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Fast Life
Caught up in a world of easy money, designer labels and drug-dealing boyfriends, sixteen-year-old Kyra Jones is living life on the fast track. But when her single mom is offered a job that takes Kyra away from her old Chicago neighborhood, and the drugs and gang violence that go along with it, she finally realizes that there's more to life than Gucci, Prada and ghetto-fabulous bling. Starting over in a new place, with a new boyfriend, Justin, gives Kyra hope that life can be different. But sometimes the fast life catches up to you. And for Kyra, her only hope is to stay one step ahead of trouble.
- GenresYoung AdultUrbanTeen
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2007
27 people are currently reading
1837 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra Carter
6 books69 followersCassandra Charisse Carter was born on Tuesday, February 21, 1989 in Reading,
Pennsylvania. She is the only child of Susan L. Green and Randall C. Carter, and the product of a single-parent home. She is best known for her young adult novels, "Fast Life"(July 2007) and "16 Isn't Always Sweet" (March 2008).
From the time she was a young girl, Cassandra exhibited a passion for writing. Her talent was first noticed in the elaborate illustrated stories she wrote for her mother, but was also praised in school by both her teachers and her peers. At the age of 9, Cassander and her mother moved to Ann Arbor, MI where she continued to learn different ways to express herself on paper. While studying various writing styles over the years, she's preserved an engaging, original voice that the generation of today can relate to.
Cassandra was 14 when she created the concept for "Fast Life". Inspired by a dream, she completed the fictional work the following summer when she was only 15 years old. With the encouragement of her family and help from a literary agent, she signed a contract with Kimani Tru, an imprint of Harlequin Inc. two years later. An honors graduate from Huron High School with a 3.5 GPA, Cassandra received her diploma just one month before welcoming the release of her first published title.
Ms. Carter currently resides in Ypsilanti, MI where she's been busy promoting both books. She is also currently hard at work on her third novel.
Pennsylvania. She is the only child of Susan L. Green and Randall C. Carter, and the product of a single-parent home. She is best known for her young adult novels, "Fast Life"(July 2007) and "16 Isn't Always Sweet" (March 2008).
From the time she was a young girl, Cassandra exhibited a passion for writing. Her talent was first noticed in the elaborate illustrated stories she wrote for her mother, but was also praised in school by both her teachers and her peers. At the age of 9, Cassander and her mother moved to Ann Arbor, MI where she continued to learn different ways to express herself on paper. While studying various writing styles over the years, she's preserved an engaging, original voice that the generation of today can relate to.
Cassandra was 14 when she created the concept for "Fast Life". Inspired by a dream, she completed the fictional work the following summer when she was only 15 years old. With the encouragement of her family and help from a literary agent, she signed a contract with Kimani Tru, an imprint of Harlequin Inc. two years later. An honors graduate from Huron High School with a 3.5 GPA, Cassandra received her diploma just one month before welcoming the release of her first published title.
Ms. Carter currently resides in Ypsilanti, MI where she's been busy promoting both books. She is also currently hard at work on her third novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 21, 2007
I really liked this book, I finished reading this book in like 2 days. It actually relates to what teens are going through.
April 7, 2008
This book gives insight to what some teens are actually having to deal with. Also it relates to the lives that some teens live, the "fast life" being a dagerous and unpredictable one.I loved this book and can't wait for Cassandra Carter to wright another novel.
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March 6, 2009this book was awesome!!!!
November 19, 2008
Fast Life, my favorite book ever. I read this book when I was in the 8th grade. This is another great book I recommend to all girls out there. Never in my life have I fell in love with a book before, but this book is so good! I love this book because it shows the right choices from the wrong, life isn't always easy, and that sometimes true love is worth fighting for.
In the book Fast Life, 16 year old Kyra Jones is faced with many decisions in her life. Her father died which is something that still is really hard on her, but one very hard decision that she has is moving because her mother got a job, which means that they had to move. Leaving her boyfriend Makai back in Chicago, but falling in love all over again with a boy named Justin in the new place she lives. Kyra's only hope is to stay one step ahead of trouble.
First off, how do we know right from wrong? Sometimes you ask yourself that question everytime you are faced with a tough decision that you have to make. It's like if you do this, then your wrong but if you do this then your right. But how do you know for sure its the right or wrong decision. In this book Fast Life, Kyra is stuck with the decision of saving her love from trouble. In this particular situation she was actually right.
Next is that life was not easy for Kyra. Her father is dead, then moving from Chicago, leaving her 3 best friends, and the "love of her life". A lot of things were not easy for her, like trusting her best friends and trying to live life in a whole new place away from Chicago. She lost one of her best friends which made it even harder to trust anyone while she was not living in Chicago. But also realizing that her true best friends were the ones that stuck by her side.
Love is pain, but sometimes it is actually worth fighting for. Kyra hopes that life would be easier for her now starting all over with a new boyfriend and all, but sometimes the Fast Life catches up with you. She has to fight away her ex boyfriend which knows about Kyra and Justin. It's a little thing called jelousy which makes Makai (Kyra's ex boyfriend) take it to extreme and try to kill Kyra and Justin.
To wrap things all up, I would say this is a book I would recommend to all the young girls out there. It teaches about life, love, and right from wrong. This book made me think, and also had a big impact on a lot of things now in my life. I fell in love with this book, and I know you will too so read it.
In the book Fast Life, 16 year old Kyra Jones is faced with many decisions in her life. Her father died which is something that still is really hard on her, but one very hard decision that she has is moving because her mother got a job, which means that they had to move. Leaving her boyfriend Makai back in Chicago, but falling in love all over again with a boy named Justin in the new place she lives. Kyra's only hope is to stay one step ahead of trouble.
First off, how do we know right from wrong? Sometimes you ask yourself that question everytime you are faced with a tough decision that you have to make. It's like if you do this, then your wrong but if you do this then your right. But how do you know for sure its the right or wrong decision. In this book Fast Life, Kyra is stuck with the decision of saving her love from trouble. In this particular situation she was actually right.
Next is that life was not easy for Kyra. Her father is dead, then moving from Chicago, leaving her 3 best friends, and the "love of her life". A lot of things were not easy for her, like trusting her best friends and trying to live life in a whole new place away from Chicago. She lost one of her best friends which made it even harder to trust anyone while she was not living in Chicago. But also realizing that her true best friends were the ones that stuck by her side.
Love is pain, but sometimes it is actually worth fighting for. Kyra hopes that life would be easier for her now starting all over with a new boyfriend and all, but sometimes the Fast Life catches up with you. She has to fight away her ex boyfriend which knows about Kyra and Justin. It's a little thing called jelousy which makes Makai (Kyra's ex boyfriend) take it to extreme and try to kill Kyra and Justin.
To wrap things all up, I would say this is a book I would recommend to all the young girls out there. It teaches about life, love, and right from wrong. This book made me think, and also had a big impact on a lot of things now in my life. I fell in love with this book, and I know you will too so read it.
May 5, 2012
The story takes place in Chicago and a small island in the Islands. It is about a girl named Kyra who grew up living with her single mother, having an almost perfect life although she is haunted by the memory of witnessing her father being murdered in front of her. She was born to a heavy in the streets drug dealing father andBack in Chicago she is dating her drug dealer boyfriend who is almost as heavy into the streets as her father was. Her mother decides to take a job offering in the carribean Kyra finds her whole life spinning wildly out of control. Kyra meets a boy named Justin and instantly falls in love with him.
I liked that the book was very relatable. I had a lot of things in common with the main character Kyra also the book had a lot of great advice I could apply to my own life. This book was very helpful and it taught me a lot of things.
I did not like the amount of violence in the book. There was a lot of violence and it made it uncomfortable to read at times.
Yes I can relate to the book because the character has a lot of the same qualities as me. Also some of the situations are everyday situations so it was easy to relate.
I would recommend this book because its easy for everyone to read and it is very entertaining.
My favorite quote from "Fast Life" : "They watched the movie, but their minds were on each other. Neither said a word. They simply went on pretending to watch the movie while catching sidewayd glimpses of each other" (page 104)
I liked that the book was very relatable. I had a lot of things in common with the main character Kyra also the book had a lot of great advice I could apply to my own life. This book was very helpful and it taught me a lot of things.
I did not like the amount of violence in the book. There was a lot of violence and it made it uncomfortable to read at times.
Yes I can relate to the book because the character has a lot of the same qualities as me. Also some of the situations are everyday situations so it was easy to relate.
I would recommend this book because its easy for everyone to read and it is very entertaining.
My favorite quote from "Fast Life" : "They watched the movie, but their minds were on each other. Neither said a word. They simply went on pretending to watch the movie while catching sidewayd glimpses of each other" (page 104)
July 25, 2016
This is a very good book. Makai is very abuse and controlling because he deals with drugs. The whole Chicago knows him and he has a girl named Kyra whom as everyone knows, he is unfaithful to her. Kyra moves with her mother to the Caribbean and different things take a turn. Kyra's ex-best friend is cheating with Makai but Tasha will always have Kyra's back. Kyra meets a handsome Justin and it's not long before they fall deep in love with each other. Being that Justin is rich, he doesn't want to think that Kyra is a gold-digger like his ex Veronica and he didn't want Kyra to know that he was rich. Justin, his brother and his friend are just trying to get the goods and hit that. His friend get humiliated when he tries that with a waitress, he soon develops deep love for Tasha. Out of nowhere, Makai seem to appear out of nowhere to take Kyra back. With trust issues that she has with Justin, she takes flight back to Chicago with abuse boyfriend Makai and his body guards. Justin couldn't deal with Veronica anymore so he decided to take Kyra back by going to the Windy City. He sneaks with Kyra everywhere and until one day where they meet confrontation. Well, long story short, Makai shoots himself, Justin is in the hospital with Kyra at his bedside and everything will be just fine. Great job once again Mrs. Carter! I recommend this book to people who feel that they are growing up too fast.
March 17, 2014
Good girls sometimes are attracted to bad boys. The courtship can be fun and exciting. On the other side of the coin, the good girl can sometimes bite off more than she can chew when selecting to deal with a gangsters or wise-guy. Kyra Jones, a young lady from Chicago accustomed to the “Life” witnessed the killing of her father at a very young age.
Due to losing her father over a decade ago, Kyra channeled her energy at being an “arm piece” for her boyfriend Makai. Everything in Kyra’s world was going great until her mother announced the news that would turn this teenager’s life upside down. Although Kyra is disheartened by her mother’s decision and totally against it, she has no choice and must abide by Geneva Jones to relocate.
Many say you don’t know who your real friends are until a dilemma arises. Relocating to the Island of Bahamas, Kyra soon realizes this saying to be true. Reading this book throughout its entirety, I could actually envision the plot. I could definitely picture Cassandra’s book on a movie short on MTV. It’s definitely a page turner created to entertain the young adult population. Great job Carter on your first literary contribution to the young adult world. I look forward to reviewing other books from your series soon.
Due to losing her father over a decade ago, Kyra channeled her energy at being an “arm piece” for her boyfriend Makai. Everything in Kyra’s world was going great until her mother announced the news that would turn this teenager’s life upside down. Although Kyra is disheartened by her mother’s decision and totally against it, she has no choice and must abide by Geneva Jones to relocate.
Many say you don’t know who your real friends are until a dilemma arises. Relocating to the Island of Bahamas, Kyra soon realizes this saying to be true. Reading this book throughout its entirety, I could actually envision the plot. I could definitely picture Cassandra’s book on a movie short on MTV. It’s definitely a page turner created to entertain the young adult population. Great job Carter on your first literary contribution to the young adult world. I look forward to reviewing other books from your series soon.
October 11, 2013
This book was about a girl moving to the carribean island . her mother wanted her to get away from chicago the streets. she wasnt so happy to move. when she arrived to the island she met a new guy named Justin who really cared about her. her old boyfriend kai was no good for her. Kai was bad news and spoiled Kyra to death. when she moved away , Kyra thought she and kai were still together and he moved on.who started dating her bestfriend mercedes which really set Kyra off and shut both of them out her life. she has a best friend named natasha which is so close to her. Natasha kept kyra up to note whats going on in chicago. Kai showed up one dayand asked kyra to come back which she would have to leave the new guy she really likes and her other new friends. kyra has to make a big decision.
June 29, 2011
This is my favorite Kimani TRU novel out of the whole package. It was my introduction to the Kimani Tru brand and I'm glad it was because i loved this book. It was about questioning what's important. How do you know that someone really loves you or someones really a friend until times get tough?
I liked this story because Kyra was relateable, and it was written well, it flowed and it didn't have too much "my brotha", "my sistah" talk that I REALLY hate reading, it had slang but it didn't refer to everyone as brothas and sistahs, and all that, but anyway I loved it.
I liked this story because Kyra was relateable, and it was written well, it flowed and it didn't have too much "my brotha", "my sistah" talk that I REALLY hate reading, it had slang but it didn't refer to everyone as brothas and sistahs, and all that, but anyway I loved it.
April 17, 2012
I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. It was filled with tense moments that made me continue to read. I loved Kyra with her attitude, and I didn't like Kai. I was surprised to see one of the charaters named: Lynette. I loved Justin, All the characters were so real, I felt as if I knew them. This is a must read for anyone of any age. I truly enjoyed this book, so get writing, Cassandra, because I'm about to read your next book, 16 isn't always sweet, and then I'll need another one.:) You're a natural at this, so keep doing what you do, and keep the books coming.
November 11, 2013
I give this book four stars because of the fact that it was a very interesting. This book really does relate to a typical teenagers life. I would recommend this book to anyone my age who likes drama filled books. I loved reading this book because there was never a dull moment in this book.
March 9, 2009
The Kimani TRU series contains books that many people can relate to. Just by the title I have a feeling that this book will smooth my interest.
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May 16, 2009I like
Want to read
November 28, 2009It is the next series iam reading
March 4, 2012
This boook was so good from start to finish <3 !
August 21, 2013
I loved this book! I haven't read it in a while but this is a book I would read over and over again. It had a lot of drama and romance which is what I like in a book.
September 2, 2013
I loved this book! Can't wait until the sequel to find out what happens with Justin and Kyra!
January 7, 2017
Fast life
This was a good read I finished it in one day. The ending kind of left me on the edge of my seat
This was a good read I finished it in one day. The ending kind of left me on the edge of my seat
September 24, 2010
- Great Book ' Talks about everythinq teens qo thorugh . read this book in like 2 days :)
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April 12, 2015where can you read these books at?
April 6, 2025
Fast Life (Updated)
It’s the end of the day at John Marshall Metropolitan High School. Kyra Jones is looking snatched in her pink shearling and Manolo’s (given to her by her man Kai). While making out with Makai, she’s interrupted by her girl Natasha who reminds her they have to get their outfits for the Black and White party on Friday. Kyra also has another friend named Mercedes that likes to run though guys. Kai doesn’t approve of her hanging around her. They make plans to go over to Kyra’s because her mom won’t be there til late, but is shut down because her mother is there. Her mother hits her with her “great news” that she got a promotion. Only -bomb drop- they’re moving to the Caribbean’s to live on Prince Paul Island. They’ll be leaving by Friday.
It's been hard since her father died. He loved Chicago to and be in the streets, but he ended up dead. So, they are going someplace safer. She says she doesn’t want to end up like her married to a unfaithful hustler with a child. She says that Makai probably has women all over the city and in time she’ll see that. She says that the move is for the best and maybe she doesn’t see that now but her daddy isn’t there and this is how she has to get hers. She then gets fed up with Kyra’s attitude and sends her to her room.
She tells her friends after school at McDonalds. They over to Natasha’s and get buzzed and high. They make plans to go to the Cheesecake Factory Thursday. When she gets home, Kyra gets a lecture about skipping and her failing grades. She tells her she needs to think about her future and she *will* be going to college when she’s 18. Then she sends her to pack.
As Kyra looks through a box of her treasured items she sees pictures of Natasha, Kai (and has a feeling that won’t be able to stick it out) and her dad it prompts a memory of her as a little girl at a BBQ when some men in a car gun down her father. When bullets are aimed at her he jumps in front of her. The next day, Kyra gets assaulted by Makai in the hallway over her not telling him about the move. He calls her because of how he moves he doesn’t need a shady bitch on his team. She slaps him hard and lets him know never to call her a bitch again.
Later, Makai shows up and Kyra sneaks out with him to their spot (the Navy Pier). He apologizes and promises he’s there for her and he’s gonna come get her. He promises her she’s the only one. TKyra then goes to visit her father’s grave to say she loves him. She calls Kai at the airport. He doesn’t answer.
Once there and they’re settled in, Geneva’s boss invites them to go up to Providenciales the next day to have a tour, grab some lunch and show (Geneva) around work. Then she tells her they’re going to the market before it gets dark. While Kyra is checking out some candles, a boy with chocolate skin introduces himself as Justin. The other two with him are Quinton (his brother) and Micheal (his best friend). He tries to make conversation but Kyra tells him if he’s trying to get her number he can keep stepping.
Justin leaves but something inside Kyra clicks. She’s not crazy about his dreads but thinks he’s very attractive. That night, Natasha calls and catches her up on the Black and White party. Kai still isn’t answering her calls. On Monday, she finds out she has to walk to her new school. She notices Justin is in her class. Mrs. Kingly gives her the run down of the classes and times. She’s surprised to see the work hear is more advanced and admits to Mrs. Kingly she never studied the material.
Mrs. Kingsley says Justin will be her tutor. She eats lunch with Angel (the girl who showed her to her class). Angel introduces her to her boyfriend Quentin. He says she’s the girl Jay was talking about at the market. Then Micheal joins them. There’s some talk about Veronica (Justin’s gold-digging ex). Then Justin joins them. Micheal leaves and then so do Angel and Quinton. Justin asks when she wants him to tutor her and she says he’s not gonna be up in her house. He tells her he thinks she wants him to come over and tutor her on all kinds of things and she gets up and walks off.
Three girls block her. The girl says her name is Veronica. Her girls are Nicole and Bridgett. She tells her she needs to recognize who runs the school and if she doesn’t, she’ll get dealt with. Kyra tells her don’t ever get in her face with some bs like that. She doesn’t know her. She’s from the CHI and she could run that school in a day if she wanted. Then she tries to walk away but Veronica shoves her. Threats are exchanged. Veronica tells her to stay in her lane and stay away from her man. Also, stay away from Micheal. Kyra says she doesn’t want him. She can have him. She’s about to give Veronica a beat down but Angel and Quinton come over and breaks it up.
The rest of the day Kyra’s mind isn’t on her lessons. Justin walks Kyra home and she gets his number and tells him she’ll let him know about the tutoring. We find out Justin’s family owns the whole dang island but he plans to keep this on the low and not tell Kyra. He tells his brother and best, Kyra just does something to him. He shows up at Kyra’s with his dreads cut. Then Justin offers to tutor her. Well one thing leads to another and… It’s just Kyra day dreaming.
She then rushes him out the house. After that she avoids him and gives him one-word answers. On a Friday, Kyra is alone and calls Mercedes. Kai answers the phone. Natasha tells her that Kai and she have been having something on the low. They almost came to blows at the Black and White party over it. Kyra destroys all the things Kai gave her and the friendship bracelet Mercedes gave her before she left. Justin comes by and Kyra -who hasn’t left her room all day- tells him she wants to come with him. So, they go to a restaurant and meet Micheal’s flavor of the month Lynette and Angel and Quinton.
Veronica and her girls show up but she loses her appetite when she sees Kyra and leaves. Micheal dismisses Lynette for the waitress (Wendy). She thanks Justin when he takes her home and confesses why she’d acted strange that day. Kyra knows that Justin is a good friend and is grateful he made her feel better but she kinda wants more than that. By late May, feelings between Justin and Kyra grow. Kyra grades are looking good. They go to the library to resist temptation. Veronica gets more envious. Then Kyra misses her period. The test shows that she’s pregnant.
She calls Makai and he tries to deny he’s been with Mercedes. She then tells him it doesn’t even matter she’s found someone else but she’s pregnant. Makai of course tries to put it on the new guy. Kyra says he’s the only one she was with. He tells her he’s with Cedes now and to get rid of it. She then goes to a doctor and he tells her it was a false alarm. After this, the death of her father’s anniversary approaches and her grades start to slip. Justin comes by and invites her to his party at Club Xscape. He was born on the day her father died.
Her teacher even calls her on it, but she says she’ll get it together. She and Geneva pour out some Henessey for her dad. At the party, Kyra has a few too many shots and pushes up on Justin while dancing. He takes her home, puts her in bed, and stays there with her (sleeps in her chair). He doesn’t take advantage of her. Her mother comes home and Kyra has to hide him in the closet and sneaks him out.
Kai has Kyra’s phone disconnected. Veronica and Kyra get into a physical altercation and Kyra’s lip gets busted. They’re both suspended for 3 days. Geneva punishes Kyra for 7 days. Justins parents forbid him from seeing Kyra. It makes their image look bad. They say it’s best. He says it’s bs. They tell him to leave the American girl alone and dismiss him. (They also say that if he doesn’t his inheritance will go to Quinton). Tasha surprises Kyra with a visit for the summer (even tho she told her she couldn’t come).
Tasha and Kyra meet up with Justin, Micheal, Angel and Quentin at a café. Right away Tasha thinks Micheal is cute but Kyra tells her to leave that alone. Justin says they’re gonna hit up Kingston and invites Tasha and Kyra to join. The waitress calls Micheal out on him not calling and tells Tasha to beware. Tasha tells her she wishes she lived there. Chicago isn’t how it used to be. There’s been beef between Reggie and Makai (Reggie was once Makai’s friends) over status and now Mercedes is pregnant by Kai. Plus, all the stabbings and shootings. Kyra tells Tasha about the pregnancy scare. She says forget him,
While in Kingston Kyra and Justin visit a fortune teller. She tells Justin his love will lead you to the brink of death, and she cannot guarantee nor can see if you will live to tell of the encounter. Justin asks Kyra to be his girl and they finally “make it official” Tasha also does it with Micheal. She says he wanted to be in a relationship but she says no. To her it was just a fling.
The new school year starts. Her mother is now gone all the time and Justin frequently spends the night at her place. She soon begins to work part time at “Butterfly” after a few days but has less time for her friends and boyfriend. Geneva shows up while Justin is there. She’s been seen in more and more expensive jewelry. One day when she comes back from seeing Angela’s new place, she catches her mother with her boss (Matthew). They get into an argument and Geneva slaps the ish out of Kyra. She then tells her to get the hell out of her house.
When she gets home that night, her mother is drunk and they physically fight. Geneva kicks her out but then relents and tells her she doesn’t want her to end up like her and they hug it out. While in Butterfly’s, Veronica hints on Justin having money which doesn’t make sense to Kyra. *He’d told her his family wasn’t well off. He even called them “sufferers,” or poor people who struggled to survive. He had told her that Michael’s family was the one with money and that he and Quentin would worked for their clothes and shoes to keep themselves looking nice like they did. Things aren’t adding up.
Things come to a head when Kyra and Veronica are paired for a paper. Veronica tells her she loves Justin and that things just got twisted between them. She was working on fixing it before she came along and messed it up. In anger, Veronica points to a page in the text book and storms off. Kyra finds out Justin’s family owns fifteen resorts and are worth millions. Justin confronts Kyra after work about her being distant with him. He asks if she’s seeing someone else. She says she’s just been busy. He accepts the ride home, but turns down his offer to come in and doesn’t kiss him or say I love you.
At the prom, Kyra turns down all Justin’s invites to dance. She asks if he’s ever lied to her and he says no. She asks if he comes from money. He says his mom is a housewife and his dad is a fisherman. He asks her who told her he came from money and she says if it’s not true then it doesn’t matter and walks off. He confronts Veronica -making it clear he doesn’t want her- and she says she thought she should know. He says he was going to tell her. He wanted to make sure Kyra wasn’t with him for the money. Then he calls her out on all the other guys she’s got with with money.
She asks does he love her and he says yes. Veronica in a last-ditch effort kisses Justin but he pushes her off. Kyra sees this. Veronica asks what she has that she doesn’t and he says my heart. That night, hurt and in a daze, Kyra butchers her hair. Angela comes by and tells her that for the rest of the night Justin danced with a girl named Angela and there was lipstick on him. She tells her tho that him not telling her about him having money was for a good reason. Angel straightens Kyra’s hair and dyes it blond.
Kyra calls Justin out at Quentin’s graduation. Justin tries to explain away all the issues Kya has. He says they can start over but she says no. Makai shows up and says he’s come to take her back to Chicago just for the summer like he promised. He tells her its her choice if she comes and stays or comes back. Kyra resists but old feelings make her give in to him again. Then after hearing about Justin disappearing into the house for some minutes with Veronica, (and seeing them come in Butterfly together) she decides to go back with Makai. Justin shows up before she leaves and says he hopes they can be friends but Kyra doesn’t think so. Then Makai shows up
Back home, Kai keeps Kyra holed up in his apartment for days and forbids her to come out until it’s safe. The next day she leaves the Plaza and calls Tasha and she comes to get her. In the park, Kyra and Tasha catch up. While out, they see Mercedes with her daughter. Tasha pulls her away before Kyra can get in her face. They then get high and drunk. They fall asleep and don’t wake up till 9 causing Makai to snatch her up by the hair when she gets back. Kai is gone for two weeks but comes home and attempts to make it up with taking her out and giving her expensive jewelry. Makai leaves again after this and doesn’t come back.
On the news she hears a body is found in the river. It was tied to an incident at a club run by Makai. Kai comes home and says his club got shot up because “a business talk got heated”. Before going out again Kai gives Kyra his cell phone and a list of instructions. Most importantly don’t answer it, but she can call Tasha and hang out with her as long as his bodyguards are with her. Tasha acts like she has something she wants to tell Kyra but since they have no privacy she doesn’t get a chance. Kyra answers Kai’s phone because its constantly ringing and discovers it’s all his other women. She tries to leave but the abuse becomes more frequent and the presents start to come daily.
Kyra finds out Kai paid Tasha and her mom five grand to say she’d been staying with them. Kyra gets into a physical altercation with Tasha who tells her she was always the one who had it good (so she wouldn’t understand). Kyra takes off her makeup revealing all her bruises and asks does this look like she has it good. Micheal and Justin leave for Chicago and Justin finds Kyra at a club. She tells him to lay low and she’ll get in touch with him. If he sees her act like he doesn’t know her.
Justin talks Kyra into talking to Tasha and they make up. Tasha says she gave the money back. Justin and Kyra hook up at nearly all the hotels in Chicago a different one every time. Kai’s brother dies because of Reggie and in retaliation Mercedes and her daughter’s house is shot up. Justin runs out of cash but his father cuts him off for being with Kyra. Kai shows Kyra pictures that he had a PI take of her and Justin coming out of different hotels. He tells her if she sees him again he’ll kill him and come back for her.
Makai leaves town for some days and then comes back for his brother’s funeral. Kyra escapes and takes his money and his gun. Natasha sells her out when Micheal is beat up by Kai’s bodyguard. In the end Kai catches up with Justin and Kaira who plan to run back to the island. Justin gets beat down by Kai but then Reggie shows up. In the end, Reggie is killed, the bodyguard is injured (and dies later). Kai hears the police coming and commits suicide (gun to the head). Justin is stabbed and taken to the hospital but survives.
My Thoughts
This gave a very good and well received message about the danger that comes from living a “Fast Life” amd thinking you want a hot boy. I think that when you’re a teenage girl you can easily fall into this trap! I dated a few way back in the day but they were NOWHERE near on Kai’s level. I must have the C or D level ones that weren’t as generous. But it shows that just because this kind of life (and the guy himself) might look good on the outside, it doesn’t always mean it’ll be good *for* you in the end. Kai might have kept Kyra tight but it wasn’t worth the abuse and the cheating. I actually am surprised she *didn’t* end up pregnant or with an STD from his other women. Or that she didn’t found out he had a couple of kids on the side as well. She never should have gone back to Chicago with him. But I liked that Kyra showed a kind of gritty reality of what some young women might be going through in relationships. What happened with Kai couldn’t be more true of the saying if you live “by the sword, you die by it too.” Even tho, I thought Tasha wasn’t right in the end of the book, I couldn’t fault her (too) too much for what Kyra thought was “betrayal”. Hey at least she didn’t snitch to Geneva. I was once in that situation and had a “friend” that did. So, that beatdown really wasn’t deserved. At least *I* felt it wasn’t. Tasha just didn’t know. Then I don’t know if I’d choose Justin because if he can hide who he is what else will he hide down the line? I liked Angel and Quinton more as a couple than I did Kyra and Justin.
Rating: 10
It’s the end of the day at John Marshall Metropolitan High School. Kyra Jones is looking snatched in her pink shearling and Manolo’s (given to her by her man Kai). While making out with Makai, she’s interrupted by her girl Natasha who reminds her they have to get their outfits for the Black and White party on Friday. Kyra also has another friend named Mercedes that likes to run though guys. Kai doesn’t approve of her hanging around her. They make plans to go over to Kyra’s because her mom won’t be there til late, but is shut down because her mother is there. Her mother hits her with her “great news” that she got a promotion. Only -bomb drop- they’re moving to the Caribbean’s to live on Prince Paul Island. They’ll be leaving by Friday.
It's been hard since her father died. He loved Chicago to and be in the streets, but he ended up dead. So, they are going someplace safer. She says she doesn’t want to end up like her married to a unfaithful hustler with a child. She says that Makai probably has women all over the city and in time she’ll see that. She says that the move is for the best and maybe she doesn’t see that now but her daddy isn’t there and this is how she has to get hers. She then gets fed up with Kyra’s attitude and sends her to her room.
She tells her friends after school at McDonalds. They over to Natasha’s and get buzzed and high. They make plans to go to the Cheesecake Factory Thursday. When she gets home, Kyra gets a lecture about skipping and her failing grades. She tells her she needs to think about her future and she *will* be going to college when she’s 18. Then she sends her to pack.
As Kyra looks through a box of her treasured items she sees pictures of Natasha, Kai (and has a feeling that won’t be able to stick it out) and her dad it prompts a memory of her as a little girl at a BBQ when some men in a car gun down her father. When bullets are aimed at her he jumps in front of her. The next day, Kyra gets assaulted by Makai in the hallway over her not telling him about the move. He calls her because of how he moves he doesn’t need a shady bitch on his team. She slaps him hard and lets him know never to call her a bitch again.
Later, Makai shows up and Kyra sneaks out with him to their spot (the Navy Pier). He apologizes and promises he’s there for her and he’s gonna come get her. He promises her she’s the only one. TKyra then goes to visit her father’s grave to say she loves him. She calls Kai at the airport. He doesn’t answer.
Once there and they’re settled in, Geneva’s boss invites them to go up to Providenciales the next day to have a tour, grab some lunch and show (Geneva) around work. Then she tells her they’re going to the market before it gets dark. While Kyra is checking out some candles, a boy with chocolate skin introduces himself as Justin. The other two with him are Quinton (his brother) and Micheal (his best friend). He tries to make conversation but Kyra tells him if he’s trying to get her number he can keep stepping.
Justin leaves but something inside Kyra clicks. She’s not crazy about his dreads but thinks he’s very attractive. That night, Natasha calls and catches her up on the Black and White party. Kai still isn’t answering her calls. On Monday, she finds out she has to walk to her new school. She notices Justin is in her class. Mrs. Kingly gives her the run down of the classes and times. She’s surprised to see the work hear is more advanced and admits to Mrs. Kingly she never studied the material.
Mrs. Kingsley says Justin will be her tutor. She eats lunch with Angel (the girl who showed her to her class). Angel introduces her to her boyfriend Quentin. He says she’s the girl Jay was talking about at the market. Then Micheal joins them. There’s some talk about Veronica (Justin’s gold-digging ex). Then Justin joins them. Micheal leaves and then so do Angel and Quinton. Justin asks when she wants him to tutor her and she says he’s not gonna be up in her house. He tells her he thinks she wants him to come over and tutor her on all kinds of things and she gets up and walks off.
Three girls block her. The girl says her name is Veronica. Her girls are Nicole and Bridgett. She tells her she needs to recognize who runs the school and if she doesn’t, she’ll get dealt with. Kyra tells her don’t ever get in her face with some bs like that. She doesn’t know her. She’s from the CHI and she could run that school in a day if she wanted. Then she tries to walk away but Veronica shoves her. Threats are exchanged. Veronica tells her to stay in her lane and stay away from her man. Also, stay away from Micheal. Kyra says she doesn’t want him. She can have him. She’s about to give Veronica a beat down but Angel and Quinton come over and breaks it up.
The rest of the day Kyra’s mind isn’t on her lessons. Justin walks Kyra home and she gets his number and tells him she’ll let him know about the tutoring. We find out Justin’s family owns the whole dang island but he plans to keep this on the low and not tell Kyra. He tells his brother and best, Kyra just does something to him. He shows up at Kyra’s with his dreads cut. Then Justin offers to tutor her. Well one thing leads to another and… It’s just Kyra day dreaming.
She then rushes him out the house. After that she avoids him and gives him one-word answers. On a Friday, Kyra is alone and calls Mercedes. Kai answers the phone. Natasha tells her that Kai and she have been having something on the low. They almost came to blows at the Black and White party over it. Kyra destroys all the things Kai gave her and the friendship bracelet Mercedes gave her before she left. Justin comes by and Kyra -who hasn’t left her room all day- tells him she wants to come with him. So, they go to a restaurant and meet Micheal’s flavor of the month Lynette and Angel and Quinton.
Veronica and her girls show up but she loses her appetite when she sees Kyra and leaves. Micheal dismisses Lynette for the waitress (Wendy). She thanks Justin when he takes her home and confesses why she’d acted strange that day. Kyra knows that Justin is a good friend and is grateful he made her feel better but she kinda wants more than that. By late May, feelings between Justin and Kyra grow. Kyra grades are looking good. They go to the library to resist temptation. Veronica gets more envious. Then Kyra misses her period. The test shows that she’s pregnant.
She calls Makai and he tries to deny he’s been with Mercedes. She then tells him it doesn’t even matter she’s found someone else but she’s pregnant. Makai of course tries to put it on the new guy. Kyra says he’s the only one she was with. He tells her he’s with Cedes now and to get rid of it. She then goes to a doctor and he tells her it was a false alarm. After this, the death of her father’s anniversary approaches and her grades start to slip. Justin comes by and invites her to his party at Club Xscape. He was born on the day her father died.
Her teacher even calls her on it, but she says she’ll get it together. She and Geneva pour out some Henessey for her dad. At the party, Kyra has a few too many shots and pushes up on Justin while dancing. He takes her home, puts her in bed, and stays there with her (sleeps in her chair). He doesn’t take advantage of her. Her mother comes home and Kyra has to hide him in the closet and sneaks him out.
Kai has Kyra’s phone disconnected. Veronica and Kyra get into a physical altercation and Kyra’s lip gets busted. They’re both suspended for 3 days. Geneva punishes Kyra for 7 days. Justins parents forbid him from seeing Kyra. It makes their image look bad. They say it’s best. He says it’s bs. They tell him to leave the American girl alone and dismiss him. (They also say that if he doesn’t his inheritance will go to Quinton). Tasha surprises Kyra with a visit for the summer (even tho she told her she couldn’t come).
Tasha and Kyra meet up with Justin, Micheal, Angel and Quentin at a café. Right away Tasha thinks Micheal is cute but Kyra tells her to leave that alone. Justin says they’re gonna hit up Kingston and invites Tasha and Kyra to join. The waitress calls Micheal out on him not calling and tells Tasha to beware. Tasha tells her she wishes she lived there. Chicago isn’t how it used to be. There’s been beef between Reggie and Makai (Reggie was once Makai’s friends) over status and now Mercedes is pregnant by Kai. Plus, all the stabbings and shootings. Kyra tells Tasha about the pregnancy scare. She says forget him,
While in Kingston Kyra and Justin visit a fortune teller. She tells Justin his love will lead you to the brink of death, and she cannot guarantee nor can see if you will live to tell of the encounter. Justin asks Kyra to be his girl and they finally “make it official” Tasha also does it with Micheal. She says he wanted to be in a relationship but she says no. To her it was just a fling.
The new school year starts. Her mother is now gone all the time and Justin frequently spends the night at her place. She soon begins to work part time at “Butterfly” after a few days but has less time for her friends and boyfriend. Geneva shows up while Justin is there. She’s been seen in more and more expensive jewelry. One day when she comes back from seeing Angela’s new place, she catches her mother with her boss (Matthew). They get into an argument and Geneva slaps the ish out of Kyra. She then tells her to get the hell out of her house.
When she gets home that night, her mother is drunk and they physically fight. Geneva kicks her out but then relents and tells her she doesn’t want her to end up like her and they hug it out. While in Butterfly’s, Veronica hints on Justin having money which doesn’t make sense to Kyra. *He’d told her his family wasn’t well off. He even called them “sufferers,” or poor people who struggled to survive. He had told her that Michael’s family was the one with money and that he and Quentin would worked for their clothes and shoes to keep themselves looking nice like they did. Things aren’t adding up.
Things come to a head when Kyra and Veronica are paired for a paper. Veronica tells her she loves Justin and that things just got twisted between them. She was working on fixing it before she came along and messed it up. In anger, Veronica points to a page in the text book and storms off. Kyra finds out Justin’s family owns fifteen resorts and are worth millions. Justin confronts Kyra after work about her being distant with him. He asks if she’s seeing someone else. She says she’s just been busy. He accepts the ride home, but turns down his offer to come in and doesn’t kiss him or say I love you.
At the prom, Kyra turns down all Justin’s invites to dance. She asks if he’s ever lied to her and he says no. She asks if he comes from money. He says his mom is a housewife and his dad is a fisherman. He asks her who told her he came from money and she says if it’s not true then it doesn’t matter and walks off. He confronts Veronica -making it clear he doesn’t want her- and she says she thought she should know. He says he was going to tell her. He wanted to make sure Kyra wasn’t with him for the money. Then he calls her out on all the other guys she’s got with with money.
She asks does he love her and he says yes. Veronica in a last-ditch effort kisses Justin but he pushes her off. Kyra sees this. Veronica asks what she has that she doesn’t and he says my heart. That night, hurt and in a daze, Kyra butchers her hair. Angela comes by and tells her that for the rest of the night Justin danced with a girl named Angela and there was lipstick on him. She tells her tho that him not telling her about him having money was for a good reason. Angel straightens Kyra’s hair and dyes it blond.
Kyra calls Justin out at Quentin’s graduation. Justin tries to explain away all the issues Kya has. He says they can start over but she says no. Makai shows up and says he’s come to take her back to Chicago just for the summer like he promised. He tells her its her choice if she comes and stays or comes back. Kyra resists but old feelings make her give in to him again. Then after hearing about Justin disappearing into the house for some minutes with Veronica, (and seeing them come in Butterfly together) she decides to go back with Makai. Justin shows up before she leaves and says he hopes they can be friends but Kyra doesn’t think so. Then Makai shows up
Back home, Kai keeps Kyra holed up in his apartment for days and forbids her to come out until it’s safe. The next day she leaves the Plaza and calls Tasha and she comes to get her. In the park, Kyra and Tasha catch up. While out, they see Mercedes with her daughter. Tasha pulls her away before Kyra can get in her face. They then get high and drunk. They fall asleep and don’t wake up till 9 causing Makai to snatch her up by the hair when she gets back. Kai is gone for two weeks but comes home and attempts to make it up with taking her out and giving her expensive jewelry. Makai leaves again after this and doesn’t come back.
On the news she hears a body is found in the river. It was tied to an incident at a club run by Makai. Kai comes home and says his club got shot up because “a business talk got heated”. Before going out again Kai gives Kyra his cell phone and a list of instructions. Most importantly don’t answer it, but she can call Tasha and hang out with her as long as his bodyguards are with her. Tasha acts like she has something she wants to tell Kyra but since they have no privacy she doesn’t get a chance. Kyra answers Kai’s phone because its constantly ringing and discovers it’s all his other women. She tries to leave but the abuse becomes more frequent and the presents start to come daily.
Kyra finds out Kai paid Tasha and her mom five grand to say she’d been staying with them. Kyra gets into a physical altercation with Tasha who tells her she was always the one who had it good (so she wouldn’t understand). Kyra takes off her makeup revealing all her bruises and asks does this look like she has it good. Micheal and Justin leave for Chicago and Justin finds Kyra at a club. She tells him to lay low and she’ll get in touch with him. If he sees her act like he doesn’t know her.
Justin talks Kyra into talking to Tasha and they make up. Tasha says she gave the money back. Justin and Kyra hook up at nearly all the hotels in Chicago a different one every time. Kai’s brother dies because of Reggie and in retaliation Mercedes and her daughter’s house is shot up. Justin runs out of cash but his father cuts him off for being with Kyra. Kai shows Kyra pictures that he had a PI take of her and Justin coming out of different hotels. He tells her if she sees him again he’ll kill him and come back for her.
Makai leaves town for some days and then comes back for his brother’s funeral. Kyra escapes and takes his money and his gun. Natasha sells her out when Micheal is beat up by Kai’s bodyguard. In the end Kai catches up with Justin and Kaira who plan to run back to the island. Justin gets beat down by Kai but then Reggie shows up. In the end, Reggie is killed, the bodyguard is injured (and dies later). Kai hears the police coming and commits suicide (gun to the head). Justin is stabbed and taken to the hospital but survives.
My Thoughts
This gave a very good and well received message about the danger that comes from living a “Fast Life” amd thinking you want a hot boy. I think that when you’re a teenage girl you can easily fall into this trap! I dated a few way back in the day but they were NOWHERE near on Kai’s level. I must have the C or D level ones that weren’t as generous. But it shows that just because this kind of life (and the guy himself) might look good on the outside, it doesn’t always mean it’ll be good *for* you in the end. Kai might have kept Kyra tight but it wasn’t worth the abuse and the cheating. I actually am surprised she *didn’t* end up pregnant or with an STD from his other women. Or that she didn’t found out he had a couple of kids on the side as well. She never should have gone back to Chicago with him. But I liked that Kyra showed a kind of gritty reality of what some young women might be going through in relationships. What happened with Kai couldn’t be more true of the saying if you live “by the sword, you die by it too.” Even tho, I thought Tasha wasn’t right in the end of the book, I couldn’t fault her (too) too much for what Kyra thought was “betrayal”. Hey at least she didn’t snitch to Geneva. I was once in that situation and had a “friend” that did. So, that beatdown really wasn’t deserved. At least *I* felt it wasn’t. Tasha just didn’t know. Then I don’t know if I’d choose Justin because if he can hide who he is what else will he hide down the line? I liked Angel and Quinton more as a couple than I did Kyra and Justin.
Rating: 10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2024
Now this book was pretty wild. If it were any other book, I would’ve said the pacing was off, but I think it was just right considering the juxtaposition of both locations in the book. This was WAY spicier than I’d imagined from a KimaniTru YA novel, but then again, it’s realistic considering the lifestyle portrayed and the fact that that’s the age some kids start exploring intimacy. I was shocked by the ending in some respects, but I’m glad our heroes live to see another day. Knocked off a star because they could’ve done a much better job with the formatting and all the typos.
October 22, 2020
Yo this book was so crazy. I loved it!
January 1, 2009
Boss Up!
I was piqued when I realized FAST LIFE was set in Chi-city. Cassandra Carter shares the life of a young girl, Kyra Jones, whose fashion induced lifestyle is abruptly changed as she's forced to move far away from her comfort in order for her mom to work. Unknowingly, Kyra finds that she's adapting to a new way of living and appears to be benefiting from her new surroundings. Readers watch as the once selfish, spoiled young girl blossoms into a more conscientious and astute young woman. Will pettiness, pride and foolishness force this rehabbing diva to abandon her recovery and re-stake her claim in Chi-city at a costly re-up fee?
FAST LIFE begins simple enough, designer fits, with hated on cliques, and drama that just don't quit and that cutie for a boyfriend with long money that puts you on the top of the most envied list. BUT, when baby girl steps in MARSHALL H.S. in a chinchilla and little dude has a paid for Escalade, it's time for me to officially pump my fresh ones' brakes! You're kidding me, right? While I know that we live in the bling- bling era and everyone has to find some sort of way to edge out the others, I need it real, raw and gritty! Especially when the story takes place not only in my city, but in my actual HOOD! Even with such a major infraction, I can look past that, because we all know that the allure of being that CHICK is what sells. HOWEVER when a hood tale becomes and all out romance novel, then it's official; I can no longer hold my tongue. I believe in the whole first love, and all of that happily ever after, I do; but I don't enjoy romances and I was somewhat cross to find that my hood drama had turned into some African American soap opera that used drugs, violence and fashion to fuel it on.
Evident by the pages in FAST LIFE, Miss Cassandra Carter has a flair for the dramatics and her pen game with some development will be FIERCE! With that said, I believe that maybe too many characters, experiences and events buried the timeline, allowing for main characters to be tossed along the sideline leaving readers with many unanswered questions.
I love the fact that Kimani Tru is opening the eyes of teen readers. I just fear that maybe the bling was overly emphasized without enough recognition for the penalties associated with living a high-risk lifestyle. I STRONGLY advise that parents read the story before allowing impressionable teens to.
Reviewed by: Crystal
I was piqued when I realized FAST LIFE was set in Chi-city. Cassandra Carter shares the life of a young girl, Kyra Jones, whose fashion induced lifestyle is abruptly changed as she's forced to move far away from her comfort in order for her mom to work. Unknowingly, Kyra finds that she's adapting to a new way of living and appears to be benefiting from her new surroundings. Readers watch as the once selfish, spoiled young girl blossoms into a more conscientious and astute young woman. Will pettiness, pride and foolishness force this rehabbing diva to abandon her recovery and re-stake her claim in Chi-city at a costly re-up fee?
FAST LIFE begins simple enough, designer fits, with hated on cliques, and drama that just don't quit and that cutie for a boyfriend with long money that puts you on the top of the most envied list. BUT, when baby girl steps in MARSHALL H.S. in a chinchilla and little dude has a paid for Escalade, it's time for me to officially pump my fresh ones' brakes! You're kidding me, right? While I know that we live in the bling- bling era and everyone has to find some sort of way to edge out the others, I need it real, raw and gritty! Especially when the story takes place not only in my city, but in my actual HOOD! Even with such a major infraction, I can look past that, because we all know that the allure of being that CHICK is what sells. HOWEVER when a hood tale becomes and all out romance novel, then it's official; I can no longer hold my tongue. I believe in the whole first love, and all of that happily ever after, I do; but I don't enjoy romances and I was somewhat cross to find that my hood drama had turned into some African American soap opera that used drugs, violence and fashion to fuel it on.
Evident by the pages in FAST LIFE, Miss Cassandra Carter has a flair for the dramatics and her pen game with some development will be FIERCE! With that said, I believe that maybe too many characters, experiences and events buried the timeline, allowing for main characters to be tossed along the sideline leaving readers with many unanswered questions.
I love the fact that Kimani Tru is opening the eyes of teen readers. I just fear that maybe the bling was overly emphasized without enough recognition for the penalties associated with living a high-risk lifestyle. I STRONGLY advise that parents read the story before allowing impressionable teens to.
Reviewed by: Crystal
March 11, 2014
Fast Life by Cassandra Carter tells the story of teenager Kyra Jones who is a girl that is heads over heels in love with her drug dealer boyfriend Makai, who keeps her dressed in the latest designer clothes. Life in Chicago is great for her as far as she can tell until she gets some news that changes her life one day after school.
After relocating to the Bahamas because of her mother’s job Kyra now has to start over but her heart aches as she has to leave her beloved Makai behind. Fast Life is a title correct for this novel because due to her father’s untimely death and all the changes Kyra has to experience she is forced to grow up quickly. Emotionally accurate I would have to disagree in some areas because it seemed a bit unrealistic that the mother wasn't more involved with her daughter especially after relocating her to a strange place.
Fast Life was a great debut from Cassandra Carter and I definitely found myself anticipating what was going to happen with the young Kyra and you could feel that Kyra was a bit naive in some areas but it was a cute story line and I do look forward to reading more from this Ms. Carter.
Reviewed By Kisha Green for Literary Jewels
Review Copy Supplied By Author
Format: Paperback
After relocating to the Bahamas because of her mother’s job Kyra now has to start over but her heart aches as she has to leave her beloved Makai behind. Fast Life is a title correct for this novel because due to her father’s untimely death and all the changes Kyra has to experience she is forced to grow up quickly. Emotionally accurate I would have to disagree in some areas because it seemed a bit unrealistic that the mother wasn't more involved with her daughter especially after relocating her to a strange place.
Fast Life was a great debut from Cassandra Carter and I definitely found myself anticipating what was going to happen with the young Kyra and you could feel that Kyra was a bit naive in some areas but it was a cute story line and I do look forward to reading more from this Ms. Carter.
Reviewed By Kisha Green for Literary Jewels
Review Copy Supplied By Author
Format: Paperback
Read
April 2, 2009sometimes two is better than one, NOT! a young girl growing up in chi-town finds out she is moving to an island far away from home and her whole life changes. she enters a new school, new neighborhood, and meets new friends. after she meets a boy who becomes the love of her life she forgets all about her boyfriend back home who seems to have forgotten about her too when he realizes what he has did. the moral behind this story is amazing. the author describes every single thing with detail. this is one of the best books i have ever read and i strongly recommend it
August 29, 2010
With designer labels and a drug-dealing boyfriend, sixteen-year-old Kyra Jones is living life on the fast track. But when her single mom is offered a job that takes Kyra away from her old Chicago neighborhood, and the drugs and gang violence that go along with it, she finally realizes that there's more to life than Gucci, Prada and ghetto-fabulous bling. Starting over in a new place, with a new boyfriend, Justin, gives Kyra hope that life can be different. But sometimes the fast life catches up to you. And for Kyra, her only hope is to stay one step ahead of trouble.
April 23, 2015
This is a reread for me and it's still my fave ever! Kyra can be such a real character and her thoughts on life are extremely relatable. Her situation was drastic in many ways but it can happen to anyone.
my fave part would be the talk of relationship abuse I'm glad it was made known quickly that what she was going through wasn't ok. I wish she would've told her mother but oh well. I enjoyed the book none the less.
I recommend it to all teenage girls in middle to high school. It's a good start to important topics like safe sex, kids, abuse, family matters and relationships.
my fave part would be the talk of relationship abuse I'm glad it was made known quickly that what she was going through wasn't ok. I wish she would've told her mother but oh well. I enjoyed the book none the less.
I recommend it to all teenage girls in middle to high school. It's a good start to important topics like safe sex, kids, abuse, family matters and relationships.
July 11, 2010
Really enjoyed this book and since i have lived in the Bahamas my self it was close to my heart and little things she said about the island i would understand. dramatic story with a happy ending which was quite refreshing since many authors feel they need to make there books a sad story for it to be successful and this book proved those authors wrong.
August 12, 2011
It was an awesome read to encourage young girls to be scholars instead of hoodrats, but I didn't like how the message was so overcrowded with the sex scenes and too much drama. It was teenage version of a Zane novel, not appropriate.
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