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Minding Ben

Minding Ben
A Novel
by Victoria Brown
Published in USA Apr 2011,
352 pages.

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Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Cynthia A. (Grand Rapids, MI)
Real Characters
The characters in this story are what make it so real. The little communities, traditions, expected behaviors and unexpected twists and turns make it such a good read. Just when you think you know a character and you decide to like or dislike the person, the author shows you a different side of him causing you to change your opinion. I wish this book didn't end. I want to know more of Grace's story.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Jane D. (Boulder, CO)
Minding Ben
I was totally engrossed in this book. It provides an educational and eye-opening look at a world I knew nothing about. As a linguist, I was particularly intrigued by the Caribbean English, although I sometimes wished for a glossary, and a brief explanation of the grammar. Great story! I didn't want it to end.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Carolee H. (Tucson, AZ)
The will to flourish
I really enjoyed the book. I grew up on the upper east side of Manhattan and can tell you everything written in the book is amazingly accurate. I was amazed at the detail of the encounters with the Bruckner’s and the describing of the lobby of the towers is was all so real for me. I would recommend this book for all to read especially all New Yorkers. I would recommend a free copy be mailed to every home on Park and 5th Ave. I was a little disappointed with the ending, it seemed to end to abruptly. Even though things were looking up for Grace when the book ended. I would have like it to end when she got her green card. Or when she could at least go back to Bruckners and say look at me now once she received her college degree.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Betty S. (Jasper, GA)
Minding Ben
"Minding Ben" is the best novel I have read in a long time. I was rooting for sometimes befuddled but always plucky immigrant Grace Caton the whole way. At times, the plot sounded a bit like the soap operas Trinidadian women like to watch on TV, but the story was so interesting that I could overlook that failing.
"Minding Ben" is highly recommended to any reader who likes a good story. I can't wait to read Ms. Brown's next novel. Or memoir. Or whatever she writes.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Trezeline B. (Columbia, MD)
Minding Ben
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The complicated relationships that Grace finds herself involved in, make for an interesting story. The challenges that Grace must face and the many disappointments cause the reader to become to not want to put this book down. This is a page turner. The re adder becomes very involved thinking "what would I do in that situation." I highly recommend this book and am sure anyone who reads it will become aware of the problems immigrants to this country face.

Rated 3 of 5 of 5 by Karen L. (Troy, IL)
Minding Ben
The story line was a bit predictable but I read on because I needed to know more about Grace and her experiences as a nanny. Dialect was difficult to follow at some points. Maybe a few too many characters that we didn't get to know well enough and some that would have been best left out of the storyline all together.
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