Casting the First Stone by Kimberla Lawson-Roby

Rating:   PENS!!!!

Stoned
 

Kimberly Roby churns out another formula story about a woman's self-discovery. Tanya Black abhors her husband Curtis.  Everything he now stands for disgusts her. Regardless of Curtis' very powerful position as the head pastor of a prominent black Chicago church, Tanya can't stand the sight of him and starts to think about not only ending their relationship, but also Curtis' tenure as senior pastor, since Curtis had to maintain his marriage in order to keep his position at the church.

This novel begins promising, but lets down by the end of the first chapter. Her character's actions are unbelievable from page one. The notion that any church would confine marriage to a job requirement is prosperous.  Casting the First Stone not only throws stones at organized black religion, but at Christ's purpose for marriage.

Moreover, Roby's writing style is bland and contrived and never address the real questions she presents.  Why in the world does Tanya Black continue to live in this dead marriage never comes to full view. If there is a Christian message it is clouded by cliché plot points and cliché characters. It's just once escapade after another the story cheapens into a tawdry soap opera with a church setting.

For those whose guilty pleasure is reading super dramas; then this book is for you. But if you're looking for a book that will help you understand how your romantic relationship relates to your spiritual relationship with God, pass.

Dee Stewart

R.E.A.L. Reviewers

     Back to Mainstream                                                 Back to Our Reviews