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Erica Kennedy’s debut novel entitled Bling is sheer entertainment. This could possibly be contributed to the fact that Kennedy covers the ends and out of the entertainment world for US Weekly, Vibe and InStyle magazines; thus making her an expert in the field. In Bling, Kennedy exposes her readers to what happens when a little known wannabe singers is signed on with a big record label. The aspiring singer is Mimi who is plucked from her mediocre life in Toledo Ohio and placed in the capable hands of Lamont ‘Monty’ Jackson. Jackson gives all he got (or so Mimi thinks) to make Mimi a star. And Mimi comes shinning through. But the journey to stardom is what makes the story. Kennedy’s fast paced, character driven novel should delight all.

Reviewed by Vickie C., West Boulevard Branch

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Imagine this…being twenty four years olds, the leader of a very lucrative drug ring, accustomed to the finer things in life only to land in prison with a federal conviction hanging over your head. Such is the story of Pamela Xavier and her alter ego Carmen. It was Carmen who took on the baller mentality that got Pamela into this situation. But it is Pamela who finds herself doing the hard time. Carmen rarely comes out now that they are doing time in the federal pen. And Pamela is from the old school. She is anything but a snitch. She is prepared to do the time. Set in Columbus Ohio, Imagine This, which is the sequel to Let This Be The Reason, brings the gritty street life to a life of its own.

Reviewed by Vickie C., West Boulevard Branch

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Reader's comments about this book

This book was great. I wish there was a third book in the series. When I picked up this book I could not put it down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I read both books in less than a week. The books were even passed along among friends and co-workers. Even if there is not another part of the series, the books show the reader that a MAN will never break you no matter how hard he may try. Your struggle to overcome will always make you stronger. If you have not read the books READ THEM. You can't read one with out reading the other.
-Shawn, Rochester, NY

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Kisa Kane is the sexy, street smart main character in Danielle Santiago’s debut novel entitled Little Ghetto Girl: A Harlem Story. As the title states, the story is set in New York City. In her early twenties, Kisa has all of the trappings that come with operating a lucrative drug business. She has the finest of the fine, e.g., designer clothes, high end cars, a spacious home in an upscale community, the ability to travel, a husband who loves her and a new baby girl. And it is these things that serve as a catalyst that causes Kisa and her husband Sincere the greatest amount of pain. Kisa Kane’s story is fast paced and action filled from start to finish.

Reviewed by Vickie C., West Boulevard Branch

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Harry “Freedom” Hudson is a young urban hip-hop music producer who is driven by material success to fuel his longing for creative freedom. He must choose to answer the call of his ancestors and to live his life in a way that reflects the values of the two strong women in his life. Freedom is a multi-dimensional character that will surprise readers as he comes into his own manhood and his relationship with women. The fast pace of New York City, the urban renewal of Harlem and the do or die attitude provides the reader with a full view of Freedom’s life and his choices. This is a familiar theme in much African American literature, but Bertice Berry writes in a style that entertains.

Reviewed by Ursula J., Sugar Creek Branch

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Life-long friends can be made at the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Tower in Harlem. Such is the case for Brenda, Rosa and Sharif. Brenda is a mother of four and an aspiring writer who struggles to focus on a project. Rosa is an aspiring actress who struggles with her volatile nature. And Sharif is a typically even-tempered handyman and community activist. The trio has a close community with family and friends and the story glows with a sense of community. And yet, there is strife with bouts of heated arguments, despair and violence. A young boy, the orphan of a suicide victim, is violently attacked in the Ida B. and the ensuing police investigation along with resident suspicion result in additional tragedies. With its lively dialogue, the novel keeps things positive along with keeping it real.

Reviewed by Lawrence T., South County Regional

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In order to stay ahead of the game you have to hustle; no waiting around for things to happen. You have to make them happen. Such is the case for seventeen-year-old Yarni who takes on the role of the hustler’s wife when her husband Desmond is sentenced to a lengthy prison term. Accustomed to a lavish lifestyle thanks to Des’ illegal activities, Yarni has to do some things that neither Des nor her mother approves. And the street life is a hard one for her but she is determined to accomplish her goal of becoming an attorney. But the life of a hustler’s wife is not an easy one. Yarni has to face many, many obstacles just to stay ahead of the game. Set in Richmond, VA, Nikki Turner paints a vivid picture of the ups and downs of living life as a hustler’s wife.

Reviewed by Vickie C., West Boulevard Branch

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Reader's comments about this book

Aside from the minor errors, this is an excellent book. I think everybody should buy a copy and read it!!!
-L-Boogie, Queens, NY

Stil waiting on the sequel!!! This book was awesome. Nikki Turner is a great writer. When I see a book she has blessed us with I can't help but read it and see where it leads me. If you have not read any of her books I would ENCOURAGE you to get them!
-Shawn, Rochester, NY

I love this book because there are many women in the world that can relate to this book. Needless to say I wish there was a movie!
-Shamika, Houston,TX

This is a really good book; this is my first time reading it and I fell in love with it.
-Ashley, Portsmouth,VA

This was honestly an amazing book. It was fantastic and moving. This book really portrayed one woman's struggle. All my friends have read this book and they really love it.
-Jewel, Miami, Florida

This book is real and reminded me of how me and my girls are.
-Bionca, Hempstead, NY

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Winter Santiaga is accustomed to having the finer things in life. Her father provides her with nothing but the best. However, her father is a drug lord in Brooklyn. He is the king around his way, but when his world comes tumbling down, Winter's comes down along with it. Winter must use her smarts and her body, to survive in a cold world. She soon finds out that when the money stops flowing, relationships stop growing. In the end she learns that the only person who ever really loved her is her father, who she ends up just like. Sister Souljah keeps readers on the edge of their seats wondering what will happen next in this tragic tale of love and life.

Reviewed by Vivian B., University City Regional

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Reader's comments about this book

Such a wonderful book. Loved every moment of it. A must read.
-Serena, Charlotte, NC

The best book I have ever read in my life! I've read it 3 times and I love every page!!
-dee, california

I love your books. They are so wonderful and they make you learn things about life.
-Angelica, Luling, LA

This was one of the most amazing books I have ever read! As a girl coming up in New York City I saw many of the things that happen to Winter happen in real life! I read this book in like two days and I still LOVE it, I call it my favorite book! I hope and pray Sister Souljah writes a sequel!
-Tuarean, Rome, NY

No lie, this is the best book and will continue to be the best book! I just love it and I hope everyone gets the chance to read this book because if they don’t, they're missing out on alot!
-Sakeenah, Ohio

I really like this book because I can somewhat relate to it. It helped me a lot and it made me understand.
-Sophia, Baton Rouge, LA

I am one of those people who were greatly encouraged to read this novel. Fortunately, "The Coldest Winter Ever" is every bit as wonderful as my friends said it was. I cannot wait to see what the sequel holds......which I hope is soon.
-SJ, Toronto

I can't count how many times that I have read it and still each time, I enjoy reading the book. I have encouraged some of my friends (who are white and hispanic) to read the book and everyone states this comment; " I hate that I have finished reading the book because now I feel like something has left me and I feel lost." It relates to everyone in the purest form by not sugar coating it ,but giving the public the raw deal, and that is why I liked it so. To You, Sista Soulja: I am in my fifties and I would surely like for you to please,please hurry up writing the sequel to this novel and making a movie - I just can't wait. My anticipation to your seguel of this novel is to my utmost curosity. May God always bless you and take care of you.
-orlinda, miami, florida

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