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Just Too Good to Be True
Harris serves up a treat that will capture and enchant audiences everywhere—a big, bold, and irresistible novel about football, family, and secrets.
Brady Bledsoe and his mother, Carmyn, have a strong relationship. A single mother, faithful churchgoer, and the owner of several successful Atlanta beauty salons, Carmyn has devoted herself to her son and his dream of becoming a professional football player. Brady has always followed her lead, including becoming a member of the church’s "Celibacy Circle." Now in his senior year at college, the smart, and very handsome, Brady is a lead contender for the Heisman Trophy and a spot in the NFL.
As sports agents hover around Brady, Barrett, a beautiful and charming cheerleader, sets her mind on tempting the celibate Brady and getting a piece of his multimillion-dollar future—but is that all she wants from him, and is she acting alone?
Carmyn is determined to protect her son. She’s also determined to protect the secret she’s kept from Brady his whole life. As things heat up on campus and Carmyn and Brady’s idyllic relationship starts to crumble, mother and son begin to wonder about the other—are you just too good to be true?
A sweeping novel about mothers and sons, football and beauty shops, secrets and lies, JUST TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE has all the ingredients that have made E. Lynn Harris a bestselling family, friendship, faith, and love.
Brady Bledsoe and his mother, Carmyn, have a strong relationship. A single mother, faithful churchgoer, and the owner of several successful Atlanta beauty salons, Carmyn has devoted herself to her son and his dream of becoming a professional football player. Brady has always followed her lead, including becoming a member of the church’s "Celibacy Circle." Now in his senior year at college, the smart, and very handsome, Brady is a lead contender for the Heisman Trophy and a spot in the NFL.
As sports agents hover around Brady, Barrett, a beautiful and charming cheerleader, sets her mind on tempting the celibate Brady and getting a piece of his multimillion-dollar future—but is that all she wants from him, and is she acting alone?
Carmyn is determined to protect her son. She’s also determined to protect the secret she’s kept from Brady his whole life. As things heat up on campus and Carmyn and Brady’s idyllic relationship starts to crumble, mother and son begin to wonder about the other—are you just too good to be true?
A sweeping novel about mothers and sons, football and beauty shops, secrets and lies, JUST TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE has all the ingredients that have made E. Lynn Harris a bestselling family, friendship, faith, and love.
319 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
68 people are currently reading
2,054 people want to read
About the author
E. Lynn Harris
41books724followersE. Lynn Harris was born in Flint, Michigan and raised, along with three sisters, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he was the school's first black yearbook editor, the first black male Razorbacks cheerleader, and the president of his fraternity. He graduated with honors with a degree in journalism.
Harris sold computers for IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and AT&T for thirteen years while living in Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. He finally quit his sales job to write his first novel, Invisible Life, and, failing to find a publisher, he published it himself in 1991 and sold it mostly at black-owned bookstores, beauty salons, and book clubs before he was "discovered" by Anchor Books. Anchor published Invisible Life as a trade paperback in 1994, and thus his career as an author officially began.
Invisible Life was followed by Just As I Am (1994), And This Too Shall Pass (1996), If This World Were Mine (1997), Abide with Me (1999), Not A Day Goes By (2000), Any Way the Wind Blows (2001), A Love of My Own (2002), I Say A Little Prayer (2006), Just Too Good To Be True (2008), Basketball Jones(2009), and Mama Dearest(2009),all published by Doubleday, and In My Father's House(2010), published by St. Martin's Press. Ten of Harris's novels hit the New York Times bestseller list, and his books have also appeared on the bestseller lists of the Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times. In 2003, Harris published his first work of nonfiction, a memoir entitled What Becomes of the Brokenhearted, which was also a New York Times bestseller. Today, there are more than four million copies of his books in print.
Harris's writing also appeared in Essence, Washington Post Sunday Magazine, and Sports Illustrated, as well as in the award-winning anthology Brotherman: The Odyssey of Black Men in America, Go The Way Your Blood Beats. His novella, "Money Can't Buy Me Love" was published in Got To Be Real: Four Original Love Stories. Freedom in This Village, a collection of short stories edited by Harris, was released in the fall of 2004. His short fiction appeared in Gumbo: A Celebration of African American Writers (Harlem Moon), a 2002 collection he edited with writer Marita Golden.
Harris won numerous accolades and prizes for his work. Just As I Am was awarded the Novel of the Year Prize by the Blackboard African-American Bestsellers, Inc. If This World Were Mine was nominated for a NAACP Image Award and won the James Baldwin Award for Literary Excellence. Abide with Me was also nominated for a NAACP Image Award. His anthology Freedom in this Village won the Lambda Literary Award in 2005. In 1999, the University of Arkansas honored Harris with a Citation of Distinguished Alumni for outstanding professional achievement, and in October 2000 he was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. He was named to Ebony's "Most Intriguing Blacks" list, Out Magazine's "Out 100" list, New York Magazine's "Gay Power 101" list, and Savoy's "100 Leaders and Heroes in Black America" list. Other honors included the Sprague Todes Literary Award, the Harvey Milk Honorary Diploma, and The Silas Hunt Award for Outstanding Achievement from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Harris was a member of the Board of Directors of the Hurston/Wright Foundation and the Evidence Dance Company. He was the founder of the E. Lynn Harris Better Days Foundation, a nonprofit company that provides support to aspiring writers and artists.
E. Lynn Harris passed away in 2009.
Harris sold computers for IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and AT&T for thirteen years while living in Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. He finally quit his sales job to write his first novel, Invisible Life, and, failing to find a publisher, he published it himself in 1991 and sold it mostly at black-owned bookstores, beauty salons, and book clubs before he was "discovered" by Anchor Books. Anchor published Invisible Life as a trade paperback in 1994, and thus his career as an author officially began.
Invisible Life was followed by Just As I Am (1994), And This Too Shall Pass (1996), If This World Were Mine (1997), Abide with Me (1999), Not A Day Goes By (2000), Any Way the Wind Blows (2001), A Love of My Own (2002), I Say A Little Prayer (2006), Just Too Good To Be True (2008), Basketball Jones(2009), and Mama Dearest(2009),all published by Doubleday, and In My Father's House(2010), published by St. Martin's Press. Ten of Harris's novels hit the New York Times bestseller list, and his books have also appeared on the bestseller lists of the Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times. In 2003, Harris published his first work of nonfiction, a memoir entitled What Becomes of the Brokenhearted, which was also a New York Times bestseller. Today, there are more than four million copies of his books in print.
Harris's writing also appeared in Essence, Washington Post Sunday Magazine, and Sports Illustrated, as well as in the award-winning anthology Brotherman: The Odyssey of Black Men in America, Go The Way Your Blood Beats. His novella, "Money Can't Buy Me Love" was published in Got To Be Real: Four Original Love Stories. Freedom in This Village, a collection of short stories edited by Harris, was released in the fall of 2004. His short fiction appeared in Gumbo: A Celebration of African American Writers (Harlem Moon), a 2002 collection he edited with writer Marita Golden.
Harris won numerous accolades and prizes for his work. Just As I Am was awarded the Novel of the Year Prize by the Blackboard African-American Bestsellers, Inc. If This World Were Mine was nominated for a NAACP Image Award and won the James Baldwin Award for Literary Excellence. Abide with Me was also nominated for a NAACP Image Award. His anthology Freedom in this Village won the Lambda Literary Award in 2005. In 1999, the University of Arkansas honored Harris with a Citation of Distinguished Alumni for outstanding professional achievement, and in October 2000 he was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. He was named to Ebony's "Most Intriguing Blacks" list, Out Magazine's "Out 100" list, New York Magazine's "Gay Power 101" list, and Savoy's "100 Leaders and Heroes in Black America" list. Other honors included the Sprague Todes Literary Award, the Harvey Milk Honorary Diploma, and The Silas Hunt Award for Outstanding Achievement from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Harris was a member of the Board of Directors of the Hurston/Wright Foundation and the Evidence Dance Company. He was the founder of the E. Lynn Harris Better Days Foundation, a nonprofit company that provides support to aspiring writers and artists.
E. Lynn Harris passed away in 2009.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
August 13, 2008
I heard this book was a "straight" book so I had to read it. An easy & quick read. Harris does a fabulous job developing characters, establishing relationships, keeping true to 'drama' & secrets. The story deals with the relationship & bond of a mother and son, Brady & Carmyn. I was surprised to see their relationship resembled my mom & brother. Why is it boys are so close to their mothers and daughters close to their fathers? Well that relationship is torn by the 'supposed' love of Brady's life. Secrets are reveiled and for a momemt lives are propelled out of control. But the book deals with faith, love, & forgiveness. And as always, the author has language and drama fitting of an E. Lynn Harris book.
September 7, 2008
This book was so highly anticipated by E. Lynn Harris fans such as myself.I must say I am extremely disappointed. I'm not impressed by this book at all.I knew exactly what was going to happen before it happened.His last one I Say a Little Prayer, I didn't even force myself to finish because it was so boring.I hope he does better or else I'm going to have to give up on him like I did Omar Tyree. Let's just say I'm glad this was a library book...smh
January 19, 2009
It's another E. Lynn Harris book--familiar characters, familiar plot line...good and bad are always starkly drawn just so no one gets too confused. It's been several years since I've read one of Harris's book so I enjoyed dipping into this one. But his novels are formulaic--if you like the formula, you will like the novel. It's a good read for a wintry afternoon or a quiet Friday night when you want something that won't tax the brain too much.
November 20, 2023
I am in awe of E. Lynn Harris writing. It will blow you away on how simple but elegant it is and how you can relate to the characters. Brady Blesoe is a running back destined for the NFL with a very supportive single mother with secrets she is hidding.
When all her secrets are revealed concerning his birth and father, Brady must learn to be a man. It was rough for both of them in the beginning. He finally grew up and passed the test. With a host of friends like Delmar, Kellis, Sylvester, Basil Hendersen, and Maybelline Jean LaRue. May-Jean for short. Brady and his mother, Carmyn's, built a family.
Quotes:
It's funny how life can go from shit to sugar in a split second.
Just because we're both black doesn't mean we have to be friends.
I was disappointed when I found out Zander was straight and acted gay only because it helped him bed more women.
"To call her ho would be showing disrespect for women who work hard at being a ho, but in many ways she can't help herself."
When all her secrets are revealed concerning his birth and father, Brady must learn to be a man. It was rough for both of them in the beginning. He finally grew up and passed the test. With a host of friends like Delmar, Kellis, Sylvester, Basil Hendersen, and Maybelline Jean LaRue. May-Jean for short. Brady and his mother, Carmyn's, built a family.
Quotes:
It's funny how life can go from shit to sugar in a split second.
Just because we're both black doesn't mean we have to be friends.
I was disappointed when I found out Zander was straight and acted gay only because it helped him bed more women.
"To call her ho would be showing disrespect for women who work hard at being a ho, but in many ways she can't help herself."
August 29, 2010
A fan of the late and great Mr. Harris works, I thought I had read everything this man had ever writen. That was until last week I got a hold of this one. The minute I opened it, I was pulled in immediately. Just too good to be true is a real page turner.
In this book skeletons were flying from everyone's closet. From Brady Bledsoes mother Carmnen changing her name to Delmar, Brady's best friend not revealing what he's doing on his part time job to make large amounts of money, this books provides the toss and turns every fiction book needs to keep the curiosity and interest of the reader.
Brady, a very popular college football player and canidate for the NFL draft finds himself struggling to keep his vow of celebacy due to a pledge he made with his mom. Tempted by a cheerleader named Barrett, Brady finds out in mutiple ways that often people at times can be too good to be true.
I was wondering when that sexy Basil Henderson would appear again. It was great to see him in a positive light. I love the way this book ended. Although it is fiction, this book provides many realistic aspects in regards to moving on, letting go, and forgiving. Once again Mr. Harris, thank you for another great literary contribution to the world. I'm still getting pass the fact that your not here anymore to give us some more.
Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues Comment
In this book skeletons were flying from everyone's closet. From Brady Bledsoes mother Carmnen changing her name to Delmar, Brady's best friend not revealing what he's doing on his part time job to make large amounts of money, this books provides the toss and turns every fiction book needs to keep the curiosity and interest of the reader.
Brady, a very popular college football player and canidate for the NFL draft finds himself struggling to keep his vow of celebacy due to a pledge he made with his mom. Tempted by a cheerleader named Barrett, Brady finds out in mutiple ways that often people at times can be too good to be true.
I was wondering when that sexy Basil Henderson would appear again. It was great to see him in a positive light. I love the way this book ended. Although it is fiction, this book provides many realistic aspects in regards to moving on, letting go, and forgiving. Once again Mr. Harris, thank you for another great literary contribution to the world. I'm still getting pass the fact that your not here anymore to give us some more.
Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues Comment
September 16, 2015
Just couldn't put it down. Read it in 4 hours. This book is about the seedy side of sports, how the past has intense participation in the present and future, and honesty is the best policy. Carmyn went through a bad situation her first year of college and was disowned by her boyfriend and parents. She survived and she's trying to provide her son with morals, character and respect of others especially of his body. Nico, a seedy sports agent and Barrett, a pretty girl that uses her body to get men in trouble, have other ideas. They will do anything to get young athletes to sign a contract and rip them out of their money. The story Flowed and kept me entertained throughout the entire story.
March 24, 2009
Bought this a few days ago, but have yet to start
reading it. Plan to, in the next few days....
=======
Ok, finished reading this today. Had actually started and
stopped a few times before, because it wasn't really
"grabbing" me, but I decided to try it again, and I got
into the story. About the sacrifices a mother will make
for her son, about pasts coming back to haunt the present,
about trying to live your life for someone else, all mixed
in with football glory. I did not think I would like this
book initially, but got into it as I got into it. When I
start thinking of actors I think should play the characters
should a movie be made, I figure it's a good sign. :-)
reading it. Plan to, in the next few days....
=======
Ok, finished reading this today. Had actually started and
stopped a few times before, because it wasn't really
"grabbing" me, but I decided to try it again, and I got
into the story. About the sacrifices a mother will make
for her son, about pasts coming back to haunt the present,
about trying to live your life for someone else, all mixed
in with football glory. I did not think I would like this
book initially, but got into it as I got into it. When I
start thinking of actors I think should play the characters
should a movie be made, I figure it's a good sign. :-)
September 2, 2008
Typical E. Lynn Book. It's hard to say if authors writing becomes so typical of them that the books are less entertaining, or if I just mature into liking different material, of if the author really doesn't put as much effort into them. So the book was mildly entertaining, but certainly no Invisible Life, but maybe I should read Invisible Life at this age and see how I feel about it.
August 18, 2008
Yes, it's complete Jackie Collins trash, poorly written, trite, etc. But I liked it. I'm so ashamed.
August 18, 2009
When the author died a couple weeks ago, a friend lent this to me. This book had an interesting plot, but the writing and plot development felt very basic and unsophisticated.
March 30, 2010
I didn't think that this one was quite up to his usual standards of off the chain/over the back fence gossip greatness, but there is no question -- it is definitely juicy!
July 30, 2010
It wrapped up in a cute bow & the end. Lacked depth & repeated itself too much. Sorry, can't recommend this one. Next!
January 7, 2011
I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much if it wasn't an audio book.
August 30, 2008
OMG, this book was FANTASTIC! E. Lynn Harris never disappoints. A definite must read.
December 21, 2020
Single mother Carmyn Bledsoe does everything to help her son, Brady Bledsoe, become successful by devoting herself to him.
Barrett Elizabeth Manning, a con woman, blackmailer and gold digger, seeing an opportunity to rob Brady of everything sets out to snare him but Carmyn does her best to save Brady from Barrett. However, Barrett learns a secret Carmyn has been keeping that can destroy her close relationship with her son.
I rarely read books by black authors because their characters are rarely astronomers, scientists, agronomists, chemists or other worthwhile professionals where it requires study and intellect and I find this insulting. What I’d like to have seen included is the historical events that led to the mindsets of these individuals. I find Just Too Good To Be True is a carbon copy of the status quo.
The storytelling by Aderrele Ojo, Bahni Turpin and Mirron Willis was good but not theatre quality.
Lessons learned from the story
1. Lies have a way of surfacing in the most awful way.
2. All skin folk ain’t kin folk.
3. Parents aren’t knowledgeable in all things and it pays to do your own research.
4. A secret isn’t a secret when more than one person knows it.
5. Some males and females mistake sex for love.
6. Recognizing when a lie is told for protection or to hurt.
7. Not allowing grief or anger make decisions for you.
8. Not to allow impulsiveness ruin your future.
9. Not expecting someone to forgive you when you did something, in your mind, to protect them because the two aren’t the same.
10. Recognizing who has your back and who doesn’t.
11. Accepting that some individuals will grow and some won’t.
12. When to let go.
13. Remaining loyal to those who have had your back for years and not inviting someone new into the relationship when you haven’t confirmed their Agenda.
14. A childhood dream should not always be your adult dream.
15. God is not the answer when you need to deal in reality.
16. Cowardice is almost never the answer.
17. Recognizing when you’re wrecking your life over bull shit.
18. Family is not necessarily biological but include those who have your back.
19. Money can’t buy you love.
20. When going into business with a partner be sure your Agendas are the same and put it into writing.
21. Never believe a husband is going to leave his wife for you.
Barrett Elizabeth Manning, a con woman, blackmailer and gold digger, seeing an opportunity to rob Brady of everything sets out to snare him but Carmyn does her best to save Brady from Barrett. However, Barrett learns a secret Carmyn has been keeping that can destroy her close relationship with her son.
I rarely read books by black authors because their characters are rarely astronomers, scientists, agronomists, chemists or other worthwhile professionals where it requires study and intellect and I find this insulting. What I’d like to have seen included is the historical events that led to the mindsets of these individuals. I find Just Too Good To Be True is a carbon copy of the status quo.
The storytelling by Aderrele Ojo, Bahni Turpin and Mirron Willis was good but not theatre quality.
Lessons learned from the story
1. Lies have a way of surfacing in the most awful way.
2. All skin folk ain’t kin folk.
3. Parents aren’t knowledgeable in all things and it pays to do your own research.
4. A secret isn’t a secret when more than one person knows it.
5. Some males and females mistake sex for love.
6. Recognizing when a lie is told for protection or to hurt.
7. Not allowing grief or anger make decisions for you.
8. Not to allow impulsiveness ruin your future.
9. Not expecting someone to forgive you when you did something, in your mind, to protect them because the two aren’t the same.
10. Recognizing who has your back and who doesn’t.
11. Accepting that some individuals will grow and some won’t.
12. When to let go.
13. Remaining loyal to those who have had your back for years and not inviting someone new into the relationship when you haven’t confirmed their Agenda.
14. A childhood dream should not always be your adult dream.
15. God is not the answer when you need to deal in reality.
16. Cowardice is almost never the answer.
17. Recognizing when you’re wrecking your life over bull shit.
18. Family is not necessarily biological but include those who have your back.
19. Money can’t buy you love.
20. When going into business with a partner be sure your Agendas are the same and put it into writing.
21. Never believe a husband is going to leave his wife for you.
February 26, 2021
Just Too Good to Be True by E. Lynn Harris
Published January 1, 2008
<3 These folks were messy, hysterical and scandalous AF OMG! What a great #audioBook!
Harris serves up a treat that will capture and enchant audiences everywhere--a big, bold, and irresistible novel about football, family, and secrets.
Brady Bledsoe and his mother, Carmyn, have a strong relationship. A single mother, faithful churchgoer, and the owner of several successful Atlanta beauty salons, Carmyn has devoted herself to her son and his dream of becoming a professional football player. Brady has always followed her lead, including becoming a member of the church's "Celibacy Circle." Now in his senior year at college, the smart, and very handsome, Brady is a lead contender for the Heisman Trophy and a spot in the NFL.
As sports agents hover around Brady, Barrett, a beautiful and charming cheerleader, sets her mind on tempting the celibate Brady and getting a piece of his multimillion-dollar future--but is that all she wants from him, and is she acting alone?
Carmyn is determined to protect her son. She's also determined to protect the secret she's kept from Brady his whole life. As things heat up on campus and Carmyn and Brady's idyllic relationship starts to crumble, mother and son begin to wonder about the other--are you just too good to be true?
A sweeping novel about mothers and sons, football and beauty shops, secrets and lies, JUST TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE has all the ingredients that have made E. Lynn Harris a bestselling author: family, friendship, faith, and love.
Published January 1, 2008
<3 These folks were messy, hysterical and scandalous AF OMG! What a great #audioBook!
Harris serves up a treat that will capture and enchant audiences everywhere--a big, bold, and irresistible novel about football, family, and secrets.
Brady Bledsoe and his mother, Carmyn, have a strong relationship. A single mother, faithful churchgoer, and the owner of several successful Atlanta beauty salons, Carmyn has devoted herself to her son and his dream of becoming a professional football player. Brady has always followed her lead, including becoming a member of the church's "Celibacy Circle." Now in his senior year at college, the smart, and very handsome, Brady is a lead contender for the Heisman Trophy and a spot in the NFL.
As sports agents hover around Brady, Barrett, a beautiful and charming cheerleader, sets her mind on tempting the celibate Brady and getting a piece of his multimillion-dollar future--but is that all she wants from him, and is she acting alone?
Carmyn is determined to protect her son. She's also determined to protect the secret she's kept from Brady his whole life. As things heat up on campus and Carmyn and Brady's idyllic relationship starts to crumble, mother and son begin to wonder about the other--are you just too good to be true?
A sweeping novel about mothers and sons, football and beauty shops, secrets and lies, JUST TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE has all the ingredients that have made E. Lynn Harris a bestselling author: family, friendship, faith, and love.
April 18, 2018
Very good book - but it did leave me hanging with one answered question. It also made me go to my friend, whose son is currently a Junior in college and being watched by the NFL, to warn her about the dirty tricks some agents play...not the first I've heard of it either.
June 1, 2018
This book was so amazing it gave me a little more insight about college football and to understand football. The characters in the book was written with all awe. I couldn't wait to see how it was going to end about each character of the book. Great
October 13, 2022
I was in the mood to read a throw back so I decided to read my favorite author. I enjoyed the story just like I did many years ago. The perfect amount of scandal, suspense and details. I have always loved E. Lynn’s writing style and I’m looking forward to reading more of my old favorites.
January 7, 2018
This book was straight
January 26, 2018
Easy read. It was a little predictable. I liked the story and that it was based in Atlanta. The challenge I had is that the characters should have been flushed out more.
June 12, 2018
it was decent. some of the dialogue sermed unnatural. the overall story was good. good drama. somewhat predictable with some surprises.
October 19, 2018
Love it !!
Slow start up but once I got into it . It grabbed my attention. At one point I even became emotional ..and teared up!! Over all I give it a 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Slow start up but once I got into it . It grabbed my attention. At one point I even became emotional ..and teared up!! Over all I give it a 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
June 5, 2019
Excellent read, I laughed so loud throughout this book!
July 9, 2019
Great story of how things aren’t always as they seem and also how mama knows best!
February 14, 2020
I really enjoyed this book it shed a lot of what I’m sure happens with college athletes
September 17, 2020
Definitely enjoyed how this story unfolded. Kept my interest. On to Any Way The Wind Blows.
May 11, 2023
This book kept me on my toes. E Lynn Harris's books never disappoint!!
February 7, 2024
This was a good book. More of a book about a heterosexual football player as opposed to homosexual character focus. I had so many emotions. Carmen was a great mother. I loved her and Brady.
August 14, 2012
Author: E Lynn Harris
Title: Just Too Good to be True
Genre: Multi-cultural
Publication Date: 2003
Number of Pages: 336 (audio: 9 hours, 52 minutes)
Geographical Setting: Georgia
Time Period: Present
Series (If applicable):
Plot Summary: Brady Bledsoe is the only son of single mother Carmyn Bledsoe and the star senior on his college football team. They are very close and Carmyn is proud of the fact that Brady has been involved in their church and is part of the “Celibacy Circle�. As his final football season ends changes start building between the two. Brady gets his first serious girlfriend; aggressive sports agents start knocking, and secrets about Carmyn’s past and Brady’s father start coming out. The relationship between mother and son is tested in ways it never has been before.
One interesting thing about the audio book is that three different readers read each point of view.
Subject Headings: Mothers and Sons- Fiction, African-American college athletes-Fiction, Family Secrets- Fiction, Celibacy- Fiction, Football- Fiction
Appeal: compelling, deliberate pacing, dramatic, multiple points of view, character centered, episodic, layered, strong language, racy, hard edged, candid, colorful
3 terms that best describe this book:
character centered, candid, multiple points of view
Similar Authors and Works (why are they similar?):
3 Relevant Non-Fiction Works and Authors
Fifty Years of College Football- Bob Boyles and Paul Guido
Jam-packed with information about college football, the book is perfect for the reader looking up a fact or in search of a good read. As the ultimate college football reference book, it is a must-read for true fans. Readers who enjoyed the college football aspect of Just Too Good to be True and want to know more about the sport will enjoy this book.
License to Deal: A Season on the Run with a Maverick Baseball Agent by Jerry Crasnick
During baseball's evolution from national pastime to a $3.6 billion business, the game's agents have played a pivotal role in driving the sport. License to Deal follows Matt Sosnick as he deals with up-and-coming clients while trying to keep his love of baseball and his integrity. The integrity of sports agents is a big subject in Just To Good to be True and this book examines one sports agent and his quest to keep his honor in this profession.
Raising Sons Without Fathers: A Woman’s Guide to Parenting Strong, Successful Boys by Leif Turdel and Patricia Kennedy
Dr. Leif Terdal and Patricia Kennedy describe the problems faced by sons without fathers and advise single mothers about how to raise more self-reliant young men. Providing practical, hands-on advice, the authors offer solutions to a variety of problems, including but not limited to, raising a boy's self-esteem; discipline from preschool to adolescence; helping a boy get the best education he can; and how mothers can survive alone. Readers who appreciate the dynamic between Carmyn and Brady will enjoy this non-fiction parenting book.
3 Relevant Fiction Works and Authors
The Preacher’s Son by Carl Weber
Bishop T.K. Wilson, popular pastor of the largest African American church in Queens, New York, has decided to run for borough president. In public, his wife and two children are a shining example of respectability. Yet privately, the Wilson kids are giving in to the same temptations as any other young adults. And their parents have no idea what’s going on behind closed doors. This page-turner also deals with the way family dynamics can change when secrets come to light.
Mothers & Sons by Jill M Morgan, Diana Gabaldon, and others
This book is an anthology of memoirs and fictional stories about relationships between mothers and their sons. Some stories are wonderfully sweet, while some are painfully sad. Readers who enjoyed the dynamic between Brady and Carmen in Just Too Good to be True will appreciate this collection of stories about mothers and sons.
Romancing the Zone by Kenna White
Liz Elliott is a business woman and single mother to nineteen-year-old daughter, Becca. Becca is a freshman at Ashton College and a star of the basketball team, like her mother was years ago. But in those early days, a dirty little secret collapsed Liz's world. When Liz accepts Becca's challenge to return to college and complete her degree as well as play her last year of basketball eligibility, she is met with resistance from the new head coach. Coach Sheridan Ross has no patience for babysitting an over-the-hill athlete, but sparks soon begin to fly. This is another sports fiction book that deals with family secrets. Romancing the Zone is similar to Just Too Good to be True, but with GLBTQ themes.
Title: Just Too Good to be True
Genre: Multi-cultural
Publication Date: 2003
Number of Pages: 336 (audio: 9 hours, 52 minutes)
Geographical Setting: Georgia
Time Period: Present
Series (If applicable):
Plot Summary: Brady Bledsoe is the only son of single mother Carmyn Bledsoe and the star senior on his college football team. They are very close and Carmyn is proud of the fact that Brady has been involved in their church and is part of the “Celibacy Circle�. As his final football season ends changes start building between the two. Brady gets his first serious girlfriend; aggressive sports agents start knocking, and secrets about Carmyn’s past and Brady’s father start coming out. The relationship between mother and son is tested in ways it never has been before.
One interesting thing about the audio book is that three different readers read each point of view.
Subject Headings: Mothers and Sons- Fiction, African-American college athletes-Fiction, Family Secrets- Fiction, Celibacy- Fiction, Football- Fiction
Appeal: compelling, deliberate pacing, dramatic, multiple points of view, character centered, episodic, layered, strong language, racy, hard edged, candid, colorful
3 terms that best describe this book:
character centered, candid, multiple points of view
Similar Authors and Works (why are they similar?):
3 Relevant Non-Fiction Works and Authors
Fifty Years of College Football- Bob Boyles and Paul Guido
Jam-packed with information about college football, the book is perfect for the reader looking up a fact or in search of a good read. As the ultimate college football reference book, it is a must-read for true fans. Readers who enjoyed the college football aspect of Just Too Good to be True and want to know more about the sport will enjoy this book.
License to Deal: A Season on the Run with a Maverick Baseball Agent by Jerry Crasnick
During baseball's evolution from national pastime to a $3.6 billion business, the game's agents have played a pivotal role in driving the sport. License to Deal follows Matt Sosnick as he deals with up-and-coming clients while trying to keep his love of baseball and his integrity. The integrity of sports agents is a big subject in Just To Good to be True and this book examines one sports agent and his quest to keep his honor in this profession.
Raising Sons Without Fathers: A Woman’s Guide to Parenting Strong, Successful Boys by Leif Turdel and Patricia Kennedy
Dr. Leif Terdal and Patricia Kennedy describe the problems faced by sons without fathers and advise single mothers about how to raise more self-reliant young men. Providing practical, hands-on advice, the authors offer solutions to a variety of problems, including but not limited to, raising a boy's self-esteem; discipline from preschool to adolescence; helping a boy get the best education he can; and how mothers can survive alone. Readers who appreciate the dynamic between Carmyn and Brady will enjoy this non-fiction parenting book.
3 Relevant Fiction Works and Authors
The Preacher’s Son by Carl Weber
Bishop T.K. Wilson, popular pastor of the largest African American church in Queens, New York, has decided to run for borough president. In public, his wife and two children are a shining example of respectability. Yet privately, the Wilson kids are giving in to the same temptations as any other young adults. And their parents have no idea what’s going on behind closed doors. This page-turner also deals with the way family dynamics can change when secrets come to light.
Mothers & Sons by Jill M Morgan, Diana Gabaldon, and others
This book is an anthology of memoirs and fictional stories about relationships between mothers and their sons. Some stories are wonderfully sweet, while some are painfully sad. Readers who enjoyed the dynamic between Brady and Carmen in Just Too Good to be True will appreciate this collection of stories about mothers and sons.
Romancing the Zone by Kenna White
Liz Elliott is a business woman and single mother to nineteen-year-old daughter, Becca. Becca is a freshman at Ashton College and a star of the basketball team, like her mother was years ago. But in those early days, a dirty little secret collapsed Liz's world. When Liz accepts Becca's challenge to return to college and complete her degree as well as play her last year of basketball eligibility, she is met with resistance from the new head coach. Coach Sheridan Ross has no patience for babysitting an over-the-hill athlete, but sparks soon begin to fly. This is another sports fiction book that deals with family secrets. Romancing the Zone is similar to Just Too Good to be True, but with GLBTQ themes.
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