Tor'Cha by Todd Craig

by Todd Craig

The ten-chapter novel is a coming of age story of three African-American brothers growing up in the inner-city. Each chapter is based on one of the Ten Commandments, while drawing its moral from Supreme Mathematics, an Islamic concept originated from the Nation of Gods and Earths.In each chapter one of the three brothers is faced with the choice of breaking one of the Ten Commandments (before, during or after), illuminating the tension and often "torturous" throws of each situation. The narrative seamlessly interweaves these seemingly disparate philosophies as the characters — Emil (eM), a stick-up kid turned musician; Damon, an incarcerated felon turned Muslim as Abdullah Zahir; and Christian, the one brother who has made it out of the street-life via education — navigate urban America.The story unfolds in a cinematic sequence that engages readers, propelling them to reposition this literary jigsaw puzzle. Narrated by an insider, readers follow the lives of three iconic young black males tempted and tested again and again in their struggle to be moral men in a corrupt world.tor’cha also comes complete with a free hip-hop soundtrack to the novel. A collection of songs written for and dedicated to the book combined with songs heavily aligned with the mood and feel of the novel, the soundtrack includes songs by artists Mobb Deep, Big Noyd, G3, Big Twins, Chinky, Stamma Ramma, Truck North, Kice of Course, Mental Case, Un Pachino, Nyce and various others. The soundtrack also highlights production from Havoc, Mr.LeN, Bear-One, 100 Milez, Sid Roams, Sean Strange and DSMOOTH.

Paperback

First published September 1, 2007

Reviews

[Lauren Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of meeting Todd when he was at Harvard.

I am blessed to have watched him find his voice more than once. I have had the privileged to watched him fight to keep that voice. And most of all, I have been unduly humbled by his focus to keep it honest and real.

I give his book my highest recommendation. It is a must read.

until we meet again,

[Alexiemelekalcide Melek · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Opinion is quite