Idlewild (Cleage)

In her first novel, the New York Times best-seller and Oprah's Book Club selection What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day, Pearl Cleage treated her audience to the life affirming story of Ava, an African American woman diagnosed with AIDS, finding new beginnings. In this work, she shifts her focus to Ava's widowed sister, Joyce, a social worker who counsels young black women in a community center affectionately dubbed "The Circus." High school counselor, Nate proves to be the tallest, sexiest man Joyce has ever met. He also happens to be sensitive and supportive and he values her autonomy. With humor and sparkling dialogue, Cleage balances the dark, abusive relationships of Joyce's clients with the delightfully healthy love between Joyce and Nate and the strength of women's friendships.