| ARC'S REVIEWERS STAGE |
As real as it gets This book came in with a slew of other books and the title grabbed my attention immediately. Judging from the synopsis I was prepared to read a woman bashing book by some guy who got burnt. Boy was I wrong! Yes, the author of this book did get burnt... by his wife no less, but what he shares here is hardly the "I hate all women book". Instead author Shareef Jaudon is quite frank and open about how his relationship fell apart and used the breakup to reflect back on past relationships. He admits he is no saint as he shares his thoughts, feelings and actions after being "done dirty" by his wife. I read this book in just over and hour and smiled at some of what Jaudon says. Why? Because he is so on point about the dirty women who fly under the radar as he puts it. He is on point in the section entitled "Never let her see you sweat." And most of all is on point in regards to children being put in certain situations. Jaudon seems to have learned lessons from prior mistakes. I have to say I'm glad Jaudon does not class all women in one category and he realizes that there are good loving truthful women in the world and he applauds those who are. Jaudon says this book was written for men...a manual of sorts and thinks women may be offended. I was NOT offended and would recommend this read; especially to men who are hurting because of a bad relationship and need to hear words from a brother whose been there done that. Locksie ARC Book Club Inc. 5 Stars***** |
The drug dealer can only sell drugs, the hustler can sell anything The subtitle, The Rise, Fall, and Rise again of JM Benjamin and Randy Kearse, was a perfect summary of the book. I applaud these two authors for putting their story out there in hopes of keeping young children from making the same mistakes they did. I really enjoyed that they included pictures for the readers to get a glimpse into their lives. While their struggles were the same they were different at the same time. Both give credit to those whom were in their corner the entire time - their Mothers. What I found the most interesting was they both came in "the game" with their brother in tow. I think if this book falls in the right hands I truly believe that the holder will be encouraged and hopefully not go down the same road as countless others. Both the authors speak of wanting a change and making their mothers proud. They both on go on to explain their rock bottom and what gave them the strength to change. Their struggle to get out the game is common. They shared a common interest after meeting in prison and that was writing. They both have proved that you can beat the odds and beat the statistics and live successful lives after prison. The biggest draw back for me was the overkill of interviews. I know they are both proud as they should be of their achievements; it made for a redundant read as the interviews just echo each other. In addition, the editing needs some work as there were lots of missing words, etc. I like their own words and love the fact that neither one placed blame on no one but them selves for the time they spent in prison. I love all the outreach these two do in hopes of making a change in someone else's life. I recommend this book to give to anyone you see going down a path of destruction. SiStar Tea ARC Book Club Inc. 4 star rating**** |
| Scandalous...And that's putting it lightly Donald Peebles came out swinging with his highly anticipated novel Hidden Fires. Described by the author as a `soap opera novel', this story of deceit, betrayal, blackmail and sex is a thrilling read to say the least. As you read and discover all the "Hidden Fires" throughout the chapters you will be shocked to realize the way that the characters' lives are intertwined. From package handler Ellis Bethea to feisty father-in-law Grant Morrow everyone has something to hide. And with a title like `Hidden Fires' you know that `something' has to do with S-E-X... Enough information was provided in order for readers to be satisfied with the book as it is, but at the same time, there are enough questions and intrigue lingering for us to be excited about the release of the sequel. If this is just the embryo of Donald's career as a writer, I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the full- term baby! I find this to be a highly recommended read for lovers of drama, scandal, and of course soap operas. To sum up my thoughts I'll borrow an old phrase Men On Film: "Two Snaps And A Circle". English ARC Book Club Inc. Star Rating: 5 STARS***** |
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ARC Book Club Inc.
