I have been a fan of J California Cooper for 40 years. This book does not disappoint. Each story is a testament to her absolutely exquisite ability to paint a picture with words. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting her work. I will recommend this to anyone I know who enjoys good literature.

A radiant collection of short stories that resonates with timeless wisdom and heartfelt emotion.
Many thanks to St.. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

If you have never tried a short story, it's time you tried one. This is a power punch of female energy and voices of color. Each story brings more love and passion of life through the pages.

I rarely read collections of short stories but this was a very good read. The stories held my attention and the characters are very relatable. A lot go women can see themselves in the stories. Very moving, heartfelt stories.

Overall, I had a fun experience reading this. Nothing groundbreaking, but I enjoyed the characters and plot and would recommend!

This was enjoyable collection of 4 short stories from J. California Cooper. It was really beautifully done and had that folk tradition feel that I really was looking for when requesting this book. I was invested in each story, and how the characters flowed within. I really appreciated getting to read this book and get to learn about a writer that I had never heard of before it was beautifully done. And I hope to read the rest of her books, It's a shame we're never going to have more new books from her.

Some Soul to Keep
by J. California Cooper

Four short stories, just four. But, wow what a writer Some Soul to Keep is by this magical writer J. California Cooper. Beautiful, touching, and one you just feel, and become one. Brilliantly written.

J. California Cooper's "Some Soul to Keep" is a timeless collection of four short stories that encapsulate the essence of struggle and redemption. With an exuberant and heart-warming narrative, Cooper emerges as a true storyteller, reminiscent of the simple folk tradition in black writing, often associated with literary greats like Zora Neale Hurston.

The strength of Cooper's storytelling lies in her ability to create characters that captivate the reader's interest by navigating through the complexities of tragedy and triumph over oppressive circumstances. The narratives are so vivid and compelling that the characters practically leap off the page, bringing to life the stories of simple people, families, fate, love, marriage, death, and the indomitable triumph of the human spirit.

One of the remarkable features of "Some Soul to Keep" is Cooper's mastery in crafting a setting that is both universal and timeless. Despite the absence of specific details about the city or year, the characters and their environments are palpable and relatable. Cooper's transparent clarity and high-spirited energy infuse the stories with an enduring quality, making them resonate with readers across different times and places.

The collection is a testament to J. California Cooper's literary prowess, evident in her recognition as Black Playwright of the Year and her receipt of prestigious awards such as the American Book Award, James Baldwin Writing Award, and the Literary Lion Award from the American Library Association. The author's ability to delve into the intricacies of black family life in rural and small-town America adds depth and authenticity to her work, making "Some Soul to Keep" a standout in her impressive body of literature.

In a world where the human experience is vast and diverse, J. California Cooper's stories serve as a mirror reflecting the energies of life itself. "Some Soul to Keep" is not just a collection of tales; it is a celebration of black love, a homage to the enduring human spirit, and a testament to the power of storytelling to heal and inspire. As the book prepares for re-release, it is destined to continue leaving an indelible mark on readers, reaffirming J. California Cooper's legacy as a masterful storyteller. In 2014 we lost a literary giant.