A Lova’ Like No Otha’ by Stephanie Perry Moore 

Rating:    PENS!!!!
 

Are You Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places?

In A Lova ‘ like No Otha ‘, Ms. Moore addresses two very real issues in today’s society, especially for African-American (AA) women: love and marriage. If anyone follows the trends in marriage, it’s my opinion, that no one would argue that the statistics are dismal for AA women, i.e., sisters have the highest rate of singleness out of all races of women. Moreover, more AA women are raising their children alone. As a result, many women believe they have to either “settle” for a man, even if he does not treat her well, or be alone which is the theme behind the novel.  

The novel centers on Zoe Clark, who on the surface has it all together. She has a strong prayer life, a good job, and at the beginning of the story, we find ourselves witnessing Zoe’s “big day”, her wedding. After four long years, Zoe is finally marrying Devyn Jackson, the man she has loved since she first set eyes on him. Zoe would classify herself as a very religious person with a strong prayer life; yet, she tends to communicate with God only when she feels turmoil. This fact is even more obvious when tragedy strikes and Zoe begins to realize that she does not truly walk with God. In an effort to overcome this test of faith or “storm”, she is forced to do a lot of self-examination and through a series of painful experiences and poor choices; Zoe comes to a realization that forever changes her life and spiritual walk for the better. Fortunately, Zoe has a companion in her journey of self-discovery: Chase Farr. Chase Farr is Zoe’s fiancé’s best friend. Chase is a true man of God who refuses to allow anyone and anything to interfere or jeopardize his spiritual walk. Chase spends time in the word, he praises God, even when things are not going right, he is constantly seeking God’s will in whatever he does. Unbeknownst to Zoe, Chase has loved her since they attended college together and always thought that Zoe deserved better than Devyn. 

I like the premise of A Lova’ Like No Otha’: we must first love ourselves before we can in fact love another. Ms. Moore also wants women to realize that we must first get our hearts right with God before everything else. Still, I found the book excessively “preachy” for my taste. Ms. Moore really used this novel to espouse her personal beliefs, which is fine, but she went overboard. In addition, the novel was melodramatic; can you say “Soap Opera” drama? Finally, the plot was predictable and too pact for my taste. However, if you are someone that is going through a trial and you feel that you are all alone in the world and your faith is wavering then you just might find this book an encouragement.

Leanna

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