What do you think?
Rate this book
Animal #0.5
Animal: The Beginning
Based on his bestselling Animal series comes K'wan's highly anticipated prequel, "Animal: The Beginning. "What happens to the children that the world throws away? Tayshawn Torres is a child born in the slums and cursed by the sins of his parents. His mother is a notorious drug addict and whore, more concerned with getting her next high than she is with his well-being. His stepfather hates him so much that he literally treats him like an animal. Tayshawn is forced to sleep in a cage and scavenge for scraps of food wherever he can find them. Because of his squalid appearance, he is also the object of ridicule by all of the neighborhood kids who have given him the nickname Animal.
The only person to ever show him the slightest bit of kindness is his older brother, Justice. Justice keeps him out of harm's way the best he can; however, when Justice is taken from his life, Tayshawn finds he is alone in the streets. With his guardian angel gone, he is now at the mercy of the world Justice tried to protect him from.
Tayshawn quickly learns that if he is to survive the jungle, he will have to adapt. Love and companionship constantly elude Tayshawn, but death and heartache cling to him like a second skin. Gradually, the layers of the frightened child he had been are stripped away until there is nothing left of Tayshawn, and all that remains is Animal."
The only person to ever show him the slightest bit of kindness is his older brother, Justice. Justice keeps him out of harm's way the best he can; however, when Justice is taken from his life, Tayshawn finds he is alone in the streets. With his guardian angel gone, he is now at the mercy of the world Justice tried to protect him from.
Tayshawn quickly learns that if he is to survive the jungle, he will have to adapt. Love and companionship constantly elude Tayshawn, but death and heartache cling to him like a second skin. Gradually, the layers of the frightened child he had been are stripped away until there is nothing left of Tayshawn, and all that remains is Animal."
347 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 8, 2014
97 people are currently reading
1221 people want to read
About the author
K'wan
85 books1,530 followersIn 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
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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
September 6, 2024
4.5
🎧Fast paced, gritty, raw urban fiction. My heart went out to Animal. He was truly a victim of his environment and did what he had to do to survive. I enjoyed it and can’t wait to continue the series.
🎧Fast paced, gritty, raw urban fiction. My heart went out to Animal. He was truly a victim of his environment and did what he had to do to survive. I enjoyed it and can’t wait to continue the series.
March 25, 2024
I prolonged reading this book because I didn’t want the animal series to end, but damn this was the BEST book in the animal series. The transition from Tayshawn to Animal was emotional. I felt for Tayshawn; he was an innocent soul who became a product of his environment due to the life he was born into. This story was RAW and REAL!!!
Little Easter eggs that caught me by surprise.
1. Pop-Top being Brasco's uncle
2. Animal standing up to OG’s like Lou Loc and Gutter
3. The connection between OG Tango and Big Gunn
See, this is why K’wan is the GOAT; his ability to intertwine all his books is crazy!
TBH, The animal series NEEDS to be a TV show! Animal could easily go six seasons!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Instant Favorite!
Little Easter eggs that caught me by surprise.
1. Pop-Top being Brasco's uncle
2. Animal standing up to OG’s like Lou Loc and Gutter
3. The connection between OG Tango and Big Gunn
See, this is why K’wan is the GOAT; his ability to intertwine all his books is crazy!
TBH, The animal series NEEDS to be a TV show! Animal could easily go six seasons!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Instant Favorite!
December 5, 2015
Ghetto Bastard by K'wan. Screaming from the top of my heart and soul, l love u Animal. Ever since u came in2 my life. I he lived u. On that note , this book was so damn good. L didn't put it down until it was time 2go 2 sleep. And even in my dreams I've dreamed about u. K'wan u r truly the man when u wrote Ghetto Bastard. Big ups my bragged!!!!
July 31, 2014
10************** You hear me I love this read, I was in tears, sad. Animal went thru alot.. K'wan can tell a story and make like your there watching instead of reading. I'm waiting on part 3 of Animal. I will forever be a fan. If u like the whole HoodRat series & Animal get this book....
March 25, 2024
Whew I needed to pomodoro this book in order finish it. I was taking forever to pick it back up. But I'm so glad I did because it was a good read.
This is a story like no other. Hard, gritty, straight from the jungle type read. K'wan is a masterful storyteller who who gives us Tayshawn Torres aka Animal a mix race Black and Spanish boy, from the streets of NY. Tayshawn has been dealt every bad hand possible. K'wan takes us through the pivotal moments of Tayshawn's life that transforms him from being an innocent child in the hood into Animal from the streets. Throughout Animal comes across all kinds of people and they all in some way or the other teach him a lesson. Any and everything you think can't happen happens, and it's only the beginning! In true fashion, the streets created an animal.
This is a story like no other. Hard, gritty, straight from the jungle type read. K'wan is a masterful storyteller who who gives us Tayshawn Torres aka Animal a mix race Black and Spanish boy, from the streets of NY. Tayshawn has been dealt every bad hand possible. K'wan takes us through the pivotal moments of Tayshawn's life that transforms him from being an innocent child in the hood into Animal from the streets. Throughout Animal comes across all kinds of people and they all in some way or the other teach him a lesson. Any and everything you think can't happen happens, and it's only the beginning! In true fashion, the streets created an animal.
March 4, 2019
Animal definitely started out with the deck set against him! However he is learning fast deal with his emotions and that BAD STACK that he was DELTED in the hood.
October 26, 2014
Ghetto Bastard introduces the reader to a boy named Tayshawn who eventually becomes a monster killer named Animal. The book will have your emotions all over the place, because you feel sorry for Tayshawn and his brother Justice while hating his mother and stepfather at the same time. Then you move from fear of what the streets may do to fear of what Animal may do to the streets.
As always, K'wan did not disappoint and I will continue to recommend his books to fellow readers.
As always, K'wan did not disappoint and I will continue to recommend his books to fellow readers.
August 9, 2017
I have read this book twice. It reminds me of why I love the character Animal so much. This story left me in tears each time I read it. No child should go through what he and Ashanti endured and this explains why a child can go left at times. The pain, rejection and heart was a lot for the children and how Tayshawn learned to cope was sad. I love this little guy and would love to see the next installment in Animal. I want this young man to find happiness at some point of his life.
January 10, 2019
The Monster Killer
September 12, 2021
Love this book. Action from start to finish! I plan on reading the whole series, if you are into urban books I think this one is a must read
August 29, 2025
I feel so bad 😔This book came out in 2014 and I'm 11 years late. This book is still relevant today. We are living with the crack babies babies. If you want to understand why some people are the way that they are try reading this. After reading this you may empathize with how some people are living today.
February 3, 2025
This book was nothing short of amazing! Kwan did his thing with this.
The transition in Tayshawn going to animal was pure genius. He couldn’t catch a break at all. But he came out on top in the end. I cannot wait to dive into the rest of the series.
The transition in Tayshawn going to animal was pure genius. He couldn’t catch a break at all. But he came out on top in the end. I cannot wait to dive into the rest of the series.
March 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
April 6, 2016
Great story!! I find that I enjoy this author's work so much better on audio!! **
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
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.
October 1, 2014
"Not a life for a child"
No Child should have to live through what Tayshawn "Animal" lived through nor Ashanti and his little sister but unfortunately this book is fiction but occurs more that we care to acknowledge. I love this author's style of writing because it is real to life and there's no holding back. He just tells it like it is. I have had the pleasure of being in his presence several times over the course of the last 2 years and he is as real as his writing, he's straight forward and gives it to you like he feels it. I really did enjoy the background story on Animal, it makes more sense now why he grew up to be like he was. All I can say if you are sensitive to real life you might want to brace yourself before you read this book its definitely not for the faint of heart but it paints a picture of the real struggles of growing up in the hood. It ain't no joke and you either find a way to survive or you will be literally eaten alive. I had a lot of emotiions with this one but K'Wan as usual you did your thang! Enjoyed it immensely can hardly wait for Animal III 11/4/14! I have a feeling its going to be live! No telling what might jump off in that one. I highly recommend this author just be warned it is raw!!!!!!
No Child should have to live through what Tayshawn "Animal" lived through nor Ashanti and his little sister but unfortunately this book is fiction but occurs more that we care to acknowledge. I love this author's style of writing because it is real to life and there's no holding back. He just tells it like it is. I have had the pleasure of being in his presence several times over the course of the last 2 years and he is as real as his writing, he's straight forward and gives it to you like he feels it. I really did enjoy the background story on Animal, it makes more sense now why he grew up to be like he was. All I can say if you are sensitive to real life you might want to brace yourself before you read this book its definitely not for the faint of heart but it paints a picture of the real struggles of growing up in the hood. It ain't no joke and you either find a way to survive or you will be literally eaten alive. I had a lot of emotiions with this one but K'Wan as usual you did your thang! Enjoyed it immensely can hardly wait for Animal III 11/4/14! I have a feeling its going to be live! No telling what might jump off in that one. I highly recommend this author just be warned it is raw!!!!!!
October 5, 2016
I am a HUGE fan of Animal (the main character of this book). Having read K'wan's previous books with Animal as a character, I have been enthralled. I love rooting for him and praying everything goes well for him. He is my proverbial underdog!!!
That being said, this book takes me to the beginning. It helps me to understand what makes Animal tick, why he is the way he is, why his friends are his friends. I love this book, I love K'wan as an author, and I definitely can't wait for the next Animal book!!! This is a must read!
That being said, this book takes me to the beginning. It helps me to understand what makes Animal tick, why he is the way he is, why his friends are his friends. I love this book, I love K'wan as an author, and I definitely can't wait for the next Animal book!!! This is a must read!
July 16, 2014
I loved it...this book made me want even more of Animal!
October 1, 2017
The book had me up all nigh and could,'t put it down it is a must read
October 9, 2021
This was unlike anything I ever read before. It was sad to read the transformation of a boy who just wanted to be left alone to read his library book to a gang member and killer.
June 21, 2024
4.5 ish. Love me a little ghetto book. lol Animal had a ROUGH life from jump. Had to do what he had to do.
November 17, 2016
After having the honor of speaking with the incomparable Mr. K'wan Foye it was brought to my attention that my collection wasn't quite complete. So of course me being the longtime fan and avid reader that I am I came directly to Amazon and downloaded the books that I was missing(my husband is going to kill me LOL) At any rate this book as I am sure the others that I have to read was well worth the price. So let's jump right into the review. This book gave me a glimpse into the psyche of Tayshawn aka Animal and it changed my entire outlook on this character. While I've always loved Animal there have been many times when I didn't quite understand where the level of violence he would administer was coming from. I cried in parts became extremely angry and flustered in others and even still I was riveted to this tale as if it was a piece of cinematic art that I couldn't bear to tear my eyes from. We see Animal as a young child and witness the atrocities that he had to suffer. Everything was made plain. We get the opportunity to witness how he was neglected and turned into the very thing that he didn't want to be. He was a survivor but most importantly he was a product of his environment. He met many people on his journey that most would relegate to the dredges or fringes of society deeming them unfit to associate with. For Animal many of these so-called misfits and miscreants were family. They fed him, gave him shelter, provided him with a blueprint to navigate the concrete jungle of New York all well before he reached the age of maturity. I always knew that K'wan was and still is a phenomenal writer but I think with the passage of time I forgot what an intellectual wordsmith he is. The play on specific character's names that would evoke a reaction from Animal as we've seen happen many times throughout the series that he has starred in or even the descriptive images that spring to mind just with the artful creation of a specific scene. I could see his hair as it was matted to his head because he wouldn't allow anyone else to touch it but his first love Nokia. I could envision the contradiction of Kastro small in stature and frame but more dangerous than many of the counterparts that inhabited Hell. The life lessons that Tango imparted to a young Animal brought feelings of nostalgia for the men and women who held firm to a certain code. I enjoyed seeing one of my favorite characters, Tech and the beginning of the bond and friendship that he and Animal established with one another. I loved seeing both Lou-Loc and Gutter make a cameo appearance in this read. Seeing the very traits and characteristics that were firmly entrenched in Animal begin to take root and grow in Ashaunti was both heartbreaking to witness and yet so poignantly true that again I was a crying mess. Just reading this book was a field trip to an environment that I know nothing about but can wholeheartedly empathize and salute anyone that was able to survive and thrive. All of this and much, much more is what I got from this story. Even though my eyes were red and I was surrounded by a sea of kleenex, I felt better for taking the time to read such a masterpiece. Mr. K'wan you have once again created a work of art that will likely stand the tests of time. Your work will be revered, talked about and cherished for many many years to come. I salute you sir in all of your literary genius. If you have never read a K'wan story this is a good one to start with and continue through this impressive catalog because each book just gets better and better as you proceed!!!
October 4, 2014
A masterpiece!
This is one of the BEST novels I have ever read by K'wan and I have read some good ones! I don't think you understand! k'wan put lyrics on a page and had it come together in one beautiful harmony! I was so drawn to this story until I felt the hurt and rage that the characters felt and I really wanted to strike out at the sneaky azz villains! You could not help but root for the young boy Animal, whom from the time he was born was dealt a fate that no man more less a child should have had to deal with. blow after blow! tragedy after tragedy changed the innocence in a child into a beast with fury. You could feel the transformation of young Animal coming straight out the pages. let me end by saying I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the release of Animal 3. I will be team Animal until Animal is no more. I highly recommend that you get on board as well and read all about this kid! trust me, you will not be disappointed! I would have rated this book with ten stars if I could. Congratulations to the author for writing a hell of a story.
This is one of the BEST novels I have ever read by K'wan and I have read some good ones! I don't think you understand! k'wan put lyrics on a page and had it come together in one beautiful harmony! I was so drawn to this story until I felt the hurt and rage that the characters felt and I really wanted to strike out at the sneaky azz villains! You could not help but root for the young boy Animal, whom from the time he was born was dealt a fate that no man more less a child should have had to deal with. blow after blow! tragedy after tragedy changed the innocence in a child into a beast with fury. You could feel the transformation of young Animal coming straight out the pages. let me end by saying I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the release of Animal 3. I will be team Animal until Animal is no more. I highly recommend that you get on board as well and read all about this kid! trust me, you will not be disappointed! I would have rated this book with ten stars if I could. Congratulations to the author for writing a hell of a story.
September 27, 2015
Assassin Is Born.
Fans of the widely popular series. "Animal" are in for a treat with this one!
Tayshawn Torres, is that scrawny kid whose home life is a wreck, with an addict mother and a stepfather who hates him, his life was doomed from infancy. Attending school was no relief and his homeless look earned him no friends in the neighborhood...only the nickname Animal. Tayshawn didn't worry about making friends anyway, he was too busy trying to survive.
As indifferent as he may have appeared, Tayshawn, aka Animal, held one person's love and respect in his heart, his older brother Justin. Justin does his best to protect Tayshawn, but is eventually taken from his life.
This novel follows Tayshawn as he battles the streets in order to survive leading him to the ruthless man author K'wan's fans know as ANIMAL.
K'wan is one of my favorites and his talent for developing stories with unforgettable characters and interesting plot lines, always keeps me coming back for more!
Excellent reading!
Locksie
Star Rating 5.0*****
Fans of the widely popular series. "Animal" are in for a treat with this one!
Tayshawn Torres, is that scrawny kid whose home life is a wreck, with an addict mother and a stepfather who hates him, his life was doomed from infancy. Attending school was no relief and his homeless look earned him no friends in the neighborhood...only the nickname Animal. Tayshawn didn't worry about making friends anyway, he was too busy trying to survive.
As indifferent as he may have appeared, Tayshawn, aka Animal, held one person's love and respect in his heart, his older brother Justin. Justin does his best to protect Tayshawn, but is eventually taken from his life.
This novel follows Tayshawn as he battles the streets in order to survive leading him to the ruthless man author K'wan's fans know as ANIMAL.
K'wan is one of my favorites and his talent for developing stories with unforgettable characters and interesting plot lines, always keeps me coming back for more!
Excellent reading!
Locksie
Star Rating 5.0*****
June 2, 2017
It's sad to say, but so many children are doomed by there parents before they begin to walk. Parents, take time to realize that our children's future is truly in our hands. If we dream big, we encourage them to bream bigger. What you do is what our children see us as. So set good examples, plant positive seeds of encouragement. Let your children know the sky is the limit. If you can believe it you can achieve it. Ladies stop getting strung out behind men who don't want anything out of life. I know this was just a book, but the reality of it's truth is now the world we live in each day. We may not always have the best of everything at out fingertips, but where there's a dream and a desire for better, we can make them come true. Great book!
May 14, 2015
4.5 I have read K'wan before and it was not on the same level as this.i even hesitated because I have my pick of street lot authors and since I'd read his work before I didn't think he compared but let me tell you! He wove this story together like a basket! Very well written. The storyline, the characters everything! The supporting characters were just as developed as the lead. There aren't many people who can pull that off. So... Why not a 5 star rating you ask? I think the ending should've been just as powerful as the entire story because we all know that the story continues.... But this was an excellent piece.
April 14, 2020
This book deserves nothing less than 5 stars. Animal’s backstory is one that is essential to understanding his character. You wanna know how someone becomes hardened, read Ghetto Bastard. You want to know what makes someone tick, read Ghetto Bastard. You want to see how life can rob someone of their innocence, read Ghetto Bastard. Animal is my favorite character in K’wan’s world. I now feel as though I have “witnessed” him grow from a boy into a man...from an angel to an animal. Well done, K’wan!
I also had the pleasure of listening to this book instead of reading it and boyyyyy it is definitely an experience everyone needs to have!
I also had the pleasure of listening to this book instead of reading it and boyyyyy it is definitely an experience everyone needs to have!
November 2, 2021
I’m Hooked!! My husband and I just finished listening to K’wan’s Animal and realized that book was actually part 2 of the story saga. So I’ve downloaded ALL of K’wan’s books on audible so we can binge listen to the story. I thought the book Animal was good, but I was wrong. THIS BOOK IS FREAKING AWESOME!! Hubby and I are HOOKED!! This story is very nostalgic for us because we both grew up in NYC in the hood- him in Brooklyn, me in Queens, and we are both 80’s kids. So when locations are mentioned we are like yeahhhh I know exactly where he’s at.
September 18, 2020
I enjoyed this book. I encourage you to read this one before jumping into the whole Animal series. it is my 3 rd attempt at Urban Fiction. It was different, then the other Urban fiction novels that seem to just have the same storyline different names I enjoyed seeing the growth of each character can't wait to read more of K'wan. I Hope the killer instinct in Animal grows to an almost professional killer level. I lve me a methodicval killer
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews