“Even the air is palpable in TUMBLING. . . . The story moves forth on the power of Ms. Mckinney-Whetstone’s characters. Ms. McKinney-Whetstone captures the formidable struggle to protect both a community and a family.” — New York Times Book Review
“A densely textured narrative that proves as rich and filling as a well-cooked meal. McKinney-Whetstone’s remarkably skillful first effort should place her at the forefront of a generation of emerging African-American women novelists. McKinney-Whetstone is clearly a smart, careful writer who’s created a page-turner of a novel with abundant style and irresistible charm.” — Washington Post Book World
“An accomplished novel, with sharply drawn characters, exuberant prose, plenty of period detail and a wise, forgiving outlook on family life.” — Los Angeles Times Book Review
“[A] beautifully written tale [and] a lyrical read.” — USA Today
“[A] remarkable first novel. . . . The story probes beneath its residents’ lives to tell a powerful tale of damage and healing.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A bouncy, moody, musical debut by an author who, like a good blues singer, is strong on style and interpretation. . . . A gifted prose writer with a tremendous sense of place.” — Kirkus Reviews
“McKinney-Whetstone . . . has a true talent for strong characters, effortlessly natural dialogue, and prose that flows.” — Kirkus Reviews
“In an era when most writers bank on hype and hook to grab a reader’s attention, McKinney-Whetstone has amassed an enthusiastic cadre of readers by writing engaging characters supported by enchanting language.” — BET Weekend