ABOVE IT ALL

by Lakisha Burkett

Growing up in one of the poorest areas of Chicago in the early 90s was extremely difficult. Gangs were constantly fighting over territory, causing violence and chaos. Drug users and dealers were a common sight on every street corner. Children growing up in this environment witnessed the turmoil and feared what their future held. Denise, the eldest of four siblings, was raised by a single mother. Despite facing numerous challenges such as eviction threats, mounting bills, and her mother's job loss, she persevered and pursued her college education, now entering her junior year. However, focusing on her studies became increasingly tough with the constant turmoil at home. Denise's life took a turn when she met Terry, whom she believed to be her prince charming, only to have her plans disrupted by his true nature. Later, she encountered Malcolm amidst her struggles. Despite his outward appearance of having it all under control, looks can sometimes be deceiving. The question Will Denise manage to overcome the obstacles of poverty and adversity, or will she succumb to becoming another statistic? Will she emerge stronger from these challenges and rise above it all?

94 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2024

Reviews

[Rashawnda · Rating 2 out of 5]

If being taken advantage of was a person, it would be Denise! At just 19 years old and entering into her Junior year of college, up to this point she had a solid head on her shoulders. Despite growing up in poverty, she was determined to graduate with her degree and create a better life for herself. Too bad her naïveté got the better of her when she allowed snake after snake to manipulate her and leave her in dire situations. Just when she thought she was able to trust, she realized that the person was merely a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Denise didn’t let these setbacks hold her down but lawd she must’ve done something terrible in her former life because if it wasn’t one thing it was another!

This story had tons of potential but unfortunately missed the mark. This book was the equivalent of eating at a buffet! My plate was piled with so much randomness that nothing truly made sense. There were a lot of traumatic issues that were brought up then brushed over. Her mother was a piece of work, and the story about her trauma was random and didn’t have its own place in the story. Ma Frances was such a lovable character that came through for DeDe in a major way so to taint her reputation with the story her daughter shared was also random and didn’t have a place in the story! Aside from Aunt Stella, it seems like the characters that deserved HEAs got the short end of the stick and all the rest of them triflin mfs rode off into the sunset. I think Karma forgot her job in this book. I can appreciate Terry coming around but even that was written in a way that had me giving serious side eye. The overall story had promise but lacked in the execution department!

[Demetrius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Above it all was a page-turner from beginning to end. Please check out this story; you won't be disappointed!

[SheBeC · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good overall message but missed the mark with the delivery

[ReadnliftwithShar · Rating 3 out of 5]

potential

I saw the potential in Above It All, and I actually thought the storyline was entertaining. The pacing was off; the story was moving too fast and the details were not fleshed out. I did get some 90s vibes but it didn’t give me the nostalgic feeling I was hoping for. Overall, I am glad I saw this one through because nobody could be trusted and the secrets were glaring. Whew.😥 this was a ntma, I would read more.

[Fatimah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a really great read for me. It had me saying OMG about every chapter. It was so good I kept having to put it down to get my thoughts together. I kept getting asked what happened, why you keep saying omg, what’s happening lol.

[Arnell Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new to me author. A really good read with a very powerful message. Be careful who you allow to get close to you. It was very unfortunate that so many ppl prayed on Denise’s vulnerability and tried to take advantage of her and her situation. I didn’t like how Terry tried to play in Denise’s face but glad that he came to his senses. Malcolm was a COWARD and a WEIRDO for all the things he did to cause Denise and the ppl around her so much grief. This was a great read and I enjoyed it a lot.

[Tisa Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great story!

Mannnnn I wanted to jump in this book so bad and knock ✊🏽 some sense into De!
This was definitely a teaching experience for some, I really enjoy it, it touches on some aspects of life and learning about different ways people are brought up, trust, commitment and self love ❤️

[Dani Quickley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Initially, the plot had potential. However, the extensive grammatical errors, over explanation of minute details, gaps in the storyline, switch in point of view mid sentence, and unnecessary setting introductions soon suppressed any plot development. I found myself reading this as a teacher because I simply could not overlook the excessive fragments and run on sentences.

[Lisa Sunshine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh. Denise is dumb. I was annoyed reading this

[Retha · Rating 4 out of 5]

One day read

This book definitely sends a clear message. “(People are not always who they seem)” (“and be very careful about who you invite in your life”). Ma Francis was the shocker for me, she portrayed the old, sweet lady in the hood that everyone wanted as a grandma. Malcolm had serious issues, and I had him figured out from the gate.. Denise was so young and naive, she couldn’t seem to get past the fact that everyone’s heart was not built the same as hers. Stella was a dirty, lowdown person that wanted to put her sister (Denise’s mom) down to make herself feel special. I really enjoyed this read, and I knew the best was yet to come, keep it up Lakisha. ✍️

[De' Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew

This book was good from start to finish, but it had me stressed. I don't want to give it away, but at one point I didn't like any of the characters. But when a tale can work your nerves like that, you know it's good. Good job on your second release, Lakisha! I look forward to your next books.

[Jennae Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where is that next book?😁

I read both of your books and enjoyed them but I liked them so much I wanted them to be longer but I guess you're just testing the waters right now to see how your reviews would turn out. Well, it's a 5 stars for me.💥💥💥💥💥and looking forward to your next book.

[Gloria Posey · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok Queen

I have read both of your books and I highly recommend this author Please don’t stop writing good job.I will be waiting for your next book

[Caker Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed

Could use some work but overall good. This took at lot of twists and turns for a short read. I'd love to see this played out on film! Make it a Tubi movie stat!

[monique brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

mmmm

Book was a super fast read. Super annoying and kinda all over the place but very predictable. It shouldnt be a part 2 if there is one.