#384 Grand Opening- Jabari Asim

#384 Grand Opening- Jabari Asim

In a collection of loosely tied stories, Taste of Honey has done a remarkable job making each one independent enough that it could be read as a single piece. This one is the only one for which that is not true. This is more of an interlude with these characters we’ve lived with for most of this book. Coming close to the end, perhaps it’s more of a curtain call, wrapping up some loose ends.

I wouldn’t read this story unless you are reading through the whole book, which is something I HIGHLY recommend.

Rating: 8-5-5-5 Total= 23

#342 Ashes to Ashes- Jabari Asim

#342 Ashes to Ashes- Jabari Asim

Friends for life Leo and Octavius, aka "the reverend" and "the rascal" have found themselves tested like many have, living lives under Jim Crow laws.

Violent events in 1928 caused them to flee the south for their lives. Like the millions of others that fled north during the second great migration, they hoped to find a better existence for themselves. Now in 1968, in that “better world” history repeats itself, and violence follows the pair.

There are times in life where a stand has to be taken, and of course a prayer must be said.

Notable Passage: “Sullen and humiliated…rage rose from them as thick and redolent as the smoke that had issued from the barbecue grills not long before. Unlike the smoke, which rode the air over the woods and on to far more pleasant places, their anger had nowhere to go.”

Rating: 9-8-9-9 Total= 35

#281 A Virtuous Woman- Jabari Asim

#281 A Virtuous Woman- Jabari Asim

 In the second story of this collection (A Taste of Honey), we see the young political activist, Gabriel, waiting outside a the funeral of a community leader to distribute leaflets about a big meeting. He is taken over by the sound of an angelic singing voice that is “Something like God,” floating from inside. That voice is Rose.

That was Rose’s first public performance in many years. Her husband, Paul, is abusive and controlling and not inclined to allow his wife to do anything publically. But this was a special occasion, and he knew nothing could stop her. Now Paul has disappeared and Rose feels liberated. Like the story of creation in Genesis, Rose’s new life is created in six days, on Sunday she prays.

Fate brings Gabriel and Rose together. Music is entwined in politics, is enmeshed in life. “Okay, Lord, you’ve given me a sign…Now I need a way.”

I really love the way these stories have come together, especially the nice moment when Gabriel recognized the meaning behind Crispus’ name.

Notable Passage: “…patience could easily decline into dangerous passivity.”

Rating: 8-8-8-8 Total=32

#261 Doo Wop- Jabari Asim

#261 Doo Wop- Jabari Asim

Ray Mortimer is a violent, crooked cop. “Crossing Sarah street, Mortimer loses himself in a fog of memories. So many ass-kickings, all in the name of peace.”

Charlotte is “A Petite southern lady with a brain for science will of steel.”

And Guts is a hard-hitting killer.

Tonight their three paths will cross. Their fates will converge, and somebody will die. Is it random, is it justice, is it destiny?

“It’s all about choices…tonight I stopped. Another day I might have kept on going. Who’s to say how it all comes out in the end? Damned if you doo-wop, damned if you don’t.”

Notable Passage: “Danger always has a scent, though most of us miss it.”

Rating: 7-7-7-7 Total= 28

#234 Lives of the Artists- Jabari Asim

#234 Lives of the Artists- Jabari Asim

It is after hours at Reuben’s sign painting shop. The fellas are “Talking John Brown Jive” or slinging B.S., playing checkers and unwinding from the day. It’s a scene that could be in a small shop anywhere. Nothing important is being discussed but that doesn’t mean nothing meaningful isn’t taking place.

Among the tall tales and bad jokes, is this gem that any New Yorker who’s ever come face-to-face with a subway rat would appreciate:

“I’ve seen better [fighters]…the best I ever saw used to skirmish in the back of my uncle’s Laundromat. They were rats, understand. Big, rowdy looking rodents. They’d actually stand on their hind legs and trade punches.”

While the night winds down, a young man bursts in. He, and many others, are being hunted down for sport by the cops. Handing out protest leaflets is their only transgression. When the cops follow uninvited into the shop, the men know better than to interfere, but that doesn’t mean they’re not wanting to fight back:

“Reuben balled his hands into fists, stuffed them into his pockets to avoid thinking about them.”

Rating: 8-7-8-8 Total=31