Author Darnell Arnoult has earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly and critical acclaim for her debut novel, the story of a woman coming to terms with mental illness. Gracie Hollaman finally decides to follow the voices in her head. She leaves behind her family for the small African-American town of Rockrun to join Mama Toot and Mattie. Together, the three will learn to shed their pasts to begin life anew. "... Arnoult's rhythmic prose beautifully reveals the human potential for unconditional love and faith ..."-Publishers Weekly, starred review
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"I really enjoyed the intertwining of cultures the author creates in this story. Also, going into the schizophrenic mind without harsh judgment. I bought it specifically for this reason as I find the condition to be misunderstood in most every society. The only thing I found this book lacking was a bit more story behind the reunion of Doristeen and her mother, however I really admired Ed's character. It brings readers to know how a spouse is also affected by this illness and the search loved ones go through to try to understand it."
— Georgie (4 out of 5 stars)
" I was a little suspicious when I started this book that it would be too religious for me, but I loved it - I loved the people and the way they changed as their lives changed "
— Hollis, 2/7/2014" The story is just not believable, but the smooth, realistic southern dialogue and the no-nonsense wisdom of Mama Toot make this a great read. "
— Sally, 2/1/2014" I was really disappointed with this book and struggled to finish. None of the characters were likable (except maybe Toot). The story felt disjointed and never really came together for me. I was hoping it was like The Secret Life of Bees, but I saw only one parallel. "
— joanna, 1/31/2014" Not a good read at all. I bought the book based on dust jacket comments by other authors. Did I read the same book....???? "
— Lydia, 1/30/2014" Could not get into this book - I found it boring and there are just too many good books waiting! "
— Dee, 1/8/2014" I wasn't wild about this one. Almost none of the characters were likeable and much of the action was unbelievable. 5 stars, though, for the way the author disspelled the many ridiculous but widely-held beliefs about mental illnesses, especially schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, neither of which has anything whatsoever to do with "split personality". The writing was decent, and I definitely wanted to hang around to see how it all ended, but I just found it kind of dark and a downer. "
— Connie, 1/8/2014" Darnell Arnoult deals with 'crazy' in a truly hearfelt way when dealing with her character and the family. This is a hearwarming story of family and how they deal with trials and tribulations and come out on the other side with a better understanding of themselves and others. "
— Darcy, 12/26/2013" Very good book. A woman kind of goes crazy, leaves her husband and goes back to the black folks that raised her. Many sub-plots. "
— Vikki, 12/18/2013" Sufficient Grace is a different kind of Southern Literature. The setting, the people, and the food definitely have a southern feel, but the storyline has a good bit of psychology involved, and this makes this book unique. I also enjoyed the characters and how the author connected them in the story. "
— Dolly, 11/28/2013" This book had so many different characters, it was interesting to learn how they all intertwined. I think we all need a Mama Toot in our life. "
— April, 11/19/2013" Good solid story--some characters a little trite, some better written and believed, and some of the tangents started never quite went as deep as I might have preferred, but overall, some very nice writing, an absorbing story, and a satisfying read. "
— Ariana, 11/5/2013" Great fun read, not too heavy, a book I thoroughly enjoyed. "
— Laura, 7/16/2013" This was a surprisingly satisfying story! Sometimes an author can get too many characters and storylines going, but Arnoult did a masterful job of blending them in a seamless way. "
— Fran, 5/9/2013" It is a book with interesting interactions between characters. It has a mentally ill mother/wife who is the character that is pivotal to the multiple plot lines. If you are interested in family dynamics, this is an intriguing book. "
— Peter, 4/14/2013" Happiest book about mental illness (schizophrenia) I've ever read. The author tells a compelling story about loss, love and acceptance. Beautiful images and wonderful dialogue. Loved, loved, loved this book. "
— Tia, 9/15/2012" I can't put my finger on why, but despite having good characters and a decent story, I'm not bowled over. The components are there, and it's not a bad book, but it's not as good as it could be. "
— Aly, 6/29/2012" I think this is going to be one at the top of my MOST favorite books. The character development was amazing and the observations about life were the kind that I wanted to underline most of the book and memorize it. "
— Chrissi, 5/4/2012" Never reached me, although it was interesting reading about Gracie's schizophrenia. "
— Erin, 11/9/2011" This book was recommended by my friend Ashley and was one of the best books I've ever read. It is my understanding that it was the author's first novel. I want to go live with Mama Toot too!!! "
— Mona, 11/9/2011" Could not get into this book - I found it boring and there are just too many good books waiting! "
— Dee, 5/10/2011" recommendation from friend... good read! southern lit and a great storyline to boot! <br/>thanks jo "
— Mich, 1/6/2011" I think this is going to be one at the top of my MOST favorite books. The character development was amazing and the observations about life were the kind that I wanted to underline most of the book and memorize it. "
— Chrissi, 11/17/2010" Very good book. A woman kind of goes crazy, leaves her husband and goes back to the black folks that raised her. Many sub-plots. "
— Vikki, 3/27/2010" Ooops...am still reading this book. "Brain freeze." "
— Irene, 3/24/2010" I was a little suspicious when I started this book that it would be too religious for me, but I loved it - I loved the people and the way they changed as their lives changed "
— Hollis, 3/14/2010" When I read at the end of the book that the author had a mother with late onset schizophrenia I was even more impressed with this book.<br/>Her characters are wonderful and I love Mama Toot! "
— Sandra, 6/16/2009Cynthia Darlow’s unusual voice makes her devotion to the spoken arts a natural fit. As a narrator and veteran of Broadway, off-Broadway, regional theater, film, and television, her characterizations and facility with dialects are unforgettable. Her audiobook narrations have earned her seven AudioFile Earphones Awards. She is a member of The Actors Company Theatre (TACT), whose mission it is to present concert performances of long-neglected, language-driven plays.