The Hood Life by Meesah Mink and De’Nesha Diamond
By Darnetta Frazier • Feb 8th, 2009 • Category: Book Review 2009 •
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Move over ladies of Bentley Manor! The men have definitely taken over in The Hood Life by Meesah Mink and De’Nesha Diamond.
Tavon (the Pimp) was born to pimp if you let him tell it. As a child, he had to get up close and personal with the oldest profession in the book for survival. How else could he make sure his prostitute mother fed them when she got strung out on crack? So his career choice was a no-brainer, but when he is faced with being a father to a teenage girl, can his mind really stay on his Benjamins? Or will he be forced to retire his pimp cane and raise his little woman the right way?
Demarcus (the Killer) was a changed man when he was released from prison. He had his ride-or-die chick by his side and decided he would do right by her. But what happens when a convicted felon is faced with very few job options? How can he provide for his woman without swallowing his pride? With very few places to turn, the streets call for him. Will he answer? Or will he be able to overcome the temptation to engage in the behaviors that got him is first ten-year bid?
Kaseem (the Dealer) is not the average drug dealer. He lived a privileged life and never wanted for a thing. He is also the type of brother who does not believe violence has to be a part of the drug game, so he discourages violent acts from his crew. When tempers mount, Kaseem finds himself being drawn to the idea of leaving the fast life. And this urge to leave only worsens when he finds out he is the father of an infant son. Will he successfully leave? Or will he become another casualty of the game; making his son another statistic?
Rhakmon (the Playa) has a wicked sex game. So much so, he loves nothing more than using what he has to get what he needs. If that means sexing the neighborhood halitosis-ridden, alcoholic so he can take care of financial needs, he is all for it. When he finds himself in a situation that can lead to a prison sentence, his ride-or-die chick steps-up and plays her position. But how long can playas play without karma catching up to them?
The Hood Life is another explosive tale of the Bentley Manor chronicles. These four men personify the saying “go hard or go home.” I was instantly taken into their stories and each of them was surprising and unpredictable. I read an unproofed advance review copy, and editing was still needed but the twists and turns were worth the distraction. The ending definitely leaves questions of the saga continuing though. My hope is that it will. If you are a fan of this series, you will not be disappointed. I recommend The Hood Life to all street-lit connoisseurs. But be warned. This book is not easy to put down so be prepared to read it in one sitting.
Reviewed by Darnetta Frazier
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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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I wasn’t sure focusing on the men of Bentley manor was gonna be as good as the women, but they did their thang! I just hope this isn’t the end.
Darnetta´s last blog post..Black Love; my truth
It was entertaining, but it was the weakest of the three to me.
Ms. Toni´s last blog post..Ms Toni gave 4 stars to: A Dollar Outta Fifteen Cent III
Great quality stuff.