My Soul to Keep (African Immortals series)

Jessica's marriage is endangered by the revelation that her perfect husband is immortal. The supernatural elements here are surprisingly low-concept; the real focus is the psychological effects of immortality, a study which is convincing but not particularly exciting. There's more drama in the suspense, which is set against domestic details that are alternately idyllic and ominous--a balance that can tip towards the prosaic but has a strong finish. I think I would've had better luck with this book had I enjoyed either protagonist (or tolerated their child)--the psychological focus depends on personal engagement to be successful. But while I didn't love it, I did like it. It's a solid effort, thoughtfully conceived, grounded by researched details, and successfully paced. I give it a mild recommendation. (I don't feel compelled to pick up the sequels, but my impression from the ending is that they have stronger speculative elements--so we'll see.)

I this was so much better than I had imagined, but the ending had something more to be desired. I honestly wished it ended in a different way, but now I'm more curious about the next book.

Ms. Due sure know how to tell a story with such rich characters and a very intriguing plot! The beginning was kind of confusing and somewhat slow, but I feel that it all straightened itself out once you figured out that David was Dawit. But all the characters were so engaging and you couldn't help but feel invested in their wellbeing. And even the characters that were designed to be the "villains" had clear motivation and were fleshed out.

I loved the whole African background and the story of how it's roots where so fermented in Ethiopian lore. It's mystery and the knowledge about the Living Blood. Being that this in the first in a series, I know the other questions that I have should be answered in the next books. It wasn't a vampire story which I was happy to see, but a great SFF story that should be read.

But wow.

The premise is interesting and I wanted to read about supernatural events from an African/African American perspective. However, the book just kept going on and on and on and on. OMG! The unnecessary details were just too much. The main character Jessica was so annoying. She's a journalist but doesn't seem to know how to investigate the oddities and crimes happening to the ones she loves. She has no sense of self preservation. You are stacked against an immortal being and you grab your purse, child and cat and hit the road with no food, no money, nothing? yeah right. I also got tired of the family members non-stop religious foolishness. A child dies and the grandmother just passes it off as "oh the Lord will give you a new one" !!! WTH?!?

I read this book when it was first published in the nineties. So it wasn't something warmed up over and over again. Usually, when you read the writings of Black authors it isn't something you've read before, because it's coming from a different culture; a different place. Unfortunately, the author passed away some time ago, but I'm glad she left her publications to carry on.

Not like I thought it would be. Long story short, I found Tananarive Due through a Google search for African American authors and vampires. Was looking for a change from the norm. Much to my surprise, there were no "real vampires," not in the traditional sense that we know. But I pummeled through, nontheless.

Rather than give a synopsis of the story, I'll skip straight to the review. I took away 2 stars, and here's why:
-1: Due is extremely wordy. There can never be a case made that her characters aren't fleshed out. They're too fleshed out for my taste, getting bogged down in paragraphs on top of paragraphs of their emotions, with open ended questions. Things that could have been summed up in a few sentences. I can infer from context clues; I don't need you to spoonfeed it to me. As a reader--as well as a writer--it drove me absolute nuts, so much so that I found myself speed-reading through all the jargon to get back to the action.

-1: TO ME, Jessica's character was extremely flawed, largely in part to the way she was written. Jessica is an investigative journalist, and supposedly a damn good one. Yet, she can't put two-and-two together to make sense of what's happening in her own home. She had blinders on, and they were THICK! Due did somewhat address this through the eyes of Jessica's sister, Alexis, indicating Jess made excuse after excuse for David. He could tell her that the sky was green. Though she may be skeptical at first, she'll eventually believe it. There were entirely too many coincidences happening around her, for her to remain blissfully ignorant. WAKE UP, I kept screaming at the book. Even after David divulged the truth, she remained stuck in some kind of limbo sleep where she wouldn't use context clues to think past her nose. After that, I stopped caring whether she lived or died.

She was also entirely too emotional, crying and sobbing at every turn. I swear, she cried about 60% of the book. I wanted her to be stronger than what she was, especially for her daughter, Kira. It was dumb for her to run when she knew someone was after them. But eh, since you decided to make a move, I wanted her to grab some gumption, stand tall with a straight back. Be assertive. The heroine should stumble over adversity, not remain weak like a wounded deer.

Peter's fate was senseless. Nobody ever asked about poor Uncle Billy again. This is just me nitpicking the bad, but overall, the book is still a good read.

I have to confess, that previously, I didn't read the horror genre at all other than classics (Poe, Shelley) as required in school & Stephen King, but My Soul To Keep is not just for horror fans, it's for everyone. If you've never read the genre or are skeptical, step out of your comfort zone & read this book, you will not be disappointed. My Soul to Keep is not your typical, vampire, fangs in the neck or werewolf horror story. This is the story of 500 year old immortal David who has had many lives, wives and children, from whom he has kept his true identity from, as all immortals have done without reservation. David is in love with his wife Jessica & they have a young daughter, Kira. Despite the tradition of keeping his identity a secret, he breaks this covenant and risks the life of his family as well as his own. David's blood has the power of immortality once it enters the body of mortals and it is with this blood, that he attempts to guarantee that his wife and their daughter can live forever. Tananarive Due merges the past with the present and in doing so, simultaneously keeps the reader informed while in suspense.

David (aka Dawit) is a character you'll love to "hate", but his love and sacrifice for his family is his redeeming quality. The characterization in this novel is outstanding. Instead of blazing a trail in the horror genre in the long tradition of bloody gore, she is refreshing to the genre, with characters who are very realistic, confronting their thoughts about God and the temptation of immortality. My Soul to Keep reminds us all of what it means to be human and mortal, with the thoughts and reactions that normal people in extraordinary circumstances face. It is as strong philosophically as it is entertaining. My only regret is not having heard of Tananarive Due and read her novels much sooner.

In a genre which is traditionally dominated by men, African-American author Tananarive due is brilliant, masterful & creative but most of all - colorless. It is her writing in and of itself, which has catapulted her to the ranks of Stephen King (who also has endorsed this book), Dean Koontz, Washington Irving, Edgar Allen Poe and a host of others, where she belongs. This is the first novel in her African Immortal series, but Tananarive Due does not stop there. The series continues with The Living Blood, Blood Colony & My Soul to Take.

I can hardly wait to dive into the next novel in this African Immortal series, as well as all of her other works.Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this book. My Soul to Keep gets two thumbs up as high as I can reach...and toes too.

MY SOUL TO KEEP was an intoxicating story - rich in character development, African history, jazz music, language, faith, love, romance and immortality. Ahh... ingredients for a great novel. It is an intriguing story of The Wolde Family - David, Jessica and Kira. They are a beautiful family who reside in Florida, basking in one another's love. David is a loving husband and doting father who wants to preserve his new life. He is a scholar haunted by past memories that lure him to take drastic measures that change their lives forever.

I purchased this book over a decade ago because of the title. Hmm... I thought as I examined the cover. Though I wasn't familiar with the author or the genre in which she writes. Afterall, I was a neophyte reader and chose books by the cover - front and back. MY SOUL TO KEEP caught my attention with its alluring title and image of an African-American author. WOW! Unfortunately, I didn't read beyond Chapter 5, back then because my literary eyes were not ready for mysticism.

Now as an avid reader, I boldly picked up the audiobook when browsing the library shelves for something new. Thanks to an excellent performance by Peter Francis James, I was encouraged to read on. He performed superbly - bringing the characters off the page and onto the stage of life. WOW! The story is so passionately intricate, that it made me gasp several times... even had to pause a few times to catch my breath and muffle screams.

Be bold and add MY SOUL TO KEEP to your reading or re-reading list. It is a suspenseful pageturner that will truly illuminate your literary eyes, mind and soul. I'm daring enough to read its sequel, THE LIVING BLOOD. The cover is spooky, but I'm sure the story is just as thrilling as the first.

The strength of this novel lies in the possibility of life after death. In the last few books that I've read, not by choice but by happenstance I keep running into this theme of immortality. Of the fear of death. What makes this novel different is that we get the fear from the perspective of Dawit/David who is immortal and is not afraid of dying but off his family doing so. After he kills a child who now lies in a nursing home and then must kill his wife's friend a reporter who uncovers a clue about him and then Khladun, creator of the Immortals from the blood of Christ, we see how complicated immortality is.
The concept of changing identities every twenty or thrity years is posisble to imagine. But there are things that must be sacrificed. Children, love, even to a degree notoriety because this is what ultimately starts unraveling David's cover, his notoriety in one life is flickering like a flame at the edges of his new one.
Here's what I wonder, do the ties that bind African-American communities, the inter-relationships, ultimately put David at a greater risk? Being not the majority percentage in America given enough connectability, isn't there the possibility that if not related in blood, most African-American are by story, by some touchstone?
Is immortality particularly dangerous to David because he's passing for Black in a country where someone of his intellect and ability to pick up talents would stand out, much along the lines of "the Talented 10th"? The book then brings us to another question, what are you willing to die and kill for? And Ms. Due suggests that the easiest kills are the ties that bind us because there will come a point if we live long enough that they strangle. It is only David's refusal to be alone anymore that brings this whole novel to the point of being worth a story. What I really liked was that David is both hero and villain to his own family and ultimately to himself. To love so deeply that he's willing to keep killing, even eventually his family to resurrect them, makes me wonder about the long terms effects of immortality and the wisdom of Khaldun keeping the Life Brothers to a limited number and hidden away. Our emotions are irrational, our desires foolish and the lengths we are willign to go to for the silliest things our undoing. Now on some level we all get and observe this in our daily lives but Ms. Due's book forces us to realize that without discipline we couldn't handle immortality, the burden of it the responsibility, the temptation to play God. Because one of the abilities that God holds is over life and death and this beautiful book turns everything upside down when it asks what happens when we assume one fo God's powers. It's a nice touch that the "Living Blood" comes from Christ himself, it both humanizes Jesus in a way that makes us think of him as pure down to his last cell and at the same time real.
I also liked how these religious questions were raised, how Jessica's faith was challenged by the fact that suddenly the God she prays to is made real and a miracle is before her. This could've simply been a horror story or a fantasy tale but by making her hav to confront her thoughts about God and the temptation to immortality, it really rang true as the kinds of thoughts a normal person in extraordinary circumstances would have,

This tale of immortality is like many others in that immortality comes through blood. It also has monsters to make you afraid in the dark. But it is so much more than your usual tale of immortals. It includes love, both familial and romantic. It contains soaring joy and profound heartbreak. In David and Jessica you witness broken perfection but you really want to see the pain healed. And in Kira, you see the possibility of the eternity that she loses. Tananarive Due has created a masterpiece.

Minimum Maturity Level - Adult
Strong Language. Violence and Gore. Sexual Situations.

Previous Reading Required - None
It's the first in it's series.

Reading Level - Easy
Not many big words to confuse anyone. Easy to picture what's going on. Easy to follow.

Rate of Development - Average to Slow
The author gets you attached to the characters pretty good. The characters are very real and seem to have real reactions to their surroundings.

The Story - Mystery, Thriller
The story is told through perspectives of Jessica, the heroine, and some others. Throughout the story, her friends and relatives are being murdered and she believes it's just the family curse. At the same time, she is finding things about her husband that are incredible. A secret that puts her life and her daughter's life in jeopardy.

My Suggestion - Recommended
The book starts off with a puzzling prologue. One that makes more sense as the story develops. And as the story develops, you actually begin to care about the characters. The writing is a little on the easy side to read, maybe at about a high school level. But then again, that is the kind of writing that I like. Without spoiling anything for you, I'd say read it and stick it out to the ending, you won't be disappointed. If I could give it 4.5 stars I would. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars is the development just takes a while.

In her second novel, Tananarive Due shows that she is an author on the rise. MY SOUL TO KEEP is a story of sensitivity, passion, irresistible commitment, and sorrow, and a book you do not want to put down.

By all outward appearance, David Wolde is the perfect husband and father. In fact, some friends of his wife, Jessica, sarcastically refer to him as "Mr. Perfect." Yet David, who is known as "Dawit" by the other members of his sect, is actually over 450 years old, an immortal who has walked and lived among the mortals for centuries. The leader of Dawit's secret sect has decided this rebelliousness has gone on for too long, and he dispatches another sect member (Dawit's former closest friend) to resolve the issue, in whatever manner necessary. David/Dawit is consumed by a multiplicity of conflicting emotions and responsibilities, not the least of which is finding a way to safeguard his wife and child, particularly since this his longevity has resulted in countless repetitions of the same pattern of desertion. This time, the mortality of his mate has to be addressed.

Ms. Due writes in an uncomplicated manner but does not condescend. Her prose are straightforward without becoming mundane. She skillfully blends in passages that take you back in time to get some feeling for the "lives" Dawit has lived, but always maintains a coherent view of the story's critical path. My only concern and it is a small one, was the story ended in somewhat ambiguous fashion, which is no longer an issue since I understand a sequel is on the way.

The first time I picked up this novel and read a couple pages, my heart beat a little faster because I knew what I was in for a real treat. The story is a tragic love story, albeit a strange one. I hate it when reviewers describe detailed scenes in the book, so I'll skip the deconstruction and analysis, and just provide my opinion: It really blew away my expectations because it was an exceptionally well-written supernatural thriller. (My favorite kind of book in the world!) Hard to find because it's hard to do. You try to convince the cynical reader that what's incredible can actually be credible--good luck. The prologue and chapter 1, tell you everything about the two main characters. The first chapter was quietly harrowing, I found that I was tensing up as I read on, which is probably the best review that I can give to a book. I forgot I was reading a work of fiction and was totally into the shared reality thing. I am giving this book 4 stars (4 and a half stars if I could) and not 5 because there are a couple subplots that should have been developed a little more --could have had better editing - maybe?, it's not perfect, but why sweat the small details? Overall, it is better than good. T. Due is a graceful, talented storyteller! She authors with a voice, emotion and a beat that is hers, I will certainly be reading the rest of her novels. I'm starting on The Living Blood now (the sequel) and it promises to be even better, I can tell already that the style is more polished and it's going to take me where I want to go!

I can not express how wonderful this novel was. The story begins with who we think is an ordinary man witnessing his beloved pets death (foreshadowing of things to come of course)...and within pages we discover that he is not what he seems but an immortal. We are then propelled into his background, memories and past life to witness what made him what he is. This love story attempts to tackle the concept of choice....meaning if you could choose to live for forever with someone you love would you? Although I think he views his situation as a curse sometimes....he has lived to see several wives and children die....he also sees the irony in experiencing all that life has to offer...for years..centuries even. His decision to try to make those he loves immortal has consequences, some good and some bad. We see him kill for no other reason than to protect his secret. We see him wrestle with the knowledge that his deepest desire could be his greatest undoing. This novel will leave you spellbound, much like the Highlander movies. You see how someone who can live so long, can be so lonely. Although I read the sequel, "The Living Blood", it did not have all the passion that this one had.

I would give this novel a 10 if I could. And I have even picked this novel up over the years and read excerpts just to remember how wonderful it was. It is definately a must read that you should pick up the next time you are at the library or bookstore.

Do I dare refer to My Soul to Keep as a vampire novel? Sure, it deals with a race of immortal beings and the special blood that pulses in their veins. But not a single one of them sprouts fangs nor bursts into flames in direct sunlight. Sure, the immortals can kill without remorse and commit monstrous acts. But they can also spend years in meditation and pursuing knowledge.

Tananarive Due has done something that is nothing short of re-inventing the language and mythology of the vampire tale. She has striped it of its brooding European castles, its sexually ambivalent nobility, and its dark rot of implied necrophilia and made the story an Afro-centric one. It's a tall order and in the hands of a lesser writer the story wouldn't work. But Due is definitely not a "lesser writer." Step by step, her story builds in believable suspense as Jessica begins to unravel the mysteries that surround her husband, David, who seems never to age and whose injuries heal overnight.

I wish I has discovered Due much earlier ... but then I wouldn't have the luxury of jumping immediately into the second book in the series (and no doubt the third soon after that).

Nothing compared me for Tananarive Due's novel, MY SOUL TO KEEP...it was so well-written, I could do nothing but devour it from beginning to end.  The novel tells the tale of Jessica, an African American journalist who appears to have it all; a thriving career, a beautiful and talented little girl, and a man who surpasses all her hopes and dreams.  When the story of her career becomes the story of her LIFE, Jessica watches as the life she knows slowly unravels to one into the supernatural realm...nothing for her will ever be the same again.
I read this novel in ONE EVENING, all 330+ pages of it!  There was not a dull moment in the novel, and I was drawn into the world of Jessica's....and Dawit (a person whose life will surprise and anger you..and at times, make you pity him).  To totally enjoy a supernatural, you have to release your mind and allow yourself to move beyond the REALITY and life, and MY SOUL TO KEEP draws you in with the very first page and never for one second lets you go.  The breadth of knowledge that went into this novel, the fast and suspenseful way Due wrote it, and the climactic ending makes this novel one of pure literature.  The novel left me jumbled with emotion, and ironically, not very 'happily ever after' like most novels, but it makes you crave a sequel...and I'll be one of the first to buy it when it comes out!
Shonell Bacon....

There have been quite a few science-fiction/fantasy stories around the subject of immortality, but I've never read a more powerful and touching one,. Ms Due treats all her characters with a depth and compassion that is heart-wrenching. Immortality is presented in the context of spiritual, practical, and moral questions, from the point of view of each character. The conflict between the two main characters. Jessica learns, very traumatically, of her husband David's immortality, long after she is completely committed to their marriage, and to their daughter Kira. The more finds out about David, the more torn she becomes. Her confusion and agony are matched by that of her her husband, who is fighting desperately to stay with his mortal family, thus violating the centuries-old Rules of the Immortals. There are many twists and turns in this story, each one more gripping than the last. This novel is extraordinarily hard to put down. I should say that most of her characters are African-American (as is Ms Due) or African, and this gives the whole story a flavor that I find very welcome.

Forget the fact that I am not a science fiction buff. This book along with Janice Sims's Out of the Blue has made a convert out of me. This book is soooooo gooooooood. David Wolde whose real name is Dawit is over 450 years old but doesn't look a day of thirty. That is because he has the Blood. Mentored by Khaldin who gave him the blood, Dawit has been living as a mortal with his wife, Jessica, and young daughter, Kira. But now his time as a mortal is drawing to a close. Malmoud has been sent by Khaldin to bring Dawit home. David/Dawit's idealistic life is about to blow up. He is getting desperate. In order to preserve what he has he makes graves errors but he loves his wife and daughter desperately. Dawit has traveled through a time warp. As Dawit he was born in ancient Ethiopia. His wife died in childbirth at thirteen. He was a slave in the 1840s named Seth and saw his beloved Adele hung. As jazz musician Spider Tillis, he wrote well-known songs and disappeared leaving a wife and children. Jessica has always been in awe of her husband. He is nicknamed Mr. Perfect by one of best friends. She is beginning to think he is too perfect. This was superb writing and I had an opportunity to meet the author who is releasing a sequel next year. A MUST READ.

College student Jessica marries her former professor, David not knowing he has hidden a secret from her. More than 400 years ago, he and other members of an Ethiopian sect traded their humanity so they would never die, a secret he must protect at any cost. A lot of mysterious deaths occur, so David has a plan to protect his wife and daughter. If you like suspenseful stories, this is the book for you.

Nothing compared me for Tananarive Due's novel, MY SOUL TO KEEP...it was so well-written, I could do nothing but devour it from beginning to end.  The novel tells the tale of Jessica, an African American journalist who appears to have it all; a thriving career, a beautiful and talented little girl, and a man who surpasses all her hopes and dreams.  When the story of her career becomes the story of her LIFE, Jessica watches as the life she knows slowly unravels to one into the supernatural realm...nothing for her will ever be the same again.
I read this novel in ONE EVENING, all 330+ pages of it!  There was not a dull moment in the novel, and I was drawn into the world of Jessica's....and Dawit (a person whose life will surprise and anger you..and at times, make you pity him).  To totally enjoy a supernatural, you have to release your mind and allow yourself to move beyond the REALITY and life, and MY SOUL TO KEEP draws you in with the very first page and never for one second lets you go.  The breadth of knowledge that went into this novel, the fast and suspenseful way Due wrote it, and the climactic ending makes this novel one of pure literature.  The novel left me jumbled with emotion, and ironically, not very 'happily ever after' like most novels, but it makes you crave a sequel...and I'll be one of the first to buy it when it comes out!
Shonell Bacon....

There have been quite a few science-fiction/fantasy stories around the subject of immortality, but I've never read a more powerful and touching one,. Ms Due treats all her characters with a depth and compassion that is heart-wrenching. Immortality is presented in the context of spiritual, practical, and moral questions, from the point of view of each character. The conflict between the two main characters. Jessica learns, very traumatically, of her husband David's immortality, long after she is completely committed to their marriage, and to their daughter Kira. The more finds out about David, the more torn she becomes. Her confusion and agony are matched by that of her her husband, who is fighting desperately to stay with his mortal family, thus violating the centuries-old Rules of the Immortals. There are many twists and turns in this story, each one more gripping than the last. This novel is extraordinarily hard to put down. I should say that most of her characters are African-American (as is Ms Due) or African, and this gives the whole story a flavor that I find very welcome.

Forget the fact that I am not a science fiction buff. This book along with Janice Sims's Out of the Blue has made a convert out of me. This book is soooooo gooooooood. David Wolde whose real name is Dawit is over 450 years old but doesn't look a day of thirty. That is because he has the Blood. Mentored by Khaldin who gave him the blood, Dawit has been living as a mortal with his wife, Jessica, and young daughter, Kira. But now his time as a mortal is drawing to a close. Malmoud has been sent by Khaldin to bring Dawit home. David/Dawit's idealistic life is about to blow up. He is getting desperate. In order to preserve what he has he makes graves errors but he loves his wife and daughter desperately. Dawit has traveled through a time warp. As Dawit he was born in ancient Ethiopia. His wife died in childbirth at thirteen. He was a slave in the 1840s named Seth and saw his beloved Adele hung. As jazz musician Spider Tillis, he wrote well-known songs and disappeared leaving a wife and children. Jessica has always been in awe of her husband. He is nicknamed Mr. Perfect by one of best friends. She is beginning to think he is too perfect. This was superb writing and I had an opportunity to meet the author who is releasing a sequel next year. A MUST READ.

College student Jessica marries her former professor, David not knowing he has hidden a secret from her. More than 400 years ago, he and other members of an Ethiopian sect traded their humanity so they would never die, a secret he must protect at any cost. A lot of mysterious deaths occur, so David has a plan to protect his wife and daughter. If you like suspenseful stories, this is the book for you.

I almost knew the ending to "My Soul to Keep." I say almost because I have read Tananarive Due's other work and know how she reveals her journey little by little. But don't let that fool you. She'll take it to another level at the end and surprise you. This novel reveals Ms. Due's love for humanity. I saw that in the little girl, Kira and her relationship with her father, and different relationship with her mother. The weird (and he is weird) husband's love of his mortal family and need to find love "forever," was very clear. In my opinion, the glue that holds the story together is the living blood, a metaphor for the blood of Christ. In the beginning of the novel, the Brothers of the Living Blood--immortals--were the only ones to have it until David/Dawit gave it to his wife Jessica, breaking the a covenant law. In essence, he integrated the brotherhood. At times, I became frustrated with the speed of the unfolding and put the book down. But it would haunt me so I had to get back to it. It still haunts me today. Ms. Due is a true storyteller as well as an excellent writer. She delivers.

Jessica Wolde has got it made. She has a great career as a journalist, a loving husband in David and a beautiful daughter, Kira. When Jessica's friend and colleague Peter suggests to her that they write a book about the atrocities of nursing homes, it sends her wonderful life spiraling out of control. This book could expose her husband, "Mr. Perfect" for the person he really is, an immortal.
David, whose real name is Dawit, is not the only one of his kind but a member of a brotherhood of sorts. His mistake, falling in love with a mortal woman. David will stop at nothing, to keep his family together. Love, yes, but twisted. He finds a way that he can get what he wants, keeping his family together forever, but his method eventually ends in his family's demise. Yet through it all Jessica, a woman of tremendous faith, is able to live a remarkable life although the price she paid was more than she ever dreamed of.
Due is gifted. She paints a horrific picture of tragedy and violence without resorting to the grotesque. Her heroine is not sappy, nor is her "villain" totally without redeeming qualities. The reader can understand exactly where all parties are coming from. She is skilled at placing you at the scene of an atrocity and making you stay there to watch it play out. My Soul to Keep reads more as suspense than it does horror, which makes it that much more engaging.

The writing alone makes this a five star book. If you're not hooked by the end of the prologue then there is something seriously wrong with you. My Soul to Keep starts off as a terrific mind thriller. There are some character inconsistencies you struggle to overlook. i.e Jessica one minute being described as a procrastinator and then a perfectionist the next. I've never known those two characteristics to go hand in hand. Dawit, being nearly five hundred years old, but showcases no wisdom. None. Plus, he could kill (family and friends) with no real emotion--but absolutely weep when the family dog dies??? He's bored with current events, but loves history??? So he doesn't want to hear about it now, but will love to read about it a few years down the line?? So I came up with my own contradiction: excellent writing...okay story.
My main complaint is that every time Ms. Due brings me to the edge of my seat-where I think she going to kick the horror element into overdrive...and she doesn't deliver. I just knew the trip to that isolated cabin, I was going to be in for a good scare. It didn't happen. Sure, Jessica freaked for a moment and then ran out, realized where she was and then ran back. End of the horror. The readers already knew what was going to happenwith Dawit...I was certain Mahmound would show up and all this horrorible stuff that Dawit hadn't counted on would happen but...nothing. Plus, the whole Mahmoud thing was completely anticlimatic. That had to be the worst surveillance I'd ever seen. After five hundred years, is really necessary to keep surveying people? Why didn't the searchers help him off that plantation?
No phones in Lalibela, but apparently they don't mind a postman delivering the mail to their secret place. Crazy. I never connected with Dawit--I agreed that he was out of control and I was looking for a stronger reason for him doing what he did to Rosalie. Maybe even if she asked him to do it. And the ending just had me groaning...why would Kaldoun allow Jessica to do what she was doing in Africa? Why didn't he have his brotherhood doing that from the get go? What made Jessica so special out all the other women in the world?
'Cause she just plain ole annoying. She couldn't imagine life without Dawit one moment and betraying him the next. After seeing how well she could keep a secret, I understand why no women was brought into this brotherhood sooner. The family is going to run away-and then sticks a for sale sign in the yard??? Nice way not tip your hand. Plus, everyone knew where they were going! Now all of this sounds like I didn't enjoy the book. That's just it. With the narrative being written so well, the plot annoyed me more than it entertained me. I loved the idea of the orgins of the living blood and how it produced immortals. (Of course how did the thieves of this blood know the ritual that needed to go along with it?) So the bottom line is this...I loved it...and I didn't love it. Go figure.

My Soul To Keep (MSTK) by Tananarive Due is one of the best books that I've Read in 2000! This book was just awesome and included all of the elements of a good read. MSTK was well written, scripted with a vivid imagination and creativity and included a strong storyline, great character development along with cliff hanging plot twists and turns. I must digress for a moment and admit that I had MSTK on my "To Read List" for two years but was a little reluctant to read it because of the genre. Once I committed myself to reading MSTK, I found myself really getting into this book and the storyline; I ravenously turned the pages and became so all consumed that I didn't want to put the book down. MSTK engrosses you in the tale of David/Dawit the immortal who will do whatever is necessary to maintain his family, the love of his life wife Jessica, and Kira his young daughter. The plot grabbed me from the beginning as Ms. Due had a wonderful way of telling the story and taking one back into time. Once Ms. Due had your attention she took you back periodically to help you understand How Dawit/became David. I felt that I was actually back in the various timeperiods depicted in the book and actually waiting to travel back to present day. Due weaves Past with Present in the telling of MSTK and in doing so she provides the reader with enough background information to keep the reader on the edge of the seat while adding depth and giving substance to the storyline. MSTK keeps the reader fully immersed and satiated until you have finished the last page. There is so much to absorb and enjoy in MSTK that no one can really tell you about it; MSTK is a book that you must experience in order to receive the full scope, the full meaning of the story. I plan to read MSTK again...hopefully a little slower this time so that I can SAVOR AND DIGEST the small details as well this time. Ms. Due combines a fine blend of history, science fiction, and drama to make the story riveting and to hold your interest from beginning to end. I recommend MSTK as an excellent read for everyone and I can't wait for the sequel...I know David/Dawit is still out there and I can't wait to hear what he's been up to since I last read about him.

Side note: having more than three syllables in one's first name should be illegal, especially if two of those syllables are close to identical. I've been walking around calling this woman "Tanarive Due" for years. Oops.

My Soul to Keep, whatever else it does, does not suffer from sophomore-effort slump. If anything, this is better then The Between, her debut, in that her plot is tighter, easier to follow, and more flowing. The Between suffered from an attempt to keep what was going on mysterious; no such problem here. We know from the beginning (well, unless we're REALLY thickheaded) who killed Rosalie Tillis Banks, and why.

The story centers on Jessica Wolde, an investigative reporter, her husband David, and their daughter Kira. We open with the death of Miz Banks, and in the next scene, the death of Princess, the Wolde's great dane. These two events, and those that follow them, lead the Woldes (Jessica, a human, and David, an immortal-- but his wife doesn't know it) down a path to forbidden knowledge and the existential crises that come from sharing said forbidden knowledge.

Despite the fact that, put as above, it sounds thoroughly silly, My Soul to Keep really isn't all that bad a book. Due is good at giving us easy-to-follow and consistent characters, even when they're in the midst of figuring out who they really are (which is usually an excuse for an author to make a character behave inconsistently). She gives us a straightforward and easy-to-follow plot, though at times it seems the plot is nothing more than a framework upon which to draw David's character (which is not necessarily a bad thing). And she gives us just enough jolts in just enough unfamiliar areas that we're not exactly sure what's going to happen. So while the prevailing mystery is easy enough to solve, and many of the other little obvious mysteries that pop up are just as easy, we're distracted from the real job of figuring out the little details, and those are what shift underneath the reader and keep the book interesting.

It's a fun little read, quick and easy, worth the couple of days it will take you to get through it.

I fell in love with this book when I was introduced to it many years ago! And I still love this book, the characters, the story itself and last but not least the amazing author extraordinaire who gave us this love story!

I could not sleep without thoughts of Dawit and the brothers! I was taken aback by this amazing concept of healing blood and this immortals insatiable need for mortals! I still to this day re-read this story whenever I have the need to be enriched by Dawit and Jessica's love! Amazing and then they have a child (Fana)who is simply amazing herself! Wow! Another great read! I cannot wait for the next installment to this series!

Give it to me Tananarive Due! I'm ready!

I'm an avid reader and I enjoy a good science-fiction more than anything else. When I stumbled across this book in 1998, purely by luck, I was not prepared for the ride it took me on. Ms. Due has earned her place among the ranks of Steven King and Spielberg. Since 1998 I've read this book twice -- and I'm not normally a person who reads a book more than once, but this story grabs you, takes you to a another place altogether and you'll never in your life forget the main character, Dawit (or Daud, or David-just one of his many names). This book leaves you hoping that just once this could be true, that there really could be people out there like Dawit and if you're really fortunate, maybe one day you'll meet one. I sincerely hope, as I've been hoping since '98, that Ms. Due will do a sequel. It will be well worth it!

This was a really good book. It was so different from other books that I have read and it keeps your interest until the very last page. Mrs. Due is a skillful writer and I can't wait to read the sequel.

It would be hard to categorize this book: horror, science fiction, romance; it can probably be said to contain a little of each element. But most of all, it was throughly imaginative and totally engrossing. Although it has been months since I have read the book, I can still remember how haunted I was by the ending. What made the story complex was the knowledge that evil was motivated by love. The death of Kira was absolutely heart-breaking, and you felt empathy for the characters in the loss of their daughter. I would and have recommended this book to several people. I only hope that there will be more from this writer and that someone within the film industry will see the marketability of translating this very compelling story to film.

I had sworn off horror books. They kept me up at night and wondering what was under the bed. Oh well, I succumbed to "My Soul to Keep." What a wonderful book and the premise was so intriguing: a middle-class black family in Miami is not what it seems...the husband is a 500 year old immortal. The flashbacks to some of his earlier lives throughout history were fascinating and his love for his current wife, Jessica, is enthralling. The story of how Jessica comes to discover who he is and what he is, strings you along to the last thrilling page. I absolutely raced to the end of this book and hungrily went out for the next one, "The Living Blood." I became aware of Ms. Due many years ago and just never opened a book of hers, (getting away from that horror thing don't 'ya know). I will never make that mistake again. Bravo!

This book had me in tears at the end. The struggle that David went through in order to keep his secret from his family is enough to make anyone go insane. The characters are rich with context and when you get into the book you can imagine yourself in the mix of the plots in the story. Great Author and even better story. Im just so mad that I would pass this book all the time when looking for new reading material and one of the best books I've ever read was right in front of me!!!

My Soul to Keep introduces a very new storyline and series of immortals that were once Ethiopian scholars. The brothers took a vow of an occult secrecy to preserve their ancient brotherhood that roams the Earth. Dawit, one of the brothers is over four hundred years old disappearing from his lives as a slave, jazz musician and eventually professor to dodge mortal suspicions of his inability to age. He has abandoned the brothers once we meet his character as he struggles to build a normal life with his wife Jessica and daughter Kira. Jessica is ignorant to her husband's condition and once introduced to his world is overwrought with her minds inability to accept that immortals exist. Moreover, that she's married to one... When Jessica's dear friend is murdered the investigation leads her into not only her husband's secret life but his destructive behavior to keep it concealed.

This is the first novel I read by Tananarive Due. I was left mesmerized by the story line forcing me to buy every work published by Due. Since this book I've entered the world of Dawit and his band of brothers intoxicated by this plot along with its characters. Due has a way of pampering you with details that provides a great introduction into this series. And the ending will rock you to your core as you've become tied to the characters wanting them to find resolution to their awkward plight. You will find yourself praying for their souls or even your own as they come face to face with immortality.

I love everything Tananarive Due has written, but this book is my favorite because of two things: its plot and its opening sequence. I found myself fantasizing about what I would do if I could live forever--for months after I had read the book. I am a writer, and a good deal of what I wrote after reading this book was badly derivative because it had gotten so deep into my head. The opening is perfect. I have my creative writing students read it and then dare them NOT to read the rest of the book. They can't. Nobody can put the book down after reading about a man who "compassionately" kills his own nursinghome-bound daughter, a daughter who just happens to be sixty or so years older than her own father. Wow!

My Soul to Keep is THE best book I have in quite some time. I only regret that I didn't pick it up sooner. I just finished reading it and definitely has all the elements of a great story, be it fiction, romance, or supernatural. Due is a truly talented author. My Soul to Keep will make you laugh and cry. I truly appreciate the depth of characters in this novel. I look forward to starting The Living Blood which is a follow to this novel. I'm sure I won't be disappointed and neither will you if choose to read My Soul to Keep. You won't be able to put it down! I get up very early in the morning for work, but when I tried to sleep, I had to get back out of bed to read just a few more pages!

This is one of the rare times when I will say a book is movie worthy. This book had all the elements of a great movie. Sci-fi, romance and gore. I know this book made a real impression on me when I started dreaming about Dawit/David. The action in this book, once you get pass the first 50 pages or so is unbelievable. The story is intriguing. It certainly gives you cause for wonder, Would you want to be immortal? be ageless? watch your loves ones die? keep starting over with your life? Not only was David/Dawit, Jessica and Kira story well written, but other characters where just as interesting. This is a must read. Thank you Blair Underwood for seeing this one is made for the big screen

This is the first volume in the "African Immortals" series, and the story is wonderfully fresh and imaginative. I loved that the characters were not the typical white American or European protagonists and antagonists. Choosing characters of African heritage and placing the genesis of the story in Africa are inspired choices. The writing is wonderful, the characters fully developed, and the mythos fascinating. I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

My Soul To Keep kept me on the edge of my seat. With each page I turned, my heart thumped loudly, and beads of sweat perched above my upper lip. The novel is a thriller that seduces you and lulls you into the fantasy that Ms. Due concocts. Dewit and Jessica are soulmates, lovers from different realms of the heart and different aspects of the mind. Dewit is an immortal in love with a mortal and Jessica is the recipient of Dewit's lurid love. Yet this love that connects Dewit & Jessica leads them on a journey of danger which threatens to rupture their hearts, sever their souls, and send them spiraling to hell. The intermingling of love and mystery in My Soul to Keep is spellbinding. While reading this novel, you'll find yourself cheering, giving advice to the characters, and being seduced into their tepid world.

I read this novel last summer, while my father was dying, and it had a profound effect on me. I won't tell what happens at the end of the novel, but it got me thinking about my conception of immortality--something which, as a Christian, I believe we have already.

Despite my faith, whenever I have discussed life and death issues (such as physician-assisted suicide, etc.), I have always sided with those who would sustain life at all cost. This has been so much my perspective that, when reading Vampire novels, I have often wondered why it would be such a horrendous idea for people to spread earthly immortality about.

"My Soul to Keep," however, opened my eyes to some fresh understandings of this topic. Due's novel suggests that true immortality is not something that we can experience without the passing of the body. This caused me to wonder, in relation to my ailing father, what would I be denying to him if I insisted on keeping his body alive at all cost?

Of course, I found his death a devastating loss last November. But I think I was also better prepared to celebrate his release from the prison of his body because I had read this book.

My Soul to Keep grabs you and moves with descriptive style as if you are one of the characters. There are several stories within the story that end up intertwined later. The Jazz musician, the slave , the Ethiopian, the professor, the perfect husband and the immortal all of these characters were David also known as Dawit.There are bumps and bruises along the way with murders to cover up his "immortality", David was loved and was "Mr. Perfect" where did it all go wrong? When he fell in love and wanted to give the gift of life to his wife and child? Or when his wife stumbled on the mysterious death of his daughter Rosalie?

There were hints from "Grandpa" who's always eating a Whopper. When looking back on it I think the author used Grandpa to soften the anticipated, almost expected, blow of Kira's death. This was definitely painful to witness. I was frustrated with the speed of the unfolding. I wanted more time with Kira and to offer advice to the characters on how they could save her. Almost yelling at the book! I lost track of time reading the final chapters and couldn't put it down until I was finished.

The story leaves you hanging with several lose ends. What is Jessica doing sharing the living blood with terminal children in Africa? Was she in mourning over Kira and wanted to help as many kids as she could? Why was she so short with David when he came to visit? Will she go after him soon? I think she will. The new child seems even more powerful and superior then his immortal parents. Knowing that there is a sequel is comforting. B/c there are several more stories to be told.....

Overall it's a very good book. I would put it in the top 10 for sure. I can't wait to start the sequel.

A touching yet gripping novel, Tannanarive Due's "My Soul to Keep' will have you on the edge of your seat. It is also a refreshing glance at African American family life, faith, love and the evil that attempts to tear it apart forever.
Life brothers, Mahmoud and Dawit have been separated for many years until their day comes. Mahmoud is there to lure his eternal brother back to Lalibela and make sure their secret of the life giving blood doesn't get out. However, Dawit's love for his mortal family and life were overpowering and could not obey Mahmoud's commands.
A series of senseless deaths in the name of protecting the secret blood started occuring. His wife Jessica becomes suspicious as Dawit's lies about his true identity comes forward. In fear of punishment, Dawit chose to flee with his family. He would take them all and keep them forever if possible. And forever was possible too! To pass the living blood onto his daughter and wife would protect them eternally and never separate them, so he believed. However, he wasn't prepared for what was to come.
Due's heart tugging novel shifts between time periods and will take you on many travels around the world. The emotion felt between Dawit and Jessica is almost real to readers who along with them feel sorrow and also renew their faith in God. It's a wonderful book which has far exceeded my expectations. I like it because it was a book I could read and actually think about the characters while I carried out my own day. My book club is reading it and hopefully everyone will be soon!

This story is a real departure from your typical fangs in the throat vampire. The premise is fascinating, from the living blood and how it is shared, to the pain this particular man feels having loved and lost over so many years and his struggles with living a double life. However, I don't think this book packs as much punch as it could. I found the first 3/4's of the book slow, with only glimmers of excitment. The ending was great, but it didn't make up for the rest of the book. I have to say, I was disappointed. I've heard so many good things about this book, that I was really looking forward to it, and it's sequel. Now I'm not so sure I want to continue with the saga. If I do, I won't be purchasing the book. I suggest a trip to the library and hope for the best.

Whew, was all I could say once I read "My Soul To Keep." For a first time Sci-Fi reader, I chose a great book and I am looking forward to more work by Ms. Due. This was a definite page turner, no doubt about that, and if I wasn't in college, I'd have probably dedicated a whole day into finishing this book. The begining was great, the ending was...different, but great, and the overall story was great. Now, if there was a sequel. Anything these days is believable, and Ms. Due made it such. This was a twist from all the other alien/immortal life that people say exist. I am in awe of the information that she provided. Hmm, makes me want to doubt a man who I thought was too perfect...

My Soul To Keep definitely took me on an experience outside my element. I'm not a sci-fi fan, but this was a worthwhile read that I enjoyed along with The Between (Ms. Due's first novel). The story is about an immortal named David/Dawit who underwent a ritual of the "Living Blood", to find out more you MUST read the book because the concept is genious as well as haunting. The book spans over 450 years and covers alot of geographical areas as well as breakthroughs. Ms. Due has crafted a suspenseful and haunting brew of a novel. I'm patiently waiting for the sequel.

or something like that...sorry, couldn't resist. Juicy story, lovely writing, I was impressed. Couldn't wait to hear more...I listened to the CD on Griot Audio (Recorded Books, Inc.) read by the great actor/reader Peter Francis James.

It's amazing that something so far-fetched can seem so natural - and true! In a way, it reminded me of classic novels like Frankenstein, The Invisible Man and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It was written in that naturalistic way, as a sort of horrible fairy tale that feels, on the surface, about very ordinary life, but as you read the horror spreads. Good work from an author whose work I will definitely look forward to reading in the future.

I bought this book thinking that it might be an 'okay' read. As an avid reader (quite an understatement), I never thought that I would come to enjoy this book immensely and rate it among my favorite novels!

You can get an idea of what the book is about from the great reviews that other readers have given. However, I just had to add that this book has really taught me a much-needed lesson. I must admit that while reading the book, I secretly wished that Dawit and his family would live happily ever after in immortality, and I asked myself what decision I would make given the offer of Life Eternal. Initially, I said 'What is there to think about?! Go for it!'

I came to understand though that we have to be careful what we wish for, as was evidenced by the suffering and heartache that Dawit had to endure when outliving his loved ones and making life-altering decisions. As a scientist, I can see how much of a 'no-brainer' it would be to choose between an immortal life without diseases, illness, or physical disfigurement; however, my spiritual side can also see the drawbacks to enduring such a tragic, emotionally-scarring existence. It may seem crazy, but most of all, I felt sorry for Dawit throughout the novel (even when he committed several atrocities, both illegal and immoral).

Thank you, Tananarive, for such a beautifully-woven story that entertains as well as imparts truly-needed life lessons! This is definitely one that will go into our collection!

Having never heard of Tananarive Due, I saw this book in a discount bin at a closing bookstore and purchased it for something like 2 dollars. I saw the stephan king blurb and decided I'd give it a try.

This book was the first of 3 reading experiences that would make Tananarive Due one of my favorite writers. She provides a reading experience that WILL NOT dissapoint.

In "My Soul To Keep" Jessica Jacobs Wolde finds out that her husband, her true love even, is an Immortal and because he breaks the laws of his people he is hunted.

With out wanting to spoil the story let me tell you that there are some very innovative twists in this story. When Due is discussing any part of the story, she uses words that create a certain feel. Although the story is told in Third Person, you get a strong feeling for what the charecters are going threw by the dictation. Due reminds us constantly that "My Soul To Keep' exists in a world very similar to ours with human emotions and painful choices. Some of her charecters make the wrong choice, some of them choose wisely. There are some very, very sad elements of the story and a strange sort of irony as the prologue resonates a theme threw the story.

In terms of the quality of the writing and the story, this book definitely deserves 5 stars.

That being said, I didn't *like* it.

The scariest element of this story is not the immortals, the deaths, or the chase scenes. What is horrifying is seeing how misplaced trust in a loved one can completely destroy your life.

*Spoilers!*
The love story between Jessica and David/Dawit begins with charm, passion, intensity. Although he is "Mr. Perfect", he is quirky & flawed, and I enjoyed reading the scenes of their budding relationship.
As the story progresses, we learn the depth of Dawit's deception. He has lied to the woman he loves about everything: his age, his origin, his history, even his name. For good reason--it's hard to imagine their relationship continuing after she learns his true story.
Still, because he "loves" his wife so much yet refuses to reveal his secrets to her, he endangers the lives of her loved ones & even kills some of them. He ultimately drugs her & their daughter and transforms her into an immortal without her consent--an act that makes her a target & endangers her even further--his failure to complete the ritual for their daughter results in her death.

*End of Spoilers*
Tananarive Due definitely does a great job of weaving a complex story. Somehow, even though Dawit's actions are those of a man who is insane, insanely possessive, & abusive, he evokes the reader's sympathy. Even though we see how the relationship has completely consumed Jessica's life & that leaving would be her best option, we understand why she loves him so much, how good he makes her feel, why she feels compelled to stay with him.

This book caught my eye in the store because it was recommended by Stephen King. To date, I've only read a few short stories by King, but the fact he recommended this book intrigued me.

I picked it up and read it fairly quickly. It kept me engrossed through the end. It's been a couple months now since I read it so I'm not recalling my initial feelings.

In short, if you're looking for a nice paranormal read with a few twists, then this might be the book for you.

My Soul To Keep was an incredible story and I was IN THIS WORLD for the week it took me to finish this book. Tananarive Due tells a powerful story of how a man, Dawit, was truly willing to do ANYTHING to keep his family together. Even when he did something wrong, you couldn't help but to still like this guy. Was he a "villian" or a "hero"? Who knows. What I do know is that this was a wonderful book that I enjoyed so much that I ignored family and friends to get to the end!

Susan Bishop ([email protected]) San Jose, CA
As a child I thought I wanted to live forever. After reading this novel, I am not sure anything could persuade me that 'forever' was a good thing. I am doubly unsure what I would do if I found myself married to someone who would NEVER die ...
This story masterfully weaves a story that makes us question our own views on death vs. Immortality, good vs. evil, miracles vs. science, Christianity and faith ....
In addition to suspense of the tale, the reader is also treated to African and American history lessons as well as black literature and music. Ms. Due has obviously done her research as this story spans 500 years and multiple continents.
Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Black Fiction ..... Other reviewers are having a hard time trying to classify the work of this young and talented writer. I call it Literature.

I'm into horror for the scares, so it's safe to say I was mildly disappointed with this book in light of all the stellar ratings. But that's not to say it doesn't deliver as intended, it is a well-written romance/suspense tale with philosophical and religious implications scattered throughout. The premise is unique (though it's true, it might as well be a vampire tale) and relatively well thought out, but you often feel like she is conjuring lots of half-truths and excuses to fill in the plot holes much in the same ways her characters do! Long story short, don't get this expecting to be on the edge of your seat, the first half of the book is extremely mellow in that sense, lots of insinuated mystique, but it really takes a while for action to happen, but when it does, it's great! The pseudo-philosophy that is brought in and out of the story is hit or miss, and gets repetitive by the end, and her authorship feels a little immature in terms of attention to detail. Regardless, still worth a read if you are interested by the premise and are looking to be moved by a unique love story and get an occasional chill.

What a wonderful book.

My Soul to Keep is, in my opinion, the type of book which you walk around depressed for days afterwards after finishing it - like coming back home after a wonderful vacation.

I found the premise of MSTK very engaging and was instantly hooked into the story. I found that the threads of the story were neatly crafted and fit in with each other very well. I enjoyed the suspense created and appreciated the periodic backfilling interspersing the past with the present.

If you read this book, don't skip the preface. Ms. Due, the preface was very well written - creeping shadows and pillows held high - a good kickoff.

I highly recommend it - I need to buy another copy since I gave mine away.

My Soul to Keep - an excellent story well told.

[email protected]

The beginning of the book is a bit tedious to me. I may or may not finish the series. The mixing together of African countries and languages things without enough focus on one in particular was a turn off. I suggest her book, "The In Between".

This is one of the smoothest books I have ever read, especially in the realm of what gets called "horror." I looked into the author because I saw she had been nominated for a Bram Stoker Award (which are usually really good). I wasn't disappointed. There's enough on the book flaps and reviews to tell you what the book is about, so I won't repeat it all here. Suffice it to say this is a compelling, interesting and not-very-cliched book. Author has a voice unlike anyone I have ever read.

"MY SOUL TO KEEP" WAS A BOOK CLUB SELECTION AND WHEN WE WERE TOLD THIS WAS OUR NEXT BOOK WE WERE ALSO ASKED THE QUESTION,WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE IMMORTAL YES OR NO? I SAID YES. NOW, I'M NOT SURE IF I WOULD WANT TO BE LEFT WHEN LOVED ONES HAVE GONE AND GO OUT AND GET NEW LOVED ONES OVER AND OVER AGAIN.450 YEARS IS A LONG TIME .THIS STORY WAS WELL WRITTEN. I DON'T REALLY LIKE BOOKS THAT GO BACK AND FORTH IN TIME BUT I GUESS THIS HAD TO BE WRITTEN LIKE THIS SO THE READER COULD GET THE BACKGROUND ON DAVID.

My Soul To Keep

You might think at first that this is a horror genre novel. It isn't. It is horrible and in large measures but I wouldn't call it a horror novel.

A blurb on the back from Stephen King says, " It's really big and really satisfying, an eerie epic that bears favorable comparison to Interview with the Vampire." I don't think it is comparable to IWTV anymore than it is to Highlander the television series. Both concern immortals but the main character is not a vampire and certainly not an immortal scottsman. There are similarities but this book should stand on it's own merit.

This is primarily a love story. The love of a man and woman for each other, their families, life itself. It is the love of mankind for his creator and mankind for himself.

It is the story of David, Jessica, and their daughter, Kira. It is all about David n

Having read her first novel 'The Between' which was excellent, I was interested to see what she followed up with and I was not disappointed.

The rich texture of her writing weaves science fiction with romance, history, faith and the dynamics of family. As with her first novel, you are never quite prepared for what comes next and what does is not at all what you expected. Without giving away the plot, the main characters in this novel all learn about connections in a variety of ways. They discover that love comes to us in a variety of ways and those connections are never broken. When Kira, the daughter speaks of her grandfather who died suddenly when Jessica, her mother, was a child herself, Kira's parents are again faced with the understanding that our pasts are never far behind us.

David, the father in the story, is the perfect father and husband. He speaks lovingly to his wife and daughter. Even when we realize that the French he speaks to his daughter is calculated, we understand that it is calculation born of love and fear of loss.

This is a fascinating book that stays with you long after you turn the last page. It is sure to bring Ms. Due many new readers who are panting for her next work. I know I certainly am.

More romance than horror, this book is yet another variation on "they live among us" theme - be that vampires, undead, or what other supernatural species strikes author's fancy. Writing is very uneven - at times very good, it turned to crass and tawdry at some points. The whole idea of the origin of the "immortals" sounds like a B-horror movie.
Another problem for me is that this book was designed as the first in a series, hence, the plot is stretched to limits to fill several books, rather than being edited to keep the reader's interest up. I say skip it.

This book was so intense that I suggested it to all my friends and they loved it too. Once I even dreamed of the man Dawit, she made him that real to me! after reading it I was so hungry for more. My mind was so in to this book that I even called Ms. Due and told her how proud I was of her work.(even though it was just voice mail). I was so involved in this book that I could not read another book for two weeks!

This book was very well written and very intriguing. It kept me on my toes so much that I read it in one day. Not too many books can do that. Everything from Tanaravie's stlye of writing, to her character's just kept you glued from page to page. I love her books and if given the chance I would love to extend a invitation for her to attend our book club meeting, it would definately be an honor. Looking forward to absolutely anything that you write. My only question would be why they changed your book cover? Mines has a man on it which I guess to be Dawit...

That's the question I kept asking myself over and over while reading this book. I had never heard of Ms. Due, nor had I ever read any sci-fi books. If someone had told me what the book was about, it wouldn't have interested me. But this book has become "The Best Book I've Ever Read". I've passed it on to everyone I know. Cheers to Tananarive Due. I'm going back to read "The Between".

This book was fabulous! I couldn't put it down! I finished it in 2 days (stupid work! I'd have finished it in 1 day if I didn't have to go!!). I've always seen books about immortals as vampire, gross, bloody books. This one is not that way at all. It's cleverly written, everthing has an underlying meaning. While you read, keep notes on facts...you will have "aha!" moments later!!

I loved this book. It took me 11 consecutive hours to finish this book. I wanted to sleep but could not put it down. I was crazy with anticipation of what would happen next. If you have a long plane ride buy this book! I never pulled for Dawit (david). He was literally crazy! The only reason I give this book a four and not a five star is because I was disappointed by the ending. It was definitely a shocker! I was upset at Jessica's decisions. But overall I was very pleased.

Loved this book!!! Recommended this book for my book club and everyone loved it. Can't wait for the sequel in 2000. This book had romance, mystery, suspense, and some horror. This writer is awesome; she is talented, and has a great imagination. This book was a refreshing welcome from the romance, self-help, and relationship novels. I can't say enough good things about it.

I would hate to ruin the story for you so I will simply say if you enjoy Octavia Butler, Steven King and the like, you will LOVE this book and the rest in this series. Rich, culturally complex characters and a well-developed storyline kept me in the pages (even though I was supposed to be working/eating/sleeping). I am a comicbook, sci-fi chick who loves romantic stories and My Soul To Keep hit the mark in all those genres. I have bought 8 copies of this book over the years because when friends start reading my copy they take it as their own. This also led me to read her previously published, The Between which was also fabulous! Brava, Tananarive!

the best book I've ever read in my life, with the exception of its sequel, "The Living Blood". And if you haven't read the sequel, do yourself a favor and get it right away.

The 2 books were recommended to me and sista Due did not disappoint at all. She is an awesome writer.

I loved the character Dawit/David. He challenged me on a few levels throughout the book, yet I loved him just the same.

I can't wait to see the movie!!!!!!!!!

It is beyond me why this book has not been made into a film! It has compassionate characters, a swiftly moving and involved plot, realistic settings, romance and intrigue spanning centuries,and mysticism coupled with religious overtures. And, for a change the characters are Black. Whoops! I forgot! That's why Hollywood hasn't called. Well, like Dr. King, I can only dream!

The book revolves around the family of Jessica, David and their five-year-old daughter named Kira. What surprised me in the book was that David and Jessica are so opposite to each other on a spiritual basis. While Jessica is highly religious; David is an atheist. But there are significant reasons that shape one's character and for David, it was a simple ritual that changed his life forever, and I mean that literally. It was his deep love for mortals (specifically for Jessica and Kira) that caused the following scenario to occur: someone from David's past attempts to take the lives of his wife and daughter, and the only way David can protect them is by, believe it or not, killing them.

There's also something that happens at the end of the second last chapter that was truly heart-breaking and I commend Ms Due for writing that. Life isn't always a fairy-tale.

I am an avid African American fiction & non-fiction reader. However, I never could get into sci-fi-type novels. My Soul to Keep changed my mind forever. I was hooked before the end of the first chapter, and read it in one night. I wanted more...and got it later. During that first read, I experienced so many different emotions: happiness, fear, anxiety, etc. That's a rare thing for me.

I think the problem with the other books that others would compare M S to K to was that the basis of the stories were unbelievable to me. Tananarive Due did an excellent job of making the story believable (at least to me) and taking me on a journey that had me addicted. I cannot wait for the third installment to come out in June!

My bookclub of 20 women read this book and 15 of the 20 found this book to be one of the bestwe've read! It's atypical. This mystery and supernatural story is compelling and a quick read. One zooms through this book. I emailed the author to put me on the notification list for the next book if it going to be a series. I loved it!

vivid storytelling the characters stay with you i've read it twce and woke up this morning thinking of Kiera several stories in one but all connected. is mr. perfect a monster? no, but falling in love and immortality create problems.

This book had my interest from the first page. There was enough predictability to make me feel smug until Ms.Due whipped me around with her literary finger. I eagerly look forward to anything else Ms.Due will write and sincerely hope she will renew our relationship with Dawit. The GO ON GIRLS' book club loved it.

Imagine...you meet; you fall in love; you marry; you have a beautiful (and gifted) child.
Then you find out your loving spouse has a secret, and wants to initiate you into an ancient covenant that doesn't want you as a member.
A seductive and engaging story. This is a book to be read, and shared, and read again.

What can I say? Ms. Due is an excellent writer and she is on my pick-it-up-as-soon-as-it's-out list! My Soul to Keep is an exceptional novel. Her characters are multi-dimensional and the addictive storyline won't allow the reader to put the book down! The supernatural themes in the book are fascinating. It is definitely a must read! Enjoy!

Ms. Due did an excellent job @ telling this story - it kept me spellbound from beginning to end. A couple of times, it had me looking over my shoulder in fear! I don't know if I want to read the sequel (The Living Blood) for fear of ruining a good thing. This is a highly recommended read.

This book was recommended to me and I was slightly reluctant to read it because of the source, but WOW...what a great book! I was completely enthralled with this book from the very beginning to the last sentence. And when I was done I wanted more, more, more. So now I'm on the second in the series, "The Living Blood". For those who are just purchasing this book, do yourselves a favor by purchasing both at the same time. Believe me, you will want the story to continue and you won't want a pause in between.
Tananarive Due has done an excellent job in bringing these characters to life. This book will make you think twice and hug your family just a little harder.

I don't normally read books like this one. It is a horror/suspense/vampire type book that I would normally pass up in the library or bookstore.

One of the members in our bookclub, Lakeisha Jones, suggested this selection to the Each One Teach One Book Club when it was her turn to host, and I decided to give it a try. I will say that Tananarive Due is an excellent writer that brings her story across with flair and style. Even though I am not used to reading subjects like this, the way she did it, by giving an African twist to the usual Vampire story, did catch my attention.

If I enjoyed vampire or horror stories, it may have gotten a 5 star review from me, but since this is just not my cup of tea, I had to give it a 4 star review because of the wonderful writing ability of the author.

Tananarive Due is the female version of Stephen King. My Soul to Keep is a crafty tale of a secret sect of immortals that will keep their immortality a secret at all cost and have successfully done so until one strays away and falls in love, subsequently creating a family that he can not live without. Good horror fiction although a little long at drawn out at times.
Reviewed by Aiesha
Of the Detroit-RAWSISTAZ

I stumbled upon this book by accident, read the jacket and thought "ok, sounds interesting." Well, it went beyond interesting into gripping, powerful, and suspenseful. Read this book after reading a slow paced or a boring book because it will take you for a ride you'll enjoy. Excellent.

This book was excellent!!! One of the best books I have read. This book touched me so. I had such a good feeling after reading it. The love David/Dawit had for Jessica was just out of this world. Recommended to anyone who loves a good thriller/love story.

I was a little skeptical about this book in the beginning, but once I got past the introduction, I was hooked! A friend read it with me and we both loved it. The ending was pretty weak compared to the rest of the book, but I recommend it for a good read!

Due's second novel was better than the her first, and her first was pretty good. I felt for all of the charachters especially Dawit. Here was a man committing murder, but you just couldn't hate him. I would recommend this novel to all.

First of all, this book made me begin to think about my own mortality. Life can be as long or as short as we make it out to be. The characters and there struggles seem all too real and familiar. My Soul to Keep is certainly one of the top ten fiction books of the last 15 years. The plot had enought twists in it to keep anyone on the edge of their seat. I can't figure out why there hasn't been a movie made yet.

The book was excellent! I was glued to the book for the entire day it took me to read it. I felt the characters were real even though it was science fiction. Dewitt's character really gave me goosebumps! The confusion and pain that his wife felt when she discovered he was immortal was so real I cried with her! I would love to read anything else she has written. I recommended the book to all of my friends and they feel the same way I do about it. I also felt The Between was excellent. Keep them coming Tananarive!

Due's book is an enchanting and somewhat eerie tale of an immortal who after living 500 years of finding love only to lose it finds a family that he cannot bear to let go. for love and suspense this book is an excellent choice

I read this book as a selection for my bookclub. I loved it. There is no guesswork here . . . you have to read it to the very end. It was everything a suspense/thriller should be. I cannot wait for her next book.

Tananrive Due really wrote a wonderful book. I just finished it and I am reeling from it emotionally.
It is a whole lot of thiller with a seasoning of a love story.
To be honest, this book has me at a lost for words, it really touched me emotionally.

I purchased this book as part of a book club and I was not sure about the content as I began, but once I went to a reading by the author, Tananarive Due, I knew that this book was going to be good, and it was. I finished it in about 18 hours.
One of the great things about this book, is that it involves middle class African Americans, a forgotten segment of the population.
This book is full of serious suspense. A true keeper for any true horror fan.

My Soul To Keep, was one of the best books that I have ever read. There were several times when I could not put the book down without finding out what happened next. This book is a must read if you have not read it already. Tananrive Due is a very talented author. I'm sure you will get as much from this book as I did, if not more.. My Soul to Keep is Great... Email me and let me know what you think..

I absolutely loved this book. I could not put it down. Tananarive Due, in my opinion, is a creative and outstanding writer. I know this book is fiction but Tananarive really made me believe that it was really happening. She painted a very vivid picture especially with the flashbacks to Abbysinia (Ancient Ethiopia) and slavery times. I found myself captivated and spellbound, anxiously awaiting for the next scene. I did not want this book to end. I hope that one day I can see this book on the big screen....

Makes you really hope that this doesn't happen. We wish for immortality but do we really want it? Blessing or a curse? Ms Due writes a tale reminding me of the finest in almost science fiction. fabulous!

This book was so gripping, I read it in a couple of days. I don't usually read supernatural books, but I loved it. Ms. Due is to be commended for writing such a visual and detailed novel. It's obvious she is a great researcher.

This author was recommended to me by an online book group and I am oh so glad that I took the recommendation! Wow, is this book suspenseful. It grows on you. I really had trouble putting it down. Due writes in a way that immediately captures the reader's attention. David DOES seem like the perfect husband and Due slowly unpeels the many layers (lies) of this character and his interactions with the rest of his family and in-laws. I can't wait to read the sequel!

My Soul To Keep is captivating from cover to cover. I couldn't wait to read what happened next. It was intriguing and suspenseful. Despite my efforts to dislike Dawit/David, I found myself feeling a profound compassion for him. My Sout To Keep has been compared to Anne Rice's Interview With A Vampire, I think Tananarive Due greatly exceeds Rice's work. I look forward to Due's next novel, a sequel perhaps?

If you like Octavia Butler's writings, particularly "Kindred" and "Wildseed", you'll want to add Tananarive's "My Soul to Keep" to your collection. Despite David's presumptions that other people would want to be in his predicament and at times the possessiveness he exhibits that renders him unlikeable,you will feel connected to each of the characters and totally mesmerized by the horrific, climatic ending. I hope Tananarive writes a sequel.

MS. DUE'S MY SOUL TO KEEP WAS THE BEST BOOK THAT I'VE READ ALL YEAR. IT WAS VERY SUSPENSEFUL AND KEPT MY INTEREST TO THE VERY END. SHE WAS VERY DESCRIPTIVE IN HER CHARACTERIZATIONS AND THE SETTING MADE ME IMAGINE FAR AWAY PLACES FROM LONG AGO. ALSO, THE CHARACTERS BECAME REAL AND I FELT FOR THEM. THIS IS A MUST READ. AFTER FINISHING THIS BOOK I IMMEDIATELY WONDERED WHEN THE MOVIE WAS COMING OUT!!!!

From the moment I read this book I could (did not) want to put it down. The worst part about the book was it some it had to end. My husband (who reads technical books) upon my suggestion read it and thoroughly enjoyed it, I was very interested in ready other works by Mrs. Due so I read "The Between". I must say I did not enjoy this a much as "My Soul To Keep"

I truly love this book and I would rate it higher if i could. Her writing just flows off the pages. It's it's own movie within pages. And the sequel so far is also amazing. I can't wait for the next thing that she writes. I've actually had breakfast with the author once and she seems so down to earth and humble and she seems to be very appreciative of her fans and that made me an even bigger fan of her work. So Write On, Tanana!!

I enjoyed My Soul to Keep so much that I found myself planning my schedule around when I could read it! The science fiction details were explained so carefully and methodically that I was never lost in it, and I understood every step of the way. I know we've all heard this expression before, but I literally couldn't put it down! If I could give it 6 stars instead of 5, I would!

I really enjoyed reading "My Soul To Keep." The male protagonist, with his many different dimensions kept my interest as well as the travel back and forth through time and civilizations. I anxiously read through the novel to find out what would happen next. I was not dissappointed. The theme was scary but also romantic and believable.

"My Soul to Keep" was my first experience with Ms. Due, and it's got me hooked--I absolutely loved it! Ms. Due's powerful writing style allows me to experience the vast range of emotion of the characters each time I read it--sweaty palms, racing heart, tearing eyes, laughter,sadness--I can go on and on. I can't wait to read her other works.

"My Soul to Keep" is one of our all time favorite books. We are re-reading it and recommending it to everyone we know. Ms. Due tells an unbelievable story in a believable manner. It is a haunting tale that stays with you long after you've completed the book. We look forward to more books by this author.

I loved this book. I loved the sequel. It was a thriller but it was als had a very soft human side. It brought a very interesting critique on life, death and mortality. The sequel was amazing. The type of book you don't want to end. I passed mine along . . . twice!

I really enjoyed reading "My Soul To Keep." The male protagonist, with his many different dimensions kept my interest as well as the travel back and forth through time and civilizations. I anxiously read through the novel to find out what would happen next. I was not dissappointed. The theme was scary but also romantic and believable.

"My Soul to Keep" was my first experience with Ms. Due, and it's got me hooked--I absolutely loved it! Ms. Due's powerful writing style allows me to experience the vast range of emotion of the characters each time I read it--sweaty palms, racing heart, tearing eyes, laughter,sadness--I can go on and on. I can't wait to read her other works.

"My Soul to Keep" is one of our all time favorite books. We are re-reading it and recommending it to everyone we know. Ms. Due tells an unbelievable story in a believable manner. It is a haunting tale that stays with you long after you've completed the book. We look forward to more books by this author.

I loved this book. I loved the sequel. It was a thriller but it was als had a very soft human side. It brought a very interesting critique on life, death and mortality. The sequel was amazing. The type of book you don't want to end. I passed mine along . . . twice!

I actually read this book in 1998. It was so compelling and gripping that I found it hard to put down. The prologue grabs you and pulls you in and there is no return. Unlike most books, each character will forever be etched in your mind! Not only does it keep the reader turning pages but it leaves you wanting more.

This book was very refreshing and interesting. The characters she created seemed so real. It kept me so interested I finished it in 2 days!!! I have referred her book to 4 other people and 2 other people have read my copy. I cannot wait until the movie comes out. Tananarive Due you have a new #1 fan!!

I LOVED THIS NOVEL. ONE OF THOSE RARE BOOKS THAT WILL HOOK THE READER FROM START TO FINISH. YOU WILL BE UNABLE TO PUT IT DOWN. I CANT WAIT TO GET STARTED ON THE SEQUEL AND FOR THE MOVIE TO BE PRODUCED.

I absolutely love this book. I came across the Living Blood by accident. I read it, and immediately ran out to get My Soul to Keep. I am encouraging as many people as I can to read Mrs. Dues's works. I simply adore Jessica and Dewit/David. I feel like I know them. I can relate to the story.

I cannot believe this book has such a high rating. I finished it today and was so disappointed. It's an adult version of twilight... except unlike Edward, David has zero redeeming qualities or cool supernatural abilities. A better title for the book would be A Narcissistic Psychopath Destoys Everything About His Wife's Life and Lives Forever