She a Thug and He a Square

by Nadir

Hardship was Ron’s reality as a Brooklyn teenager. Confined to circumstances bordering destitution, he maintained a level-head, nevertheless. A friend, Chanel, who was very much into the streets, constantly tried persuading him to get involved in the lucrative trade of drug-dealing, but he refused every time. School was at the top of his priority list, nothing else mattered. Hence, he ignored Chanel’s advances and remained a straight-A student, believing school would eventually take him to a more comfortable position in life.

That was until the pressures of poverty became too burdensome. Unable to secure employment, and with no help at home, Ron was in urgent need of something to do that would help his dire situation. Left with, seemingly, no choice, he tried a hand at hustling. With Chanel’s assistance, he delved into the world of drug-dealing, starting by selling small parcels of marijuana. In no time he realized how bankable hustling could be, and, ultimately, decided to make street-deals his primary focus over school.

Life changed within the blink of an eye once Ron made drug-dealing his focal point. He quickly learned fast money came with trouble, especially in his neighborhood. Even with Chanel on his side, a well-respected street figure, stronger forces of adversity found its way into his realm. He needed an escape from his environment. Finding his way to Los Angeles, he met Diane, a white woman, who would eventually evolve into his soulmate, and take him to heights he never knew existed.

152 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 11, 2023

Reviews

[Paige Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chanel’s daughter of a Jamaican crack/weed dealer who follows in his footsteps but always stands up for li’l Ron in school. His mom is his first bully (though tbf I would flip too if my son was pissing in jars, lol).

I usually read stuff that’s the opposite, where the guy is the badass, so this is refreshing. You’d think it wouldn’t be the bully who’s named Scooter though. I like the non-cliche use of broken English. Always perfer Brooklyn setting over Chicago or Cali.

It’s cute how excited he is just over making $20. He’s literally never had McDonalds money. Until he conveniently gets his bag swapped with Chanel’s frenemy. Thus starts weed slinging (presumably this takes place years ago to be such a big deal when now it’s so decriminalized. Or if not, it’s still obv less exciting than selling hard drugs).

I do wish the writing was a little more specific or poetic, like there’s a refrain of clothes being important in the hood, but it’s hardly saying any brands or styles. Physical descriptions are kind of limited in general. The story is tropey, but that comes with the title. It’s not a romance or quite as bullet-riddled like expected.

For friends, there’s not much communication or backstory or about their families so you’d never mistake this as nonfiction. It’s simple. Though he’s supposed to be such a nerd, he has no concrete recurring idea about /what he’ll do by saving for school or which school. At least w/ Chanel, we know she wants to open a beauty salon (though I’d get more creative with it like she loves painting cherry blossom nails or something memorable).

I get him not wanting to go home (why do these near adults still say Mommy? The nerd I get but not his bro), but that moment could’ve been more charged than him just hearing his brother play nondescript music and turning away. We coulda had a flashback. Or him focused on what a better life he envisions chilling in Cali.

In Cali, he meets a blonde pharmacist named Diane who screams sus. Again, IDK the era, but IDK even any 30 year olds w/ that old name. To be a legit and not street pharm, she’d have to be around 25 at least, which is also weird she’d be interested (and evesdroppy/stalkery) in high school Ron. So obv I assume she’s a thief. The sex scene was even more awkward than just virginal: “He splashed inside her. He never knew releasing manly fluids would feel so good.”

Good verbiage elsewhere like “He hotfooted.” The car competition is funny. The page count could be slimmer if the author stopped repeating what is immediately said in dialogue. The fam has no reactions to anything astonishing. Someone severely understates, “I can tell you’ve had a long week,” referring to multiple loved ones being murdered! Then randomly offers to kill them herself when it’s not her biz? What kind of man allows that? Not in his character, or if it was, it shoulda been more like that in beginning, not end.

At least when thugs are angry, they calculate who double-crossed them and speak uncensored with slurs to add realism. Ends a little abrupt and bittersweet. The two in the title always felt more like acquaintances than friends so there’s not much emotional depth tying them together or sticking the landing. Nonetheless, I will read another book by this prolific author w/ nice covers and concepts.

[WanDa Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read. I like how Ron evolved and went out and made his own way! He had very good friends who stood beside him and taught him well! I like how he still valued his education and didn't shrug it off for good. I also liked in the end when he didn't snitch! I would never have thought Chanel would snitch! But you never know anyone fully.

[Jane L Pennella · Rating 5 out of 5]

snitches get stitches

This author is very good writer. From the school young man to a big drug dealer but never looses his way!!!well done sir