I WISH I HAD A RED DRESS

Returning to the Detroit community where Joyce Mitchell is the driving force behind a center that is working hard to provide services and mentoring to teenaged girls and single mothers, Caroline Clay once again adds her dynamic narration to a novel by Pearl Cleage. Those who have never met these folks or their community will be quickly acclimated to the personalities of the realistic characters. Clay skillfully draws out the tensions and intrigues that underlie the relationships and real-life issues presented here. Her characterizations show great range, depth, and consistency, drawing out the humor and complex emotions of this tightly knit community of survivors. J.E.M. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 02]