Jersey Girl Book Reviews: Urban Fiction

Showing posts with label Urban Fiction. Show all posts

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Risen by Thomas Barr Jr (Book Review)

In association with Pump Up Your Book, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for Risen by Thomas Barr Jr.

Book Review

Risen by Thomas Barr Jr.

Publisher: VIP Ink Publishing Group / Printhouse Books

Publication Date: January 15, 2016

Format: Paperback -188 pages
Kindle - 537 KB
Nook - 155 KB

ISBN: 978-0997001624
ASIN: B017MGIVYQ
BNID: 2940157824976

Genre: Urban Fiction

Buy The Book:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Goodreads

Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book.

Book Description:

The growth of "Mega churches" has risen considerably in the 21st century as compared to the past. Miami Urban Chronicles Volume I: Risen, seeks to set forth a fictional biopic of the rise of spiritual leader Yahweh Ben Yahweh of the Liberty City based movement the Nation of Yahweh, "Ben Yahweh's."

Chauncey Miller, the main character in the story is determined to be a success. He uses his natural skills of cultivating relationships and influence to draw his followers. Despite his meager rural southern background he dreams big and takes risks head-on in realization of his goals. It is significant in modern 21st century times that individuals take control of their life's path. The urban youth particularly need to realize by making deliberate decisions concerning their life they can live their dreams.

Chauncey meets a mentor whom cultivates his ideology and sharpens his mediation skills in working with people. He harnesses his skills by working with the youth ministry of a local church. As he attends college he learns the basics of economics and administration in his courses. He understands education is just one tool that can help him along his path. Individuals must utilize opportunities as they present themselves along life's path. The main character seizes upon this truth and follows it down the rabbit hole in a manner of speaking.

In most communities the Church is a place of worship, fellowship, family, communal meetings and refuge. Individuals seek comfort in its walls and the main character leverages this in amassing followers. Modern successful pastors have PhD's and fancy seminary school training. The main character can be viewed as the progenitor to the modern "Mega church" system. He is of the conviction that god must call a person to preach which is a spiritual mission.

The main character takes this mission on as any other profession and is determined to be a success as a spiritual leader, messenger of god, as well as a successful business entrepreneur. The main character goes from city to city while growing his followership and refining his professional talents. In addition his studies have led to him evolving his religious convictions.

The story enthralls with the turmoil of power, beliefs, sex, control, and all the human pitfalls that too often affect successful professionals. In desiring success and wealth upon any career path it is important to maintain composure. Chauncey, although a spiritual leader, is in realization of this truth.

In paralleling the lifestyles of the larger community many individuals become disillusioned and pigeonhole themselves. Only in selflessness can individuals walk a blemish-less path. Particularly urban youth must learn the lesson in traversing modern life goal paths in reaching their dreams.

This chronicle wraps with Chauncey answering to the communal guidelines of this prescribed society. All must answer to the allegations of their fellow community members and none is an exception to this rule. In acquisition of success and goal setting humility can be a lifesaver.

Book Excerpt:

Chauncey Miller was a Carolina native that grew up in the south and knew the hard work of the tobacco fields. Raised in a Christian household he was fascinated with the bible and studied religion with a fervor. Little did his contemporaries know that he would rise to the level of a spiritual leader commanding a multi-million dollar enterprise. They surely wouldn’t realize that he was a megalomaniac capable of manipulating a band of killers.

It’s a sunny afternoon in 1976 and Chauncey was on the corner of 125^th Peachtree Street in Atlanta, Georgia. He had a stack of paper leaflets, as he is approached by pedestrians he offered a flyer to a man dressed in a black suit. The man took the flyer and read it, mouthed the words soundlessly.

“Do you believe in god,” asked the man in black.

“Surely I do,” responded Chauncey sternly.

The man continued to look at the flyer; he wore iron rimmed glasses and had shiny black shoes.

“I’m a history professor at the local community college and would like to have you join one of my focus group,” he asked.

The man stood and looked Chauncey in the face awaiting an answer to his inquiry. Chauncey had not expected such an immediate attention to himself and paused in response noting the man’s patient nature.

“I’m not sure what focus groups do but if you give me the address I’ll check it out,” said Chauncey.

The man pulled a business card from his blazer and handed it to Chauncey as pedestrians ushered pass them on the street. No one seemed to notice the exchange between the two men and was oblivious of them obstructing the walk way as they chatted.

“Don’t worry you’ll find out when you show,” the man replied.

He placed the flyer Chauncey had been passing to people on the street in his coat and continued on his way. Chauncey looked down at the flyers he had been passing out for the street team company. He had been working for the company weekends and at afterhours bar locations. Exhausted he read it. It said, let me tell you why the white man is the devil. Come hear CL Cayman speak truth to power at White Hall located on Jackie Robinson Avenue.

Chauncey never took notice of the leaflets he passed along to pedestrians and this one had a very inquisitive message. He wondered about the thoughts of the gentleman in which he had just met, had the message affected him so profoundly? He took the business card from his pocket looked at the address and contemplated the location. He had seen the address before on something he read at home and could not recall it do to his momentary failing memory.

The stack of leaflets sat on the sidewalk near a lamp post. A gust of wind arose that blew some of the top flyers into the street. The sudden barrage of papers broke his thoughts and he scrambled to grab them as people continued to bustle past.

“Get out the street,” yelled a disgruntled driver.

He blew his horn as he drove past and Chauncey continued to pick up the flyers ignoring the outburst. Chauncey had hardened his feelings to ridicule and he believed with his ability to project an icy persona could ward off potential personal threats. He had developed this ability while in grade school and used it throughout his young adult life as he entered his college years. As a youth he had dealt with bullies and experienced being singled out for jokes among friends in the neighborhood.

He decided he would attend the focus group the following day after his last class on campus and find out more about the strange gentleman that intrigued him on their meet.

***

Claude Donors was a tall wiry light skinned complexioned man with green eyes in his sixties and did social research on religions in historical contexts. He was an eccentric man with a direct nature. Chauncey’s curiosity of the gentleman had led him to the campus upon the issued invitation. Chauncey entered his office at the university and was immediately stopped at the door by Donor’s secretary.

“I’m sorry sir do you have an appointment?” She inquired.

The young woman was very pretty and Chauncey noticed that she had a curvy figure. He could see that she was highly educated by the way she addressed him. She was smartly dressed in a business suit. She smelled of light perfume and mints. Her hair was penned up into a bun and she sat positioned at her office desk. He quickly handed over the business card given him and she looked at the back of the card for a moment.

“Have a seat Dr. Donors will be with you in a minute,” said the young lady.

Chauncey took back the card he had given the girl and looked on the back of it as she did, his curiosity peeked. Let this man pass, it said written in a very legible hand written signature. He had not noticed it the entire time he had possession of the card and was surprised at himself for not realizing that fact.

As he sat awaiting Dr. Donors he noticed the office was cozy and decorated with plaques along the light blue colored walls. The carpet smelled as if it was freshly vacuumed and it being in the late evening not much pedestrian traffic came in or out. He noticed the young lady pick up the phone a number of times and she talked for just a few minutes on each instance. He assumed it was Donors and thought if he made the right decision in coming. Just as the thought popped in his head Donors brushed by him.

“Let’s go young man, we’re late.” He said.

Chauncey was out of his chair and behind Donors as he strode down the hallway taking giant steps to quickly reach his desired location.

“My focus group is designed to record the assumptions, thoughts and impressions of religion on the average working class individual,” he said as they walked.

“By the way what’s your name?” he asked turning to look at Chauncey.

“Chauncey Miller,” Chauncey replied.

“Well Mr. Miller you should find this to be very interesting,” he said as they entered a room with about seven people sitting around a circular table. Upon introduction by the four males and three females it was noted two were teachers, one was a factory worker, two were students, one was a paramedic and one was a shop keeper. The questions posed to the group were designed to elicit discussion and all responses were recorded by the professor.

The first question posed was do you believe in god followed up with what do you think about religion. All the participants believed in god but it was interesting to see their apparent ambiguity in the actual practice of religion. As the professor guided the group’s discussion a light bulb went off in Chauncey’s head. He had wondered throughout his life what his purpose was in this world. He had attended college and taken on various odd jobs to support himself in the city. He’d bounced around in search of a career interest to no avail. He was articulate and well regarded for his ability to persuade others. In observing the professor’s research he saw a need and an opportunity that could possibly be exploited. He decided from that instance he wanted to know more about the professor and the purpose for his work.

The session ended after about an hour of discussion and all the participants departed leaving Chauncey along with the professor in the room. As the professor put the finishing touches on the session notes Chauncey broke the silence which permeated the room after the last departed guest.

My Book Review:

Risen is an intriguing urban fiction story that is set in Atlanta and Miami that follows Chauncey Miller as he follows his dream of becoming a successful spiritual leader.

As Chauncey pursues his dream of becoming a successful spiritual leader, his ascension is riddled with the temptation of absolute control over his followers, power, and wealth at all costs. Chauncey's story explores the aspirations of an average person to embrace the doctrine of self-empowerment, and the serious trials, tribulations, and turmoil that followed his ascension.

Risen is a fascinating and fast paced urban fiction tale that easily draws the reader into Chauncey's story. It is a realistic and engaging in depth look into one man's personal journey of self-empowerment to achieve his dream.

RATING: 4 STARS

About The Author

Born in Lake City, South Carolina home of the 2^nd African American astronaut, killed on the Challenger space mission, Dr. Ronald E. McNair. I was the grandson of a share cropper whom taught me about hard work and education. At age 17 I began college at Bethune-Cookman University and graduated Cum Laude with honors. While in college I was inspired to write when I read the novel, Black Boy by Richard Wright. I began writing short stories for campus publications and won a $500 dollar publication contest in a local campus circular. I Entered the Air Force after college and spent two tours of duty in the gulf during the Persian Gulf War. Upon leaving the Military I went back to school and completed graduate school at the University of Akron in Ohio earning a master of public administration. I began a career in government as an Intern with the Ohio legislature and later became employed with the Florida Senate as a legislative assistant. I currently work for the City of Miami as a civil servant in administration.

See website http://www.thomasbarrjr.com/ for more details.

Virtual Book Tour

Risen by Thomas Barr Jr ~ Virtual Book Tour Event Page

Click on the above link for the schedule of tour participants.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Notorious P-Man Sam by Thomas Barr, Jr (Book Review)

In association with Pump Up Your Book, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for Notorious P-Man Sam by Author Thomas Barr, Jr.!

Book Review

Title: Notorious P-Man Sam: Miami's Urban Chronicles Vol. 1 by Thomas Barr, Jr.
Vol. 1: Miami's Urban Chronicles
Publisher: VIP INK Publishing Group, Inc. / Printhouse Books
Publication Date: April 1, 2015
Format: Paperback - 270 pages
Kindle - 835 KB
Nook - 187 KB
ISBN: 978-0986134012
ASIN: B00U37SSM2
BNID: 2940151319539
Genre: Urban Fiction

Purchase The Book:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Goodreads

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book.

Book Description:

This book is about the struggle of African American men as they traverse the perils of 20th and twenty first century life in the professional realms of the work place atmosphere. The differences in opportunities are often overlooked in comparison to other classes and among the races.

The American dream is the realization of success in the face of struggle and hard work. Is it relevant that one’s struggle is harder than the other in accomplishment of this goal? P-Man Sam is a hard look at the road to self-empowerment and what it takes to make it in the American society. The entrepreneurial spirit is one of the main roads traveled in realization of the American dream.

It takes knowledge and a fearlessness to take a chance in the ruthless world of business in this society. It’s also important to be able to effectively communicate with the modern diverse society of today through effective people skills.

The P-Man Sam story brings an awareness of how to navigate negative experiences and transform them into motivational learning blocks. Learning from experiences and moving forward is essential in life. One’s eyes must be open and naïve thought processes must be conquered in attaining the ultimate prize. The following are useful for application:

• Mentorship
• Net working
• Coalition building
• Broad-mindedness

This book is a good source for inspiration and having hope is a major force in your journey through life. Situations and circumstances should not be viewed as a hindrance, but instead a hurdle in step to the finish line. There are many instances in this story that relay the struggle against forces that present obstacles. Willpower and dedication are true factors that assist the main character in winning out against such forces.

In conclusion, the power of love and support are sustaining factors in the realization of goals in life. The act of goal-setting itself is an important factor in accomplishing anything in pursuant of ambitious dreams. This novel is sprinkled with kernels of knowledge and inspirational wording designed to give the reader insight into the motivations of the main character that can be transcending to experience.

It is beneficial and intended to identify and acquire these gems of knowledge to retain as progressive career tools.

Book Excerpt:

In the tenth year of the millennium, on the major Interstate of I-95 cars sped up the roadway and zinged pass construction barriers. Many of the vehicles just barely swipe distressed vehicles’ parked roadside. Sam Silvasteen drove with his windows down taking in the South Florida breeze as his car cruised at a comfortable speed. A black car with a high performance sounding engine screeched up next to Sam’s car. The sound of gunfire erupted and peppered the passenger’s side of Sam’s car with silver dollar sized bullet holes. Sam jerked the steering wheel in an attempt to dodge the spray of bullets. The men in the car continued to pace Sam’s car firing ruthlessly into the frame of the automobile. Hot lead ripped through Sam’s flesh as he was hit with a volley of bullets.

Sam slammed into the median and the men sped off as his car coasted to a halt along the concrete rail. Sam could hear the screaming brakes of other cars on the road and smell the scent of twisted metal as he faded out. The Entrepreneurial President of Bandstand Magazine lay shot along the Miami corridor among twisted metal. His life flashed before his eyes and he thought back on the events that led him to his current predicament.

Sam was a street wise entrepreneur who had escaped the shadows of the crime filled eighties drug environment of Miami. Cocaine was the major drug that circulated thru the community of Dade County. He transformed his life into a respectable businessman and attempted to help other urban youth in becoming productive community citizens. Within the blink of an eye his life was turned upside down and the phantoms of his past attempted to snatch his mortal essence from existence.

Sam was initially raised in a single parent home. When Sam turned ten in the year 1977, he was placed in an orphanage by his grandparents due to his mother’s early dementia among her other mental illness related problems. Sam’s grandparents had six adult kids living in their home and couldn’t afford a proper home for young Sam.

***

“Who turned the damn T.V.,” yelled a burly kid his hair dripped with Gerri curl juice. His voice echoed through the bare white walled dayroom of the orphanage. Sam sat motionless as the other kids looked around not saying a word in response to the question. The scarcely decorated room remained silent. Most of the juveniles were Cuban exiles and spoke little English. The burly kid steaming with rage yanked the plug out of the wall and kicked the T.V. over. The loud crash and sound of breaking glass alerted the nearby sisters from the hallway entrance.

“What happened to the T.V.?” Asked Sister Alice, she was new to Saint Joseph and relocated from Nicaragua to assist with the influx of prospective exiled children of political patriots. She wore the traditional long flowing robes of her profession. She was a looker and it could be speculated that she had her pick of the litter before being ordained.

“Jose kicked it over,” said the burly kid as he pointed at Jose Marti a skinny pale Cuban teen. Jose possessed long limbs but his skinny frame made him look a bit goofy in appearance.

“Jose is this true?” Replied Sister Alice, as she wheeled in his direction. Jose remained silent as Sister Alice waited for him to respond.

“Jose didn’t do it Sister Alice,” Sam exclaimed. His voice was firm and controlled. “Well it didn’t happen on its on Sam,” replied Sister Alice in a sarcastic tone. The burly kid cut his eyes at Sam and gave him a hard look.

She now turned to the burly kid, “Trey Brownlee if you’re fibbing you get twenty lashes,” She exclaimed.

“I swear….,” replied Trey before he could finish his sentence Sister Alice smacked him in the chest with a ruler. In a heavy Spanish accent she sentenced Trey to spend the rest of the day in time out.

“Sam get this mess cleaned up,” she said as she escorted Trey from the room.

Sam immediately grabbed a garbage can to pick up the shards of glass that covered the floor. Jose found a broom and swept some of the glass in a pile for Sam to scoop into the garbage. The other kids resumed their activities as the hype died down.

Sam made a friend in Jose from the day of the T.V. incident with Trey. They began their friendship working as partners at anything they did together. Sam was a husky twelve year old and Jose was three years his senior. The two got along quite well with no regards to their respective ages. Lucky Barnes was a younger kid who hung around Burt Ramos the only Puerto Rican kid at the orphanage. Lucky was a portly black kid with big hands. Burt often used little Lucky when he was trying to hustle the other boys in marbles.

“Hey Sam,” said Burt. “Trey is going to be pissed that you stuck your nose in his business.”

“Forget Trey,” responded Sam. “If you’re down with Trey than forget you too,” said Sam as he flopped down onto a sofa in the dayroom of the orphanage. A group of boys congregated at the corner of the day room and shot a game of marbles.

“Oh I’m down for myself and I was just making sure you knew what time it was,” said Burt as he made his way to the marbles game. Lucky gave Sam thumbs up as he shuffled close behind Burt. Jose pulled up a chair alongside Sam and said, “Now we have nothing to watch because of Trey.” The boys protested loudly in the corner of the room while Burt tried to convince them he was not cheating. “Hey I got ya back don’t let them get to you about that Trey stuff,” he said.

Sam sat straight up and replied, “I’m not worried about a thing.” He extended his hand and slapped Jose five. Jose watched a lot of T.V. and was hip to the street ways of black culture. He understood the gesture and was happy to have made a friend in a place where watching out for self was paramount. Sam was also careful in not being labeled a rat while sticking up for Jose. He knew in befriending an older kid his chances of survival had increased tenfold.

***

The females were housed in an entirely different dorm wing as compared with the males. The only times the two would mingle was during mealtimes and that was usually three times a day. All the kids in the orphanage were supervised by nuns and the Mon Senior had final call on all activities. Sam had his eye on this one pigtailed hair girl named Vivian Smart. She was a beautiful vivacious teen who was present at the orphanage upon Sam’s arrival.

“Hi Sam,” she said as she sat down with her lunch at Sam’s table. “I heard what you did for that Cuban kid the other day and I think it was courageous.” Sam shifted in his chair.

“No big thing,” he replied. “The kid looked as if he needed help and I stepped in.” Sam dropped his head and continued to munch on his sandwich. Vivian took a cookie from her tray and placed it on a napkin in front of Sam’s tray. Sam didn’t raise his head but his heart quickened its pace.

“This is for your bravery,” she replied as she slid the napkin in Sam’s direction. Sam was at a loss of words, and before he uttered his faint thank you Vivian had strode off and rejoined her friends.

The cafeteria was a bustle with kids and they were being closely monitored by the nuns for any improprieties. Sam sat brooding as he finished his meal. He missed he mother and siblings, while the orphanage provided a vibrant surrounding it lacked genuine personal connections. Before his mother’s unfortunate problems Sam was often doted on by his family. He was the youngest and the last born of his mother’s children. His siblings were years older than he was and were all away trying to establish a life for themselves. Sam hated being poor but what else could he do he thought to himself.

Sam made his way to the day room after lunch and sat looking at one of the day room windows. He had a second period of classes in which he contemplated cutting. Jose walked up to him and slapped him on the back, “What up Sam!” He said in his best English.

“What’s up Jose,” replied Sam. I got a couple of classes for second period and I do not feel like going,” said Sam with a sigh.

Jose was only a grade higher than Sam although he was fifteen. His problems with the language barrier relegated him to grades lower than his normal level in Cuba. “Let’s hangout in the courtyard or sneak over to the girl’s dorm,” replied Jose.

“Cool,” replied Sam. He stashed his books under a nearby sofa and was out the door along with Jose.

***

The girl’s wing was well kept and immaculate in comparison to the facilities the boys maintained. When not in class the girls milled around outside and played dodge ball on the cement courts. The males and females rarely participated in physical activities except when there was a yearly festival occurring. Jose and Sam hid behind a dumpster near the courts of the girl’s dormitory. “Hey there’s Vivian,” said Sam as he ducked so he wouldn’t be seen by her.

“Who is Vivian?” Jose inquired.

“Nobody,” replied Sam.

The girls walked on a nearby court and began their ritual jump rope Double Dutch game. Jose whistled trying to get one of the girls’ attention, Sam nudged him in the side.

“Are you trying to get us busted,” exclaimed Sam.

“No, just trying to get us some trim,” replied Jose.

One of the girls heard the commotion and walked over to where Sam and Jose were held up. She saw them crouched behind the dumpster and immediately began screaming. The boys tore out of their hiding place and ran for the nearest place to hide for cover. Jose laughed hysterically as he tried to catch his breath from the sprint to the dormitory.

“You’re crazy,” remarked Sam bending over in exhaustion.

“That was a rush,” said Jose.

***

The two boys walked back to the day room and talked about the look on the girls’ faces when they realized they were being spied upon. Classes were ending for the day and the dayroom was filled with students. Music appreciation seminars were usually held by Sister Alice after dinner and Sam really enjoyed the sessions. He profiled the different types of music genre as well as the musicians of past and contemporary times. “I’m going to my room before dinner,” said Jose.

“See you later,” remarked Sam.

Sam remained in the dayroom leafing through his school books as he sat on a bench in the back of the room. Sister Alice entered the dayroom recruiting groups to complete chores. Sister Alice mentioned that the females were also participating and Sam decided to volunteer. One group of males and one group of females were directed to the gymnasium area of the compound. The two groups were instructed to scrub the floors and wash the walls. Sam joined the chore group hoping to get a chance to be around Vivian. Sam began scrubbing and to his dismay saw no sign of Vivian in the other group.

Sam continued to volunteer his services for the chores squad of Sister Alice in hopes of seeing Vivian. On this one particular day the squad was tasked to clean the main administrative offices of parish officials. Vivian was assigned to the task and Sam was delighted his persistence had finally paid off. Sam decided he would work closely with Vivian and learn more about her interests.

“Hey what are you doing here?” said Sam. Vivian stopped what she was doing and put her hands on his hips.

“The same thing you’re doing,” She said. The girls giggled as Vivian smiled at Sam.

Sam thought to himself that was a dumb question to ask. He never knew the right words to say to the members of the opposite sex. She looked so beautiful standing there with a twinkle in her eyes and sass in her voice thought Sam.

“Well I was offering to help but I see you’re good,” Sam replied with a smirk.

“You’re such a good guy,” said Vivian with a wink.

Sam continued to work while the girls chatted about what guys they thought were cute in the boys’ dormitory. Sam pondered his next move on how to get Vivian’s attention without her friends being around. He thought he would have a better chance at an honest conversation on a one on one basis. Sam would have to covertly recruit individuals to help with his plan and a major part of his plan would be Sister Alice.

Sam was exhausted after his chores and he lounged in the dayroom and watched the boys roll marbles. A couple of maintenance men coordinated the installment of a new T.V. in place of the damaged one. Jose walked in and made his way over to a nearby by sofa avoiding the guys on the floor as they shot marbles.

“So you were doing chores,” remarked Jose. “Did you see your sweetheart Vivian,” he remarked with a laugh. Sam ignored Jose’s remark and continued to watch the boys argue over taking a turn to roll marbles.

“When are you going to volunteer to help out around here?” asked Sam. “Maybe you’ll meet a nice female.” Sam remarked.

“My uncles say the best way to get a fine girl is with a lot of money,” said Jose.

“Yeah that works too,” said Sam with a chuckle.

Sam was intent on wining the heart of Vivian and he assured himself that love was his reason for his persistence. Sam had not really known the love of a woman outside of his mother but he could not resist the emotion he felt when he was around Vivian. Sam would be careful about revealing his feelings around the people he interacted with daily, because in his environment this could be a source of perceived weakness.

Trey entered the dayroom and stomped through the circled marbles on the floor where the boys were shooting marbles. The sound of grinding glass against the floor could be heard as Trey twisted his foot on each stomp. Marbles shot out from under Trey’s foot hitting the sides of nearby chairs, tables and walls. The boys scuttled out of Trey’s path dodging flying marbles.

“Man why’d you do that!” One of the enraged boys responded.

“Shut your trap,” retorted Trey.

Sam knew Trey was pissed he had challenged his rule in standing up for Jose. Sam was ready for whatever retaliation Trey would seek to impose. Sam continued to lounge nonchalantly on the sofa as Trey marauded around the dayroom. Jose remained silent as he sat on the other sofa. Sam could see Jose was tense and his demeanor had drastically shifted in relation to his earlier mood. Sister Alice stuck her head through the doorway of the day room.

“We will have no trouble out of you today Trey,” She said as she disappeared down the hallway.

Sam sat at the breakfast table alone and ate his bowl of oatmeal in silence. He soon felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Sister Alice standing over him smiling with her black nun’s head dress draped over her hair.

“Sam don’t mind Trey much,” she said. “Both his parents died of aids when he was just a toddler.” She pulled up a chair and sat next to Sam. Sam paused between spoons full of oatmeal as she continued to talk.

“He was raised by his grandmother until she died a couple of months ago and he seems to have a hard time adjusting.” She said.

Sam thought to himself he was not having an easy time here either and why is she telling this story to someone who loathes Trey. Sam began to fidget with his silverware as Sister Alice told Trey’s life story. He desperately wished Jose would appear and interrupt her oration. Sam could appreciate the concern Sister Alice felt for the kids of the orphanage. He wondered if she spoke of his situation and issues with others as she did of Trey.

Sam’s own home situation was what led to his current occupancy and he felt little empathy for Trey’s story. Sam had few adult role models; however Sister Alice influenced the good in him. Sam dreamed of the day when he could stand on his own without the need of the orphanage. He was tired of being a kid and was ready to venture out into the world. Sam was in his own thoughts now and subconsciously caught bits and pieces of Sister Alice’s conversation. “You know Sam Saint Joseph will seek to be a solid base for your upbringing when you grow up,” she said. Her voice seemed to trail off as her last comment reverberated in his thoughts.

Sam desired to make a good impression to others by making himself who they thought he should be. He would do tasks that made other people happy and would go all out to fit in with others. Sam felt uneasy in the aftermath when he thought of this act of self repression. His true nature was to be himself and explore who the real Sam was as an individual.

Sam viewed Trey as a bully and an enemy to the free spirit of those around him. Trey’s bully tactics blunted the freewill of others stunting their growth. Sam in an attempt to be ordinary like everyone else downplayed his true abilities. He had no desire to be recognized as exceptional in comparison to his colleagues. The Trey types sought to bring out such exceptional abilities which made Sam hate him even more.

Sam’s perceived abandonment issues stoked his desires for the camaraderie of others and he highly valued friendship. Trey bullying tampered with that concept which in turn was a source for instability in Sam’s world. Sam would mesh out any instability that threatened his contentment. Trey would be met with the harsh retaliation whenever he threatened to disrupt Sam’s reality.

Sister Alice realized Sam was not soaking in her words and stopped speaking. She looked at Sam as he sat gazing into the distance. She raised herself from her seated position and stood with her hands on her hips. She shook her head and walked away from Sam as he continued his gaze.

“Kids,” she said.

My Book Review:

Notorious P-Man Sam is an intriguing urban fiction story that is set in Miami and follows the trials and tribulations of Sam Silvasteen as he follows his dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Sam Silvasteen is a man from a meager background. He struggles in a low minimum wage job to support his family. He has big ambitions and dreams of a better way of life. As he pursues his dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur, he struggles against the temptation of fast money and crime. Sam's story explores the aspirations of an average business person, and the daily pressures, choices, vices, and crucial decisions that lead to his overcoming the odds, and making it as a successful entrepreneur.

According to the author, he was inspired to write the novel by a former Miami music magazine executive, who was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting. He wanted to detail his life experience and portray a fictionalized chronology of the event.

Notorious P-Man Sam is a fascinating tale about an African-American man's aspirations to become a successful entrepreneur. This fast paced tale easily draws the reader into Sam's story, it is a realistic and engaging in depth look into his personal journey and self-empowerment to achieve the American dream.

RATING: 4 STARS

About The Author

Hailing from Miami Florida; Author Thomas Barr was born in Lake City, South Carolina home of the 2^nd African American astronaut, killed on the Challenger space mission, Dr. Ronald E. McNair. He is the grandson of a share cropper whom taught him the value of hard work and education. At age 17 he began college at Bethune-Cookman University and graduated Cum Laude with honors. While in college he was inspired to write when he read the novel, Black Boy by Richard Wright. He began writing short stories for campus publications and won a $500 dollar publication contest in a local campus circular. He entered the Air Force after college and spent two tours of duty in the gulf during the Persian Gulf War. Upon leaving the Military he went back to school and completed graduate school at the University of Akron in Ohio earning a master of public administration. He began a career in government as an Intern with the Ohio legislature and later became employed with the Florida Senate as a legislative assistant. His current works were inspired by his work with the City of Miami as a civil servant in administration.

Thomas Barr’s writings reflect the everyday struggle of the average individual trying to make something of life. Every person has a story to tell and the job of an inspirational writer is to bring those stories to life for the good of all. As an author Thomas Barr desires to be the chronicler of inspirational stories designed to assist dreamers in achieving.