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Last Updated: Sep 6th, 2010

NEW REVIEWS POSTED

TRR Favorite Books Reviewed

Those books rated at the top of our scale have been identified as TRR Favorites.  Check them out via the FAVORITES link.

First Of State by Robert Greer

FIRST OF STATE by Robert Greer takes us back in time when a young CJ Floyd, stressed by all he'd seen and done, returned from Vietnam. He goes to work with his uncle who is a bail bondsman in Denver. After going to a pawn shop on Larimer Street and finding a friend in the owner; two men are murdered, the owner and a Chinese man. CJ's upset because the man, an amputee from World War II, gave him good advice about handling the depression he suffers from the war. Five years pass and there is still no solution to who killed the men. He decides to continue searching for the killer even though his uncle suggests he leave it alone but CJ just can't let it go or die. He begins checking out small clues about the people who look to be innocent. Will he be able to solve the mystery? Can he survive the tragedies that occur as a result of his search for the elusive killer? 

Heaven Forbid by Lutishia Lovely

The parishioners of Gospel Truth Church are healing from the disgraceful departure of their former pastor; even so Reverend Brook's return to the pulpit after retiring years earlier is not welcomed by all.  They find his rules and mandates harsh, intolerable and many leave the congregation.  Maxine Brook, affectionately known as Mama Max to her family and friends, thinks her husband's return to the pulpit is what he needs.  However, they both are dealing with their own secrets and issues which escalate, forcing them to make some decisions. 

The Journey by Dr. Niama Leslie Williams

When first introduced to the main character, she's simply presented as Sara.  THE JOURNEY is Sara's story, as she matures into young adulthood and the issues she faces along the way.  She deals with several issues of life's spectrum: from her father's abandonment of her family at an early age, to being domestically and sexually abused, to the self-esteem issues she also suffers.  As she struggles to escape the deck of cards life has dealt, it becomes apparent it's more difficult to do so.

 

Three Seconds of Game: The Life Of A Pimp by Golden Style

THREE SECONDS OF GAME is a cross between a documentary and a narrative, which envelops the life of Silky Black.  Silky was born in 1970, weighing a mere 2 pounds and 19 ounces, during a blizzard in New Jersey, and that setting was one of the things that help make his heart hard and cold.  The other key ingredients were his lineage; his father was a pimp and his mother a prostitute.  Silky never had a chance to be a normal child. 

It Had To Be You by Francis Ray

Classical violinist virtuoso, Laurel Raineau can achieve mega status with her next album if she will step outside of the box; she needs a little help from a musical genie. Zachary Wilder, music's number one producer, can turn anyone with a modicum of talent into a superstar. A match made in musical heaven, right? 

Contraband by J.L. Campbell

Most people do whatever is necessary to survive and live a decent life. Paul Weekes is no different in wanting something better after having a hard life growing up. As a result of participating in illegal activities, he has made a fortune and is doing quite well for himself. However, he is getting tired of paying for protection to get his products off the Island of Xantrope. The police officer that has assisted him has turned grimy, greedy and is giving him a hard time because he is unsatisfied with what he is being paid. 

Naughty No More by Brenda Hampton

NAUGHTY NO MORE shows no matter how far you take a no-good man from the scene of his last affair, when the desire to play the field returns, either he’s going to play or stay home. In the past Jaylin would never consider staying anywhere, unless it was in his next, sexy conquest’s bed.

 

The Education Of Black Dickey by Kenneth Wayne Bowen

The title was an interesting attention grabber, I was curious to see what story would evolve from it.  The primary character is Kayin, a naïve twenty-one year old college student in Oklahoma.  Kayin, has  never been exposed to the many negatives of the streets, he has career plans and a positive outlook on life.  His misgivings are about how Blacks in Oklahoma never had a meaningful relationship with whites; they seem to remain on the outskirts of their insulated society. 

Samson by Jacqueline Thomas

Samson Taylor has accepted his calling into the ministry and installed as the assistant pastor at his uncle’s church.  He comes from a long line of ministers, including his father.  His parents were tragically killed when he was young and Samson will never forget the argument that led to their deaths.  His dad was a philanderer and his mother had taken all that she could stand.  Samson loves women and has dated several throughout his teen and college years.  His reputation as a ruthless player far surpasses him and he prays his lust will be an area that he will be able to suppress as a pastor.  

Unbeweaveable by Katrina Spencer

Mariah Stevens has spent most of her career as a book reviewer for Spirit Magazine. The magazine is on a serious decline in sponsorships and advertisements, and the executives are threatening to close it down unless things change quickly. The problem is Mariah doesn’t believe anything will happen with the magazine as she plans to move up to editor-at-large, taking over the coveted position from the soon to retire Jasmine.