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JoeyPinkney.com Book Review – “Running and Dancing” by Carol Fenner

JoeyPinkney.com Book Review
“Running and Dancing”
by Carol Fenner
5 of 5 Stars

carol_fenner_running_and_dancing_amazon

“Running and Dancing” is a posthumously published novel by Carol Fenner. Set in the late 1910s, this book is a coming-of-age story about two Black girls, Bertine and Alma, in rural Western Michigan who explore the vibrancy of life.

I was hooked on “Running and Dancing” from first chapter. Bertine and Alma’s initial adventure captured me in a way that kept me curious about where the story can go and how it will end. As the story progresses, the true beauty of this book comes through. Carol Fenner’s word choice is impeccable. She has a way with words that describes scenes, thoughts and characters with such clarity that you know exactly what’s going on, even if you haven’t experienced what’s going on in the story. Continue reading JoeyPinkney.com Book Review – “Running and Dancing” by Carol Fenner →

5 minutes 5 questions with, amazon.com, interview

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Carol Fenner, author of Running and Dancing

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Carol Fenner, author of Running and Dancing
(Red Phoenix Books)

Two African-American girls grow into teenagers at the turn of the 20th century (1916-1917). The times are much different from they are today. The older girl’s sister fled the United States to find fame and fortune in another country, like Josephine Baker.

She left behind a daughter, and the two girls (one is the other’s niece) each experience different coming of age adventures, according to their temperaments. Bertine, eldest of the pair, is a runner, like her sister. But Alma is a different sort of girl – one who enjoys the dance of life right where she is.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write Running and Dancing?

Carol Fenner: My aunt (Carol Fenner) drew her information from our family. She (caucasian) was married to my uncle (African-American), and Continue reading 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Carol Fenner, author of Running and Dancing →