A Place for Ida
A Place For Ida offers a fresh insight into racism and coming of age through the eyes of a child. Abandoned by her parents at a tender age, she was left to be raised by her grandmother. By the age of thirteen, Ida longed for touch and affection. Everyone was already telling her she was a heartbreaker...with the strong shapely muscular legs of a stallion. It was pathetic the way she forced herself upon men.
Billy, her first true love, would send her life into a whirlwind of emotions, causing a sea of passion that Ida hardly had the capacity to control herself. During the early 1960's when the world was changing so fast, Ida tried her best to surpass time.
Emma L. Hill "Positive Minds Bookclub
A Place For Ida is the story of a teenage girl who wants to be loved, after being rejected by both her parents, she is raised by her grandmother in a racist South Carolina community during the 1960s. Ida's desire for love leads her down a difficult path of emotional highs and lows. She seeks love from her sisters who despise her, from a mother who has placed as many miles as she could between them and finally from an older man. She is a lonely girl who fills her time daydreaming about love. Billy Jasper was Ida's first love. He is the one who brings great joy and overwhelming sorrow to Ida's life. This book addresses the issue of how important it is for young girls to have a male figure in their lives.
Reviewer: LOCKSIE "ARC Book Club Inc" (ARCBOOKCLUBINC.com)
Wow! I have been reading some good books lately...here's another one. Patricia Richardson is one of many authors I recently met at a literary event. The beautiful picture of a black princess on the cover of "A Place For Ida" made me question her about her book. Ultimately I took the book home and read it in one day.
Ida is the youngest of five brothers and sisters who live in South Carolina. Their father James abandons the family for another woman and mother Harriet quickly becomes a bitter woman. After a family tragedy her bitterness towards young Ida (who resembles her father) increases and Harriet leaves her children behind with their religious grandmother Carrie, and heads for New York. Ida is left to come of age not ever knowing her father, and wondering why her family does not seem to love her.
This story tells of racism, religion, rape, pregnancy, love, sex and forgiveness. With likeable characters such as Billy, Ida's older boyfriend and grandma Carrie your heart will embrace this story and experience the highs and lows along with Ida as she walks the lonely road to find A Place For Ida.
Reviewer: SilverFox "Silver Fox" (NYC)
In her debut novel, author, Patricia Richardson conducts a a heart wrenching trip from South Carolina to New York City that spans more than a decade. Ida has been denied the most precious of things needed to thrive, love. The sole source of solace comes from the maternal grandmother. Carrie finds herself, at an age and physical condition where she should finally be able to relax, carrying the weight of her offspring and theirs as well. Relying solely on her faith in God, Carrie provides for her charges often hindered by their parents' shortcomings. In a racist South, during the turbulent 60's, she does the best she can with what is available.
Despite her very obvious physical beauty Ida is shunned and mistreated by all of the females in her family (except Carrie). She pretty much experiences only the negative aspects of her birthright. Fortunately, the men in her life seem to appreciate her but are often too busy just trying to survive to give her the kind of affection Ida's soul cries out for.
Today one can turn to any one of the daytime talk shows and hear young, troubled, teenaged girls potentially destroying their lives in futile attempts to get attention or unconditional love.
A Place For Ida will make you want to holler. She suffers several deeply traumatic incidents and in her suffering grows into her adult self. Her family,in much need of healing and redemption will be inadvertently forced to see themselves in a new light.
I found the story to be compelling and only wished she had shown more of the story that was told in narrative. It should be a great movie some day and I look forward to reading more books by Patricia Richardson.
Reviewer: Book Critic "Khali" (Baltimore, Maryland)
A Place For Ida is a wonderfully written book that tears at your heart strings. It takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions as you read as Ida struggles to find her place and purpose in life. Both Ida's mother and father distance themselves from her life and leave her at an early age to be raised by her very spiritual and loving grandmother Carrie. Ida's innocence is in tact until she comes across Billy. Billy quickly becomes the love of her life and introduces her to sex. There are several erotic scenes in the book that leaves the reader with a vivid picture of what's taking place without being vulgar. When Ida's life takes a turn for the better it serves as a ray of hope and inspiration for anyone going through trials and tribulations. I am anxiously awaiting the sequel. This book is well written and I would give it 5 out of 5stars!!!!!
Reviewer: Christal "Chris" (Baltimore, MD)
I have read this book twice and I love it. I could not book the book down it was great. I really wish I could see "A Place for Ida" on film-b/c I believe that this book will make a great movie. It is suspensfull, erotic, thrilling, and exciting. I would recommend this book to everyone. Great Job!
Reviewer: Meka James "MJ"
Ida offers hope and inspiration to us all in times of adversity. A great pleasure to read. Ida possesses the strength that we all wish we had during troubled times. I recommend this book to all those who feel hopeless and defeated.
Wanda, Maryland
This book is a great discussion piece and very well written. I highly recommend it to others.
Nichole, North Carolina
A Place for Ida, was one of the best books that I have ever read. The book was given to me as a gift, and I can truly say that I was given a "work of art." I would recommend that every African American woman young or old read this book, for it can truly be an inspiration to all. I thank the author for going back and focusing on the core principles that the African American family is based upon. -Job Well Done!
Eddiemae Bryant, Los Angeles, CA
I must say A Place For Ida, is one of the best books I've read. The story of a young girl growing up in the south and then the big city, with all her trials and hardships. Ida maintain a sense of Godlyness in her life. I felt for the character so much, that she almost became a real person. Ida,is a story I would like to continue reading more about. I hated the fact that I finish the book. I wanted to find out more about the rest of Ida's life and what's going to happen during her married life. I guest I am trying to say, I love this book, Thank you Patricia Richardson for writing it.
Rita Pittman, Baltimore, Maryland
I remember alot of the things the main character expressed about growing up in the 60's. I felt like I was reading about someone I knew.I await the sequel.
Wallace, Maryland
Just in time for summer reading is this griping story of a black girl coming to age in rural, Small Town, South Carolina. In addition to self-identity, career decisions, and sexuality -- the usual substance of adolescence angst, Ida must deal with parenteral abandonment, racism and personal betrayal. But Ida is a strong woman�and with the help of Grandma, sometimes Billy (her older lover) and a strong faith, Ida prevails. Her persistence leads to an enlightening and joyous conclusion. Uplifting A must for every middle schooler summer reading and something for Mom and Dad---When does the movie come out??
Vickie, New York
This book was all drama and I loved it. It was a reminder of how family values help to mold the character that makes us who we are. It is a strong faith in God and the ability to forgive that ultimately brings peace to Ida's life....It is so amazing how this nonfiction drama hits so close to home...anyone that reads it will definitely feel the need to sit back and reflect on their own shortcomings.
Denise, Maryland
A PLACE FOR IDA,IS A NOVEL THAT PLACE YOU THERE IN THE STORY,GIVING YOU A FEELING OF SUSPENCE,ANGER,AND LOVE ALL IN ONE. IT ALSO GIVES A WAKE-UP CALL TO THOSE THAT ARE NOT CLOSE WITH THERE FAMILY,FOR WHAT EVER REASON TO MAKE A CHANGE IT'S NEVER TO LATE.
Helen Howell, New Jersey
Ida is a compelling, complex character. Some of her dilemmas are of her own making, some she has no control over. But her innate strength lets her rise above them all. You won't be able to forget Ida.
Mary Rasby, Maryland
This is a book I feel every young or old person should read. It is truly a well written and fast moving story. I enjoyed reading it, and hope ther is a sequel. M. S. Rasby ( age 76 ) Baltimore, Md.
Elsa, Maryland
A Place for Ida" was a pleasure to read. I had a difficult time of putting it down! Now that I am done reading it, I still want more! It's exciting and the story keeps you on your toes.
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