Queen Pin

by Jemeker Thompson-Hairston

Written with the New York Times bestselling author, David Ritz, Jemeker Thompson tells the gripping tale of succeeding financially in the drug game, but then, after a lengthy prison term, turned her life around to inspire others just like her.Jemeker Thompson-Hairston paid a heavy price for her involvement in the drug game. Learning from her sources of a federal investigation, Jemeker went on the run. It was love for her young son that brought her back to Los Angeles, even though she knew she would be arrested. A subsequent 15-year sentence would cost her not only her legitimate business and the fortune she'd amassed through the drug trade, but the most precious thing of time with her child. But not all was lost. Fortunately, while Thompson-Hairston was serving out the fifteen-year sentence, one pivotal moment helped her turn her life around, setting her on a path to help and inspire others like her. Now, in Queen Pin, written with New York Times bestselling author David Ritz, she reveals in gripping detail her journey of redemption that readers won't soon forget.

Genres: Memoir, African American, Nonfiction

211 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 4, 2010

Reviews

[Shani Greene-Dowdell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Queen Pin, A Memoir is an easy to read, true story that takes the reader through the rough beginning for Jemeker Thompson-Hairston as a little girl to the height of her drug-ring career as the "Queen Pin." She ran a drug ring that stretched through several different states that catapulted her to near stardom in the hood. In doing so, Jemeker Thompson-Hairston has been through and seen it all in her days of crime and living on top of the world, until she meets the ultimate betrayal in a man that she thought she could trust. I know, you can always bet on love to make things go right, or wrong!

After years of being on the rise and then on the run, one transaction puts her in the custody of the law and it is there that she finds her true purpose. Her purpose to use her experiences to help save others' from her plight.

President Obama said that everyone should write a book once they turn fifty to let the younger generations know what they have gone through and how their life's choices brought to them to the place that they are in life. Well, Jemeker Thompson-Hairston may not be fifty, but she has passed on a piece of herself in "Queen Pin," showing exactly what can and will happen if you choose to live a life of crime as she did and how you can rebound from it, still victorious.

The book loses one star from this reviewer, because I feel like it didn't go in depth with Jemeker's feelings and thoughts about the things that she has been through, which would be more beneficial to touch the hearts and spirits of troubled souls. With this being a memoir, I only got to scratch the surface of the issues that she faced in life by going through one-dimensional emotions.

I would still recommend this book for troubled young girls who are leading toward the justice system, so that they could see where their choices could lead them, or to anyone looking for a story that is a testament to how God/religion can change a person's life for the better.

Reviewed by Shani Greene-Dowdell
Author of Secrets of a Kept Woman

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was about Jemeker. When she was a kid, her family was evicted, they had lived in a house with no water, and one day she suggested to her mom they live with their grandma, so they did. After they got there she didn’t want to be there anymore. Her grandma made her call her madam, yelled, and hit them a lot. As Jemeker became a teenager she had gotten into some bad things and not soon after started dealing drugs. Gotten married. Had a son. Her husband and her were very successful, but soon after, he was murdered. Now she was faced with ruling the streets with a stronger hand, which is why she got the nickname Queen Pin. Later, a man named Cheez had snitched. She went into hiding for a while. She went to go see her son Anthony at his graduation, but was arrested. During her 12 year sentence to prison, she had found God and was now spreading the word and helping others. After she had gotten out, she went on to talk about her experiences, spread the word of God, written a book, and found peace.
Personally, I couldn’t connect with any of the characters. I have never done or sold drugs. I’m basically the definition of a good girl. But even though I haven’t done any of those things, I have felt pain. And so have they. It’s one of the few things everyone has in common. Whether it be physically or mentally. Jemeker had a lot more pain than me, but I can understand some of her inner battles. I also found no connections with any other book, because I haven’t read any memoirs before this, and I’m just starting to read more books meant for adults. This book reminds me of some current drug issues we are having in today’s world. This story started in the 1980’s, but there are still big time drug dealers out there. I believe that this story will always be relevant because there is no sign of the drug distribution slowing down.
I really liked this book because it was so raw. There were no watered down parts and it was straight up. My favorite part would’ve been when Jemeker decides to risk getting caught by the F.B.I to go to Anthony, her son's, sixth grade graduation. To me it represents her unconditional love for Anthony. Jemeker Thompson-Hairston did very well on this book. She did an amazing job on getting the reader to feel what she was feeling in the moment and I could really picture what she was telling us. I think she could’ve done better with getting into more detail, but I can understand why she wouldn’t because it’s a true story and it must’ve been hard to write about it. Plus, it was so many years ago that she probably couldn’t remember ever sentence. But, I would recommend this book to other people. It’s very interesting and will leave you with a lot to think about.

[Julie Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review was first posted on my blog: http://jewelknits.blogspot.com/2010/0...

My Take: It's always been interesting to me to see how people choose to live their lives and to figure out what makes people take a certain path.

This book attempts to describe the life of someone who finds herself drawn into the world of drugs and money. NOT because she had no other choice, but because she was vain and money-hungry, really.

I felt no sympathy at all for her - she chose to live a certain life, and even when that voice inside was telling her to quit, she kept doing it. And she paid a heavy price for it. losing the rest of her son's growing up years in prison.

Although this seems as though it could have been a great memoir, it was all surface to me. There was not enough detail to make anyone seem drawn to life, even though it is an autobiography. The writing was rather detached and clinical, and, as such, I felt as though I were reading a newspaper account. There is no real lesson in the book either. No real moralizing on how wrong the path taken was, no real true-blue shaking of the faith, either. For me, this was a dry, rather lackluster account of snippets of someone's life that somehow didn't seem very cohesive or tied together.

A friend of mine, on the other hand, LOVED this book and blew through it, giving it back to me the day after I gave it to her.

This is why I say that my rating system is based on my OWN enjoyment of a book. What's good for one may not be as good for the next reader. Maybe it's because most memoirs (with exceptions, most notably "Southie") all feel to me as though the person narrating is not actually the person who lived that life (in this case, with ghost writers, it's true).

QUOTES:

Soon as it was over, Muh'Dear pulled me aside. "Don't you ever speak out against family, Meechee." She looked me in my eyes and said, "Friends come and go but your family is forever, You don't go against your family, no matter what."

"Remember me?" I asked, tapping her on the shoulder. From the look on her face, I didn't think she did. But it didn't matter. I knew who she was and as I threw the first punch I let her know who I was. I was Daff's wife.

I could and would be the queen of anything I set my mind to

[Isabel Sylvia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I initially wanted to like this book but upon reading didn’t realise there would be such a religious undertone towards the end of the book. I can understand that the author has found god but there is a fine line between speaking of your faith/how it inspired you and ramming Christianity down People’s throats.
There’s a few self righteous/things said in the book that you’ll be like “lol ok love” as she does often think of herself as a threat to other women which I didn’t really find all that empowering but can understand this was published in 2010? And I am reading in 2023 where I guess we’re more aware of internalised misogyny (author talks of beating another woman because she saw her with “her” man - that woman holds no loyalty to you, take it up with your man who has a commitment to you)
Quick read, wish it wasn’t as self serving/Jesus is the answer. Picked up the book after watching a documentary with the author in it. I’m hoping in time author has realised other women are not your competition and that tearing other women down doesn’t make you stronger. I was unsure if her describing how expensive her outfits throughout the book were was meant to give us an idea of her success or to brag?
Author did everything for herself/material items and ultimately failed her son. I don’t know how someone could say they love their son while failing them so horribly, and for what? A Gucci bag? A closet full of Louis Vuitton? J is incredibly selfish and abrasive and I find it hard to rationalise hurting other women because your man cheats. I do not feel as though J has much respect for herself after reading.

[James Malone · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had searched for this book for years. It was literally the second book I ever put on my 'want-to-read' list. I was overjoyed I finally came across it on Hoopla (Thanks, SF Public Library System). However... this book is a paint-by-numbers crime drama. It's not bad, but also nowhere close to the quality or detail of some of the better crime autobiographies. I'd call it a survey course in Jemeker Thompson-Hairston, with a highly predictable ending. I might be able to argue that the lack of details or specific tales are a result of Thompson-Hairston's street "code" (no snitches) but it also left me disinterested. I finished the book and really just perused the last 3 chapters or so after the literal "come to Jesus" moment. I've read it dozens of times before. This book won't lead to Goodfellas, but it will make a good 15-minute segment on an E! true crime documentary. It's perfectly average.

[sai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot explain how much I enjoyed reading this memoir. I had originally watched an episode from a series that was narrated by Jemeker Thompson and even seeing it visually didn’t do as much justice as this written life story. The entire time I felt as if I was right on side of her through her trials and tribulations, I felt the revelation everytime she was faced with a test and gave it to God. I highlighted so many scriptures, so many quotes and took some of the best notes. Such a great read :).

[Kimberly Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot I read this book Jemeker is ruthless and she goes to jail, and her husband who sold drugs with her gets kill. They son Anthony did not know about the family business. She get arrested at her son graduation and serve time for over 14 years. Jemeker was a killer and her ex snitch on her , and In jail she found God and now she is a minister and help ex cons

[Keely Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story

I immediately bought this book after learning about Jemeker Thompson on a Netflix series. Her book did not disappoint, I wish she would have added more details (I felt like the book was rushed a little, or maybe I didn’t want it to end.) I finished it in a day, would highly recommend!!!

[Cory Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The true test of a person is when you face adversity. You have two directions you can go. The right direction or the wrong direction. Jemeker chose to go in the right direction and change her life for the good. From Queen Pin to Evangelist she’s now adding value to people when she once took it.

[valarie howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

Such a page turner. Her story shows that God can change anybody and use them for His honor and glory!! A very inspiring testimony, Jemeker!

[Trinese Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!!

I loveeee the book!!.Sooo Proud of her!,I wish her nothing but new found success and May God continue to bless her!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading a memoir about someone from South Central LA. Jemekers life story is interesting, and I'm glad she found the Lord and turned her life around.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was about a little girl and how she came up to be a big drug dealer. The main character was Jemeker Thompson. As a little girl her family was kicked out of there home. So her mom had sent her down south with some family. She also found her first boyfriend there when she was eight and he was in his twenties. One connection i had with her is the traveling when i was younger i went to Chicago a lot for family. What i liked about the book is that it was about true story so i was able to imagine everything in my head. I would recommend this book because the author has a good way of ending chapters and i would recommend this book to people who don’t like long books or short books because it is kind of in between. I think the book was great overall.

[OOSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step-by-Step

At the tender age of eight, Jemeker experiences what it’s like to be homeless, helpless and the fear of the unknown. Unable to deal with her family’s instability, she is shipped off to Mississippi, where she learns a thing or two about family, loyalty and security. When country living becomes too small for her, Jemeker finds her way back west to California, where she’s older and ready to take on life.

When Daff, a humble hustler, crosses her path, he introduces her to a more lucrative lifestyle. With Daff in her life, money is no longer an issue and whatever she wants she can have as the sky is now the limit. A chance to grow their family business, Jemeker puts them on the track to the big leagues.

Tragedy strikes and Jemeker is forced to go at it alone. As she continues to shine, she is becoming more business savvy and gaining more notoriety both locally and nationally. As she enjoys frequent flyer miles, knowledge, shopping abroad and bigger business ventures, she soon discovers that just because you’re on top, doesn’t mean you won’t someday fall.

‘Queen Pin A Memoir’ is a prevailing story about one woman’s miraculous journey. With a 13-year prison sentence, Jemeker, a convicted drug dealer, details her relationship with God and how it came to be. I really appreciate the way the story grows. It‘s a quick and easy read, that I pray will be received by others.

It’s nothing like turning on the light (Jesus) after being in the dark for so long.

Reviewed by: Crystal

[Nascha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queen Pin should be a movie! I give this short little tome 5 stars because Jemeker Thompson-Hairston told the story of her life as a gangster and now a reformed minister. Engrossing from beginning to end, Ms. Thompson-Hairston really shares what life is like behind the scenes during the now famous 1980s crack/cocaine era. She was one of the best to ever do it and had it all but lost so much during her reign---her husband, Daff, and later her freedom when she served 12 years in prison.

Jemeker Thompson-Hairston does not shy away from the harsh truths and realities of her former life and shares openly her dramatic and religious transformation. I first learned of the author from the A&E series, America's Most Evil, and was fascinated by her story. This memoir picks up where the documentary show left off and really gives a more thorough glimpse of the lifestyle that Jemeker led and her transformation into a Christian.

For Christians like myself, who love to read and enjoy a good gangster book or film every now and then, this book addresses both worlds. The only thing the book is missing are pictures. I would have loved to see pictures of Jemeker high stepping it back in the day. Still, I highly recommend it and would love it if the book were made into a film.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

From My Blog...[return][return]Queen Pin by Jemeker Thompson-Hairston is the true story of Jemeker “Queen Pin” Thompson-Hairston’s life. Queen Pin is not the average memoir but rather a story of how Jemeker went from a homeless child to running one of the largest drug cartels in the 80s and 90s. The narrative begins with Jemeker trying to evade capture by the Feds; yet desperate to see her son’s 6th grade graduation, she ends up being captured. Jemeker then takes the reader back to her childhood and the paths, which lead to her becoming “Queen Pin”, and subsequently being arrested and doing time in federal penitentiaries where her life changed around and Jemeker became an evangelist. Queen Pin is a fast paced book filled with raw emotion and descriptions and the path one woman’s life took from living in a motel to running a drug cartel to becoming an evangelist. Queen Pin is a memoir that I would recommend to adults only and those who do not mind reading about life with drugs as well as God.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by Jemeker’s queen pin status and what led her to that title. I couldn’t put this book down—her retelling of her childhood and her desire to give her son a better life was both refreshing and endearing. However, midway through the memoir, the shifts between past and future became confusing, almost as if the storytelling was rushed. The final section focused heavily on her relationships, but I would have liked a deeper exploration of what it was like to navigate such a dangerous, male-dominated criminal world—beyond just her hair business and personal life. One part that stood out to me was when she described dreaming for the first time in years after being arrested in front of her son. This book had a lot of potential, but I feel its impact was diminished because she seemed to hold back details of her queen pin experience, possibly due to her strong Christian faith now. That said, I’d definitely read another memoir by her.

[Josh Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This felt like more of an overview than anything. It briefly touched on everything which was annoying. I picked it up because the idea of a female being successful in a typically male space sounded interesting but for the most part all she talked about was the guys she dated.

I guess that's what I get for coming in with expectations. I thought this would be an in-depth memoir where she talked about kicking a guy off a bridge for stealing from her or a shootout while going to pickup product. I made it 60% of the way through while waiting for the excitement to begin but by then I was just pushing to finish it since it was such a short read.

The writing wasn't terrible and the idea behind it is decent but if it had been three times as long and went into the inner workings of her business transactions I'd probably like it more.

[Victoria (hotcocoaandbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jemeker tells about her life and how she got involved with drug dealing, starting with weed and running a top cocaine business. Through all of her gain of material possessions, she also lost a lot. However, she tells how her life got turned around through giving her life to Jesus Christ. This famous notorious drug dealer is now helping many change their lives instead of helping them ruin their lives. It was good. I read it in about 2 and a half hours.

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just finished this book. Really easy read. Read it in two days. Interesting but really felt like just a list of what happened in this womans life. By the time she got arrested, I was not even sure what she was doing that was bad since she told her story so far removed from what was actually going on.

[Freda Mans-Labianca · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great memoir, though not everyone will be able to handle the content. It's a very graphic and violent look into the world of drug dealing.
Though Jemeker finds God, it seems to be after she got caught. I have to wonder how long it will last now she is back in society. Praise the Lord if she stays with her faith, and heaven help her if she falls back into the game.

[Cicely · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. It did not drag. The author knew what she wanted to say & kept it moving.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, it was interesting..

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about God's redemption from a woman who was a major drug dealer. Awesome story!

[Veronica Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

God is awesome


I enjoyed the book, from the first page till the last. Going to jail saved her life. And in return she's touching so many life's. All for God's glory.

[Annie Otis · Rating 5 out of 5]

True story. I really enjoyed this book; like the fact that she stayed true to herself, didn't tell on people, just did her time and then turned her life around.

[JoAlice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Checked out this book yesterday. Finished it in less than 12 hours. Worth the read. Loved it.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned of her watching a show on Discovery ID. How she turned her life around is wonderful.