Dare by Abiola Abrams
By Darnetta Frazier • Mar 1st, 2008 • Category: Book Review •
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Abiola Abrams’ debut novel, Dare, is a spin on a German tale in which Faustus, based on magician and alchemist Dr. Johann George Faust, made a pact with the devil. Fittingly so, Maya and Athena lived in Faustus, Ohio; a fictional city where the only thing thriving was hip-hop.
Maya and Athena were friends and roommates, but were total opposites. Maya was a sociology nut who enjoyed activism, writing poetry, conducting trivial experiments dealing with human condition and tendencies, and battling demons that kept her from being at peace in life. Athena, an ex-cheerleader, was all about how she could make her next dollar or meet her next bedmate. Since none of her get-rich-quick schemes panned out, she returned to her love of rap. However, Maya had beef with hip-hop.
Athena was set to audition for Shell the Boy Wonder, but circumstances made her ask Maya to stand in for her. Though Maya was apprehensive, she knew all of Athena’s rhymes and decided she had to be there in her friend’s time of need. She nailed the audition and Maya, as we knew her, ceased to exist. Reborn as Jezebel, she coerced herself to embrace this new endeavor under the guise of another sociological experiment until the truth could be revealed. This truth would put the real rapper on the pedestal she deserved, but when the ugliness of fortune and fame arose, would Maya be able to make a successful transition? Or would the lifestyle hand her the successful existence, tranquility, and love she sought while she was a simple civilian?
Abrams’ has written a great, thought-provoking debut novel. Her writing is fresh and witty and her characters are lively and engaging. Dare’s plot is strong and without question, realistic. I enjoyed following the characters’ angst in taking on roles that unsettled their souls and witnessing the strength it took to practice tough love. The first six chapters were difficult to get into. I had to get used to the writer’s style, but once I was able to, I found it hard to put the book down. I was also disappointed that it ended abruptly. Maybe there is a sequel in the works. The back cover labels Dare as urban fiction, but it seemed to be more chick-litish. Urban fiction fans may feel cheated since it does not follow the traditional formula of the genre. Chick-lit and contemporary fiction fans will surely enjoy this read. I look forward to reading Abrams’ future works.
Reviewed by Darnetta Frazier
APOOO BookClub
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Darnetta Frazier is an Ohio-born, spoken-word poet who has composed poetry since she was able to hold a laddie pencil. As reviewer for A Place Of Our Own (APOOO) and aspiring novelist, she dabbles in the literary scene from all perspectives. She has been published on www.thebacklist.net, interviewed on www.blogginginblack.com, and is currently submitting fiction manuscripts to publishers while juggling daughterhood, sisterhood, wifedom, parenthood, and of course, writing. Outside of family and all things literary, Darnetta overindulges in Hip-Hop, dabbles in computer graphic design, and creates handcrafted cards, candles, and jewelry.
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