Virginia DeBerry

Virginia DeBerry is an American author best known for writing contemporary fiction that explores the lives and relationships of African American women. Along with her writing partner Donna Grant, she has co-authored several successful novels including "Tryin' to Sleep in the Bed You Made" and "Better Than I Know Myself." Before her writing career, DeBerry worked as a plus-size model and was one of the first African American models to appear in Vogue magazine. She later transitioned into advertising and eventually met Grant while both were working as models, leading to their long-term writing collaboration. DeBerry and Grant's novels often focus on themes of friendship, family dynamics, and personal growth, drawing from their own experiences and observations of African American life. Their work has been recognized by various organizations, with "Tryin' to Sleep in the Bed You Made" receiving the Merit Award from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. The partnership between DeBerry and Grant has resulted in multiple bestsellers published by major houses including St. Martin's Press and Simon & Schuster. Their novels have consistently appeared on the Essence bestseller list and have been featured in various book clubs and reading programs.

Readers describe Virginia DeBerry's writing as rich in authentic dialogue and complex female relationships, particularly between mothers and daughters. Her collaborations with co-author Donna Grant receive consistent praise for capturing nuanced family dynamics. Liked: - Character development, especially of strong Black women protagonists - Realistic portrayals of family conflicts and reconciliation - Blend of humor with serious themes - Believable dialogue and relationships Disliked: - Some plots considered predictable - Pacing issues in certain books' middle sections - Character decisions that frustrate readers Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "Better Than I Know Myself" - 4.4/5 (2,100+ ratings) "Uptown" - 4.2/5 (1,800+ ratings) "Far From the Tree" - 4.3/5 (1,400+ ratings) Amazon averages 4.5/5 across titles, with readers often commenting on the authenticity of interpersonal dynamics. Common review notes: "feels like reading about real people I know."

Uptown (2010) A tale of real estate development and family legacy in Harlem, following Dwight Dixon's attempt to build luxury housing while confronting his past and community resistance.

What Doesn't Kill You (2009) Chronicles Kenya Morrow's journey after losing her high-powered advertising job, forcing her to reinvent herself and confront family relationships.

Gotta Keep on Tryin' (2008) Follows best friends Pat and Gayle as they manage their successful Brooklyn restaurant while dealing with personal and professional challenges.

Better Than I Know Myself (2004) Traces the decades-long friendship of three women—Carmen, Regina, and Dawn—from their college years through middle age.

Far From the Tree (2000) Explores the complicated relationship between two sisters who inherit their family's apple orchard in Michigan and must work together despite their differences.

Tryin' to Sleep in the Bed You Made (1997) Details the friendship between Pat and Gayle from childhood through adulthood as they face marriage, career changes, and personal crises.