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The Holland Family Saga Part One: They Don't Mind Dying
They Don€™t Mind Dying€¦Those who reside there already know the saying. To everyone else€”welcome to New Orleans€”to be more specific€”welcome to the Ninth Ward. They Don€™t Mind Dying is an intense psychological thriller that chronicles in explicit detail, the inner workings of an inner city drug organization from its violent rise to power on through to its ultimate demise. Forced out of his home and onto the streets by his aunt at the age of fifteen, Ben Holland meets two youths, Manny and Oscar, who would change his life forever when they introduce him to a life of crime. They Don€™t Mind Dying tells the story of Ben Holland and how he and his friends rose to the top of the drug game and the violent lifestyle the gang€™s members had become accustomed to. When events within the organization begin to unravel the gang€™s solidarity, however, no amount of money in their possession, nor the police on the crew€™s payroll, could stop the wheels of re
- GenresUrban
378 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2012
370 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
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May 13, 2012Thug Life
Ben Holland his best friends, Manny and Oscar, live on the tough streets of New Orleans. They go from rags to riches while creating their own street family. While making more money than one can handle, the Holland family begins to feel the heat as they continue their journey to become the kingpins of New Orleans. Just when they think they will be able to walk away from this hostile lifestyle, many things change just that fast. Will the Holland family accomplish their main goal before it’s too late? Will the boys get just what they deserve – death or jail?
This novel contained more than I can handle, but I enjoyed reading every page. There were editing issues that need to be addressed but I didn’t let them deter me. I loved the way the author displayed some background details on each character to give the reader insight before beginning with the story. I did not like the ending too much as I was expecting more information regarding the main character but the ending did have a nice twist as I wait patiently for the sequel! Fantastic job, Clever Black!
Reviewed by: Tekisha
Ben Holland his best friends, Manny and Oscar, live on the tough streets of New Orleans. They go from rags to riches while creating their own street family. While making more money than one can handle, the Holland family begins to feel the heat as they continue their journey to become the kingpins of New Orleans. Just when they think they will be able to walk away from this hostile lifestyle, many things change just that fast. Will the Holland family accomplish their main goal before it’s too late? Will the boys get just what they deserve – death or jail?
This novel contained more than I can handle, but I enjoyed reading every page. There were editing issues that need to be addressed but I didn’t let them deter me. I loved the way the author displayed some background details on each character to give the reader insight before beginning with the story. I did not like the ending too much as I was expecting more information regarding the main character but the ending did have a nice twist as I wait patiently for the sequel! Fantastic job, Clever Black!
Reviewed by: Tekisha
May 3, 2015
I thought They Don't Mind Dying was a good intense novel revolving around Ben "Big Red" Holland's crew & their criminal behavior. I liked the fact I was able to follow the family's rise from rags to riches. The storyline was well written and descriptive with the character's lives as well as their illegal activities. Throughout the story, major players in the "family" met their demise or incarceration. It was good to see there was one who ended up with a positive outcome despite having experiencing trauma. Looking forward to reading the next part of this saga.
April 27, 2016
Damn!!
I was surprised by the ending of the story but I'm glad it's not over! I can't wait to read the rest of the saga.
I was surprised by the ending of the story but I'm glad it's not over! I can't wait to read the rest of the saga.
December 10, 2019
A Coming-of-Age Crime Story
This detailed narrative begins in the late eighties and spans several years. The backdrop is New Orleans where three reckless teens, Manny Lawson, Benjamin Holland, and Oscar Anderson come together, after deadly encounters, to form an alliance that will have deadly outcomes. The author brings multi-faceted and bona fide characters, expressive dialogue and dramatic settings. It’s a story that pulls no punches and exposes some shocking turns, secrets and lies, envy, deception, manipulation, betrayal, rape, and murder, which slowly builds up to an ending that will strike a chord: You are the company you keep. The story is relative today, where the lack of resources, failing schools, the proliferation of illegal drugs, and guns, police misdeeds, violence, and placing more value on material things that don’t provide a return for building genuine wealth to pass on to the future generation, can leave a community vulnerable and fighting for its survival. If you can get past the profanity and the incessant use of the N-word, you’ll gain a lot of insight as to what can happen when teens decide to follow the crowd: You will reap what you sow.
This detailed narrative begins in the late eighties and spans several years. The backdrop is New Orleans where three reckless teens, Manny Lawson, Benjamin Holland, and Oscar Anderson come together, after deadly encounters, to form an alliance that will have deadly outcomes. The author brings multi-faceted and bona fide characters, expressive dialogue and dramatic settings. It’s a story that pulls no punches and exposes some shocking turns, secrets and lies, envy, deception, manipulation, betrayal, rape, and murder, which slowly builds up to an ending that will strike a chord: You are the company you keep. The story is relative today, where the lack of resources, failing schools, the proliferation of illegal drugs, and guns, police misdeeds, violence, and placing more value on material things that don’t provide a return for building genuine wealth to pass on to the future generation, can leave a community vulnerable and fighting for its survival. If you can get past the profanity and the incessant use of the N-word, you’ll gain a lot of insight as to what can happen when teens decide to follow the crowd: You will reap what you sow.
July 19, 2022
what a ride!
Conflicted? The heart of Manny and Ben made me instantly fall in love 🥰. How the treated the kids 🕊in the 9th ward probably gave them the best childhood memories. And how the took care of Katrina lil Kk 🥰. But I see what you did there Mr. Black you sure are clever. Making us fall in love with these characters who it intern be the biggest and most ruthless criminals and there are. How can you hate criminals with a good heart. I just keep thinking the power and influence that Manny and Benjamin over those you had it been used for something positive I wonder which way their lives would have ended up. But that Fye.. honey you took me bake to childhood trauma. Y’all this book is not for the mentally weak. There are some serious triggers childhood trauma and other things that you may have to go and run and call your therapist after reading but I could not put this down!
Conflicted? The heart of Manny and Ben made me instantly fall in love 🥰. How the treated the kids 🕊in the 9th ward probably gave them the best childhood memories. And how the took care of Katrina lil Kk 🥰. But I see what you did there Mr. Black you sure are clever. Making us fall in love with these characters who it intern be the biggest and most ruthless criminals and there are. How can you hate criminals with a good heart. I just keep thinking the power and influence that Manny and Benjamin over those you had it been used for something positive I wonder which way their lives would have ended up. But that Fye.. honey you took me bake to childhood trauma. Y’all this book is not for the mentally weak. There are some serious triggers childhood trauma and other things that you may have to go and run and call your therapist after reading but I could not put this down!
October 22, 2020
Yes!
Oh my gosh. This book blew me away! I have had it on my kindle for years and just kept forgetting about it. I finally decided to open it up and it had me from page 1! It was so captivating and real it felt like I was watching the movie or actually experiencing with them. I wish i would have read it sooner. It is not very often that I give any book a 5 star rating. For 5 stars it has to be top of the line quality in every aspect... writing style, character development, plot development, editing/grammar, and most of all there has to be a deeper meaning (for me). This met all of that and more. I knew that Ben and Katrina would be special from their first introduction. I see there are quite a few more books that follow so hopefully they are just as good or better. Awesome job!
Oh my gosh. This book blew me away! I have had it on my kindle for years and just kept forgetting about it. I finally decided to open it up and it had me from page 1! It was so captivating and real it felt like I was watching the movie or actually experiencing with them. I wish i would have read it sooner. It is not very often that I give any book a 5 star rating. For 5 stars it has to be top of the line quality in every aspect... writing style, character development, plot development, editing/grammar, and most of all there has to be a deeper meaning (for me). This met all of that and more. I knew that Ben and Katrina would be special from their first introduction. I see there are quite a few more books that follow so hopefully they are just as good or better. Awesome job!
June 4, 2017
I am speechless
The book started out kind of slow and I almost gave up on the book. Then I thought I would just read this book and not read the series well I have changed my mind and moving on to book 2. This book has everything in it. I am not too happy about women being passed around but in reality it really happens. This is my first time reading a book from this author. As I was reading the book I am thinking to myself this had to have happened. I grew up during that era and I remember things like this happening. The book is really good. I went through all of the emotions while reading this book. Clever Black you are a great author!
The book started out kind of slow and I almost gave up on the book. Then I thought I would just read this book and not read the series well I have changed my mind and moving on to book 2. This book has everything in it. I am not too happy about women being passed around but in reality it really happens. This is my first time reading a book from this author. As I was reading the book I am thinking to myself this had to have happened. I grew up during that era and I remember things like this happening. The book is really good. I went through all of the emotions while reading this book. Clever Black you are a great author!
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February 14, 2021This was an older book that was recommended in a social group I am a member of. The timeline and pacing of plot confused me quite a bit. There seemed to be so much happening in a short period of time.
The story follows a group of friends during their rise to illegal fame. There were many murders, recklessness, low self-esteem, etc. It was a very dark book that remained dark to the very end.
This series is not for me, but with 13 additional books to follow, this may pique the interest of anyone looking for a lengthy series.
The story follows a group of friends during their rise to illegal fame. There were many murders, recklessness, low self-esteem, etc. It was a very dark book that remained dark to the very end.
This series is not for me, but with 13 additional books to follow, this may pique the interest of anyone looking for a lengthy series.
November 11, 2018
Very good read.
I like all of the twist and surprises. I also like the fact that the story starts as they are children and all the way to adult hood. You experience their start their ride and their fall. You really feel like you know the characters and how they love each other personality.
I like all of the twist and surprises. I also like the fact that the story starts as they are children and all the way to adult hood. You experience their start their ride and their fall. You really feel like you know the characters and how they love each other personality.
July 1, 2020
Magnum Opus
This is a fine contribution to history...fictions, or no, it’s written in Black dialogue, and rambles thru the hard times of ghetto life, and the situations that often propel youths into alternative lifestyles. It’s exciting, and sometimes seems to go on forever, but everything is (almost) resolved at the end.
This is a fine contribution to history...fictions, or no, it’s written in Black dialogue, and rambles thru the hard times of ghetto life, and the situations that often propel youths into alternative lifestyles. It’s exciting, and sometimes seems to go on forever, but everything is (almost) resolved at the end.
May 19, 2017
3.5
It started out slow for me until I was halfway through the book then it picked. Very detailed and straight to the point tho. I did however, enjoy the background of some of the characters and how he slowly developed them throughout the story.
It started out slow for me until I was halfway through the book then it picked. Very detailed and straight to the point tho. I did however, enjoy the background of some of the characters and how he slowly developed them throughout the story.
September 21, 2017
"Engrossing"
If you're into family sagas, then you'll commit to reading the whole thing. What I read, was well-written, and interesting enough, but I need a quick read these days, not a series that will take up a couple of weeks of my time.
If you're into family sagas, then you'll commit to reading the whole thing. What I read, was well-written, and interesting enough, but I need a quick read these days, not a series that will take up a couple of weeks of my time.
January 13, 2018
Hooked from the first chapter
This book was so good I can't hardly wait to read part two. I'm the type of reader you have to catch me in the first chapter. Definitely a page Turner ♥️
This book was so good I can't hardly wait to read part two. I'm the type of reader you have to catch me in the first chapter. Definitely a page Turner ♥️
February 15, 2019
Wow
This book was long as well but it was action all the way Thu. This book is worth reading. Just know that this first book took me 18 hours to read. But I think that it really took me 30! But overall this book is worth reading. Enjoy
This book was long as well but it was action all the way Thu. This book is worth reading. Just know that this first book took me 18 hours to read. But I think that it really took me 30! But overall this book is worth reading. Enjoy
February 27, 2019
Hood chronicles at its best! Three childhood friends coming up together in the same hood; making money and taking down ops by any means necessary; was cut short before they could retire rich. When revenge is best served cold, the only way to go is if you don't mind dyin'.
September 11, 2019
Clever Black tells a brilliant story
Not my usual reading material. They say a change is as good as a rest, and this book was good. Plenty of action, lots of violence.
Will out out for more Clever Black books.
Not my usual reading material. They say a change is as good as a rest, and this book was good. Plenty of action, lots of violence.
Will out out for more Clever Black books.
November 22, 2019
I literally loveeeee this book. I won’t spoil it for anyone but it’s definitely a must read. I have read everyone after this one as well. It was hard to start it but once I did it kept my attention the entire time.
June 6, 2017
Ok
This book was OK. It was kinda slow but it picked up at the end. I was shocked how Katrina and the girls were.
This book was OK. It was kinda slow but it picked up at the end. I was shocked how Katrina and the girls were.
July 19, 2017
Very good a page turner can't wait to read the next one !
Good a page turner recommended to any one who likes action drama this book has it all can't wait to read book 2
Good a page turner recommended to any one who likes action drama this book has it all can't wait to read book 2
September 26, 2017
I cried
Must read ....you will not be disappointed. For all the dope dealers out there be careful of who you befriend.
Must read ....you will not be disappointed. For all the dope dealers out there be careful of who you befriend.
March 12, 2018
This was a good, detailed read about all of the moving parts in this story from early childhood through to adulthood. I liked it. I just didn't love it.
May 28, 2018
Great READ
I absolutely this book! Getting ready to download the series and binge read the rest of the weekend. So glad I found this author
I absolutely this book! Getting ready to download the series and binge read the rest of the weekend. So glad I found this author
December 28, 2018
Excellent read..
One of the best books I've read in 20 years! I can't wait for part 2...I feel as though I know these characters...
One of the best books I've read in 20 years! I can't wait for part 2...I feel as though I know these characters...
October 29, 2019
YAAASSSSSSSS
NOW DAT WAS A BOOK JEEZ I CRIED I LAUGHED I TALKED SHIT, IM DEF GONNA CONTINUE THE SAGA!!!!!!!!!! BEST GANSTA BOOK I READ THIS YEAR.
NOW DAT WAS A BOOK JEEZ I CRIED I LAUGHED I TALKED SHIT, IM DEF GONNA CONTINUE THE SAGA!!!!!!!!!! BEST GANSTA BOOK I READ THIS YEAR.
March 15, 2020
Clever black
I first started ready this author in 2015. This series is about to be off the chain!! The Holland family!!
I first started ready this author in 2015. This series is about to be off the chain!! The Holland family!!
July 2, 2020
Awesome read
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June 24, 2021Great book
I love love love this book and I can't wait to read the next book.I already downloaded it and I'm settling in to read it now.
I love love love this book and I can't wait to read the next book.I already downloaded it and I'm settling in to read it now.
May 25, 2022
How Things Play Out!!!!!
I see I'm on a ride of a lifetime with this series, if book 1 was that deep, it ain't no telling how #2-13 gonna be....... Fantastic Read!!!!!
I see I'm on a ride of a lifetime with this series, if book 1 was that deep, it ain't no telling how #2-13 gonna be....... Fantastic Read!!!!!
May 11, 2024
The Singletons
This Is So Close 2 Alot I Know Just Maybe It's A Fairytale,But N My World This Based On Facts
This Is So Close 2 Alot I Know Just Maybe It's A Fairytale,But N My World This Based On Facts
September 11, 2025
Book was recommended from a friend, it was ok to much killing for me no real story, I might check out the rest of the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews