A Brownstone In Brooklyn celebrates its 20th year of publication in 2020. The novel won the 2022 Literary Titan Gold Medal Book Award. The novel Chronicles the life-altering events that shape the future of Andy Michael Pilgrim, a young man growing up in the turbulent sixties.
A Brownstone In Brooklyn revolves around the ordinary day-to-day events in the life of Andy Michael Pilgrim and the residents of a Gates Avenue Brownstone. It seems to be a normal place to live until you learn about the plots against Andy and the residents.
Andy is a strong black male growing up in the turbulent sixties.A Brownstone in Brooklyn revolves around the ordinary,day-to-day events in the life of Andy Michael Pilgrim and the residents of a Gates Avenue Brownstone. It seems to be a normal place to live until you learn about the plots against Andy and the residents.
The events flow to a climax as Andy survives the takeover of his college, the race riots in his neighborhood, and an attempt on his life. Andy is physically attacked and a needle, overflowing with drugs, is thrust in his veins. Survival is not assure
Professional Reviews
Jay Squires/California/May 2003
"The greatest compliment one can pay the author of his memoirs is: "I know those people!" I feel privileged to sit at the table beside Andy (Mr. Julius Thompson) while his mama, Golda, dishes out a sumptuous ~ though modest ~ feast. My hand is in Andy's. My other hand is in Andy's step-father's, Marvs' strong black hand as we follow him in bowing our heads, and feel his love and his deep and unshakeable faith as he leads us in grace.
Mr. Julius Thompson takes us on a literary journey through the tempestuous sixties. His main character, Andy Michael Pilgrim, has a dream in an environment and generation that could easily crush a less enduring black man's dreams.
With riots and death all around him, Andy persists in the pursuit of his dream. With the love of his life, Leslie, beside him, Golda's love (leaning heavily on him sometimes as a mother's love will tend to do), Marvs guidance and love giving him direction, and a whole wacky cast of loveable characters ~ his extended family ~ urging himon, Andy moves relentlessly foreward, overcoming towering obstacles, until his dream is realized..
Yes, I know those people. I love those people. And, thanks to Julius Thompson and his book, "A Brownstone In Brooklyn," you'll find yourself knowing and loving them, too."
The Rawsistaz Reviewers/Montgomery, Alabama
The Rawsistaz Reviewers, (12/20/2002)
A Brownstone in Brooklyn chronicles a short but critical portion of the life of Andy Michael Pilgrim. Andy has grown up in a Brownstone on Gates Avenue in Brooklyn and all of its residents have contributed to his upbringing. However, this book takes place during a turbulent time in American history. The civil rights movement seems to be taking a more violent turn, and young men across the nation are being drafted to fight in the Vietnam War...
The lively cast of characters keep this novel fresh and entertaining while the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. Thompson does a wonderful job highlighting how people's lives are influenced by the types of choices they make. He also highlights how much one person's actions can impact the lives of others in meaningful ways. The book started out a little slow, but gradually picked up momentum. I would have liked a bit more character development for Andy's character earlier in the book. In the early parts of the book I felt like I was reading about his day to day life without enough background to really care about his character, but by the end I felt like I knew him well. A Brownstone in Brooklyn is an enjoyable read that truly demonstrates that it takes a village to raise a child.
Imani Book Club/Birmingham, Alabama
Imani Book Club Review
Julius Thompson's novel is a wonderful story of a young man making it in this world where obstacles can be crossed. The story of family support and neighbor support reminds you of the olden days when your neighbors were just like your family. The dialogue at times seems simplistic and overly dramatic. Some portions of the story could have been more developed to engage the reader to be more empathetic and understanding of all characters especially Andy. With more development of Andy's character in the beginning, the reader would better understand things as they happened in his life. As the story moves along, you do get a better understanding. The novel does gebin slowly, but it gains momentum and you will be hard pressed to put this story down. With just a little fine-tuning, this novel would be the perfect novel to give to young African-American males to instill in them the belief that anything is possible with faith, courage and understanding. Very refreshing.
In a word, magnum opus! I've never been to Brooklyn, but I am a
Texan who grew up in the '50s and '60s. Thanks for sharing this
touching story that is beneficial to all who are graced to read it.
I can really feel this , I am surrounded around beautiful brownstones in brooklyn. Historic buildings, beautiful and well kept. Bedford Styvesant the culture of brooklyn, continue to write. It is an honor to live here.
'Better Without You'is a compelling narrative that explores the complexities of an affair, hidden secrets, and abuse. It also highlights a daughter's heartfelt journey as she cares for her mother who is battling dementia.
A homonymless man writes shows what it's like to look up the laid he skirts when you’re lying prone(d) to the sidewalk, beer / joint / needle dangling from your hand /lips / arm.
