Teenagers, Ahmir and Ahmad Pierson are the offspring of Newark's infamous ghetto legend Donald "Cashmere" Pierson. Ghetto fame and admiration have been a part of their lives for as far back as they both can remember, thanks to Cashmere. Cashmere's addiction to the fast life and the love for his two sons have always conflicted but the love his sons have for him has always been unconditional. Nothing in the world means more to them than their father whom they've always held on a pedestal. Ahmir and Ahmad's lives change drastically after they both witness a horrifying act that they'll never forget. The old cliche' is true "for every action there is an opposite, but equal reaction." What becomes of two traumatized teens whose hearts are filled with vengeance? What does their future hold for them? Or do they even have a future?
Who's standing hard on the block? Trigger finger on the glock- Getting ready to get dropped- Pumping hard- Pumping good- Who reppin' which hood?
Newark, NJ
Cashmere's sons Ahmir & Ahmad aren't those same little tikes feuding off one another anymore. In fact they have a brotherly bond that is supreme to anything and everything else. The fact that Ahmir is hasty in his decisions doesn't bother Ahmad as long as his big brother is still active in seeking revenge on their common enemy and protecting their family. Will Ice saturate Ahmir's judgment with money, drugs and power? Ahmir is steering his wheels towards the glamour and glitz of hustling. Is he ready for this man's game?
Ahmir is wild, reckless and believe it or not, pained. Although he's deep into the streets like a bandit, he's still just an emotional kid who can barely hide his emotions.
O-P-P-O-S-I-T-I-O-N-S:
Slim, despite his successful run and regard in the streets, the last thing he wants is for his oldest grandson to become a victim to the streets. Knowing that he can't convince the stubborn boy, Slim is forced to toss him some of his precious jewels in order to keep Ahmir out of harms way. Will Ahmir bypass Pop-Pop's wisdom?
Desire may not win any awards for being a perfect mother, but she loves her children despite all of their battles. Can she help Ahmir get over his fascination with the streets before she has to bury him?
Love's affection for Cashmere's sons didn't end with his death. Whenever they need her she comes running, even though Desire hates it. Love's heart is full as she watches her stepson repeat her husband's steps. Does she allow him his peace or does she speak from her heart?
Through the countless trials, gun fights, hospital stays and MIA's, Ahmir who is now known throughout the streets as `Young Cash', resume is overflowing with bodies, money and power. Being a hustler like Cashmere is finally happening for him. Is `Young Cash' suited for this or fated to fall?
BLOCK PARTY 2- THE AFTER PARTY features quality, consistency, familiar faces, and new characters you'll love and merit. As usual, Al-Saadiq Banks, with his true viewpoints, transports readers to the streets rooting for truth and justice the hustlers' way.
Al-Saadiq is back! Tell your neighbors!!!! Keep doin' you Kid, I told you this is where you should be.
Free the Mayor!!! Keep your head up baby, it's not over!!!
Psst! Psst! Several years have passed since the tragic death of Cashmere. Time has not erased the pain and hurt of the loved ones he left behind as each family member tries to bounce back in their own way. Ahmir, the eldest child, has taken solace in the streets. Fast cars. Fast money. "I want to be a hustler like you," a young Ahmir told his father and boy do those words ring true. He dives into hustling head first never mind the consequences.
Younger brother Ahmad on the other hand, saw the reality and eventuality of the street life when his father died before his very eyes. The opposite of his older brother, Ahmad is focused on family and a promising basketball future.
One thing though, the brothers have in common is the need to avenge their father's death. They won't rest until his murderer is dealt with. Little do they know the culprit, the man that changed their lives forever, has been under their noses the whole time. How long will he able to pull the wool over their eyes?
Block Party 2: The Afterparty retains the appeal of its predecessor so it's easily recommended to fans of its returning characters. BLOCK PARTY! BLOCK PARTY! The whole crew is back. Slim is still the Bang man. The Mayor may be down, but he's definitely not out. His term in office has not expired and he has aspirations for a reelection. Love wants what Cashmere wanted for his boys. Tony (Nephew) is the go to lawyer. If you did the crime, he can still get rid of the time. The famous Block Party is still in high demand. And the block is hotter than ever.
Just when you thought it was safe to go back out on the block, Al-Saadiq brings it and he brings it hard! Anyone that knows me knows that Block Party is my favorite of all the True 2 Life series. So I was very much looking forward to its sequel secretly hoping for some sort of resurrection of my baby Cashmere. The dead did not rise, but it was still all good. Al-Saadiq has a sharp and observant eye and is particularly good at capturing unusual and endearing characters (I loved Slim and the Bookkeeper). There is no denying Al-Saadiq's formidable storytelling powers. Strong characters, a well-crafted story, drama and action make Block Party 2 the engrossing, attention-holding book it is. Al-Saadiq Banks knows how to deliver. Block Party 2 is a must read as are all his other titles.
"A penny for the weather, quarter for the news. For fifty cents, I'll listen to you cry your blues!"
Makes me even more anxious to start part 3. The suspense is real. I literally read part 1 yesterday and started part 2 right after. Now about to start part 3!
Good tale of the streets. the book is what it is but better editing and story construction could make this hood fantasy above the rest. fast simple read
In Block Party 2 readers are reintroduced to brothers Ahmir and Ahmad Pierson. They are the sons of the Newark’s hood legend, Cashmere. The now teenage boys are like night and day. Ahmir wants to be just like his father if not better, whereas Ahmad does not want anything to do with that lifestyle and would rather spend time with his girlfriend or play basketball. Readers will be reacquainted with Desire, Love and the Slim from the original Block Party novel and they all only want the best for the boys and in their own special way they try to get Ahmir to see that the path he has chosen will either end in death or jail.
Block Party 2 from start to end was an action packed read. There were jewels that were dropped throughout the novel from characters that kept Ahmir on his toes but there were also secrets that were uncovered that made Ahmir have to make decisions that he never thought he would ever. Friends become foes and foes become friends in this page turner.
This hands down was a fabulous sequel. The action component was enough to keep me engrossed from page to page. Block Party 2 had so many different emotional elements that keep me wondering. Loyalty, jealousy, envy, love and loss as well as others made this story so realistic and relatable.
Al-Saadiq Banks wrote a true to life tale that did not disappoint and I will continue to read more from him!
Reviewed by Kisha Green for Literary Jewels Format: Paperback Review Copy Supplied by Author
This book picks up several years after the unfortunate death of Cashmere and shows the effect it had on everyone that was a part of his life. This book concentrates on his sons --especially Ahmir -- and how the drug game and money affects them. The Mayor continues to make his presence known in this installment also. This book deals with the game, betrayals and the consequences of choices that are made. Mr. Banks has delivered again.