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Brooklyn
Tracy Brown crafts a tale about a master manipulator and serial survivor, who will scorch earth to get what she wants. The question isn’t who murdered her; the question is who wouldn’t?
Brooklyn Melody James has finally gotten the punishment she deserves after leaving a web of lies, heartache, and betrayal behind her. As her life slips away, Brooklyn remembers the events that shaped her into the cold, calculating creature she became.
Brooklyn learned the art of hustling from her parents who used the church to get money. Idolizing her father and despising her mother, Brooklyn’s determined to be the type of woman who makes her own rules. When her back’s up against the wall, she sacrifices her family, takes the burnt offering that remains, and runs away. In NYC, young Brooklyn charms her way into the inner circle of hustlers and stick-up kids, learning tricks along the way. She catches the eye of a major player in the drug game, Hassan, and they have a breathless love affair. Brooklyn becomes integrated into his operation, earning the trust of Hassan and his associates. But when she gets the keys to the kingdom, driven by unfettered ambition and a ruthless desire to survive, Brooklyn snatches the pot of gold, leaving bitter retribution promises behind her.
From DC to Maryland, Brooklyn burns bridges and breaks hearts. What she doesn't realize is that someone is prepared to end her reign of terror. As she faces her killer and her fate, Brooklyn’s stunned that justice comes from the least likely place.
Brooklyn Melody James has finally gotten the punishment she deserves after leaving a web of lies, heartache, and betrayal behind her. As her life slips away, Brooklyn remembers the events that shaped her into the cold, calculating creature she became.
Brooklyn learned the art of hustling from her parents who used the church to get money. Idolizing her father and despising her mother, Brooklyn’s determined to be the type of woman who makes her own rules. When her back’s up against the wall, she sacrifices her family, takes the burnt offering that remains, and runs away. In NYC, young Brooklyn charms her way into the inner circle of hustlers and stick-up kids, learning tricks along the way. She catches the eye of a major player in the drug game, Hassan, and they have a breathless love affair. Brooklyn becomes integrated into his operation, earning the trust of Hassan and his associates. But when she gets the keys to the kingdom, driven by unfettered ambition and a ruthless desire to survive, Brooklyn snatches the pot of gold, leaving bitter retribution promises behind her.
From DC to Maryland, Brooklyn burns bridges and breaks hearts. What she doesn't realize is that someone is prepared to end her reign of terror. As she faces her killer and her fate, Brooklyn’s stunned that justice comes from the least likely place.
11 pages, Audible Audio
Published February 27, 2024
183 people are currently reading
15901 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Brown
89 books1,614 followersI am a storyteller, a painter of words, a writer who genuinely loves my craft.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 570 reviews
April 2, 2024
4.25 ⭐️
So. Whew. Before I start - I just want to be honest. Brooklyn will frustrate you. Brooklyn will make you angry - at one point I told a friend that I was so mad I could spit fire.
In the beginning of this book, you learn what “the end” is for Brooklyn but of course, Tracy takes us on a journey to show what led to that end. Brooklyn was a pk (preacher’s kid) who saw right through the front her parents put on for the church. Behind closed doors - her father had a wandering eye and she despised the woman her mother was. While she idolized her father- she wanted to be nothing like her mom.
After a traumatizing event takes place, Brooklyn looks to her mom for safety and protection. This is where things change for Brooklyn.
If you decide to give this book a chance, during the times you feel frustrated with her choices - think back to the way Brooklyn was raised, her family dynamics. Those are the things that shape us and if they were messed up- what do you expect? I gave her A LOT of grace, even though she let me down time after time 🥺
I believe this is one of the author’s last works before she passed so there were some parts of the story towards the end that seemed rushed and the timelines a little murky, however I still got the message. My main takeaway is how important a young girl’s relationship with her mother is. Our words, the way we treat our daughters, the way we protect them, BELIEVE them - it’s all so important.
So. Whew. Before I start - I just want to be honest. Brooklyn will frustrate you. Brooklyn will make you angry - at one point I told a friend that I was so mad I could spit fire.
In the beginning of this book, you learn what “the end” is for Brooklyn but of course, Tracy takes us on a journey to show what led to that end. Brooklyn was a pk (preacher’s kid) who saw right through the front her parents put on for the church. Behind closed doors - her father had a wandering eye and she despised the woman her mother was. While she idolized her father- she wanted to be nothing like her mom.
After a traumatizing event takes place, Brooklyn looks to her mom for safety and protection. This is where things change for Brooklyn.
If you decide to give this book a chance, during the times you feel frustrated with her choices - think back to the way Brooklyn was raised, her family dynamics. Those are the things that shape us and if they were messed up- what do you expect? I gave her A LOT of grace, even though she let me down time after time 🥺
I believe this is one of the author’s last works before she passed so there were some parts of the story towards the end that seemed rushed and the timelines a little murky, however I still got the message. My main takeaway is how important a young girl’s relationship with her mother is. Our words, the way we treat our daughters, the way we protect them, BELIEVE them - it’s all so important.
January 20, 2024
Firstly RIP TRACY BROWN … such a phenomenal writer gone too soon. 🕊️
One thing Ms. Tracy knows how to do is pull every emotion out of me. The way she writes has you so deep in your feelings fr.
Brooklyn had me stressed since the beginning of the book. From the first chapter she was doomed if we’re being honest. One event caused her to be on a path of destruction!! She was such a frustrating character but a lesson can definitely be learned.
Urban & mystery together is tooooo good. I went back & forth on giving this book 4 or 5 stars because the ending has you left with too many questions & That alone would automatically cause me to rate 4.5 but this book was still THAT GOOD even though guessing the killer was pretty easy to me.
I will be thinking about Brooklyn for a while just like I still think about the characters from Hold you Down 😭
THANK YOU NETGALLEY FOR THE ARC
One thing Ms. Tracy knows how to do is pull every emotion out of me. The way she writes has you so deep in your feelings fr.
Brooklyn had me stressed since the beginning of the book. From the first chapter she was doomed if we’re being honest. One event caused her to be on a path of destruction!! She was such a frustrating character but a lesson can definitely be learned.
Urban & mystery together is tooooo good. I went back & forth on giving this book 4 or 5 stars because the ending has you left with too many questions & That alone would automatically cause me to rate 4.5 but this book was still THAT GOOD even though guessing the killer was pretty easy to me.
I will be thinking about Brooklyn for a while just like I still think about the characters from Hold you Down 😭
THANK YOU NETGALLEY FOR THE ARC
July 15, 2024
“Where do you feel at peace?”
“In chaos……It’s when everything’s going nuts around me that I feel at peace”
Daughter to a well known pastor and First Lady, Brooklyn lived a pretty modest life. She grew up in a two parent home where she was the apple of her father’s eye and was surrounded by the love of her siblings. She didn’t have the best relationship with her mother and it showed clear as day with how her mother responded to one of the most traumatic events in her young teenage years. From there it was clear that there was a line drawn in the sand and Brooklyn was on one side while her mother was on the other.
After said event, it seemed as if Brooklyn lost her sense of belonging even more amongst her family and friends and this led to her making knee jerk decisions without care or thought about how it would affect others involved. Everything you would expect a wayward teen that group up in the church to do, she did! Was her mother at fault? To a certain extent, I believe she was.
I am HEAVILY side eyeing those of you that told me to be kind to Brooklyn because I extended grace that she truly did not deserve. There’s a thin line between being a victim vs victim mentality. There is a CLEAR difference between how one’s upbringing can mold them and their actions vs accountability / changed behavior and Brooklyn toed that line like a tightrope walker at the circus.
It got to the point for me where she was no longer a victim of circumstance and very much the main character in her own tragedy and the star player in other folks trauma. Outside of Sabrina, EVERYONE else extended so much grace to Brooklyn and GENUINELY and without malice wanted to see her win. Amir, Hope, Erica, Stacy, Hassan, Angel, her father I mean the list was endless. And they didn’t just wanted to see her win but put forth an active effort to help her achieve these wins. She was her biggest opp in my opinion. I mean the quote above tells you all you need to know about Miss Brooklyn.
Not enough happened to Brooklyn for me to justify her mentality and the way she treated everyone in this book. So many people really rode hard for Brooklyn and she didn’t deserve their kindness. I really did play devils advocate in the beginning until I realized I was advocating for the devil! 🥴
The book was extremely well written and it definitely gets the people going but Brooklyn you kinda got what you deserved 🙁
Tracy Brown’s books are always a reminder that I’m alive because my anxiety is spiked, my emotions are in shambles and my heart beats different. If you’re a Tracy Brown fan then you already know what to expect and if you’re new here, read at your own risk!
“In chaos……It’s when everything’s going nuts around me that I feel at peace”
Daughter to a well known pastor and First Lady, Brooklyn lived a pretty modest life. She grew up in a two parent home where she was the apple of her father’s eye and was surrounded by the love of her siblings. She didn’t have the best relationship with her mother and it showed clear as day with how her mother responded to one of the most traumatic events in her young teenage years. From there it was clear that there was a line drawn in the sand and Brooklyn was on one side while her mother was on the other.
After said event, it seemed as if Brooklyn lost her sense of belonging even more amongst her family and friends and this led to her making knee jerk decisions without care or thought about how it would affect others involved. Everything you would expect a wayward teen that group up in the church to do, she did! Was her mother at fault? To a certain extent, I believe she was.
I am HEAVILY side eyeing those of you that told me to be kind to Brooklyn because I extended grace that she truly did not deserve. There’s a thin line between being a victim vs victim mentality. There is a CLEAR difference between how one’s upbringing can mold them and their actions vs accountability / changed behavior and Brooklyn toed that line like a tightrope walker at the circus.
It got to the point for me where she was no longer a victim of circumstance and very much the main character in her own tragedy and the star player in other folks trauma. Outside of Sabrina, EVERYONE else extended so much grace to Brooklyn and GENUINELY and without malice wanted to see her win. Amir, Hope, Erica, Stacy, Hassan, Angel, her father I mean the list was endless. And they didn’t just wanted to see her win but put forth an active effort to help her achieve these wins. She was her biggest opp in my opinion. I mean the quote above tells you all you need to know about Miss Brooklyn.
Not enough happened to Brooklyn for me to justify her mentality and the way she treated everyone in this book. So many people really rode hard for Brooklyn and she didn’t deserve their kindness. I really did play devils advocate in the beginning until I realized I was advocating for the devil! 🥴
The book was extremely well written and it definitely gets the people going but Brooklyn you kinda got what you deserved 🙁
Tracy Brown’s books are always a reminder that I’m alive because my anxiety is spiked, my emotions are in shambles and my heart beats different. If you’re a Tracy Brown fan then you already know what to expect and if you’re new here, read at your own risk!
January 13, 2025
We was rooting for you… we was all ROOTING FOR YOU!
Brooklyn is an addictive story following the life of Brooklyn who after suffering from a horrible ordeal when she was younger ends up falling into the wrong crowd and we are witnessing her poor decisions after poor decisions that soon leads to her death.
WOWZERS! What a page turning enthralling read! I was instantly captivated by Brooklyn and her go getter attitude. I sympathize with her as a daughter of pastor who can see all the foolery going on and can’t understand why everyone worshipped her father and mother. She is someone who you only want good for and especially after the incident that changes her, I just wanted to wrap up in a big bear hug.
UNTIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is a particular scene in the book that had me absolutely hollering in shock and frankly I wanted to slap the piss out of Brooklyn. Even then I tried to give this young woman the benefit of the doubt but after a while you cant keep excusing peoples bad behaviour, no matter how bad life has dealt them. Every decision she made after then just irritated and irked the heck out of me and I wasn’t surprised that the book would end with her demise.
I enjoyed the pacing of the book, and it was truly so drama filled. It really gave Greenleaf (TV Show) vibes and frankly I was here for it! It was so hard to put the book down!
WHAT I LIKED
➽ The pacing
➽ The character development
➽ All the emotions I went through
➽ Not guessing who the perpetrator was
➽ The realities of the negatives of unhealed trauma
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
➽ Brooklyn’s parents
➽ The ending was quite abrupt
I heard the author has since passed away after this book was published and it’s so upsetting because although this is my first book by her I can tell she is an incredible storyteller. This was a fantastic novel, and I am excited to check out the rest of her backlist.
4.5 ⭐
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
A thrilling tale about a master manipulator/ serial survivor!
UMMM Yeah sign me up!
This sounds like its going to be uber drama filled!
Lets goooooo! 💚💚💚
Brooklyn is an addictive story following the life of Brooklyn who after suffering from a horrible ordeal when she was younger ends up falling into the wrong crowd and we are witnessing her poor decisions after poor decisions that soon leads to her death.
WOWZERS! What a page turning enthralling read! I was instantly captivated by Brooklyn and her go getter attitude. I sympathize with her as a daughter of pastor who can see all the foolery going on and can’t understand why everyone worshipped her father and mother. She is someone who you only want good for and especially after the incident that changes her, I just wanted to wrap up in a big bear hug.
UNTIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is a particular scene in the book that had me absolutely hollering in shock and frankly I wanted to slap the piss out of Brooklyn. Even then I tried to give this young woman the benefit of the doubt but after a while you cant keep excusing peoples bad behaviour, no matter how bad life has dealt them. Every decision she made after then just irritated and irked the heck out of me and I wasn’t surprised that the book would end with her demise.
I enjoyed the pacing of the book, and it was truly so drama filled. It really gave Greenleaf (TV Show) vibes and frankly I was here for it! It was so hard to put the book down!
WHAT I LIKED
➽ The pacing
➽ The character development
➽ All the emotions I went through
➽ Not guessing who the perpetrator was
➽ The realities of the negatives of unhealed trauma
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
➽ Brooklyn’s parents
➽ The ending was quite abrupt
I heard the author has since passed away after this book was published and it’s so upsetting because although this is my first book by her I can tell she is an incredible storyteller. This was a fantastic novel, and I am excited to check out the rest of her backlist.
4.5 ⭐
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
A thrilling tale about a master manipulator/ serial survivor!
UMMM Yeah sign me up!
This sounds like its going to be uber drama filled!
Lets goooooo! 💚💚💚
July 21, 2024
Interesting blend between thriller and realistic fiction that overall kept me engaged. In this novel we see the coming of age of Brooklyn Melody James, starting from when a horrendous event happened to her as a child, to her late teenager and early adult years hustling on the streets. She goes from one tragic incident to the next, all with a fire in her eye to protect herself and get what’s hers even when dealt a horrible hand by life.
The novel reads like a fast-paced slice-of-life thriller. I think Tracy Brown posed some deeper questions within these pages too, such as the extent to which early life trauma defines us as well as what it takes to interact with family and/or friends who’ve harmed us or when we’ve been harmed. A solid four star read and RIP to the author, who passed away two days after turning in this book.
The novel reads like a fast-paced slice-of-life thriller. I think Tracy Brown posed some deeper questions within these pages too, such as the extent to which early life trauma defines us as well as what it takes to interact with family and/or friends who’ve harmed us or when we’ve been harmed. A solid four star read and RIP to the author, who passed away two days after turning in this book.
December 4, 2023
Thank you, St. Martin's Griffin, for the e-ARC and physical ARC copies, and to Tracy Brown for your creativity.
There's something to be said about the way Tracy Brown wrote. The ability she had to captivate the reader and make a book impossible to put down. Her storytelling could make you angry, sad, happy, and many more emotions.
This novel is a cautionary tale of the price of selfishness, the cost of wanting to grow up too fast, and the toll ungratefulness takes on one's life. The reader quickly finds out the ending on the first few pages of the book, but it is the journey one takes to get there that's important. Tracy Brown creates a story where you are immediately immersed.
Brooklyn has a tragic life-altering event that occurs early in life that sets her on a path to her demise. An event that ultimately changed the way she viewed life and the people around her. I believe this led to Brooklyn being so lonely in the end, which is crazy to think because she was a preacher's kid surrounded by the church. There was a sense of community, as some would think, but was that the truth in this story? The answer is no. This church was full of secrets, and I honestly think Brooklyn was tired of living with secrets, as they were hard to hold onto and weighed heavily on her. Instead of hiding behind the veil, she told it all and did who and what she wanted to. In search of finding herself outside the bubble of the church, her life turned into a downward spiral.
Brooklyn is an unlikeable character who can't seem to get it right. She is selfish, and at one point I thought she was misunderstood, but she proved me wrong by the end of the book. I wanted better for Brooklyn; I wanted her to be okay after she left her family, but she just could not get it right.
That being said, this book contained some portions that seemed to be unfinished and rushed through as expected with the untimely death of its author, but I implore everyone who decides to read to look beyond that and find the message Tracy left for us. I highly recommend this book if you need a fast-paced, quick read with urban elements.
There's something to be said about the way Tracy Brown wrote. The ability she had to captivate the reader and make a book impossible to put down. Her storytelling could make you angry, sad, happy, and many more emotions.
This novel is a cautionary tale of the price of selfishness, the cost of wanting to grow up too fast, and the toll ungratefulness takes on one's life. The reader quickly finds out the ending on the first few pages of the book, but it is the journey one takes to get there that's important. Tracy Brown creates a story where you are immediately immersed.
Brooklyn has a tragic life-altering event that occurs early in life that sets her on a path to her demise. An event that ultimately changed the way she viewed life and the people around her. I believe this led to Brooklyn being so lonely in the end, which is crazy to think because she was a preacher's kid surrounded by the church. There was a sense of community, as some would think, but was that the truth in this story? The answer is no. This church was full of secrets, and I honestly think Brooklyn was tired of living with secrets, as they were hard to hold onto and weighed heavily on her. Instead of hiding behind the veil, she told it all and did who and what she wanted to. In search of finding herself outside the bubble of the church, her life turned into a downward spiral.
Brooklyn is an unlikeable character who can't seem to get it right. She is selfish, and at one point I thought she was misunderstood, but she proved me wrong by the end of the book. I wanted better for Brooklyn; I wanted her to be okay after she left her family, but she just could not get it right.
That being said, this book contained some portions that seemed to be unfinished and rushed through as expected with the untimely death of its author, but I implore everyone who decides to read to look beyond that and find the message Tracy left for us. I highly recommend this book if you need a fast-paced, quick read with urban elements.
November 30, 2023
Tracy will FOREVER be my favorite author hands down. She was a phenomenal writer and knew how to get you invested in the characters she creates. Just like her other books Brooklyn is top tier it gives the urban street vibes we all look for money, drugs, sex, drama all that. She took us on a wild ride with Brooklyn cause this girl was a PROBLEM CHILD‼️ I hate to say it but them preacher kids be wild’n.
I found myself sympathizing with Brooklyn a lot in the beginning then after a while she had me like now girl why the hell would you go and do that. She brought a lot of things on herself but life was really life-ing for Brooklyn it ate her ass up and spit her back out. This book was fast-paced, intense, emotional, and filled with so many memorable characters. That damn Sabrina is all I can say 😂 she got under my skin. We just gone say she’s a poor excuse for a mother.
Overall, just read the book I can’t say much without giving away all the goodies but it’s worth reading‼️ My only downside is knowing this will be our last book from Tracy Brown and I’m still not okay. If y’all haven’t read her previous books definitely recommend you read them especially Hold You Down whew the heartache that book caused me LOL. Special thanks to the author @tracywrites (R.I.P) and @stmartinspress for my gifted copy‼️
I found myself sympathizing with Brooklyn a lot in the beginning then after a while she had me like now girl why the hell would you go and do that. She brought a lot of things on herself but life was really life-ing for Brooklyn it ate her ass up and spit her back out. This book was fast-paced, intense, emotional, and filled with so many memorable characters. That damn Sabrina is all I can say 😂 she got under my skin. We just gone say she’s a poor excuse for a mother.
Overall, just read the book I can’t say much without giving away all the goodies but it’s worth reading‼️ My only downside is knowing this will be our last book from Tracy Brown and I’m still not okay. If y’all haven’t read her previous books definitely recommend you read them especially Hold You Down whew the heartache that book caused me LOL. Special thanks to the author @tracywrites (R.I.P) and @stmartinspress for my gifted copy‼️
October 19, 2023
February 2024 publication date
Tracy Brown has crafted a heartbreaking, tough, cautionary tale of a young woman's struggle to break away from her religious family. In doing so, life turns precarious and challenging. Emotional. Highly recommended.
My thanks to the author, Tracy Brown, and the publisher, St. Martin's Press, for my ARC of this book. # Goodreads Giveaway
Tracy Brown has crafted a heartbreaking, tough, cautionary tale of a young woman's struggle to break away from her religious family. In doing so, life turns precarious and challenging. Emotional. Highly recommended.
My thanks to the author, Tracy Brown, and the publisher, St. Martin's Press, for my ARC of this book. # Goodreads Giveaway
February 28, 2024
4.5✨ The rollercoaster of emotions I felt as I read Brooklyn was intense. I understood her story all too well. She felt like she was suffocating because of her overbearing strict parents and wanting to be “grown.” But the fast life was not a place for someone like Brooklyn: those that have lived a sheltered and spoiled life. She had so many opportunities to change the narrative of her life throughout the book. But, Brooklyn’s biggest weakness was her inability to regulate her emotions. She constantly acted irrationally and impulsively. She lashed out when she didn’t get her way, and was extremely selfish. I empathized with her character a lot, especially towards the ending. But even after hitting rock bottom, she still made poor decisions that hurt her in the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I wouldn’t expect anything less than stellar from the author. The storytelling, plot, 90s vibes, and the characters were all accurately portrayed, The grit, dangerous lifestyle, tough love, backstabbing, and raw emotions was just what I needed. I understand that the ending felt rushed but I personally am happy we have this story. It would have been nice to see what happened with Alonzo’s story and how her former friends and family would have responded to the news but I still loved it.
Arc from netgalley and the publisher
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I wouldn’t expect anything less than stellar from the author. The storytelling, plot, 90s vibes, and the characters were all accurately portrayed, The grit, dangerous lifestyle, tough love, backstabbing, and raw emotions was just what I needed. I understand that the ending felt rushed but I personally am happy we have this story. It would have been nice to see what happened with Alonzo’s story and how her former friends and family would have responded to the news but I still loved it.
Arc from netgalley and the publisher
July 22, 2024
Man I’m so mad at this ending... RIP to thee Tracy Brown though
November 21, 2024
This book broke my heart💔
I know everyone wanted to judge Brooklyn like she was this horrible person, but in reality, her family failed her long before. Her father was a cheating bastard, her mother was a worthless piece of shit, and her brother was a coward who didn't even try to protect Brooklyn (idc what yall say). Hope and Erica were the only two who truly cared about Brooklyn.
Brooklyn was just a lost soul, and it pains me that she never got a chance to make things right.
My heart is really hurting.
“You keep saying that God forgave me. Have you?”
♾️⭐️💔
I know everyone wanted to judge Brooklyn like she was this horrible person, but in reality, her family failed her long before. Her father was a cheating bastard, her mother was a worthless piece of shit, and her brother was a coward who didn't even try to protect Brooklyn (idc what yall say). Hope and Erica were the only two who truly cared about Brooklyn.
Brooklyn was just a lost soul, and it pains me that she never got a chance to make things right.
My heart is really hurting.
“You keep saying that God forgave me. Have you?”
♾️⭐️💔
January 22, 2024
Brooklyn…running from her past. Hustling, scheming, and leaving destruction in her wake. I truly believe that she just wanted the love and attention from her mother. Her running away and vowing to never go back home was her way of proving to her mom that she didn’t need her. I just wanted Brooklyn to get her life together but she just couldn’t get it right. I did not expect the ending at all. I highly recommend this read!
October 3, 2024
Brooklyn has been murdered. In this book, we follow her tumultuous journey leading up to her ultimate demise. As the reader is taken from her days as a sheltered teenager desperate for independence to a self-sabotaging young adult, the question 'Who would want to kill her?' soon morphs into 'Who wouldn't want to kill her?!'
Brooklyn Melody James is insufferable. She made one poor decision after another yet you just can't help but to root for her redemption. Initially, I sympathized with her. She experienced a traumatic event at a very young age and didn't receive the support she anticipated from her family. Her parents failed her, especially her mother, in this instance which caused Brooklyn to shift her mindset. From that point on she no longer respected them and craved the day she would escape their household indefinitely.
As Brooklyn grew older, however, she developed a victim mentality and became selfish, conniving and entitled. She made no attempts to heal from her past and burned bridges with every person that genuinely cared for or looked out for her. Even in adulthood it felt like she was a lost little girl trying to prove herself. It was incredibly frustrating to watch life chew her up and spit her out due to her repeatedly poor choices by a certain point.
Brooklyn is a cautionary tale of how unresolved trauma can truly shape the trajectory of your life. Tracy Brown has a phenomenal way of keeping you captivated by characters that will have you figuratively flipping a table and wanting to throw the book across the room as a result of their unfavorable actions. It took me so long to read this because I was in denial about it being her last literary gift to the world.🥺
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Brooklyn Melody James is insufferable. She made one poor decision after another yet you just can't help but to root for her redemption. Initially, I sympathized with her. She experienced a traumatic event at a very young age and didn't receive the support she anticipated from her family. Her parents failed her, especially her mother, in this instance which caused Brooklyn to shift her mindset. From that point on she no longer respected them and craved the day she would escape their household indefinitely.
As Brooklyn grew older, however, she developed a victim mentality and became selfish, conniving and entitled. She made no attempts to heal from her past and burned bridges with every person that genuinely cared for or looked out for her. Even in adulthood it felt like she was a lost little girl trying to prove herself. It was incredibly frustrating to watch life chew her up and spit her out due to her repeatedly poor choices by a certain point.
Brooklyn is a cautionary tale of how unresolved trauma can truly shape the trajectory of your life. Tracy Brown has a phenomenal way of keeping you captivated by characters that will have you figuratively flipping a table and wanting to throw the book across the room as a result of their unfavorable actions. It took me so long to read this because I was in denial about it being her last literary gift to the world.🥺
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
February 17, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
In the week since I have read this book, I have been see-sawing between a 2 star and a 3 star. The story of a young woman( Brooklyn) growing up in a conservative Christian family with a preacher father who finds herself fallen out of her family's favor and onto a road of bad choices. The story begins with the end of her story and then readers are led back to all the events that led to Brooklyn's final days.
This was a terrifically written story that was slathered in high dramatic moments and heartache. It reminded me a bit of the television series Greenleaf (2016-2020). Maybe because of all the drama and the preacher father. It's also not a story where I can say that I liked every character but I sure did feel empathy for a few. The ending was deliciously good- not surprising of a turn, more sadness that it had to end that way.
But it left me deeply unsettled and conflicted over whether I really wanted to finish the book. In the end, I am glad that I persevered because as I mentioned the ending was - so good. Also, nobody can deny that Tracy Brown could keep a reader on the edge of their seat. I would like to explore more of her other titles in the future.
After all, I will keep it at a 3 star.
Expected Publication Date 27/02/24
Goodreads Review Date 16/02/24
In the week since I have read this book, I have been see-sawing between a 2 star and a 3 star. The story of a young woman( Brooklyn) growing up in a conservative Christian family with a preacher father who finds herself fallen out of her family's favor and onto a road of bad choices. The story begins with the end of her story and then readers are led back to all the events that led to Brooklyn's final days.
This was a terrifically written story that was slathered in high dramatic moments and heartache. It reminded me a bit of the television series Greenleaf (2016-2020). Maybe because of all the drama and the preacher father. It's also not a story where I can say that I liked every character but I sure did feel empathy for a few. The ending was deliciously good- not surprising of a turn, more sadness that it had to end that way.
But it left me deeply unsettled and conflicted over whether I really wanted to finish the book. In the end, I am glad that I persevered because as I mentioned the ending was - so good. Also, nobody can deny that Tracy Brown could keep a reader on the edge of their seat. I would like to explore more of her other titles in the future.
After all, I will keep it at a 3 star.
Expected Publication Date 27/02/24
Goodreads Review Date 16/02/24
January 17, 2024
If you are a fan of The Coldest Winter Ever or A Moth to a Flame, buckle up because Brooklyn takes you for a ride.
I’ve been reading Tracy Brown since I was a teenager, sneaking her books into school to pass along to my friends. Her passing is such a loss but Im so grateful we’re able to read one last book by her ❤️
Brooklyn is your typical teenager who thinks she knows it all. She’s willing to do whatever to get what she needs. And boy did she stress me out!! I couldn’t put the book down because every page had me anxious to see what the end result was going to be.
I wanted better for Brooklyn just like I did with Winter & Raven but you know how the story goes …
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!
I’ve been reading Tracy Brown since I was a teenager, sneaking her books into school to pass along to my friends. Her passing is such a loss but Im so grateful we’re able to read one last book by her ❤️
Brooklyn is your typical teenager who thinks she knows it all. She’s willing to do whatever to get what she needs. And boy did she stress me out!! I couldn’t put the book down because every page had me anxious to see what the end result was going to be.
I wanted better for Brooklyn just like I did with Winter & Raven but you know how the story goes …
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!
April 4, 2024
DO NOT LISTEN TO THE AUDIOBOOK. The narration is really bad!
RIP to a staple in the Black fiction community. Tracy Brown will always have a spot in my heart from my earliest days of reading Black contemporary and urban fiction.
Brooklyn was not a bad read, but it wasn't anything new or original. The typical story lines and a lot of the FMCs actions made zero sense.
As I said, the narration was really bad. The accents were cringy, and the narrator was choppy and monotone. It's hard to believe that made it out of production...
I was excited for this last book by one of my faves, but I just didn't see any growth in the style or anything super intriguing about the story.
RIP to a staple in the Black fiction community. Tracy Brown will always have a spot in my heart from my earliest days of reading Black contemporary and urban fiction.
Brooklyn was not a bad read, but it wasn't anything new or original. The typical story lines and a lot of the FMCs actions made zero sense.
As I said, the narration was really bad. The accents were cringy, and the narrator was choppy and monotone. It's hard to believe that made it out of production...
I was excited for this last book by one of my faves, but I just didn't see any growth in the style or anything super intriguing about the story.
June 23, 2024
man what???? i need a moment to think about this..
after thinking i feel so bad for brooklyn. she really needed someone to step up when she was a child and protect her and she didn’t get that and i think that ruined her. she made bad decision after bad decision after bad decision i actually don’t know why i expected her to be any different at the end. her brother’s former lover being the one to kill her is actually INSANE when you think about it
after thinking i feel so bad for brooklyn. she really needed someone to step up when she was a child and protect her and she didn’t get that and i think that ruined her. she made bad decision after bad decision after bad decision i actually don’t know why i expected her to be any different at the end. her brother’s former lover being the one to kill her is actually INSANE when you think about it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ wasn't expecting that ending tho. Really wish she worked things out with Hassan
March 10, 2024
It wasn’t what was expecting from her last book! It was basic not a good storyline. I listen to this book and the narrator was awful.
April 7, 2024
Almost to the finish line… Tracy Brown has always been the queen of naive characters and she left no stone unturned in this one 😫😫😩😩 Brooklyn blew my mind 😫😫
July 23, 2024
Whew chile!!! Brooklyn made me tired with all her shenanigans......🙄 I really tried to feel sorry for her, but she was burning bridges left & right. She just wouldn't do right.
January 23, 2025
just finished reading Brooklyn.. I knew after reading the first paragraph I’d finish real quick 📖 slightly pissed about the ending though. 😴
March 28, 2024
2.5⭐️ 1st RIP Tracey Brown 👼 I have loved Tracey’s books for decades and will miss her stories. Jada & Born (White Lines) is a one that will stick with me for life!
About the book…
Coldest Winter Ever, much? Mixed with one of Tyler Perry’s “hypocrites in the church” plays…
Brooklyn was everything that I used to love reading, urban fiction. However…
I realize that as I’ve grown, my reading tastes have, too. The Black girl lost, hypocritical Black church, Black mama turning a blind eye tropes are a thing of the past for me. They don’t hit the same. And the story felt very juvenile, which is why it felt like a re-make of CWE.
Brooklyn shows how one devastating moment in childhood upended her future for the worst. The story kept me entertained, but it was just a series of one disturbing event, after another.
The mother, Sabrina, was dreadful. The father could only think with his little head. Brooklyn was insufferable. The one character who I felt suffered one of the hardest blows was Hope. Imagine all this chaos going on in the family and trying to be the glue holding this dysfunctional family together by a smudge? I believe her POV would’ve turned this story around for me.
The revelation in the end was really unexpected, but still very flat. It just felt so rushed and tossed in on a whim. It had so much potential if given time to expand on this and do some fleshing throughout.
Worst audiobook ever! The narration was horrible, awful, cringe but I endured it, for the sake of time and convenience.
About the book…
Coldest Winter Ever, much? Mixed with one of Tyler Perry’s “hypocrites in the church” plays…
Brooklyn was everything that I used to love reading, urban fiction. However…
I realize that as I’ve grown, my reading tastes have, too. The Black girl lost, hypocritical Black church, Black mama turning a blind eye tropes are a thing of the past for me. They don’t hit the same. And the story felt very juvenile, which is why it felt like a re-make of CWE.
Brooklyn shows how one devastating moment in childhood upended her future for the worst. The story kept me entertained, but it was just a series of one disturbing event, after another.
The mother, Sabrina, was dreadful. The father could only think with his little head. Brooklyn was insufferable. The one character who I felt suffered one of the hardest blows was Hope. Imagine all this chaos going on in the family and trying to be the glue holding this dysfunctional family together by a smudge? I believe her POV would’ve turned this story around for me.
The revelation in the end was really unexpected, but still very flat. It just felt so rushed and tossed in on a whim. It had so much potential if given time to expand on this and do some fleshing throughout.
Worst audiobook ever! The narration was horrible, awful, cringe but I endured it, for the sake of time and convenience.
September 30, 2025
I didn’t know the author Tracy Brown died in June of 2024 from lung cancer. RIP 🕊️
Brooklyn is a story that follows a pastor's daughter, Brooklyn Melody James, as she runs away from her religiously sheltered, but hypocritical, environment where appearances and money are prioritized over love and genuine connection. She begins to rebel, runs away from home, and goes on a relentless pursuit of success and security, surviving and thriving in the harsh streets of New York City. Using deceit and manipulation she builds a life of wealth and power, which ultimately leads to her own downfall.
This book was GOOD. I don’t think her mother liked her at all and not because Brooklyn was bad but she might have been jealous. I cannot even imagine calling my kid a common whore upon multiple things and sticking up for a disgusting and disgraceful stepbrother then showing up to church like a good pastors wife….smh. Her mother had favorites and I don’t even think Brooklyn made the list. Brooklyn is a victim with her family and there is a lot of trauma there but she can’t play victim with her brother, Angel, Stacy, and Hassan. Also, the ending got me.
Brooklyn is a story that follows a pastor's daughter, Brooklyn Melody James, as she runs away from her religiously sheltered, but hypocritical, environment where appearances and money are prioritized over love and genuine connection. She begins to rebel, runs away from home, and goes on a relentless pursuit of success and security, surviving and thriving in the harsh streets of New York City. Using deceit and manipulation she builds a life of wealth and power, which ultimately leads to her own downfall.
This book was GOOD. I don’t think her mother liked her at all and not because Brooklyn was bad but she might have been jealous. I cannot even imagine calling my kid a common whore upon multiple things and sticking up for a disgusting and disgraceful stepbrother then showing up to church like a good pastors wife….smh. Her mother had favorites and I don’t even think Brooklyn made the list. Brooklyn is a victim with her family and there is a lot of trauma there but she can’t play victim with her brother, Angel, Stacy, and Hassan. Also, the ending got me.
August 19, 2024
4⭐️ this story reeled me in immediately, especially during the first half of the book. I simply couldn’t put the book down. I loved the writing & the characters were sketched out so nicely. Brooklyn was such a strong, complex character. “She was her own hero”
the last bit of the book felt sorta off but overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it. I look forward to reading more books by Tracy Brown!
*there are some situations in the book that could be triggering so please check the trigger warnings*
the last bit of the book felt sorta off but overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it. I look forward to reading more books by Tracy Brown!
*there are some situations in the book that could be triggering so please check the trigger warnings*
June 16, 2025
Check your trigger warnings and be prepared to be more than frustrated with the Brooklyn’s decisions as she navigates life after leaving home at a young age. She was certainly failed by her parents and her naïveté unfortunately lands her in a world of trouble.
RIP Tracy Brown. A remarkable final work. A real page turner.
RIP Tracy Brown. A remarkable final work. A real page turner.
April 2, 2024
First. RIP TO THE TRACY BROWN.
Second, Brooklyn made me wanna smoke a cigarette. 😭 full review coming later.
Okay im back with my review. Finished March 29th, 2024. Had to sit with it a few days before reviewing. Full review posted 4/2/24
This book was so good. I really enjoyed it, and of course I did because anything I’ve ever read by Tracy Brown eats down!!
Brooklyn reminded me in so many ways of Winter from The Coldest Winter Ever, just how she acted and how she thought she knew everything. Phew pmo real bad throughout the whole book.
Brooklyn literally did not care who she crossed as long as she came out on top! & I hated that for her. LIKE SIS PLS! Like how she did her brother Amir, I wanted to stop reading but I had to see how things played out.
Brooklyn made me tired the whole book. She didn’t listen and in the end she ultimately got what she deserved.
I had seen where people said this book was so emotional and sad, and eh. It had emotional and sad parts but I wouldn’t say that it was an emotional or sad book. It took you on a rollercoaster ride that’s for sure!
R.I.P. to one of the greatest!
Second, Brooklyn made me wanna smoke a cigarette. 😭 full review coming later.
Okay im back with my review. Finished March 29th, 2024. Had to sit with it a few days before reviewing. Full review posted 4/2/24
This book was so good. I really enjoyed it, and of course I did because anything I’ve ever read by Tracy Brown eats down!!
Brooklyn reminded me in so many ways of Winter from The Coldest Winter Ever, just how she acted and how she thought she knew everything. Phew pmo real bad throughout the whole book.
Brooklyn literally did not care who she crossed as long as she came out on top! & I hated that for her. LIKE SIS PLS! Like how she did her brother Amir, I wanted to stop reading but I had to see how things played out.
Brooklyn made me tired the whole book. She didn’t listen and in the end she ultimately got what she deserved.
I had seen where people said this book was so emotional and sad, and eh. It had emotional and sad parts but I wouldn’t say that it was an emotional or sad book. It took you on a rollercoaster ride that’s for sure!
R.I.P. to one of the greatest!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2023
“What a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” - Sir Walter Scott
After a life-changing event as a teenager, Brooklyn James decides to leave home for what she believes is a better life, not under her parents' thumb.
This belief sets off a chain of events that Brooklyn never saw coming and causes repercussions she can’t return from, ultimately causing a fall from grace, as her father might have said.
This was my first book from Tracy Brown, and all I can say is she didn’t have to do us like this. From the beginning, I was hooked and couldn’t put the book down. I finished it in less than 24 hours. As I was reading, all I could do was shake my head to see someone repeat the same cycle repeatedly. This book would be suitable for young Black girls ages 15-25. It has a great message that nothing the world offers can satisfy like we think it can. Five stars, hands down!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC.
After a life-changing event as a teenager, Brooklyn James decides to leave home for what she believes is a better life, not under her parents' thumb.
This belief sets off a chain of events that Brooklyn never saw coming and causes repercussions she can’t return from, ultimately causing a fall from grace, as her father might have said.
This was my first book from Tracy Brown, and all I can say is she didn’t have to do us like this. From the beginning, I was hooked and couldn’t put the book down. I finished it in less than 24 hours. As I was reading, all I could do was shake my head to see someone repeat the same cycle repeatedly. This book would be suitable for young Black girls ages 15-25. It has a great message that nothing the world offers can satisfy like we think it can. Five stars, hands down!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC.
December 25, 2023
I have not read a book by Tracy Brown that I did not love and this no exception. Every time I read a book by her I am left wanting more. This a great harmony between urban fiction and mystery thriller in way that I would never have seen coming.
Since the beginning it is known that Brooklyn, the main character of this story, was reaping what she sowed in her life. Brooklyn is very unlikeable and selfish. When you learn about her childhood and upbringing you start to feel bad for her and think she is misunderstood but the she continues to make the same mistakes betraying the people that love her. She can’t see that she became the very thing she detested and ran from as a child, if not worse.
If you have not read any books by Tracy Brown, which you should, this for sure would get you reading more of her work.
Rest in peace Ms. Tracy Brown and thank you NetGalley for the eARC.
Since the beginning it is known that Brooklyn, the main character of this story, was reaping what she sowed in her life. Brooklyn is very unlikeable and selfish. When you learn about her childhood and upbringing you start to feel bad for her and think she is misunderstood but the she continues to make the same mistakes betraying the people that love her. She can’t see that she became the very thing she detested and ran from as a child, if not worse.
If you have not read any books by Tracy Brown, which you should, this for sure would get you reading more of her work.
Rest in peace Ms. Tracy Brown and thank you NetGalley for the eARC.
March 10, 2024
Brooklyn, Brooklyn, Brooklyn
At first, I thought it would be another predictable story about a preacher's kid rebelling against their religious upbringing. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was much more than that. The book portrayed how a successful pastor and his wife were determined to maintain their flawless image at all costs. It also demonstrated how children raised in the same household and given the same upbringing can still choose different paths in life. The book was a poignant reminder of how unique and individual we all are, despite our shared experiences.
At first, I thought it would be another predictable story about a preacher's kid rebelling against their religious upbringing. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was much more than that. The book portrayed how a successful pastor and his wife were determined to maintain their flawless image at all costs. It also demonstrated how children raised in the same household and given the same upbringing can still choose different paths in life. The book was a poignant reminder of how unique and individual we all are, despite our shared experiences.
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