Sister Sister

by Eric Jerome Dickey

BY Dickey, Eric Jerome ( Author ) [{ Chasing Destiny By Dickey, Eric Jerome ( Author ) Apr - 01- 2007 ( Paperback ) } ]

Genres: Fiction, African American, Romance, Urban, Adult, Audiobook, Erotica

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Eric Jerome Dickey was born in Memphis, Tennessee and attended the University of Memphis (the former Memphis State), where he earned his degree in Computer System Technology. In 1983, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in engineering.

After landing a job in the aerospace industry as a software developer, Eric Jerome Dickey's artistic talents surfaced, inspiring him to become an actor and a stand-up comedian. Yet Eric quickly found out that writing was something he could do and do well. From creative writing classes to avidly consuming the works of his favorite authors, Eric Jerome Dickey began to shape a writing career of his own. Having written several scripts for his personal comedy act, he started writing poetry and short stories. "The film work gave me insight into character development, the acting classes helped me understand motivation...All of it goes hand in hand," Eric explains. He joined the IBWA (International Black Writers and Artists), participated in their development workshops, and became a recipient of the IBWA SEED Scholarship to attend UCLA's Creative Writing classes. In 1994 his first published short story, "Thirteen," appeared in the IBWA's River Crossing: Voices of the Diaspora-An Anthology of the International Black Experience. A second short story, "Days Gone By," was published in the magazine A Place to Enter.

With those successes behind him, Eric Jerome Dickey decided to fine-tune some of his earlier work and developed a screenplay called "Cappuccino." "Cappuccino" was directed and produced by Craig Ross, Jr. and appeared in coffee houses around the Los Angeles area. In February 1998, "Cappuccino" made its local debut during the Pan African Film Festival at the Magic Johnson Theater in Los Angeles.

Short stories, though, didn't seem to fulfill Eric Jerome Dickey's creative yearnings. Eric says, "I'd set out to do a ten-page story and it would go on for three hundred pages." So Eric kept writing and reading and sending out query letters for his novels for almost three years until he finally got an agent. "Then a door opened," Eric says. "And I put my foot in before they could close it." And that door has remained opened, as Eric Jerome Dickey's novels have placed him on the map as one of the best writers of contemporary urban fiction.

Eric Jerome Dickey's book signing tours for Sister, Sister; Friends and Lovers; Milk in My Coffee; Cheaters; and Liar's Game took him from coast to coast and helped propel each of these novels to #1 on the "Blackboard Bestsellers List." Cheaters was named "Blackboard Book of the Year" in 2000. In June 2000, Eric Jerome Dickey celebrated the French publication of Milk in My Coffee (Cafe Noisette) by embarking on a book tour to Paris. Soon after, Milk in My Coffee became a bestseller in France. Eric Jerome Dickey's novels, Chasing Destiny, Liar's Game, Between Lovers, Thieves' Paradise, The Other Woman, Drive Me Crazy, Genevieve, Naughty or Nice, Sleeping with Strangers, Waking with Enemies, and Pleasure have all earned him the success of a spot on The New York Times bestseller list. Liar's Game, Thieves' Paradise, The Other Woman, and Genevieve have also given Dickey the added distinction of being nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Literary Work in 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005. In 2006, he was honored with the awards for Best Contemporary Fiction and Author of the Year (Male) at the 2006 African American Literary Award Show. In 2008, Eric was nominated for Storyteller of the Year at the 1st annual ESSENCE Literary Awards. In January 2001, Eric Jerome Dickey was a contributor to New American Library's anthology Got To Be Real: Four Original Love Stories, also a Blackboard Bestseller. He also had a story entitled “Fish Sanwich” appear in the anthology Mothers and Sons. In June 2002, Dickey contributed to Black Silk: A Collection of African American Erotica (Warner Books) as well as to Riots Beneath the Baobab (published by Inte

Reviews

[Kameel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting story....This was the perfect example of how as women our "enough" with a situation varies....The dynamic between Inda & Chaquita was different and to be honest it was a nice change of pace to see how they were able to come together and really become friends. It was cool how Brown and Inda were both able to talk Chaquita into mending fences between her and her mother. I also enjoyed how Valerie was able to FINALLY find herself and dig herself out of the self-hate hole....get herself back together and find her way. Daniel was a great help in that area for Valerie....After she got herself together and went back to school, then Walter decided he wanted her back....Typical! This was a nice feel good story.

[Chivon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did enjoy the book enough to finish the whole thing and even enough to want to read another book by Eric Jerome Dickey. But for some reason, sometimes the characters bothered me, I got tired of the sistuh gurl references all the time. Some of the book was corny, other parts were good. It was a waiting to exhale type of book about two sisters, their brother, and a friend. Their love life's and friendships.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first experience with Eric Jerome Dickey and I must say it won’t be my last. This book specifically focuses on three women who are linked in a variety of ways including the fact that all three have had their heart broken. I listened to this book on audio and it made the experience really fascinating and interesting. I’m still amazed that a man was able to write with such thorough accuracy about the experiences of women. This book takes the reader on a roller coaster ride as the three main characters attempt to find independence, love, and confidence after finding that appearances aren’t always what they appear to be.

The full review will be posted when it goes live on my blog! : )

[Breeee Ranae⚜️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Club pick for March

This was a solid read. The Nostalgia I felt reading this though, times have changed so much & I wish we could go back. I’m not going into a deep review because everybody and they mama nem read this already. It’s very fast paced & I love a good sisterhood book.

The amount of times “scratch my booty” was said is criminal lmao

[Rayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I was too deep into our second groove, had gotten way too bold for my own good, pulled my gold sundress over my head and stripped booty-naked so I could get the full effect of the ocean breeze molesting and caressing my sweaty body while [he] molested and caressed me." (ch. 50)

[ciara. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually shy away from reading books written by men about women, especially those by black men written about black women, but this is the second book I’ve read by EJD and he does not miss!

I have to remind myself that just because a character does something that I don’t agree with, doesn’t mean that the actions taken aren’t real somewhere in the world. There’s a woman in the world keying a car or throwing bricks through a pie dogs window right now (read the book for definition and reference), but just because I’ve never seen it doesn’t mean it doesn’t ring true.

I can’t help but think about how some non black people might receive this book and call all three women MCs “strong black women”. To me they were everything but—tired, loving, overspent, grieving, giving, healing, no fucks given, stressed, learning, loving others, fighting for respect, fed up, searching for love, yearning, human!—maybe, but never strong. Wrong adjective.

Anyway, it was a really good book, I highly recommend.

[Mrs Tupac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great story about women and sisterhood and how some of us need to behave in certain situations. Eric Jerome gives such great descriptions of the characters and their lives you feel like you're apart of the story. I love E.J.D late work his new stuff just does not hold my attention like the other too she was such an airhead moving backwards but I see why . . . Inda & Valerie were my favorite characters from the book !!! Chiquta made the most dumb decisions smh so it was hard for me to give her All my attention. Valerie husband was a complete jerk she tolerated far too much with him and she did everything to please him and she still went unnoticed #SMH . . . Inda was a strong black woman who just put up with one MOFO she should have never been with in the first place !!! I liked the various personal perspectives of the characters and EJD gives each a distinct voice with background information that helps the reader understand each one's problem.

[Destiny “ Dee” · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book. I listened to the audiobook. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the lives of Chiquita, Inda and Valerie. These were three very different women with relationship issues going on. It amazed me how the friendship between Inda and Chiquita started and blossomed. I keep hearing about these relationships in books, but never in real life. Sounds like a question I need to pose on fb. LOL. The brotherly and sisterly relationship between Inda, Valerie, and "Brown" was beautiful. I laughed many times, I got teary eyed, I smiled....... I love it when a book can make you have so many emotions. Eric Jerome Dickey is a great storyteller. I highly recommend to others.

[Tara Godbolt · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought I liked this author but maybe his books don't age well. I wonder at the time that he wrote this if he actually knew women who spoke like this. I didn't and don't know anyone that did. He just over did it on the sistuhs and the brothers. We know the characters are black. He didn't have to keep reminding us with the simple and silly dialogue. It doesn't ring true for 29 year olds. At times when he limited this, the writing could be decent but then he was right back at it.

[Antonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one. It's dated for sure but I still appreciated the realistic depiction of romance and friendship.

[Quaterria Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story that follows the lives of 3 black women- Valerie, Inda and Chiquita who are all dealing with love, heartbreak and self discovery. These 3 women just want to find happiness in the midst of their messy relationships and family drama. The dialogue in this books is entertaining and with a relatable storyline and by the conclusion, you can see strong sisterhood and personal growth.

"𝘾𝙧𝙖𝙯𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙥𝙪𝙩 𝙪𝙥 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙗𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙩 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙤𝙪𝙩. 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚."

[Jerricka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good urban classic

[Tamyka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally read it 20 years ago...revisiting it gave a nice solace upon his passing. The book has aged well and isn’t nearly as cringeworthy as some of my other early 2000s reads.

[Orsayor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot how much I loved Inda…

[Deeheartsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this as a prompt on a reading challenge. And I loved it. My first time reading this author. But I think the best thing about it all was all the gems we’re missing in 2022. Pay phones. Singles ads in the classified. Having to call to check your voicemail and remember your code. It all just made me smile.

[Rudi Hilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

EJD is a born storyteller! His characters are realistic & relatable. I really enjoyed reading this one 🤎
4.5 stars ⭐️

[Booked.Shaye BWRT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this with my book club for MARCH. Join us on instagram : @bwrt.bookclub.
I loved the nostalgia in this book. It definitely gives 90s vibes. I also loved how the women were there for each other.

[Kiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where do I start? This book gives a great insight, for the most part, into black women struggles within relationships. Chiquita's story brought tears to my eyes because of the relationship with her 'birth' mother. Inda represents the scorn black women due to her trials & tribulations with her past encounter with men. Valerie transformed from a hopeless romantic to a realist when it comes to love. Walter? She handled that situation well!
I read this book again because Valerie's chapter about how her tears bled the ink of the pen was etched in my memory. I am able to reexamine her situation with a different perspective. In my opinion this book's subliminal message was FREEDOM!

[Diana Townsend · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow. I don't know what is going on with me but I have been picking the worst books to read lately and this one tops the list. These women... what make Eric Jerome Dickey think that women act like this? This was some of the most unbelievable mess I have ever read. The voices were weak, the characters were weak and one dimensional, and when I finished, I was like... what exactly was the point of this book? Fail.

[Winter Sophia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious, Realistic, Heart Warming,Touching, Hot, Eye Opening & Addictive! An Awesome Read! I Loved It!

[Chelley Rene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was decent, the pacing was off for me and some parts dragged. We sped through time so much it was hard to tell how much time had passed. Definitely not my favorite EJD book, but i don’t hate it withered honestly i connected the most with Chiquita and her mother abandonment issues which is something i don’t think is discussed enough.

[Natallie Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!


Enjoyed the book glad I read it couldn't stop once I started. Wonder if there is a sequel to this one!

[K2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

EJD almost never disappoints Mi🙂GoodRead!

[D.J. Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very light read. Tells the unlikely tale of girls bonding over a man who cheated on them both. I reckon I would have enjoyed this more when I was younger but I still appreciated it for what it was.

[Lekka Jaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

wasn't the best book i've read by Dickey but it still was an interesting read. the emotional roller coasters everyone dealt with as far as the everyday relationships built were right on point.

[Meshia83 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time ever reading a book by Mr. Eric Jerome Dickey, and I am now a fan. Great read.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 90s LA vibes were everything! Now the story was a little crass for me, but it was entertaining and funny.

[Colie Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully messy book that encourages healing with the help of your sister blood or of your own choosing.

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two sisters in their late 20s or early 30s have trouble with their men. Their parents were one black and one white so one sister is light skinned and known as Red, the other dark skin and known as Black. They have a brother called Brown--you figure it out. Anyway, Black meets another young woman on the steps of her boyfriends house. Inside they find the mutual boyfriend in bed with a third woman. Black and Chiquita bond over this incident and go out and party. Red, on the other hand, has a real shit of a husband and flirts with an affair with a nice guy in the neighborhood. Although these characters are all ostensibly gainfully and professionally employed all we see is their over the top sex lives and their out of control responses to their frustrations with these lives. Hard to take these characters seriously.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in sunny Los Angeles, two unlikely women bond after discovering each have been in a "relationship" with the same man. Inda solid career as a social worker, absolutely the comedian of the group, but a divorce has made her antsy about men and flight attendant Chiquita dealing with mama abandonment issues (very intense visit with her mother). Sub-story, Inda's younger sister Valerie faced with a problematic marriage, but wife is the only thing she believes she knows how to do. Sister, Sister is funny, fast paced and a quick read. Loved Dickey's take on the one man, two women scenario; instead of the women going at it, they become friends and the man is dumped. While reading, kept thinking is this the male's perspective to a woman's thought process and experience? Any how, Dickey is funny, observant and insightful and Sister, Sister brings it all out.