There comes a time when getting money costs too much.
Synopsis
Brian Moore is suffering a mid-life crisis at the age of eighteen. His life revolves around getting money. For him, that means armed robberies and stick-ups. He has baby mama and baby mama family drama. The only thing stable in his life is his fiancée, Sonia. She’s a college student with a relentless passion to make it out of the hood with or without Brian. For the first time in his life, Brian can’t straddle the fence. He has to make a decision. Will he be loyal to the streets which raised him and made him who he is today? Or will he be loyal to a girl who is promising him a better tomorrow?
Professional Reviews
RAWSISTAZ Literary Group
Reviewed: Jun 26, 2006
Youngin
By Arlene Brathwaite
Brathwaite Publishing, January 2006
274 Pages, Paperback, $15.00
ISBN: 978-1570876998
Genre: Street Fiction
RAW Rating: 3.5
Livin’ the Life
YOUNGIN is a crazy street fiction novel that delivers intrigue in the form of drama, drugs, relationships and more drama. Money, money, and mo’ money is the motto of the lead character, Brian Moore. Due to his chosen lifestyle, Brian matures quickly, far beyond his young 18 years of age.
Caught up in the fast life with his friends, Devon and Jason, Brian lives life on the edge. In some ways, such as establishing his reputation, he is a savvy businessman. By conducting his street business and building his reputation, although he is young, Brian becomes a contender in the larger interworkings of the street business. Will he be able to sustain his reputation and not catch a case with the law?
On the other hand, he is just a kid who still lives at home with his parents and has made the wrong decisions. Although Sonia is a good girl to have by his side because she is good to him and good for him, Brian continues to step out of his relationship with not one but several ladies. Will his promiscuous ways catch up with him and cost him Sonia’s love?
What plays out on the pages of YOUNGIN is anyone’s guess. At first, I thought it was somewhat of a typical read, but there are unexpected plot twists,which engages the reader. Written in the third person, author Arlene Brathwaite has penned a street novel that seems all too realistic. She incorporates a bevy of various characters to create subplots to roll along with the overall drama of the story. If you’re a fan of street fiction, YOUNGIN is not to be overlooked.
Reviewed by Nedine Hunter
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An avid reader since an early age, Nedine loves to curl up with a good book. She is a human resources professional who also enjoys decorating, time spent with family and music.
