Long, leisurely days.  Leaves on trees.  Flowers bursting with color.  Designer landscaping.  Pool parties.  Graduations.  Long Weekends.  Vacations.  Afternoon naps.  Schools out.  Trips to the shore.  Summer camp.  Time spent at the beach.  Cookouts and barbeques.  Family Reunions.  Weddings.  Movie Marathons.  Memorial Day. Fourth of July.  Carnival Cruises. Island Getaways.  Hurricanes (okay we can live without those).  Tornadoes (these also).  Heat Waves (and these).

While summer has some baggage, for me it is very small compared to all of the pluses, which make me want to hold on to summer for as long as I can and impossible for me to let go easily.  For many of us summer ends when the kids head back to school…and/or Labor Day is upon us…I am still not ready to put away my summer clothes, my LIGHT COLORED SHOES…heck not even my sandals…lol.

According to the calendar (summer officially ends Sept. ) and my to read pile, summer is NOT OFFICIALLY over.  LOL.  APOOO bookclub members read and recommended tons of books, many of which I did not get a chance to read yet.  I plan to read as many as possible of these ‘summer beach’ reads before the end of September.

Want to know what books made APOOO’s list?  Check out the list below.  Favorites are included for books that were:  released between May-September 2008, written by African-American authors or about the African-American experience, represented various genres, and primarily titles members felt could be read at the beach, on a lazy summer day, or anytime we wanted  an EPO (entertainment purposes only) read.  However, in keeping with diverse genres and compiling a list that represents reading taste for each APOOO member, there are several ‘literary’ books featured to round out your reading experience.

APOOO SUMMER READING LIST

Blood Colony by Tananarive Due

Can I Get a Witness? by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

From Dusk to Dawn by Niambi Brown Davis

Going Down South by Bonnie Glover

Home Wrecker by Dwayne Joseph

Indecent Proposal by AC Arthur

Jewel by Beverly Jenkins

Just Too Good to Be True by E. Lynn Harris

The Legacies by Michelle Larks

Long Time Coming by Rochelle Alers

Million Dollar Deception by RM Johnson

Murder on the Down Low by Pamela Samuels-Young

One in a Million by Kimberla Lawson Roby

Passing for Black by Linda Villarosa

Payback With Ya Life by Wahida Clark

Protect and Serve by Gwyneth Bolton

Secrets of a Sinner by Yolonda Tonette Sanders

Seduction by Geneva Holliday

Shameless Hoodwives – Meesha Mink & De’Nesha Diamond

Soldier Boys by Edwina Martin-Arnold, J.M. Jeffries, Deirdre Savoy and Angela Weaver

Stand the Storm by Breena Clarke

Sweetsmoke by David Fuller

Things Forbidden by Maryam Diaab

Too Little, Too Late by Victoria Christopher Murray

True to the Game III by Teri Woods

Strawberry Mansion:  A Philadelphia Story by Julia Press Simmons

Unfaithful by Devon Scott

Up All Night by Delilah Dawson

Up Pops the Devil by Angela Benson

Yellow Moon by Jewel Parker Rhodes

I probably will not get through all of these books before September but it is good to know that I can read them anytime I am looking for a pick-me-up or a reason to hold on to summer just a little longer.

DISCUSSION QUESTION

Have you read any of the books on the list?  How many?  Which was your favorite?  least favorite?

Which summer reads are you recommending to others?

What was your favorite read this summer? Why?

Thirty (Book) Reasons that September Just Got Better! is a post from: APOOO

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Victoria’s Secret by Jason Poole
Bitch by Deja King
Bitch Reloaded by Deja King
Uptown Menace by Carmen Noboa- Espinal
Dare by Abiola Abrams
Reasonable Doubt by Mark Anthony
Amongst Thieves by Quentin Carter
Sistah for Sale by Miasha
Desperate Hoodwives by Meesha Mink
Choices by Skyy

The Set Up by Mallori McNeal
Still Hood by K’wan
Mind Games by KaShamba Williams
A Street Girl Named Desire by Treasure E. Blue
Harlem Heat by Mark Anthony
Shattered Souls by Dywane D. Birch
From My Soul to Yours by Dywane D. Birch
Street Love (Anthology) by Keisha Ervin
Thug Matrimony by Wahida Clark
Wives and Girlfriends by Nishawnda Ellis

Dice by TN Baker
Death Around the Corner by C-Murder
The Take Down by Mark Anthony
The Coldest Winter Every by Sister Souljah
A Hustler’s Wife by Nikki Turner
Imagine This by Vickie Stringer
Black Girl Lost by Donald Goines
Little Black Girl Lost by Keith Lee Johnson
Deadly Reigns by Teri Woods
Crack Head by Lisa Lennox

Hot Fun In the Summertime–Darnetta’s Urban Fiction Book Recommendations is a post from: APOOO

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Thirteen Favorite ROLLERCOASTERS–Listed below, in no particular order, are 13 of my favorite roller-coaster rides.

1. The Incredible Hulk/Islands of Adventure
2. Spiderman/Islands of Adventure
3. The Dueling Dragons/Islands of Adventure
4. Flight of Fear/Kings Island
5. Storm Runner/Hershey Park
6. The Desperado/Buffalo Bill’s Casino, Primm, NV
7. Superman/Six Flags
8. Ghost Rider/Knotts Berry Farm, CA
9. Big Thunder Mountain/Disney World
10. Batman/Six Flags
11. Top Thrill Dragster/Cedar Point, OH
12. Lochness Monster/Busch Gardens
13. Millennium Force/Cedar Point, OH

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

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Thursday Thirteen #5–Hot Fun in the Summertime, Favorite Roller Coaster Rides is a post from: APOOO

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It’s a great country when it comes to everyone being able to have their say.  I remember childhood days, especially during the summer, when some kids would get bored and would begin ‘playing the dozens’ or coming up with yo’ momma’ jokes. Not much changes when we become adults, the way we say it might, but as long as we have freedom of speech in American everyone believes it is there G-d given right to say whatever to whomever.  And, it hasn’t been any different at the DNC.

For the most part, I’ve heard some very inspiring and motivating speeches from Ted Kennedy, Michelle Obama, and Hillary Clinton that assure me that anything is possible with the Democratic Party; yes, we can all get on one accord.  I almost feel like a Kumbaya moment.  LOL.  And then there’s individuals, like the Hillary supporter featured in the video below, who happens to be black.  Yawn.  Big ups to girlfriend for showing that all blacks  do not think the same, act the same, just because we all share the same skin color.

A lot is going to happen between now and November and some of it is going to be disconcerting.  But, you know what, it ain’t my battle, especially when it comes to the actions of other folks.  I can’t control what folks say, feel or even how they vote.  But, I can choose to focus on what is POSITIVE and that’s what I’m going to strive to do over the next two months.  I will continue to go canvass for Obama, as if he does not win, it will not be because I didn’t do all I could to help him get there.

In the meantime, I’m going to watch former President Bill Clinton on the DNC today and I’m going to listen to John Legend’s If You’re Out There and Superwoman by Alicia Keys.  Speaking of Alicia Key’s did anyone hear her Superwoman tribute to Michelle Obama?  I tried to find the video on YouTube but it hasn’t been posted yet.  So, in the meantime, just imagine Michelle Obama’s speech superimposed on the version of Super Woman below.

APOOO Books

Hot Fun in the Summertime–If You’re Out There, My Response to the Distraught Hillary Clinton Delegate is a post from: APOOO

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APOOO: Name FIVE of your favorite urban fiction authors.
Shannon Holmes
Teri Woods
Vickie M. Stringer
Wahida Clark
Tracy Brown

APOOO: List the last FOUR urban fiction books you read.

Snitch Part II: The Bastard by Michael Evans
Bruised 2 The Ultimate Revenge by Azarel
Sheisty by T.N. Baker
Grown & Gangsta by Jackie O
Wifey by KiKi Swinson

APOOO: Tell us what THREE elements are key to a good urban fiction tale.

Relateable characters
Strong storyline
Graphic details

APOOO: What TWO upcoming urban fiction books are you looking forward to reading before the end of this year.

Midnight by Sista Souljah
True To the Game III by Teri Woods

APOOO:  If you could have dinner with only ONE urban fiction author, who would it be and why.

Vickie M. Stinger would be the one urban fiction author that I would like to sit down and have a cool dinner with. I think she is down to earth and not afraid to share her life story with anyone. She is a role model to women who feel like their lives are too hard and they can’t accomplish anything. She not only has several great books out, but she is the head of the number one publishing house “Triple Crown”. I would love to know what inspired her and how she helps today’s youth get in the publishing game.

Cheryl Hayes is a Financial Administrator or glorifed bookkeeper. She resides in NYC with her three kids and is an an avid book lover. She balances her life between two jobs, her kids, taking care of her grandmother and reviewing books for APOOO. Reading is not a job, but her passion and a way for her to escape. Being very competitive, she enjoys marathons, and long walks, quality time with her family and, of course, reading whatever she can get her hands on.

Hot Fun in the Summertime–Meet APOOO Reviewer Cheryl Hayes is a post from: APOOO

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APOOO–Name FIVE of your favorite urban fiction authors.

MS. Mary–My five favorite urban fiction authors are Jason Poole, T. Styles, Deja King, K’wan, and Quentin Carter.

APOOO–List the last FOUR urban fiction books you read.

Ms. Mary–The last four urban fiction books I read were Still Dirty by Vickie Stringer, Gangsta by K’wan, Pitbulls in a Skirt by Mikal Malone, and Convicts Candy by Jason Poole and Damin Meadows.

APOOO–Tell us what THREE elements are key to a good urban fiction tale.

Ms. Mary–The three elements that I look for in a good urban fiction tale are the drama behind the story; realistic characters. Characters that I can see in my mind doing these certain things. Lastly, the realistic view of the hood.

APOOO–What TWO upcoming urban fiction books are you looking forward to reading before the end of this year.

Ms. Mary–I’m looking forward to Black and Ugly as Ever by T. Styles as well as Midnight: A Gangster Love Story by Sister Souljah.

APOOO–If you could have dinner with only ONE urban fiction author, who would it be and why.

Ms. Mary– If I could have dinner with one urban fiction author it would have to be Jason Poole. In his book Convicts Candy he told of his experience in jail and I would like to know why he chose that concept. 

APOOO–How did you discover urban fiction?

Ms. Mary–I discovered urban fiction one day in 8th grade when my best friend told me about the Coldest Winter Ever. After that I wasn’t the same. I was hooked to the drama and the glitz, glam, and downfall of some of the characters.

APOOO–What was the first urban fiction tale that you read?

Ms. Mary–The first urban fiction tale I read was Coldest Winter Ever in 8th grade.

APOOO–Why do you consider urban fiction one of your favorite genres?

Ms. Mary–I consider urban fiction one of my favorite genres because of the drama that is behind the story. Plenty of other books have the drama, but this particular drama pulls me in. I can see the characters and see different scenes in my head. These people are like me in every way.

APOOO– Do urban fiction tales reflect your life story? Why or why not?

Ms. Mary– Urban fiction tales did not reflect my life story in that I was not one of those girls who chased after that man with the money and street credibility. However, It was my life story when it came to some of their struggles and things they wanted in life. I have friends and people in my family who have actually lived some of those urban fiction tales.

APOOO–In closing, and in keeping with this month’s theme, what’s your definition of Hot Fun in the Summertime?

Ms. Mary–My definition of Hot Fun in the Summertime is no work and no school. Just sitting back and relaxing and vacationing.

Detroit native, Mary Green is a full-time college student, at Bowling Green State University, majoring in Psychology. Upon her graduation in December she would like to attend graduate school for social work.

Hot Fun in the Summertime–Meet College Student, Ms. Mary is a post from: APOOO

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• Hot Fun in the Summertime–Don’t Lay Hands on Me!

Greetings Darnetta and welcome to Take 5 With APOOO!  We thank you for taking time out of your busy day to chat with the readers of APOOO.  So, without further ado, let’s start today’s interview.

APOOO:  Name FIVE of your favorite urban fiction authors.
Darnetta:  Wahida Clark, Mark Anthony, Vicki Stringer, K’wan and Deja King

APOOO: What are the last FOUR urban fiction books you read?
Darnetta:Betrayed by David Givens, Stained Cotton by Quentin Carter, True to the Game III by Teri Woods and Street Legends by Seth Ferranti.

APOOO:  Tell us what THREE elements are critical to a good urban fiction tale.
Darnetta:  Outside of the usual luxuries readers want (tight plot, proper editing, character depth, etc), good urban fiction should be/have:  realistic drama; triumphant moments ; paint real pictures of the hood.

APOOO:  What TWO upcoming urban fiction books are you looking forward to reading before the end of this year.
Darnetta: 1) Midnight: A Gangster Love Story by Sister Souljah;Queen Bee by Mark Anthony.

APOOO: If you could have dinner with only ONE urban fiction author, who would it be and why.
Darnetta:  I would love to have dinner with Mark Anthony.Though he is one of my favorite street lit authors, I have a personal issue with the content of one of his books (which he is aware of). And I would jump at the chance to talk to him face-to-face about it.

APOOO:  How did you discover urban fiction?
Darnetta:  It’s been years, but I remember sneaking in the attic and finding my parent’s Donald Goines and Iceberg Slim books (along with some really inappropriate reading for children…lol).  I was mesmerized by the grittiness and realness of it (even though I am not sure I would have used those words back then).  Then for years, I only read non-fiction.  I thought if a book could not help make me better, then why read it?  Eventually, I had a friend force me to read A Hustler’s Wife by Nikki Turner and I loved it.  After AHW, I picked up The Coldest Winter Everby Sister Souljah (which had been out for a while by then) and that is what hooked me.  I became more obsessed when I stumbled into Vickie Stringer’s ‘Imagine This.’  And even was a little upset to find out it was the sequel to ‘Let That Be The Reason.’  So I had to get that book as well.  I read TCP books when they only had about five titles on their order forms…lol Now there are about 3 pages.  I have been on the street lit train ever since.  

APOOO: What was the first urban fiction tale that you read?
Darnetta:  Black Girl Lost by Donald Goines

APOOO:  Why do you consider urban fiction one of your favorite genres?
Darnetta: Urban fiction feeds my craving for adventure in reading that no other genre has been able to do.  Sure there is adventure in other types of reads, but I like for the people in these adventures to look like, speak like, and have similar problems as me, my neighbor, the local dope boy, the corner store owner…my people, kwim?  I want to feel some familiarity to them besides what the author has given me.  And urban fiction has given me all of that.
The other reason it is my favorite genre is because of people like Vickie Stringer and Yasmin Coleman (yes, you) and Mark Anthony and all the others who realize that African Americans need to encourage and support each other.  But what I see happening within this network of support and encouragement is another divide.  That division seems to be an US versus them thing where urban fiction (them) is like the unwanted stepchild and I refuse to buy into it.  People are, in fact, supporting UF documented by the number of units being purchased, but there are not a whole lot of US unwilling to admit that we indulge in it for fear of being looked at a certain way, or cast off like we are not serious about reading.  Those of US who believe that UF is detrimental to our youth and/or society by allegedly glorifying drugs, prostitution, and money are sadly missing the entire point.  The point is romance provides happy endings, erotica provides sexual arousal, mystery provides intrigue, so why is it NOT okay for street lit to provide tales from the hood?  UF authors have the right to write these stories just as any other author and I am showing my support of them and their rights by buying, reading, and reviewing their novels.   

Darnetta: They reflect small aspects of my life story.  Not so much by the drama in the tales.  But in each story I have ever read there is a longing for something.  Whether it is the longing for money, love, power, or simple acceptance, it is that longing that is similar to my life and the lives of many African Americans, in and out of the hood.  And there are characters that I can say I really know.  From the dope boys who pass out toys during Christmas, to the little girl who confuses sex for love, these are accurate reflections of those around me.

 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.

How Fun in the Summertime–Meet APOOO’s Queen of Urban Fiction, Darnetta Frazier is a post from: APOOO

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Another consequence was getting VD an STD…but usually a trip to the free clinic and penicillin could cure whatever ailed you.  Today…there are diseases running rampant in our community which antibiotics cannot get rid of and that can disrupt your health and end your life prematurely.  So it is with bittersweet emotions that I spotlight today’s book.

On the positive, Young, Beautiful and HIV Positive by Marvelyn Brown is a story that needs to be told.  But, the mother in me, makes me so angry, upset and very sad that another young sister is HIV positive.  I personally know several young women, between the ages of 19-25, who are HIV positive because of their boyfriends.  These young ladies thought they were in monogamous relationships and this is how the ‘love’ of their lives repaid them…with a disease that can have deadly consequences.  It just MAKES ME WANNA HOLLA and kick some mother’s son’s behind! 

Folks we have got to wake up and educate our kids about protecting themselves.  If our children are sexually active and our dependents, we need to DEMAND that our daughters and sons use condoms.  We need to stop sticking our heads in the sand and believing that our kids are not having sex because we told them not to.  Hmmm…the high pregnancy rate tells us otherwise.  But, today it is not enough to just SAY NO…folks needs to be prepared for battle and have all the ammunition they can get!

I am proud of Marvelyn for sharing her story and I wish her a long life without serious complications…and recommend that every parent, teen, concerned adult secure a copy of this book and read it with their young loved ones…because a mind is a terrible thing to waste and ignorance is no excuse today.

CLICK HERE to find out more about Marvelyn Brown and purchase a copy of her book.

 APOOO Books

Hot Fun in the Summertime– The Naked Truth: Young, Beautiful and HIV Positive by Marvelyn Brown is a post from: APOOO

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As I entered into my teen years, weekly trips to the library became scare and I also discovered the ‘white’ public library which had more books and what ever they did not have, they would order for me…see they had a budget and could afford to order books on a whim unlike the WEB DuBois branch…sigh.  It is funny that even as a child I noticed this inequity but fortunately my love of reading took me places that those narrow-minded times could not.

I never complained about being bored as a child.  For two reasons, one if I did my parents would find chores for me to do, lol; and, two, I could always escape via a book.  I could be Nancy Drew, Sojourner Truth, Harriett Tubman, Anne Frank, Maya Angelou, the Happy Hooker (yep I read that one during my teen years) and travel to places near and afar.  Because I was usually busy with homework and activities during the school week, I did not generally get much reading done until the weekends.  So, I looked forward to summers not only to hang out with friends, sleep in late and stay up until the wee hours of the morning but also because it meant I had free time and could read a different book each and every day if I chose.

During my teen years, I had more extracurricular activities, and later  the mix included jobs and boys, so I did not read as much as I once did.  But, when I did get a chance to read it was always a relaxing and enjoyable experience that made me realize that I missed it and could not wait until I had the opportunity to do it again. I also discovered and added a new element to the joy of reading–music.  To this day, I still read with music in the background, and sometimes I add a glass of wine, candles, a bubble bath and flavored scents. 

But, for me, the one constant is always tunes…there’s nothing like good tales and tunes to relax me and help me escape the stresses of life!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

When did you discover the joy of reading?

Who was the first African American author you discovered?  How old were you?

Do you have any reading rituals?  Share them.

HAPPY SATURDAY FROM APOOO BOOKS.

Hot Fun in the Summertime–Tales and Tunes is a post from: APOOO

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Hands are often used as weapons of defense or as a gesture of love, concern to comfort someone.  Recently, Victoria Olsteen quickly learned that ‘laying of hands’ does not always receive a favorable response.  Most folks of color know that you don’t ‘lay your hands’ on a sistah in a confrontational manner if you don’t want a beatdown.  Or in this sistah’s case (Olsteen altercation) to be sued for your action.  Now, I wasn’t there so I’m not sure of what jumped-off but the sistah thought it was worth 10% of Victoria’s net worth and said sistah’s attorney asked for a judgment of $405K.  Hmmm after deliberating for 2 hours the jury said NO…hail to the gnaw.  Sistah is ish out of luck.

Growing up I spent many summers at camps or the neighborhood recreation center.  The first few weeks were usually kumbaya moments where everyone was glad to be out of school and all got along well.  But, somewhere around the middle of summer, or as the days got warmer and we entered what’s known as the ‘dog days of summer’…someone would get caught up and something would jump off.  Yep we would have the annual summer fights.  And I say fights because once one started others were sure to follow.

Fortunately, I rarely got into a fight.  And, if I did it was always because of a sibling or cousin.  The family rule was that if one of us got into a fight we all had to be on guard and ready to jump in, just in case the attcker decided to get back-up and double-team said family member.  Although, I was Dorothy Jones’ daughter, and she never met a person she couldn’t beat, I was not a fighter.  I had a sharp tongue and figured I could just as quickly beat you with words as I could with my fists.  But, at the same time,  don’t think you were going to run up on me and I not defend myself.  But, I absolutely detested and hated when my siblings and cousins got into fights and tried not to be around when I saw one coming on.  I don’t know why my brothers and cousins thought that just because they saw David Caine on television that they were Kung Fu fighters and could imitate him on the streets of Florida.  Hmmm…NO.  The only thing that Kung Fu fighting got them was a butt whipping.  LOL.

When I got to high school, some folks social/people skills still had not developed and they still did not know how to resolve conflict without using their hands.  But the stakes had changed.  Now, folks would schedule fights.  LOL.  Yep and I know some of ya’ll know what I’m talking about…hehe.  Every now and then there would be a fight after school.  But first sistahs had to go home, braid their hair, take off the hoop earrings and apply vaseline to the face.  Hmmm…couldn’t get the face scratched up.    LOL. 

After elementary school, I didn’t get into any fights.  Remember I was good with using my words and some folks didn’t know if I was cussing them out or complementing them.  That and the fact that an older boy thought he was going to kick my butt in the 5th grade (I went to private school and we had grades K-8; he was a 7th grader) and he ended up in the hospital and I ended up in the principal’s office with my mom asking…’WHY.’  Mom believed if someone said ‘I’m going to whip your butt’…you didn’t wait for them to do it…you didn’t even allow them to pass the first lick…you just proceeded to kick their arze to show them who was in charge.  LOL.   Anyway, after that incident my reputation proceeded me and I never had another fight.

But…that didn’t stop me and one of my half-sisters from watching fights.  Just as some folks are ambulance chasers, my sister was a fight chaser.  No matter what she always got word when a fight was going on and off we would go…yea I lived vicariously via her…to get a good seat for the latest fight.  For my sister, it was a sport.  LOL.  Rain, nor sleet, nor hail…not even snow (I know it doesn’t snow in FL…lol) could stop us from showing up for a good fight. But a thorn in our side–or should I say my sister’s side–did.

It was the fight of all fights.  My sister and I arrived early and hung out with the other early onlookers.  Once the fight got underway, it was explosive and more and more folks showed up.  As the crowd expanded, my sister and I, as well as everyone else on our side, kept getting pushed back into the woods.  I don’t know what happened next; everything happened so fast but my sister was injured.  Seems that she had been shoved into some bushes, including a couple of rose bush, and she ended up with what seemed like thousands of thorns all over her body as well as a 12 inch cut on her thigh.  To say that my parents were upset that they had to take her to the hospital to get 50/11 stitches is an understatement.  After they realized that it wasn’t as bad as initially thought, they grounded both of us for a month, but we only served time for about a week.  Hmmm my sister was good at talking her way out of anything.  After the cut healed, my sister had a scar that stayed with her until the day she died.  But that scar was a rude reminder of what happens when you chase fights and we never chased a fight after that…nor did we ever stick around to see one.  Although my sister always had that chase spirit; she went on to become an attorney.  LOL.  No, in all seriousness, she didn’t chase ambulances, she was a corporate attorney/litigator.  Yep, she was truly the one with the golden tongue so she NEVER had a physical fight in her entire life.

Fast forward 30 years later, folks don’t seem to fight fair today.  While I don’t condone violence of any kind, sometimes you can’t get rid of bullies without getting physical.  Although, I’m so happy that neither of my kids have been in fights and that we live in a somewhat violent-free zone. I can’t imagine either of them getting into a fight because folks no longer use their hands to resolve their issues.  Today, everyone is quick to resort to any weapon other than their hands.  Today’s weapons aren’t even knives…it’s guns…automatic weapons…and sometime result in drive bye shootings which often claim innocent lives…young kids whose lives have just barely begun.  It’s a sad situation and an environment that no one should have to call home.

Recently, I was talking to a girlfriend who mentioned that she bought a street fiction book for her son because he was stressing so hard with school work and being away from home that she thought a book from this genre would be a good diversion…distraction.  Her son not only read that book but he purchased a few others for his reading pleasures.  He vicariously experiences life on the streets by reading street/urban fiction novels.  Since street/urban fiction continues to grow in popularity, I wonder how many of us live vicariously via these books.  I also wonder if any of those books have any good fight scenes for me to live  vicariously…lol.

APOOO Books

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Have you ever been in a fight?
2. If so, why and who started the fight?
3. If not, did you ever have to avoid a fight?  What did you do?
4. What rules did your parents have when it came to fighting?
5. Do you think fights between youth are worse today than during your youth?  Why?
6. What street/urban fiction titles can you think of which included memorable fight scenes?

Hot Fun in the Summertime–Don’t Lay Hands on Me! is a post from: APOOO

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