Section 8

Hood Rat #3

by K'wan, Napiera Groves (Narrator)

Since she was a little girl, Tionna's on-and-off-again addicted mother taught her to get hers by any means necessary. Tionna's heart is as cold as a December chill, but she holds a warm place in it for Duhan, the father of her two sons, and her on-again-off-again boyfriend since they were teenagers. Duhan becomes her knight in shining armor until the government turns their dream into a nightmare.
With Duhan behind bars and everything she loves seized she finds herself starting over in the same neighborhood she swore she'd never come back to.
With two kids, a man in prison and no back up plan, Tionna is once again living by her wits in order to maintain the lifestyle she'd become so accustomed to. Back in the thick of things with her best friends Gucci, Boots and Tracy, she finds herself rediscovering her old life and suddenly begins to wonder if she's really cut out to be a prisoner's wife.

Genres: Urban, African American, Fiction, Audiobook

Audible Audio

First published September 1, 2009

About the author

In 2002 K'wan hit the scene with his debut novel Gangsta, under Triple Crown Publications. It was the first novel released by the budding house and would eventually become the building block for what is now a multimillion dollar company. What started as a therapeutic release went on to become a part of urban-lit history and an Essence bestseller, as well as drawing rave reviews overseas.
After penning his second novel, Road Dawgz (2003), K'wan drew the attention of St. Martins press. The literary powerhouse quickly signed K'wan to a multi-book deal, the first of which being Street Dreams (2004). In 2008 he received the Black Author of the year award from Black Press Radio for the novella Blow.
Since his insertion into the publishing world K'wan has been featured in Vibe, Pages, King, Felon, Big News, The Library Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Press, Clutch and most notably Time Magazine, to name a few. He was also interviewed by MTV News for a feature on Hip-Hop fiction, and a guest on Power 105s morning show as well as NPR (national public radio). In addition to being an accomplished author, K'wan is also a motivational speaker, mentor to at risk children and the C.E.O of Black Dawn, Inc.
K'wan currently resides in New Jersey where he is working on his next novel.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/kwan

Reviews

[Demetrius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Section 8 takes place three years after Still Hood, and we are introduced to Animal, Gucci, and The Original Dog Pound members. Section 8 was so good, it felt like I was a part of the book.

I recommend reading this before you read the Animal Series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BEST URBAN-FIC I'VE READ IN A LONG, LONG, LONG TIME.
This can stand up next to The Coldest Winter Ever and I do NOT say that often, if ever.
K'wan totally proved himself as a power-player with this one. I'm going to a K.D. Harris signing this week and I'm buying every single one of K'wan's books that I don't already have.
The thing I like best about urban-fiction is how realistic *most* of the books are. A lot like YA fiction, urban fiction stays true to what people know and live. And during a time where a lot of urban-fiction coming out is not doing that, this IS.
No urban-fiction reader should miss this - you'll be sorry....

[Sistar Tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Same Hood Different Day

K’wan is STILL the man. I loved what he had to say and how he said it. Kwan proves with each book he is an EXCELLENT story teller and is always on top of his game. Kwan explains the hood like no other and gives a pretty good explanation of the difference between Hood and Ghetto. I do believe most confuse the two. He also shows us the difference between the street thugs and the wannabe’s.

For the K’wan fans you will be used to the hefty amount of characters. You will also be used to how they all tie together and each has a purpose. I like the fact that several former characters from early novels were brought back into fold or received an honorable mention. I like the fact that it’s a new breed of “hood rats” taking the lead and we still get to keep up with Yoshi and her crew. I have to give props where props are due. I am happy that this book deals with real issues and has real consequences. It’s not all roses in the hood, you live by the gun you die by the gun, having unprotected sex can get you an STD you can’t get rid of.

I recommend this novel to those who have read the previous two and those who haven’t as this is a standalone book and you will be able to keep up pretty easily. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment of the “hood series”

SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc.
5 star rating.

[K2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read is Good.....The Plot Thickens

[Starsz · Rating 3 out of 5]

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The correct order to read the Hood Rat Novel series is: Hood Rat, Still Hood, Section 8, Welfare Wifeys, Eviction Notice & Animal. FYI readers: "The Leak" is a prequel of "Welfare Wifeys"; "The First & Fifteenth" is intro to "No Shade"; "No Shade" is a prequel to "Eviction Notice"; "Ghetto Bastard is the beginning of the Animal series. This is why the books are listed in such order.

In the 3rd installment of the Hood Rat Novel Series: Section 8, Animal is mentioned on page 48, but he's fully introduced on page 80; however, his first-time wrecking havoc is on page 91 as a frail, little, wild-haired boy who introduced himself as Animal on page 92.

In my opinion, The Leak should be a prequel to Section 8.

[Porsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a GREAT read. It deserves more than 5 stars and every literary honor that exists! Following the tradition of the series, we are introduced to another group of Hoodrats and another ensemble of diverse and personable characters. Tionna is a young single mother that suffered a fall from grace when her man got locked up. Gucci is a girl from the hood that isn’t settling for just anybody. When she finally meets her match (it is one that is both intriguing to her and nostalgic for us as a reader). Her love story was the best part of the book for me. Tracy is running around having a little too much fun with nose candy. She think no one notices but they do. Boots just got way too many kids and a man that treats her like a Queen but she too busy chasing the life. Then you got hot to trot ass Sharon that proves a hard head really does make a soft ass. The ending felt like rapid fire, it was one twist after the next. K’wan let’s us see how it goes down in Section 8.

[Keeping.Volumes.Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an entertaining experience! It definitely got my blood boiling at times. There were some snakes on the plane 😏. It was also a great way to educate some younger folks who might not be aware of certain things. I'm really curious, though—when will someone step in and take care of Don B? 🤔

[Courtney]

Section 8 is a book that continues in the Hood Rat series. It doesn't disappoint with all the drama and the action. It also introduces Animal, I have a few ideas about him but have to continue reading to see if I'm right. Will Animal be the next Tru? Will Don B ever get what's going to happen him? In section 8 you are 3 years in the future and have conclusions to characters in Still Hood.

[Anita Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read Hood Rat 1 or 2, but I think that the author did a good job of catching the reader up on the series purpose.

[Classy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rating. This was a book club read. K'wan's writing has definitely improved from Book 1 and 2 of this series. I look forward to reading Animal. I marked my rating down to 3.5 (probably should go lower) because of a very graphic rape scene. I felt the word choices made during this scene made it even more horrific.

[Nshslibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're from the city and have been involved with drugs, alcohol, violence, or want to know about what people’s lives are like that are involved with these things, then this book is just for you. Section 8 is filled with events that teens in high school go through involving drugs, and alcohol and learning to deal with the events and hardships that come their way. I myself have had friends go through times that put their lives at risk and had to cope with hardships like the teens in this book. That’s what made me so interested in this book. Tionna and her friends' lives start out perfect in the beginning and as the book continues, we see them choose drugs/alcohol and go through events that aren’t the best for them. These specific events lead up to the climax of the book. So if you like to read books that make you wonder more and more as the book continues on then this book is right for you. Tionna (the main character) is involved in relationships that contemplate how she lives and result in the actions she chooses throughout the book. This book is a great read if you’re into books about the city and what happens within the city, which we don’t normally see or hear about on the outside. Lastly, I would recommend this book because of its descriptions and the events that happen in this book. It is so descriptive that you can visualize what events are going on in the book and feel as though your are actually there.

[Cathleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Though I had every intention of staying with the full experience, I had to cut it loose. Even half-way through, there was still no connecting plot, the characters were indistinguishable apart from the obsessive detail of the shades of their skin color (or the fact that the protagonist "sucks her teeth" on almost every other page), and the descriptions were vulgar miles past the point of being offensive. Yes, I know the characteristics of street lit and I'm willing to acknowledge the appeal to readers, but I was under the impression there would also be a story.

audiobook note: At first I was impressed with the clear, strong voice and talent of inflection, but the production value of this is sorely lacking. Regularly there are long pauses mid-phrase, as if the performer lost her place for a moment. Though common in recording, I'm sure, most have the sense to do another take. The fact that the hitches only increase in frequency leads me to believe that the producers decided the audience for this book isn't worth the time or effort to do it right. That, too, is offensive.

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third installment of the Hood Rat series, Section 8 tells how you can go from sugar to sh#@ overnight...all because of the street life. Tionna finds herself right back at the place where she vowed never to return, while her man Duhan serves time. Not only does she have to deal with the haters, but the chicken heads trying to stake claim to her man. This is also where we are introduced to the one named Animal. He is a terror on the the streets that is finally exposed to the beating of his own heart.

I loved this book, and this series as a whole. K'wan has a way with words that will keep the reader wanting more. Salute to the the Big Dawg!!!

[Lena♥(Nothing Like Your Last,Im Your Present) Lakeisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so Great!, this is the first book I have ever read by this author "K'WAN" and I have to honestly say it won't be the last. Quote me on it!

The author is just a genius as you can tell in his writing.
First of all, when you pick up the book you think "Tionna is the main character of the story and her man Duhan",but this author had so much more to give and I loved it! As I kept reading this most interesting novel the two characters I was in love with happened to be "Tionna bestfriend Guccie and Tech killer(Animal)"...

Definetely a page turner, I couldn't put it down!:)

[Tia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book. I'm stifled with my commentary on this book. It was okay. It wasn't good and it wasn't bad. I stopped listening to it last week because of the language and it felt all over the place. The second half came together and was much better than the first. It was predictable. It's a story that you've heard and read over and over again. The name of the book "Section 8" only really comes into play on the last couple of pages. I don't get the title. It really doesn't seem to fit. Anyway, I'm done with it and wont revisit it.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Gucci and Animal. I knew Sharon was gonna have to eat the words she constantly threw in Resse's face but not the way she did. It is truly heartbreaking that the youth don't heed the advice of those who come before them. K'wan is an amazing writer. He pulls you in every time and makes you crave more from him. Napier's Groves narrating the audio book was so on point. I didn't think I would like to listen to a book but I was impressed with the emotions in her voice. So impressed I started the book over instead of just listening to what I wasn't able to read while at work.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical K'Wan novel - straight up tragic shit. Everyone ends up dead, in jail, or otherwise ruined. I wonder about the author's intentions, and also his intended audience. And his mental state, because it must be depressing to write a book knowing that all these characters he's lived with will not end up well.

[Carol Hornsby-mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great job! Enjoyed every minute of it. I like the relationship growing between Gucci and Animal. Sad that Her best friend got played on both ends. Tionna did what she do best to make the money she needed to get Duhan's the money he needed. He could have been more understanding than what he was. Big jerk she deserved more.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the best one so far out of the hood rat series. Plus that ending!!!! Wow now I have to order the next one! I loved that animal and Gucci were in this one! I had read the animal series last year and didn't know he came from this series. He's always been my favorite and I love him and Gucci together! 🥰

[Carrie Campbell-jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good!! This story continues to be good. Very very well written and I remain at the edge of my seat with all the drama and intrigue!! Now you KNOW a story is good when you find yourself talking to the characters in the book like you would if they were on the movie screen!! LOL! On to the next book….

[Khaleelah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kwan Is SO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD. You have to read it to understand , many plots going on. Once again Kwan is the best @ CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT.

[Rochell · Rating 5 out of 5]

K'wan always puts it down in his books and this one is no different. Loved the book. It is a must read.

[Vi Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, urban fiction on CD. I'm taking a break from YA to read my favorite genre. I feel like I'm sneaking a cookie from the cookie jar - LOL.

[Nicole]

it was good

[Samantha Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

TEAMANIMAL

[Shakeisha Williams · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this awhile back... same type of characters, nothing real interesting about the plot... not the best of K'Wan

[Danita Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

K'wan's Section 8 was packed with drama the pages turned themselves.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

just ok for me, too many characters

[Marybull · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like K'wan's style. Animal is a character you want to know more about

[Jazzmyn Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love me some Animal and Gucci!!!!