles mine, merely from the other side of segregation.

Things I green-eyed virtually: her big erstwhile firm, and the adults swearing. While I would accept loved to accept grown upwardly with my maternal grandmother in the firm, my paternal grandmother would not have been possible: she scared the hell out of everyone. Aunt Shirley was the only local daughter-in-law, she saw MawMaw all the time, and never had the nervus to smoke in front end of her, not in forty-some years of marriage. The other 3 children fled as far abroad every bit they could.

Also, the plotlessness was a pause from my usually story-driven choices. There's an arc,

simply it's more a mode to connect all the different vignettes. You lot'd call information technology picaresque if Lena were more than rebellious, every bit it is, hmmm. Actually, I'thou not sure at all. Merely information technology was fun to see "Co-Cola".

Personal inscribed, signed and dated copy for which I thank the author. She was delightful and mannerly for the short time I spent with her.

...more than

Sep 28, 2011 Natasha rated information technology liked it

I take had this book for many years and never finished it. I call back it was too "old" for me when I received it considering now that I've read information technology I wouldn't recommend this book for a child/tween. It was a very interesting story well-nigh a special footling girl who grew up a little confused and a piffling scared because she could run into things others couldn't. I similar how the capacity were broken down into either an event, a person, or a set subject and just focused on that part of Lena'southward life. This was a definit I have had this book for many years and never finished it. I call up information technology was as well "old" for me when I received information technology because now that I've read information technology I wouldn't recommend this book for a kid/tween. It was a very interesting story about a special niggling girl who grew up a footling dislocated and a petty scared considering she could see things others couldn't. I like how the chapters were broken down into either an event, a person, or a gear up discipline and only focused on that part of Lena's life. This was a definitely a refreshing coming of historic period story even with the supernatural spin on things. I'd recommend it to young adults and above. ...more

Mar 31, 2010 Jill rated it liked information technology

This is not something that I would have picked up on my ain, but somehow information technology ended up on my to-read list. I think it came from a very quondam list of books with lesbian themes, although I never found one in it (except for a foreign scene where 2 very young girls engage in sexual play without realizing what they are doing). Information technology was kind of creepy at times, with the protagonist seeing ghosts and spirits. I'm not sure I really liked it, but I did appreciate getting a meliorate understanding of African Ame This is non something that I would have picked up on my own, just somehow it concluded up on my to-read list. I recollect information technology came from a very sometime list of books with lesbian themes, although I never found 1 in it (except for a strange scene where two very young girls appoint in sexual play without realizing what they are doing). Information technology was kind of creepy at times, with the protagonist seeing ghosts and spirits. I'm non certain I really liked it, merely I did appreciate getting a better understanding of African American civilisation around that time menstruation. ...more

Jul 22, 2011 Ronald Wise rated it really liked it

Tina McPherson is built-in in the Blackness infirmary of a small town in Georgia with a caul over her face, and is from day ane recognized as a "special" child. Nurse Brown takes steps to protect her from the evil aspects of this specialness, but her mother, not believing in the "old ways", sabotages her efforts. For me this was an interesting wait at what it would exist like to grow upwards as a Black girl, roughly my age, in the American South. This novel came to my reading list from Nancy Pearl's Book Animalism re Tina McPherson is born in the Blackness hospital of a small town in Georgia with a caul over her face, and is from day 1 recognized equally a "special" child. Nurse Brown takes steps to protect her from the evil aspects of this specialness, only her mother, not assertive in the "old ways", sabotages her efforts. For me this was an interesting look at what it would be like to abound upward every bit a Black girl, roughly my age, in the American Due south. This novel came to my reading listing from Nancy Pearl's Book Animalism recommendations named "African American Fiction: She Say", a list of fiction by Black women. ...more

Mar 13, 2007 keidra rated it actually liked it

Tina McElroy Ansa had 1 great book in her and this was it. It's non billed as such, simply BOTF is a sci-fi book equally far as I'one thousand concerned (with a psychic main character, how could it be annihilation simply?)

Rich, descriptive writing and an uncanny awareness of the within life and thoughts of a child, particularly a "dissimilar" one. She blows it all to hell in the sequel, merely her literary voice is spot-on here.

Tina McElroy Ansa had one great volume in her and this was it. It'south not billed as such, but BOTF is a sci-fi volume as far as I'm concerned (with a psychic chief character, how could it be annihilation but?)

Rich, descriptive writing and an uncanny awareness of the inside life and thoughts of a child, especially a "different" one. She blows it all to hell in the sequel, but her literary voice is spot-on here.

...more

I read this when I was coming down from The Salt Eaters, which I'll exist the first to admit is a tough human action to follow. A much more than linear story, Baby of the Family has healthy doses of Gullah/Geechee folklore tied into its coming-of-age narrative. A lot to similar in terms of Ansa'south voice, and her focus is almost more on course than race. The sequel, on the other paw (I Fan With)... I read this when I was coming downwardly from The Salt Eaters, which I'll be the first to admit is a tough deed to follow. A much more linear story, Babe of the Family unit has good for you doses of Gullah/Geechee folklore tied into its coming-of-age narrative. A lot to like in terms of Ansa's voice, and her focus is almost more on class than race. The sequel, on the other paw (I Fan With)... ...more than

Jul 14, 2011 Bev rated information technology really liked it

Subsequently reading this book many years ago, I nonetheless tin tell y'all about the story... It really stuck with me for some foreign reason. This book even peeked my interest into the reality of spirits. I have plant when I discuss this book with people and others hear the chat, I discover/or someone reveals to me that they have the gift... It has really helped me to non judge people lightly and to respect and see others for who they are....UNIQUE....

Feb eleven, 2015 LauraEllen rated it it was astonishing

Still one of my favorites. I am drawn dorsum to Lena and her family unit over and over. Grandmama's painting, "Colored Folks Going to the Embankment" needs to hang in my house! Most memorable affiliate is "Hair" - Lena was whippin" her pilus back and along in 1989, long earlier Willow was a gleam in either Volition or Jada's heart. Even so i of my favorites. I am fatigued back to Lena and her family over and over. Grandmama'south painting, "Colored Folks Going to the Beach" needs to hang in my house! Nearly memorable affiliate is "Hair" - Lena was whippin" her hair back and forth in 1989, long earlier Willow was a gleam in either Will or Jada's eye. ...more than

Sep nineteen, 2012 Elise rated it liked it

This volume was well-written and interesting and sure parts of it take stayed with me for quite a while. But it seemed to be missing something; information technology didn't seem complete to me. Themes arose simply never returned. It did not fulfill its hope. This volume was well-written and interesting and certain parts of it have stayed with me for quite a while. Simply it seemed to be missing something; it didn't seem complete to me. Themes arose but never returned. It did not fulfill its promise. ...more

I couldn't sleep after reading the showtime few pages of this book. It gave me nightmares. As the story went on, the going ons from the beginning kind of died out. I feel similar later on awhile the plot went nowhere. I couldn't sleep after reading the first few pages of this volume. It gave me nightmares. Equally the story went on, the going ons from the beginning kind of died out. I feel like after awhile the plot went nowhere. ...more than

Jun 30, 2009 Terri Ann rated it actually liked it

Fast read. Interesting look at a southern black family and their culture.

Nov 10, 2011 Linda rated it really liked it

Lena, the baby of a well off blackness family, is born with a veil over her face up and the power to see ghosts.

adept, grandmother born with a telephone call

Aug 27, 2013 Ramona Terry rated it it was astonishing

This is hands down one of my favorite books. I must've read it at to the lowest degree 5 times. The story telling is so adept that it never gets onetime. I really really actually Honey this book. This is hands down one of my favorite books. I must've read it at least 5 times. The story telling is so good that it never gets erstwhile. I actually actually really Honey this volume. ...more

Tina McElroy Ansa is a novelist, publisher, filmmaker, teacher and journalist. But to a higher place all, she is a storyteller. She calls herself "part of a long and honored writing tradition, one of those picayune Southern girls who always knew she wanted to exist a writer." She grew up in Center Georgia in the 1950s hearing her grandfathers stories on the porch of her family unit dwelling house and strangers stories downtown i Tina McElroy Ansa is a novelist, publisher, filmmaker, teacher and journalist. Only above all, she is a storyteller. She calls herself "role of a long and honored writing tradition, one of those little Southern girls who always knew she wanted to be a writer." She grew up in Heart Georgia in the 1950s hearing her grandfathers stories on the porch of her family habitation and strangers stories downtown in her fathers juke joint, which have inspired Mulberry, Georgia, the mythical world of her four novels, Infant of the Family unit, Ugly Ways, The Hand I Fan With and You Know Ameliorate.

In March 2007, Ms. Ansa launched an independent publishing company, DownSouth Press, with its focus on African-American literature -- fiction and nonfiction. Her 5th novel, Taking Afterward Mudear, a sequel to her bestselling Ugly Ways, volition be the lead title on DownSouth Presss first list in the fall of 2007. DownSouth Press volition publish established equally well every bit emerging literary voices.
Photo credit: Jonee' Ansa"

...more

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"Sometimes she could she her brother, mother and grandmother pull away, almost recoil from her, when she said or did something they weren't expecting, which could exist just nearly annihilation. It didn't really hurt her feelings. It was e'er just a fleeting look or feeling, anyway, and she never doubted the love her family felt for her- even when she was mad with all of them. She merely figured their reactions were part of the way life was, similar her seeing ghosts and knowing not to tell anyone almost information technology." — 0 likes

"Lena, don't you know you lot ain't never been alone? No affair how bad information technology got, there was always somebody, expressionless or live, trying to aid you."
(...)
"For God's sake, babe, just 'cause y'all see a few ghosts and such, you call up you lot crazy? What you retrieve the rest of u.s.- those that come earlier y'all, those that'south living now- done been through? Don't y'all think we bout crazy too? All us colored women in this here state crazy as betsy bugs. Life done made us that manner.
"Crazy own't all bad, child. Sometimes it'due south the but thing that protects you. This world you living in tin be and so mixed upwardly, and so backwards, that non plumbing fixtures into it, being what some folks call crazy, is a blessing. And you, Lena, got the ability to do something with your craziness."
(...)
"... You got a whole lot to practise earlier you over on this side. That'southward what you was made for. That's why you had that veil over your face when y'all was born. That was a sign of the things you can do, things you lot tin can be."
(...)
The air current whipped through the trees and castor like a chorus. Then it seemed to collect itself, whiz over the stream, and whistle around Lena, lifting her gown and robe above her waist. The gust of wind eddied up her body. As it blew by her confront, Lena noticed a smell she hadn't smelled in nearly a decade... the raw briny scent of the ocean.
(...)
"Lena, there're things you have to know about yourself. And it's time you did something to start finding them out. Baby, yous tin't run abroad from what you are. Yous was born a special child. At present it's fourth dimension yous got to claim what is yours." — 0 likes

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