Book Review- Bad Girlz 4 Life

Author: Shannon Holmes
Publisher: St. Martin Press Griffin
Pub. Date: May 2008
Price: $14.95
ISBN: 978-0-312-35902-7

Shannon Holmes tells a gripping story about one woman’s struggle to get out of the hood and never return, except some people have another plan…

Tonya Morris is trying to change her life for the better so she decided to leave the stripping game and give the “good civilian” life a try. She starts working at a beauty salon as a braiding stylist and the money is paying the bills but it’s not helping her make the money she’s used to having. Now she must figure out how she can get the cash without dipping into the sea of mayhem that she is so used to swimming in.

With the help of her best friend and confidant Na’eema, they organize parties that are risqué and full of ballers that make the two women an instant success. Tonya and Na’eema love the attention that they received as Philly’s best party promoters, but they are looking to be greater than that, and they do. They give up the sex party promotions and moved up in the ranks. They are now doing more upscale parties for celebrities, athletes and rappers. At one of the “on and popping” parties, Tonya runs into the man that she loves and hates...Q.

Q has become a success with his independent record label and is looking for a marketing team that will gain his artists more limelight and he recruits Tonya & Na’eema. They are more than ecstatic to chase after their dreams of working for Q in New York, where dreams come true. They are sure to make it happen, but there are people that are looking to put a stop to it.

Q’s sister Karen doesn’t like Tonya and Na’eema. She sees these women as low lives and feels that they are trespassing in her territory. She knows that sales have been down at Prestige Records, but what can these two low life women do to make things better? Karen is not waiting to see them ruin her brother’s reputation, so she will do whatever is in her power to make sure that these women leave the company at whatever risk.

Q is also dealing with personal issues. It ain’t easy being in the paparazzi’s scope. He is dealing with huge pressure being a man that had to work his way to the top. He was the man in the streets and now he is the man in the industry but there are some people that would rather see him gone. Money is being funneled out of his company from one of his employees, but the shocker is what employee double crosses him. He is also dealing with Baby Mama Drama from Niecey. This crazy woman is fresh out of jail and determined to get her family back together at all cost, but when she finds out that he is sleeping with Tonya all hell breaks loose and someone has to pay the ultimate cost... their life.

If you are looking for a book that keeps you turning pages, then read this book. You will be hooked!!!

Note: Be sure to also read Bad Girlz, which is the preceding book.


Heather Elitou- Reviewer

Book Review- Stained Cotton

Author: Quentin Carter
ISBN: 978-0-9799517-1-8
Publisher: Triple Crown Publications
Date: 2008
Pages: 290

In Stained Cotton we are taken to the mean drug streets of Kansas City, Missouri where in Westport. In this part of town, everybody knows you’re a big time hustler if you’re rolling on 20’s or higher, women are plenty, and your drug empire is covering the city.

Qu’bon is a drug hustler and a playa. He loves all types of women, but he wants a white woman because he thinks that black women are too ghetto and full of attitude even though he has one at home. A white woman is someone that you can chill with and not give you too much lip. There is a lesson ion his naïve thinking—it doesn’t matter what the color of the woman is because if you pick the wrong woman trouble is just around the corner.

O’bon is Qu’bon’s older brother and runs drugs with him. He has a more mellow side to him then his brother, and many have said that he was not really cut out for the drug game, but O’bon is already a player whether he likes it or not, and he must throw the dice in order to stay alive or he will pay the ultimate price.

Besides the drug dealing these two brothers are sent on a wild and deadly roller coaster ride when they meet Katrina and Nancy, two white girls who want to experience the life of a black female.

Katrina is in the game full blast when she meets Qu’bon, turning from a college girl to a street girl running. She runs the clubs, sells drugs, and stealing cash, but she learns a hard lesson which runs the risk of her meeting her demise.

Nancy has always admired the sass and strength of the black woman, but she still keeps her head on and tries to tell her sister to slow down. She is unsuccessful in her pleas and finds herself being dragged into danger. Can she keep her head on straight long enough to change the downward spiral that her and her sister are caught in the middle of? Is the life of the black woman really this hard?

The overall message of this book is that a woman can be drama no matter what color she is because when a woman is filled with drama, then drama will follow and that if you have the heart and the mind of your woman, she is in fact your woman. The color of a woman’s skin does not make her less a problem it is the mind state. Qu’bon and O’bon both thought that getting white women would be different, but Qu’bon quickly found out that wasn’t true.

Although some of the situations in the book seemed a little too far fetched, it does not take away from the book because hey, its fiction.

Check it out!!!

Book Review- Still Dirty

Author: Vickie Stringer
Publisher: Atria Books
Pub. Date: July 2008
Cost: $23.95

Pages: 226


Yup, Red is Still Dirty. She will stop at nothing to get what she wants. No matter how hard she tries she can’t stop herself from being the little devil that she is known to be.

The book begins where we left off in Dirty Red. She and Q are being chased by Bacon who is beyond P.O. and ready to blow their heads off at the airport in front of everyone. They just make into the plane and leave Bacon frying mad.

They are on their way to Mexico so that they could get their minds right, but Q wants Red to stay her distance. He is planning to get out of the business and the last thing he needs is the drama that Red brings.

Red sees that Q is trying to avoid her at all cost but that is her man and she will stop at nothing to make sure that he knows that this relationship is for the long haul... or until Red is ready to let it go. Q is pissed that he allowed himself to be caught in the tornado with Red but he admits to himself that he loves Red and that he would do anything for her.

All of the same characters are there and looking to give Red what she deserves. Sasha was ordered to kill Red by her boyfriend Catfish, but she leaves the city with Blue, the old boyfriend of Red that will never forget when Red took it upon herself to destroy his car.

Terry is spending time in jail for her attempted kidnapping of Kera and Mekel’s baby. She realizes that it was her own actions that were wicked and that she had momentarily insanity that put her there, but she will never forgive Red for leaving her there to rot.

What will she do when she runs into Red? Will she beat her up? Will she kill her?

Kera has changed her ways and she has now dedicated her life to Jesus. She is trying to take Mekel’s mind off of Terry and trying to hide a secret… one that will make destroy her. Now that she has left the fast life, she is earning a honest living by working as a customer service clerk at the bank, and that is where she sees Red. Red is definitely not pleased to see her and makes sure that she mentions Terry, Kera’s enemy. At this point Kera looses her religion and vows to get revenge on Red in the worse way.

There are a few new characters that link everyone together so that the ultimate plan can be executed against Red, but what they fail to remember is that Red is the best at plotting and scheming, and she is prepared for whatever they got to give, but nothing compares to what Bacon is about to do to her. It is an act that will blow the minds of the readers.

Who lives? Who dies? The many twist and turns in this book will have you turning the pages from beginning to end in one day. Be sure to look for the continuation because the ending demands that there is one.

Kudos to Vickie Stringer for delivering yet another Dirty Red book.

Reviewer- Heather Elitou

Book Review: True to the Game 3

Author: Terri Woods
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication: July 2, 2008
ISBN: 978-0446581684

New York’s Best Selling Author, Terri Woods, has done it again in True to the Game 3.
The story line was very a great follow up to her True to the Game series and I was pleased with how the story began and unfolded. Terri Woods takes what you think is the end, and crafts it as just the beginning of a wild ride.

Gena is being hunted by all of those who know that she has Quadir’s 20 million dollars. There are the Cops who want the money and they will do whatever it takes to get it... if only they can figure out where it is. Rik owes some big time bosses money and he knows that Gena is holding some cash since she offered to give him some. He can’t see why she wouldn’t give it to him if he asked her, especially because he doesn’t need a lot... that is until the cops figure out that he knows her so now they want him to ask Gena for all the money but Rik has other plans.

Two other mysterious persons are also looking for Gena—one wants the money and the other wants revenge for the killing of his little brother and he’ll stop at nothing to find her and quench his thirst for revenge.

Gena isn’t aware that there are people after her and the money until family members pop up hurt, and people she thought she knew show there true colors. But an unexpected visit from someone she thought was dead will help and guide her through the troubling times... or does he also want the money?

This book was filled with adventure and it was not your average run of the mill, drug selling book. I love to read mysteries, and this was definitely filled with whodunnit’s. Terri stayed on point and didn’t stray from the original plot of the story.

Literary Review- Song Yet Sung

Author: James McBride
Copyright: 2008
ISBN: 978-1-59448-972-3
Pages: 359

Beautifully crafted, and expertly put together are just a few thoughts running through my head when I read Song Yet Sung by James McBride. I have never read a novel quite like this one, and I glad that I had the chance to read it. Page after page had me captivated, thinking, and wondering.

Song Yet Sung takes place in the year 1850 on the 3rd month on Maryland’s Eastern Shores. Liz Spocott is a beautiful runaway slave who is caught by Patty, a money hungry slave trader who doesn’t take any mess from anybody. Patty underestimates Liz, who kills one of Patty’s slave catcher/slave and sets all the slaves free.

Liz not only frees the slaves but she has a talent…she is a dreamer. She dreams of the future that is not like what she would have imagined with fancy looking cars, rap music, and radios. Liz will travel a journey (that is one of her visions) to try and find out what it means. The way that she is lead on the journey is what is so captivating. It is a vision of guess who and what, and clues that are not easily comprehended until you follow the paths.

All while Liz is traveling as an escaped slave, Patty is looking for her so that she can kill her. She set her slaves free. Patty is ruthless and all she cares about is money. What makes the task so difficult for Patty to find Liz is that someone else looking for Liz and someone is protecting her, which means Patty has to work hard and kill plenty in order to get what she wants.

Liz has many obstacles and one is to stay away from the Gimp, an old slave catcher whom are notorious for his quick temper and feared by slaves and whites. The Gimp has given up slave trade but when Liz’s owner, The Captain, offers him a great deal of riches, the Gimp decides to come out of retirement to find her, but this may be the most difficult slave he has ever tried to catch and it may cost him his life.

Amber is a slave in his early 20’s owned by Miss Kathleen, who lost her husband to the swamps of Maryland. Amber has his eyes set on getting free but is holding back because he has a sister to look after. When Amber meets the dreamer, freedom has become a must, but there are penalties for harboring a runaway. Therefore, Amber has to be careful in protecting himself and the woman that he now has feelings for… Liz.

Song Yet Sung is a very a reader! Throughout the story, you keep hearing about this code that the slaves use to communicate with each other. It’s very complicated and only certain slaves know what it means. Although I would have liked the author to further explain the code, the mystery of it added to the book. I also like the way the author described the world through the Dreamer’s eyes.

If you are looking for a story of courageous acts and death defying action, then Song Yet Sung is the book to read!

Agasa Elitou- Reviewer

Book- The Pink Palace

Author- Marlon McCaulsky
Publisher- Triple Crown Productions
Copyright 2008
Pages- 247
ISBN- 978-0-9099517-5-6

The Pink Palace was a surprising story with a twist that made the book worth reading. Although it had its usual players (drug dealers, gold diggers, etc) roaming through the pages, I did not see one of them really being a cop.

Janelle has to hit the streets at the age of 17 when her stepfather rapes her. Determined to stay alive and not be used, she tries to fix her life up and keep going straight, but the money she’s earning isn’t enough to support her, and the relative that she is staying with will soon be departing. She then meets up with her cousin Nikki, who is definitely get PAID, and she wants in. Nikki buts her down with the cash and that cash is coming from her place of employment and that place is the Pink Palace (of course, it’s a strip club).

Nikki is one of the best dancers at The Pink Palace she’s willing to do anything if the money is right, when she sees that her cousin needs a little help with some money she introduces her to stripping. Together they are the hottest dancers in the club. Janelle adopts the name Mo’Nique and starts her life in the fast lane. One of the first rules that she learns from her money hungry cousin is don’t fall for you trick. That becomes easier said than done for Mo’Nique.

On the outside, Tommy is a street hustler and the right hand man to Damien but in reality he’s an undercover cop trying to bring down King, Harlem’s biggest drug lord. Tommy is on a mission and won’t let anybody try and deter him, but when he meets Mo’Nique he falls for her and he is in limbo as to whether or not he can trust her. Will she rat him out and get him killed?

Damien is a street hustler working for King who wants control of Atlanta. He has a lot of respect for Tommy and plans to put Tommy down when he becomes the Boss. All he has to do is get rid of Dre who already has the streets under control but that isn’t easy especially when the girl he’s with also sleeps with the enemy.

These four characters are about to get a lesson in what really matters in life. Some will learn and change for the better, while others will learn the hard way or die without even trying.

All in all, the book should be read on that train ride to and from work, school, etc. It has enough flavor, twists, and turns to keep the pages turning.

Reviewer-Agasa Elitou

Literary Review- War of the Bloods in My Veins

Author- Dashaun "Jiwe" Morris

Publisher- Simon & Schuster
Copyright 2008
Pages- 222

ISBN- 978-1-4165-4846-1

War of the Bloods in My Veins is a gripping, tell-all, book by a true member of the Bloods. Dashaun “Jiwe” Morris was a gang member who served time in prison for his misguided acts although he was nearly a shoe-in with the NFL.

Jiwe’s book reads as a diary that shares his inner most feelings while going through a whirlwind of violence, anger, tragedy, and desire. As he tells his story he begins to analyze himself and realizes that it is he, and only he, who stands in the way of making a difference for himself and his daughter.

Jiwe was exposed to the violent life when he was very young and he was sent off by his mother to his Uncle and Aunt’s home in Phoenix, Arizona from New Jersey. While living with his extended family, he is exposed to the strict life of Islam and his aunt, a very devout woman, is not the one to play with because she is a disciplinarian that shows no mercy. Jiwe is not use to this type of order, not even from his mother, so he rebels and wishes for his mother’s arrival.

How does a young man cope when he feels alone? Well, most boys turn to the ones that show the attention that they so yearn for-- even if it is in a gang. Jiwe knew that something was not right when he first encountered a Blood member whose brother (another Blood) came out to defend his brother with a baseball bat and they both beat the crap out of the boy. Although it seemed wrong to beat someone nearly to death, the fact that a loved one would do that for his own was astounding.

After his encounter with his friend and his brother, he realizes that he is looking to belong and he finds that belonging with the Bloods. He is later asked to do the ultimate in order to prove that he is down with the red flags. Does he do it? What do they ask him to do? One would only imagine if they don’t read the book.

When he later moves back to New Jersey with his mother and brother, he meets up with a friend and they form a Blood click in Orange, New Jersey. It is here that he vows that to be a brother means to die for a brother, and no man or woman can come between them. They Rob, steal and terrorize the community. They think that the only people that they are hurting are their sworn enemies the Crips, but DaShaun soon realizes that he is hurting his people.

Dashaun also encountered his father who he had never seen until he was well in his teens. He also found out that he had a brother who was in fact a cop. How ironic. Needless to say, Dashaun questions where his father had been for most of his life because of course, he was a very big piece to the puzzle that would help complete his life but seeing him only made the picture seem more unclear.

Dashaun has finally gotten his break and is in college but he takes his gang mentality with him and it is not as easy as it seems to leave his past behind him. His reputation travels throughout the campus, not to mention he still wears the colors. People are drawn to him; people fear him, and some people are willing to test him and because of these compelling reasons, he finds himself in prison.
While serving time he promises himself that he will do better especially for his newborn little girl and that is what this book is about—change.

What makes War of the Bloods in My Veins such an excellent read is that you get it! I mean, the brother is not bragging about his gun-toting lifestyle; he is not giving us colorful drama that makes us believe that we are reading the usual urban fiction; we are not even talking about sex. He is giving every parent the opportunity to understand what our youth are thinking when they are being neglected. It is important to read this book with the understanding that parents should be very concerned about what they say and do around their children and in many cases when they are not around, and be sure that you listen. Listening to our children and helping them to our best abilities is what will keep them alive.

It is great that he took responsibility for his actions because it would have been too easy to blame his parents. It is great to read that Dashaun took a serious look at his life and dedicated it to making a change for himself and his community. Now the only thing left is to continue to make others aware that they too can do the same.

Reviewer- Heather Elitou

Book Review- Amongst Thieves

Title: Amongst Thieves
Publishers: Triple Crown Publications
ISBN: 978-0-9799517-2-5
Author: Quentin Carter
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 316

Reading Amongst Thieves is like watching a movie. If you liked the movie Scarface, Casino, and Ocean’s 11 then this is a book that will keep your interest. It is filled with so much action that it keeps you reading to the very end.

Ramon Delay is a ruthless thief who loves money and he won’t let anyone get in his way of it—not even his own daughter, Trishay. After serving 15 years for the murder of his ex wife’s brother, Ramon is back on the streets of Kansas ready to announce his arrival. He gets back in touch with his crew so that they can continue where they left in their crime sprees, but Roman has a bigger plan brewing.

Ramon’s childhood friend, Snug Brim has been riding with him since the beginning as they kill and rob making the streets of Kansas hot. Also in the crew is Bobby who scouts the targets of their desire; AJ who supplies the artillery; Chico who drives the getaway car and Yawni who is used like a cunning spider who creates an incredible web of distraction for their victims entangling them to be left as bait and kill for the crew.

The crew is ready to make the big leagues earning more weight (money) then they have ever gotten before, but with more money comes... you guessed it, more problems! Greed makes these close friends become very distant from each other. Do they turn on each other? Do they seek revenge for the money that they have lost? Of, course otherwise this would not be an interesting story.

Suddenly, a young woman by the name of Jayde enters the life of Ramon and she is all that he can think about. She seems to be the woman of his dreams but Jayde is holding back a secret that when exposed could mean the death of Ramon and her guilty pleasure. Their relationship takes Ramon on an emotional and physical ride that leads to a shocking end.

I was pleased with the realness of the story because it was not about a bunch of teens that were making millions in the game because that is so played out and definitely not as lifelike as the other books make it out to be. You can see that just by watching the news. This book is based on gangstas in their forties and it takes quite some time for them to come up to the millions status.

One thing that drove me crazy was how Jayde entered the scene... it almost didn’t make sense. It was when the secret was revealed that it made the book that much more interesting.

Be sure to check out this book and be sure to let me know what you think of the ending and Jayde’s secret...

Agasa Elitou- Reviewer

Book Review- Prison Chronicles

Janaya Black is a talented young writer who has created stories that are better than your average street fiction her Prison Chronicle stories are definitely captivating from beginning to end as she shares stories of women in prison and what led them to their situation.

We meet Vanessa Jackson the reporter for Womens Lib Magazine in the first book, The Breaking Point. Her first interview is with Marion Hayes a young woman who was convicted for killing the man she loved. Although her love for him was strong his betrayal stabbed her in her heart and she stabbed back... to death. But what led to this betrayal was it the loss of her baby brother or was it the rape that she encountered? No one can get to the bottom of the story better than Vanessa and she plans to help her friend come to peace with her actions and consquences if it kills her. As told by the other woman is yet another mouth opening story about a young woman that is facing 15 years in prison for the murder of her lovers’ wife. Timberlynn was beginning to change her life for the better until she met, Tre, a smooth talking man who took advantage of the heart of a very young and naïve 18 year old girl who had just came out of the starting gates. After running her around and pulling her by the heart strings, she is faced to make a decision that will ultimately ruin many lives.

And lastly, Vanessa journeys back to prisons where she meets a woman who had nothing but revenge on her mind and the thirst for the blood of the man that killed her sister. In Beautiful Rage: The Break of Dawn, we meet young and beautiful Dawn Langston who snapped after the release of the man that killed her sister. So built with rage, Dawn executes a plan to give back all the pain and suffering that the brutal murderer gave her sister. While Dawn expresses that she has no regrets, Vanessa wonders if meeting this woman and listening to her story will drive her over the edge.

What is so enjoyable about the Prison Chronicles is that although each and every story has a gruesome and shocking ending, but there is a lesson: there are always consequences for your actions and karma can be a b**ch.

Janaya Black is definitely a writer to follow as she tells the story of women who have suffered from abuse and neglect so perfectly that she will make men think twice before they cross another woman.

Check out her books and website at: http://www.black-smithenterprises.com/

Book Review- Diamond Playgirls

What happens when four young successful women from different cities decide to further their careers in the Big Apple while living under the same roof? A little bit of everything.

Meet Dior, a beautiful young woman who just arrived from Canada and is filled with excitement—so excited that her compulsive shopping gets her in trouble but it also helps her find love with the furniture delivery guy. Chris is a wonderful man who is great in bed but when Dior learns something about him that she never expected, will she give up on love or will she meet Mr. Right on myspace.

Tamara is excited about NY because she is hoping to further advance her party promotion career. She is working for two of the biggest names in the business, the Harold Brothers. She isn’t looking for love but love finds her twice. Maurice Harold takes a strong interest in Tamara but she doesn’t like to mix business with pleasure but Maurice can care less even if he is married. Tamara fears that she will be unlucky like her mother and grandmother who have been married again and again. When Aaron a man that she has strong feelings for reveals that he is ready to settle down, will she be ready... to run?

Then there is Chloe. She is the pretty rich girl who meets the man of her dreams. He is smart, handsome, and wealthy. Their love affair seems perfect and is running strong but Chloe is keeping a secret that could cost her the relationship.

Mona Lisa is a woman with a scorned heart. After her mother left she was raised by her father to be a player. She gives a man her body but nothing else. She has loved before but she let Nat slip away. When he finally surfaces again will they be able to continue where they left off or will she lose out on love again?

Diamond Playgirls was definitely a fun read as the authors created this anthology like a Sex in the City meets Girlfriends. The most interesting characters are Tamara and Dior because from each one you get a dose of humor and reality. There are other interesting characters like Jerome the annoying neighbor who tries to get with each of the women who live in the building using his tired mack game. There is also Ms. Margie, the dreadlocked straight to the point old head who actually owns the building that these ladies live in. She calls it her “Diamond Palace” thus the name Diamond Playgirls.

The book was definitely a fun read because each author had to blend each story together in order for these women to finally get together in the end. If you are looking for a book that breaks the usual street fiction drama, then this is the one to get.

Heather Elitou-Reviewer

Interview with Sherrie Walker, author of Mistress of the Game

young Sherrie Walker is one of the newest additions to the Triple Crown Publication family and debuting her novel, Mistress of the Game which is sparking the interest of readers who love the urban fiction genre. When it comes to publishing her works, Sherrie is not new to the game as she has also written plays that have toured the city of Ohio. In 1998, Sherrie and her partner Kecia Green were recipients of The Best New Playwrights award from Karamu House Performing Arts Theatre which is the oldest African American theatre in the country, located in Cleveland, Ohio.

Her partner, Kecia is someone that she continues to praise because she is not only her co-writer but she is also her very best and dearest friend. The two are recognized throughout the Ohio area for writing, producing and performing plays. Unfortunately, Kecia is currently serving time in the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville, Ohio, but when they get together, they are a match. We had the chance to chat with Sherrie about her book and how she feels now as a Triple Crown author.

Congratulations on your debut novel, what is like to be a Triple Crown author?
All praises go to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! It’s a wonderful feeling to be a part of this giant urban literature family. Actually, it’s an honor. I feel as if God worked through Vickie Stringer to bring me to where I am today. I thank Vickie and I am ever so grateful that she brought me into the Triple Crown Publications family.

What did you think when you completed your book?
Relieved. Happy. Exhilarated. But most of all I felt as if I had begun a very important part of my life journey because even though this novel is completed, it is, hopefully, the beginning of a succession of writings.

You have been known for your plays, what made you choose to write a book?
I can’t talk about Mistress of the Game without talking about Kecia. She is my very best friend. Until she’s released, we’ve put our plays on hold and began to showcase another form of our writing skills which has resulted in Mistress of the Game. It was a very unique occurrence in which Kecia (and I) was introduced to Triple Crown Publications. Long story short, Kecia was introduced to actress/comedian Mo’Nique when she performed her HBO and DVD special, “I Could Be Your Cell Mate” at the institution in May of 2006. Kecia had the pleasure of engaging in extensive conversation with Monique.
While interviewing Kecia, Mo’Nique learned that Kecia (and I) enjoyed writing and had completed Mistress of the Game and was in the process of preparing the manuscript for submission to different publishing companies. Sherry McGee McCovey, who helped Mo’Nique pen “Skinny Women are Evil” as well as “Skinny Cooks Can’t Be Trusted,” was also present and took an interest in Mistress of the Game which she later submitted to Vickie Stringer. Some time later, Triple Crown’s editor and chief, Mia McPherson, communicated with us and let us know they were interested in publishing the manuscript. From that point on we moved forward.

How did your writing career begin?
There was a convention being held in Cleveland and the chairperson asked me and Kecia, if we would write and perform a play for the convention. In doing so, it turned out to be a huge success. From that performance on, we continued writing, performing, and touring with our plays throughout Ohio. Kecia and I have known each other since the early 80’s and began writing together in the early 90’s. The subject matter of our plays always dealt with the realities and consequences of inner city life and always provided God based solutions to the challenges of life.

How long have you been writing?
Professionally, about thirteen years.

How did you know that you have this talent?

When I realized that people enjoyed the work that Kecia and I was producing. We also acknowledge that God has provided this special way for us to communicate. We all have gifts and talents and, again, we are thankful for this opportunity to share ours with others.

Tell us about your novel Mistress to the Game.
The story is of three young ladies who have been best friends since their pre-teen years at an orphanage where, under the harshest circumstances, they forge a bond that is to last a lifetime. Upon their escape, the hard lessons and rules for survival learned at the orphanage set the stage for their entry and rapid success in a do-or-die game in the Cleveland streets. The girls try to forget the painful events that orphaned them as they rise to the top, but fate forces them to face the Ghosts of their haunted past. With Elise as the beautiful mastermind and brains behind the organization, the three women plunge into a ruthless battle against their faceless, relentless enemy in a winner-take-all war to the finish.

How would you categorize your book, Mistress to the Game?
It’s a work of fiction which entertains as it educates. It’s powerful. It’s intriguing. It’s a page turning drama, full of suspense and romance.

What is the message that you wanted your readers to embrace?
Life is based on choices made and the consequences of those choices. If the reader can just embrace or walk away with that one concept, we will feel that Mistress of the Game is a success.

How important is writing to you?
Writing is a passion for me. As an artist, my job is to observe life and then find a way to interpret and share those observations with others. I do that through my writing.

Do you think writing is a spiritual art?
Yes, I often feel that I am being spiritually guided.

You said that you have experienced friendships that are like the characters in the book, care to explain?
I think that any literature, fiction or non-fiction, has to be based on observations of the real feelings, actions, experiences, etcetera, of real people. If not, the work would not reach the reader and the reader has to be able to identify with the lives of the characters. Otherwise, the work would have no meaning.

What was the reason for writing this book? Did you see a need for this book?
Yes. There will continue to be a need for literature giving the female perspective on life’s lessons; literature that examines women in roles exhibiting strength, honor, loyalty, independence, determination and success.

What is something readers would be surprised to know about you?
I’m actually shy. I’m more of a one-on-one speaker as opposed to speaking to a group or audience. Unlike my co-author, Kecia, I’m more of an introvert, whereas she is definitely an extrovert.

How do you define success?
Success is discovering what your own special talents and gifts are and building on them with confidence so that you can have an impact on your world, however small or big.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Don’t be afraid of hard work. Never give up on pursuing your dreams. Remember no mission is impossible. Stay focused and stay strapped in prayer

What marketing tips can you provide to new authors?
Captivate and hold your readers attention from beginning to end. Make sure your first chapter features holding power. Provide a clean manuscript. Have it edited. Be prepared to receive rejection letters, but also claim and know that someone long the way is going to be interested in your quality piece. Don’t let a first, second, or third “no” discourage you from pursuing your dreams. Submit and re-submit your manuscript if necessary. Dreams do come true!

Now that you have published your book, what other projects are you working on?
I am presently outlining Book Two. I look forward to the comments that people have for Mistress of the Game.

Heather Elitou-Interviewer

Interview with Deja King- The B**ch is Back!!!

Deja King is a Bitch, better than that she lives by the acronym: Babe In Total Control of Herself. This young lady has made a name for herslef in the urban fiction genre with her two most controversial books, Bitch and Bitch Reloaded. She is now in the process of dropping the third Bitch book with Triple Crown Publications.

In Bitch, Precious Cummings is that chick! She comes from nothing and uses all of her asssets to get what she wants. When she finally achieves her goals she is then faced with having to deceive her closest aquaintances and answering to the one man that she owes her life to and he is ready to end it.

When she lives to see another day, she then realizes that she has lost someone that she is very close to and she is out for revenge and anyone that stands in her way is going to bow down. Will she use all nine of her lives? When this sexy kitten is ready to do some harm, she let's nothing stop her.

We had the opportunity to chat with Deja and find out about how she feels about the success of her book and what is in store for 2008.

Congratulations on your third book, how does it feel to release another Bitch book?
I’m so excited!! Bitch is going to be a five part series.

When you first released the Bitch book, what were people’s responses?
I instantly got positive feedback, especially from young teenage girls. The story struck a chord for them and they’ve been riding for Precious ever since.

Do you think people identify with these characters?
I think people identify with Precious because a part of them would like to be like her. She’s such a strong independent person who doesn’t take BS from anybody. I think all of us wish we could be like that more often.

How would you categorize your book?
I consider it to be an action packed street novel.

What is the message that you wanted your readers to embrace?
I always want readers to connect to my characters and understand their struggles and actions whether they agree with them or not.

Are you done with the Bitch books?
After The Bitch Is Back, I have two more in the series, which are Queen Bitch and Last Bitch Standing.

How did you feel when the book was published?
When I first saw Bitch in print I was ecstatic. I always loved the concept of the book and the characters. To hold it in my hand was truly an amazing feeling.

Tell us about the Bitch is Back.
In The Bitch Is Back you see Precious at the very top of her game. She is no longer hood rich; I mean her husband is a freaking mogul. She was rich in Bitch Reloaded but she was too busy mourning for Supreme and trying to find his killer that she wasn’t able to relish in being chipped up. Now you see her having it all but of course when you take a person to the top you have to bring them all the way down to having nothing.

How do you stand apart from other artist?
I’m my own person for one. I do what my gut says. For example, a lot of people told me I shouldn’t write a book called Bitch because it would offend so many people. I was like PLEASE because I meant the term as an empowerment for women. When I see a woman who has it all together and I say, “That’s a bad bitch right there,” I mean it as a compliment…period. So with everything I write I separate myself from others because it’s who I am and I bring a freshness that can’t be duplicated.

Tell us a little about you.
I’m a mother first and my family is the most important thing to me. I used to work in the entertainment industry and for a very long time was a party girl, but now I’m a homebody who enjoys writing and spending time with close friends and family.

What is it like to be a published author?
It’s a great feeling because the love and adoration I receive from readers sometimes brings tears to my eyes. I can be having a bad day but when I open an email with a reader praising my work it just lifts my spirits and puts a smile on my face. When I’m at a book signing and someone says thank you for a wonderful book, I tell them "no, thank you" because if it wasn’t for their support I wouldn’t have a career doing what I love.

Do you surprise yourself with what comes out in your writing?
Not really because I’m a complete nut, so it never stops. I’ve been making up stories since I was five years old playing with Barbie’s. I’ve always had an overactive imagination and plus I’ve seen and done so much in my life so it comes naturally for me.

What advice do you have for people who are writing a book?
Be true to your vision, meaning when you’re writing a book knows the picture you want to paint and make it come alive. Also, know your market and give them a book that they will truly enjoy.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
I haven’t reached it yet. But I am excited about having three books come out in less than a year and being on all three covers. The majors not letting you do that, but Vickie Stringer did it for me and I’ll always love her for that.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Honey, I take it day by day. If me and my family are alive, well and healthy than I’m blessed.

What is your goal for 2008?
For the readers to love the last 3 parts of the Bitch Series and be thirsty for whatever I drop in 2009.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
After you write your book and get it published, grind hard. It’s damn near impossible to break a new author now. The market is so saturated that readers are checking for books written by names they’re familiar with. It can be done but you have to work that much harder to promote you and your material.

Which authors do you admire and why?
I’m a huge fan of Walter Mosley because his talent as a writer is timeless. But as far as admiring authors, that’s not really my thing. But in the street genre I admire Vickie Stringer and Teri Woods because both women got the game on lock. They both understand the importance of branding and hustled their asses off to do just that.

What are the last few words that you would like to leave with those that read this interview?
No one can stop you from accomplishing your dreams but you so don’t fall prey to the negativity. When you’re trying to uplift yourself there will always be somebody trying to bring you down so let the haters be your motivators. Hugs and kisses to all the people who support me and my work!! Much love.

What did you think of the books Bitch and Bitch Reloaded? Do you think Precious is the one that holds it down? Send us your comments and you may win a copy of The Bitch is Back!

Heather Elitou- Interviewer

Book Review- Sistah For Sale

Author: Miasha

Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Touchstone

Pub. Date: March 4, 2008
ISBN-10: 1416553371

Miasha is back with yet another gripping and controversial tale with her trademark twist of money, power, and respect.

Sienna at a very young age is traumatized when she witnesses the murder of her father, and her mother is taken away and sent to the Dominican Republic. With no parents, she is raised by her father’s business friend, Chatman who not only gives her the best in life but he also prepares her to manage her own well being in the sex slave trade making her a Sistah for Sale.

Sienna is not alone in the business of sex because her best and closest friend Ryan is on the come up as well, possibly, the man to inherit Chatman’s herd.

Sienna and Ryan became very close...too close. Sienna and Ryan begin to fall in love and being in love with Chatman’s men could mean destruction to Sienna.

When a secret is revealed that turns her admiration for Chatman into disdain, all hell breaks loose and Sienna is looking at having to start at square one.

Will she lose Ryan forever? Will she ever break free of Chatman’s hold? One will never know until they read the book.

What is interesting about Sistah for Sale is that the author has stepped out of the ghetto and into a world that most people are not familiar with. The sex hade is a very big business inside the U.S. and is growing rapidly. There are many women who will do anything to become U.S. citizens including selling themselves for sex. Although Miasha did a great job on making people aware of the world of slave trade, more research on the culture of the people she wrote about would have made the story extraordinary. Nevertheless Miasha continues to be a breath of fresh air and steps up the game in the literary world.

All About the Writing Diva

Miasha has definitely changed the game in publishing. In just two short years, Miasha has had success in all four books that she has released and she is ready to drop the sequel to her Platinum selling debut, Secret Society titled Never Enough. Her marketing campaign has reached new heights for authors. She has not only tagged to streets with her images, she has created a virtual website that includes a reality show, "A Day in the Life of a Boss."
For a first time author, Miasha had proven that she has what it takes to grab the attention of not just her dedicated readers but also major magazines, making their top list and iMAG’s Go Getter of the year.
What makes her books part of the literary buzz is that although she has very interesting twists to her stories, she feels it’s her duty to make people aware of what takes place in a society which is rarely discussed.
As a mentor, she has created the Ask Miasha Foundation which was inspired by the addage, "closed mouths don’t get fed." It is an opportunity for people to ask her questions on life, love, publishing, education, and much much more. One of Miasha’s protégés is the 13 year old author Tweety Elitou who was in inspired by Miasha’s never give up and always shoots for the stars attitude.

We sat down with Miasha and talked to her about her latest endeavors and being considered The Literary Diva.

Miasha, it is always good to see you.

You as well.

Your name is everywhere and you are doing everything. Tell us about what you have been up to since Diary of a Mistress.

Well, Diary of a Mistress has made the Essence Best Sellers List.

Congrats.

Thank you. Mommy's Angels, went very well and of course the anthology Diamond Playgirls was recently released and now Sistah for Sale is on the shelves. I am gearing up for the release of Secret Society Two: Never Enough which is the follow up to Secret Society and I am also getting ready for the play, Secret Society. I have also played host to several events.

How does it feel to be on the Essence Best Sellers List?

It is great! I wanted that to be one of my achievements but I was not sure how that was going to happen. I knew that it was a lot of people's claim to fame, but I was not sure how to do it. I made the list at my own merit which made it feel even better.

How did you get in the anthology Diamond Playgirls.

Well, my mentor Karen E. Quinones Miller, the person who inspired me from the beginning came up with the idea. She had me in mind as one of the characters. I was glad to do it.

What has been the response so far?

The response has been very good. We were not able to do as much promotion as we wanted to because we were wrapped up in other promotions but we sold 19,000 copies in one month!

Tell us about Sistah for Sale.

The book is about an orphan who witnessed her father's murder, her mother's deportation, and she is being marketed in the sex trade. She thinks that the only way that she can get out of it is to buy her freedom. She becomes one of the highest paid girls because she learns many languages and cultures, but her owner is not ready to give her up.

How much of your books are related to politics?

Most of my books become political because of what is going on in our society. There is a lot going on that people are not even aware of and since I am an entertainer I see it as my duty to make readers aware of what is going on through my books.

Each of your books are written about different topics. Does it make it hard to market your book? Does it make it hard to keep the same readers or do you gain new ones each time?
I don't think that it makes it hard to keep my fans but it makes it possible to get new readers. The people that read my first book and absolutely loved it then go out and get the second one, etc. People have so far expressed that they love my work because I have proven that I can write and not about the same thing time and again. They can expect to be surprised.

People have said that you have changed the game in the publishing industry with your marketing and promoting. How do you feel about that?

I am glad that it is being noticed (lol). My husband (Rich) jokes and says that I am like the Jay-Z of the book industry, but this is really who I am. Rich and I both like flashy things and we have been blessed because we were not born with silver spoons in our mouths. We like to show our blessings and we wanted to bring it into the industry.

What do you feel about those that are following in your footsteps or "biters"?

I tend not to look at it that way. I think that it is good because it means that they liked it, I made a statement and I have created a trend. I see nothing wrong with being a trendsetter. I hope that what I put out works for others and they too share their blessings.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see retirement-- that doesn't mean that I won't write anymore because that is what I love to do, but I won't have to do it. I see production work in film, theatre or television. I want to take the book industry to different heights.

Tell us about the play Secret Society.

The play will actually be the release for Secret Society Two: Never Enough. The play will only be in Philly (so far). That gives people the opportunity to see the play live and then they will be able to take the book home and read what happens in part two.

Tell us about AskMiasha.com.

AskMiasha.com is my foundation that was created in order to get close to the youth that are in need of mentoring. I had previously set it up with my first website where people would email me their questions, and it has grown from that. We had our first event, "Get Fresh, Get Knowledge" in September, 2007 so that young people that were going to school could get a free haircut and school supplies. I am putting together an anthology for young women.

What is something that you would like to leave with people that are interested in publishing?

Well, so many people come to me and say that they want to write a book and I say, you have to write the book. Once it is written, then send it to as many people that you can get to read it, and be sure to build a buzz around that project. Know your angle with your book and be sure to promote the best way that you can and go the extra mile. You can't wait for the royalties to roll in, you have to sell the book. Be unique so that people will remember you.

Be sure to visit Miasha's website for all information on the Literary Diva...

Heather Elitou- Interviewer and Reviewer

Book Review- Sexcapades

Author: Honey B.

Hardcover: 288 pages

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Pub. Date: March 12, 2008

ISBN-13: 978-0446582285

Price: $20.00

Steamy from the first page, Sexcapades waste no time heating things up. The story is about an on again off again couple who are mixing business with pleasure and everything in between. They are educated in the corporate world but reckless in life. Nick and Natalie are two very highly motivated sexually driven, power hungry, stubborn people who declare all out war on each other in competition for a promotion as a CEO at their corporate job.

They and their swinging buddies are on the edge of things that they think they know and what is truly going on. Flint, their boss, who suffers from haunted memories of sexual abuse by his father-in-law and wife, is engaged in playing with Nick and Natalies’ minds in hopes that just maybe he can get into their sensual circle of contradictions. Can he possibly keep up with this wild couple? Or will he destroy them? Could he possibly face jail time for his sexcapades?

Sexcapades delivers just that (sex) because on each page it is drenched in sex and schemes. Honey B sure gets into the anatomy of the human body and takes you on a journey of high and low temperatures. There are times when it can become a little too "schooling" but overall it is a great read. If you have lost your mojo I think you can find it in this book just in time for the summer. It is going to be a hot spring and even hotter summer when you read this book! Guaranteed you will feel a twitch her or there as you read the sex drenched pages of Sexcapades.

Have you ever experienced a wild sexcapade? Tell us about it and get a free copy of this book!!!

Aalim Elitou- Reviewer

Book Review- H.O.T.E.L.

Title: H.O.T.E.L.
Author: Brian M.W.
Publisher: Lulu.com
Price: $27.00 Hardcover
ISBN: Not located in book

Some movies have you on the edge of you seat wanting more… you just can’t stop looking… you want to know what happens next and you won’t be satisfied until you see it to the end. Well, there are books that have you turning from page to page. You just can't get enough. One of those books is H.O.T.E.L by Brian M.W.

H.O.T.E.L stands for Hunt, Observe, Track, Eliminate, and Learn. These are rules that every hunter must follow if they are to come out of the hunt victorious. These are the same rules that Jason Hastor who is a billionaire follows, but Jason is also insane and money plus insanity equals a whole lot of trouble.

Jason is haunted by the fact that his father picked the hunt over his family and he decides to follow in the footsteps of his father to see what is so special about the hunt. What could possibly have a man forget those that mean the most...his family? Unfortunately, he thinks that in order to get that answer he has to hunt the most dangerous prey of all, MAN! So he builds a hotel that will help him on this insane journey of murder and mayhem to get answers.

Derrick and Jacky Johnson decide to go on a much-needed vacation. Derrick is trying to get his creative juices flowing for a book he’s writing and Jacky wants to go to see if she can resist the temptation of sleeping with the smooth and mysterious Mr.Hastor. They think that they have picked the vaction spot not realizing that Jason has picked them and a few others to see if they are worthy of the hunt. Are they worthy of dying by his hands?

I know the setting and mood sounds familiar, but I think that this author really put his mark on it. His word play is very clever and he patiently started to build the story from beginning to middle and finally to a very interesting end. At first my impression from the beginning was that it was a little boring but after completing it, he was getting somewhere with all of his explainations.

The author claims to be the first black author to reach the status of Steven King, Dean Koontz and many others that are famous for their horrifying lessons in life... I will wait to see if that is true. Thus far he is definitely on his way.

Agasa Elitou- Reviewer

Book Review- Rap-Up

Title: Rap- Up: the Ultimate Guide to Hip-Hop and R&B
Author: Cameron & Devin Lazerine
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Pub. Date: 2/28/08
Price: $16.00
ISBN: 978-0-446-17820-4

Rap has taken the world by storm no doubt. Since its debut in the late 70's (early 80's) it has captured the imagination of children and adults alike. Many adults today in their middle ages are children of the first generation of rap. In Philadelphia, PA African American mayor Michael Nutter was once known as “DJ Mixmaster Mike” during his mixing and scratching days. Therefore, hip hop has long before come out of boom boxes and dance clubs in the hood; it is now in the world of politics.

Hip Hop has become the music that fuels the nations as of recent years. It is used in every aspect of the media and it has far reached outside of the hood. It has crossed the seas and touched others across the world. Hip hop has become a movement!

The style of music that was once considered a passing fad has been going more than 20 years strong, diving into the world of business. For most, Rap music has been positive in the lives of the youth with more than just dance moves. B-boys and B-girls have become entrepreneurs creating brand names bringing in millions of dollars. From food to fashion, major corporations have been more than pleased with the revenue that they have received from advertising with hip-hop.

Hip hop has also been a reason to stop and think about society as it grows and changes every day. Many think that crime of the inner cities is connected to hip hop, but it no longer resides in this heavy populated area. Loud beats, baggy jeans, and gun crimes are now reaching the suburbs causing specialists to dig deep into the understanding of the music and how it affects people’s way of thinking because the rebellious lyrics just may be a cause for alarm.

Rap-Up, written by the Cameron & Devin Lazerine who are also the creators of Rap-Up Magazine endeavors to give us an overview of the hip-hop movement. It is an informative book that gives you the history behind your favorite artists yesterday and today. Learn how:

L.L. Cool J got his start
Run DMC connects with Def Jam
Salt-N-Pepa became female icons
And much more

The Lazerine brothers gradually bring us from yesterday into the future with the scoop on Jay-Z, Beenie Seigel, Eve and 50 cent.
Although this book keeps you very informed of the artists and their contributions to hip-hop, it fell short in giving us the culture of hip-hop which is the very essence that makes it the phenomenon that has taken over the music industry.

For those of you who are looking to learn some of the methods of the big players in the game there is plenty of information on how each artists brought something unique to the table and changed certain ways of doing things for the better. Learn from the pros and build your own plan to succeed in the Rap Game.

related articles Who is the Grandfather of Hip Hop?

Aalim Elitou- Reviewer

Literary Review- Passin'

Title: Passin’
Author: Karen E. Quinones Miller
Publisher: Grand Central publishing
Publishing Date: 2/15/08
Price: $13.99
ISBN: 0-446-69605-6

If you are looking for your average run of the mill boy meets girl book, then Passin’ is not the book to read. Passin’ is one of the most controversial books written by Karen E. Quinones Miller thus far. You can expect a lot of talk around the topic of this book. This story has color that goes beyond the issue of black and white.

Shanika Ann Jenkins is so light that she is often mistaken for a Caucasian. The family tradition of only marrying those of light skin and good hair are passed down to Shanika giving her blue eyes and blond hair as well. She is very proud of her African American heritage and quick to put anyone who doubts that she is African American in their place—until she applies for a job in New York.

What is she to do when she could get the job of her life but they are only looking to hire a white woman? Does she pass for white? This is what she has to ponder when she interviews at Paxon & Green PR firm.
The company is looking to hire someone that is African American—but they have to look African American (dark skin, thick hair, etc.). But what if she decides to fill out the application and say that she is white?

Life begins to take on a new meaning the moment that she makes her decision causing her to meet new people in high places—Shanika is living the life! One of the highlights of her new found life is meeting Tyrone, who she falls in love with. Things are going great until tragedy strikes and she is forced to reveal her secret life to him and his family. Shanika is now forced to look at herself and realize that life is better lived in truth and that the deeper you live within your lie, the harder it is to climb out of it. Would it be easier to just say that she is black? It may sound easier than it really is.

Will changing her identity be a mistake? Will she lose the love and trust of her mother and brother? What happens when she runs into a family member on the street? How long will she live the lie?

This book is definitely a must read! There is not a lot of drama but the novel is not slow. A lot of interesting questions came to mind as I was reading such as:
* What would be the reaction of white readers to know that some blacks pass for white?
* How often do people pass in society and for how long and why?

Thank you Karen for such a great book and I hope that there is a part 2!

Question: Is it ever legitimate to pass? Do you think that passin’ shows a lack of cultural pride? I look forward to your response in the comment block…

Agasa Elitou- Reviewer

Literary Review- Keeping Misery Company

Author: Michelle Larks
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
Cost: $14.95
Pages: 358
ISBN: 978-1-60162-948-7



Old secrets, lies, drama, and faith are put into one book called Keeping Misery Company by Michelle Larks. Michelle takes you into the lives of an ordinary looking Christian family and demonstrates just how out of order they are but the power of faith keeps them together.

Ruth Wilcox is the daughter of Chicago minister, Reverend Isaiah Clayton and Queen Esther, a wife to Daniel Wilcox, a mother, and grandmother. Ruth grew up knowing one world and that was the church. She looked up to her mother and father and only went against their wishes once and that’s when she married Daniel who was a bus driver and a player.

Daniel thought that he could mold Ruth into the woman that he wanted her to be and it didn’t hurt that church girls were supposed to be freaks in bed. However, Daniel married a minister’s daughter who was not your average church girl. Ruth is a woman who had family values and believes in being righteous everyday. Daniel’s main issue with Ruth was that she seemed to be more involved with their children than their fastly dwindling relationship. Ruth cooked and cleaned for her husband, but she didn’t do what he wanted the most and that was to spend time with him in and out of the bed.

Ruth and Daniel begin to sleep in separate rooms and live separate lives. Ruth feels like the marriage could be repaired but Daniel thinks that it’s just too late, especially when he meets Lenora, a young sexy lady that fulfills Daniel needs and desires.

After an emotional divorce Ruth has to look towards her faith and move on with her life but that is not as easy as it sounds because old secrets within the family begin to surface and Ruth is left to repair everyone’s faith, thus Keeping Misery Company.

I think that this book was well written and it definitely shows that there is good and bad in family relationships. The one thing that bothered me as a reader is in the beginning, Ruth knows that she is the main cause to her husband staying out late and his infidelity because she admits to letting go of her looks and paying more attention to the kids.
Daniel asked her on plenty of occasions to spend time with him. Ruth promised that when their youngest child went to college that she would make that commitment but she did not follow through leaving Daniel no other choice but to feel that he has to get the attention from elsewhere.

Why is he considered the bad guy for asking for what he wants from his wife? Was he or was he not deserving of the attention that he wanted from Ruth? Wouldn’t a woman ask for the same thing and expect to receive it?
Daniel did do some dumb things but I don’t think he should have been made out to be a bad person throughout the story. If Ruth had been performing her wifely duties then Daniel wouldn’t have left.

Check out the book and tell me what you think…

Agasa Elitou- Book Reviewer

The New Bonnie and Clyde Learn the Art of Cheating

The new Bonnie and Clyde darlings (named by Philly police) of credit card and fraudulent identity theft have made international news with their recent arrest after stealing a great deal (close to $100,000) of money from their neighbors who live in the upscale condominium complex in Philadelphia, PA.

How did they do it?
According to investigators, Jocelyn Kirsch, 22, a Drexel University student and Edward Anderton, 25, a University of Pennsylvania graduate, obtained most of the mailbox and door keys of their neighbors. That allegedly allowed them to get personal information and steal their neighbors' identities. Police said they don't know how the couple was able to obtain all of the keys to the mailboxes and condo units. "What they may have done with the keys is maybe enter and place that software on unknowing parties computers, and then wait to recoup whatever information they could from that software," Sweeney said.

They were living the high life. They vacationed in Europe, the Caribbean and North America.
But police said their high living was financed with other people's money -- that of several of their neighbors at the upscale Belgravia Condos in Center City.

"These are two young people who have been given substantial gifts in life," said Philadelphia police Detective Terry Sweeney. "They're like a parasite that infested themselves in the building and then, basically, spread throughout the building," Sweeney said.

Authorities became aware of the alleged operation which they said had been on-going for about a year when a woman in the condo building was called by a UPS store about a package she said she didn't ordered. When Anderton and Kirsch came to pick it up, the police were waiting.

Police confiscated real and fake drivers' licenses, credit cards, nearly $18,000 in cash, ID-making machines, a book titled 'The Art of Cheating' and software that can be used to get information from a computer.

They were arrested on some charges and released on bail but are expected to face additional counts soon. But there is more bad news for the couple. It appears they're the focus of multiple federal investigations as well.

The most interesting thing about this story for iMAG was that the book, “The Art of Cheating” came across our desk in October for review. This little book has ways of cheating listed from how to fake an orgasm, cheating on a diet, getting away with perjury, calling in sick at work, getting away with tax fraud, getting away with office theft, and getting out of paying your way.

What would make a person write such a book?
Well according to the author, Jessica Dorfman Jones, “Whether we want to admit it or not cheating is an inescapable part of the human condition.” And although most may agree, others feel that her book contributes to the weakened society that is built on “fake it till you make it” and “good guys finish last”. Whether it be your career or just finish first in a contest, this little book is suppose to assist you in being the best in cheating that you will ever be. There are many people that are looking for ways to get the upper hand because of the benefits that await those that get to the top.

Who would buy this book?
That would depend on the individual. From employee to employer; student to teacher; if a person is looking to lie and connive their way to the top then this book is a great how-to guide. If a person is looking for the best way to get out of work then they will purchase the book for the best schemes but keep in mind that the boss may be reading it also. The book becomes valuable to not only the con but also the one that is the possible victim because they are ahead of the game.

Is the author condoning cheating?
From the title you would think that the author is praising the art of cheating and to some point this writer would agree but it is very interesting to note that she has added a section for those who may be conned to look out for particular signs so that they would know when they are bait on a hook. In addition, there is a section within each chapter in which she gives you the downfall of the potential crime which should make a person think before they commit to their plans and “Would I Lie” tells of cheaters who were caught and the consequences of their actions. Therefore it is truly hard to determine if she is on the side of the criminal or the victim, but one thing is for sure and that the person reading this book has an option and they will come out a either a great asset to society or a menace.

Overall, this book will certainly bring awareness to everyone who reads it just ask the new Bonnie and Clyde of the 21st century, and karma is definitely a kick in the ass.

What do you think of the book? Do you think that a book on cheating is wrong? Do you think that the book is a benefit or a curse? Share your thoughts...

Heather Elitou- Reviewer