Money Power Respect

by Erick S. Gray

My name is Ricky Johnson, and this is my story.... Where I’m from, South Jamaica Queens, making the wrong choices in life can actually make you feel like you made all the right moves, especially when you’re driving around in high-end cars, spending money like it’s water, and sporting the latest trends and fashions. Since I was thirteen I’ve been hustling and running the streets. My theory in life is, “the more money you hold, the more respect you get.” But unfortunately my lavish lifestyle came to an end, and I ended up doing a bid upstate. As a man, I should’ve learned from my mistakes and done right with my life. But the thing is, I got the devil, disguised as my best friend Kinko, addressing me in one ear, and then I got my family and my girl preaching to me in the next ear. Coming home from jail and trying to do right -- it ain’t easy, because you’re used to the money, the power, and the respect.

Genres: Urban

223 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2005

Reviews

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot more than I thought I would. I have one minor complaint and that is that the book seemed to shift halfway through. The beginning was all about Ricky's life and how he was going down the wrong path and what I liked was the reader got a different look inside his head. We learned why he was doing what he was doing, what he thought about it, what he though about trying to be a better person, etc. I was interested in that. The drama was there of course during that part also. Then Ricky gets himself straightened out with the help of an ex teacher of his after a little stint in jail. All of a sudden, about halfway in, the book just changed. It was all drama. I love reading drama riddled books as much as the next person but damn. The whole insight aspect flew out the window. It just seemed like drama, drama and more drama with nothing else. The reason that bothered me so much with this book was because of the beginning and how much I liked that.
Now, since I do love some drama I quickly got over my complaint and the book kept flowing. The ending was a shocker in a way. Part of it I saw coming and part I didn't. It didn't end the fairy tale ending way that a lot of books end and I'm glad it didn't- I hate that. The ending ticked me off though and anyone who reads it will know why! It ticked me off because I wanted it to end my way- not because it was bad. It was a decent ending to be honest.
There is or will be a sequel though.....

[tiffany hilburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read good tho

[Danielle Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned fom this book that not only you have to book smart you also have to be street smart.This book teaches me about how my life will end up if i only grow up in the streets.Telling me to always have my eyes and ears open.Never trust anyone.

[JazzyRacquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Great Read ! ❤

[Akeirah Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite Book ! No book I have ever read topped this one. I Love everything about this book. The characters, the setting, everything !

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was one crazy book i was hopin for a different ending