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Dog Food: K'wan Presents

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It s a dog eat dog world, especially when all the dogs involved are hungry! For a sheltered mama s boy like Demarcus, everything was all roses until a life-changing experience showed him that every rose has thorns. After a well-orchestrated set up, Demarcus's plans to go to college are derailed by a trip to state prison. It is while in the belly of the beast that the mama's boy has to make the choice between being a man or being a victim.Upon his release, Demarcus tries to get his life back on track, but his felony conviction causes door after door to be slammed in his face. Going to college is no longer an option, and flipping burgers is not in his plans. With little other choice, Demarcus applies the lessons learned in prison and takes it to the streets. He gets caught up in the game of selling heroin, known on the streets as Dog Food.

When all hell breaks loose between the major dealers in Memphis over the city s heroin distribution, Demarcus finds himself on the losing side of a bloody drug war. As he prepares for the showdown with his opposition, he begins to uncover truths about his past, including what happened that fateful night of his arrest. To add insult to injury, when he finally stands face to face with his enemy, he discovers that the face is a familiar one. They say that blood is thicker than water, but when it comes to cash, sometimes even those closest to you will try to do you in."

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 30, 2014

28 people are currently reading
157 people want to read

About the author

Raynesha Pittman

23 books81 followers
About the Author: Raynesha Pittman grew up as one of L.A's many troubled youth which led her into serving four years around Los Angeles juvenile corrections centers, placements, and camps. She first recognized her love for writing while incarcerated. Her first manuscript was written to her mother in hopes of giving her insight to what Raynesha was going through as a teen but never published. One positive Raynesha had during her troubled years was book smarts, her ticket out of the hands of correctional facilities. She was an honors student since kindergarten, certified gifted in the third grade, and was sent to Woodland hills, CA for a more challenging education, yet she had to be placed in Honors classes there too. Her temper and fighting had her removed from the enriched schools but that didn't stop her. She crossed the stage as the valedictorian of her high school a month after turning 16 years old, her graduation credits were meet at 15 and she received acceptance letters to five out-of-state private institutions of higher education which she later declined offers to due to still being on probation until 18 years of age and not being able to leave the state. California State University at Los Angeles and Northridge accepted her last minute application with open arms. While attending school, she discovered she was pregnant and decided to put her role as a mother first. After carrying her second child she moved to TN for a new start with her sons and received her PTCB national certification in July 2010 after 3 1/2 years of being a licensed Pharmacy technician. It was while working in a pharmacy she met Michael Antonio of Payne Publishing, Inc., who encouraged her to write a book. She took his opinion to heart and wrote her debut novel "Kismet". Raynesha currently lives in TN with her, “Roq” and six children.

Professionally: Raynesha Pittman is the CEO, Founder and an author at Conglomerate Ink, an Urban Literature publishing company established November 2010 to help authors expose and share their talents of storytelling while developing discipline in their craft. In May 2011 Raynesha was offered the opportunity to help promote literacy nationwide by childhood friend, author and now publisher Terry L. Wroten by joining the West Coast Authors Movement also known as W-CAM where Raynesha not only fills the position of an author on the team but is also over website design and management and acts as W-CAM's Southern liaison due to her living in the South. Her greatest literary achievement came in January 2014 when she was signed to Write2Eat Concepts publications under the legendary K'wan Foye. From there possibilities became endless. Raynesha currently has two books in stores under Kensington/Urban Books, another due to release in March 2017 under Kensington/ Urban Renaissance and Penguin/Random House and one title in stores under her own publishing company. She says, “…this is only the beginning.”

Accomplishments: Raynesha was nominated in the Hip Hop of the Ville awards for best Indie author of the year in January 2012 and was also nominated in the Prodigy Publishing Group's Second Annual Urban Literary Awards for most likely to succeed debut author of the year in February 2012. In 2015 Raynesha was nominated for Journalist of the year in the Southern Entertainment Awards.

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5 stars
104 (55%)
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52 (27%)
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25 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Tiffany.
109 reviews10 followers
August 3, 2014
556 Book Chicks wants to fight the main character...
Dog Food is the first book I have read by Raynesha Pittman, but I can't wait to read more. OMG! Do not mistake Dog Food for something you have ever read before - because it's not!!! It had so many powerful twists and turns that I stopped trying to figure out what was going to happen next. I was literally holding my breath at times. Every time I would get comfortable, she would put me on the edge of my seat in the very next paragraph. So don't even think about getting comfortable.

Lawd, this damn Demarcus. We all know a Demarcus from back home. LOL! That one boy who is a momma's boy, not by choice but because his momma is so afraid of him becoming a product of his environment. Lawd, poor Demarcus. Every time I thought he was learning a valuable lesson and was going to come out of the situation smarter, his ass would let me down. So one minute I would be excited about him coming into his own, and the next I would be like someone kill this mutha (shut your mouth)!

My favorite person was...Gutta. Gutta was the definition of a real O.G. He could put you on and take you off his payroll in a quick minute. Gutta was all about his business. And I respected the way he helped Demarcus learn the rules of life (according to Gutta). I wanna tell you my favorite scene with Gutta...but I'm scared it will give too much away. So moving on...

I just knew I was gone have a heart attack...when this mutha (Lord give me strength) went and withdrew all his money from the bank and quit his job (all in the same day). I remember thinking this is bad...this is really, really bad. Anyway Demarcus withdrew all his money and decided to run a dirty trip with Orlando (Gutta's brother). Now Gutta done warned your ass about his brother, but you riding anyway with $340,000 cash on you. I'm not even gone tell you what happened on this trip, but if one more stripper... Chile just read the damn book. Raynesha can tell it better than I can.

I promise you that Dog Food was soooooo good! I didn't know who was going to make it out on top. I laughed, I cried when, Oh Lord RIP to (I know you didn't think I was gone tell it), I screamed...I experienced a lot of different emotions with this book. The secrets, the lies, and the betrayal...honey it was too much for one book. When a book leaves you drained - that was one hell of a book! Raynesha girl you did your thing in Dog Food.

~ Tiffany (556 Book Chicks)


Profile Image for Denise Gilliam.
715 reviews21 followers
July 18, 2014
This was my first time reading something from this author and it was very good. This book can be like a real life family situation. Family be the first to see you and want you fail at everything you do. Their is always someone that is jealous or envious of you. I really can appreciate the way Raynesha had all these twist and turns in her book. Great read a must read also a page turner. 5 star read.
Profile Image for Patrice.
2 reviews6 followers
January 12, 2018
This book had an amazing storyline and was full of suspense minus unnecessary filler! I loved it from beginning to end even though Dee made me want to smack him at times. I would love to read the sequel and even more I would love for a book going into Omar's past and perspective. I am particularly interested in how his relationship with Bria came about. Terrific job! I'm looking out for part!
Profile Image for Mary.
391 reviews53 followers
August 14, 2015
This was an okay read. It had quite a few slow parts in my opinion. The most excitement came within the last few chapters of the book. Though I want to know what happens next I'm not sure I will be continuing with the series
46 reviews
July 31, 2014
Aww hell jaw...

Aww hell jaw...

This was a good read until the very end. I wanted to throw my kindle across the room when they opened that trunk. ....the saga begins...
Profile Image for Dione Brown.
542 reviews6 followers
December 12, 2021
DAMNNNNN.. Everybody in this book is dirty..1 thing does not make sense though..How did Brian not know Demarcus & Omar are Cousins?? The rest..Mann all the backstabbing was sick.on to part 2.
Profile Image for Billy Russell.
1 review
August 30, 2014
I loved the book Dog Food. As an elementary school teacher in the heart of a rough and tough Northeastern urban area, I can relate to the main characters predicament and his life's struggles. This story is being lived in America's nitty gritty cities today. Raynesha Pittman has done a wonderful job telling this story. The dialog is written in the urban vernacular. For those people with less experience reading it, the dialog has a quick pace to catch on. I didn't want to put the book down! Ms. Pitman starts the main character's backstory on the first page. She does this with excellent dialogue between family members and a riveting history to this young man's life. The story's sequence of events are perfectly placed which makes this story so compelling. Ms. Pittman masterly weaves in subplots to the quest of the main character's American dream. The main character is like any young American wanting love and money, both come with a price. I loved the situation Ms. Pittman used as the main characters first big mistake that got him in jail. It has happened often to young men in America and still happens today. But Ms. Pittman doesn't have an opinion of these circumstances in the book. It's just matter of fact. I do. If the same circumstance happened to the main character and he had wealth and influence in his city with a 800 dollar an hour lawyer, he walks free, but because he is a person of meager means, he is pinned as a felon. And the rest of his life is effected by being a felon. I loved how Ms. Pittman introduced his love interest. I felt the same way when I met someone recently. Well-done, Ms. Pittman explaining a man's heart towards a woman he is instantly attracted too. This book would make a great movie.
Profile Image for Locksie.
134 reviews47 followers
November 3, 2014
Demarcus.

Growing up in the shadow of an over protective mother Sharon; who sheltered him from all things bad, meant that Demarcus may have a chance at a decent life. Despite having to conquer her own demons, his mother Sharon had a good job and made sure they went to church.

Not as street smart as his cousin Omar; the innocent Demarcus, excelled in sports and used his running back skills as a stepping stone to college. But instead, a calculated set-up was played out on Demarcus that shattered his reputation and sent him away with a felony conviction.

Finally released, Demarcus planned to ignore the pull from the streets and walk the straight and narrow, but between family drama and street politics, things don’t go quite as he expected.

A good read that kept me turning the pages.

I do have a few gripes though. The way that Demarcus described Uncle Leroy, I had a hard time believing the flamboyant former drug dealing pimp was running a church.
The bank clerk mistook one cousin for the other because they looked so much alike, so how come Bria didn’t pick up on that? The whole revelation regarding Bria’s connection with the cousins didn’t sit well with me.

But with that said, not everyone is hardcore with street life aspirations and mama’s boy Demarcus was written as the gullible type. The author did a great job in showcasing this type of character. I also loved the character named Gutter.
Where I thought the story should have ended, a part two is indicated so it will be interesting to see where Ms. Pittman takes this story.

Locksie
October 26, 2014
ARC Book Club Inc.
4.0****
Profile Image for ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ ѕℓιм ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ .
1,533 reviews102 followers
November 29, 2017
Dude this book was good

Before I get to it, let me say it’s a few spoilers in this book.

https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2017...

But dude, this book Dog Food was really good I thought I wouldn’t get a chance to finish it, but I did. And I figure that Demarcus dad was lord king and his cousin Omar is one shady dude but Lord King crew some fake ones smh you can never trust the people you feed. The only person you can trust is yourself. I knew Bria was Also talking about Omar and what he did to her, also the females I wonder where they are at > the ones who set up Demarcus on the bogus fake rape charge that they accused him of. And Demarcus shouldn’t have trusted Orlando smh I mean come on Gutta even told him that man is not to be trusted. I can’t wait to start part 2 if dog food. I have been wanting to read this series glad I have gotten the chance, and I wasn’t disappointed at all good book.
12 reviews
November 5, 2014
The story was a bit predictable, but I thought the author did a good job. Every character had their own set of problems. The author did a good job of not dragging it all out, but some parts of the story seemed rushed. I did not like the way the relationships Demarcus had with his family ended, but I guess that was part of the reason for the story. He learned lots of difficult lessons. I would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Mrs Tupac.
724 reviews52 followers
February 4, 2017
This book was good spent the whole day reading it what happend to Demarcus could happen to anybody smh I felt sooo sorry for him man. More young men need to read this so the same thing don't happen to them. This book had me angry , crying , and laughing. I want Demarcus to get justice and I hope he does I already ordered the sequel
Profile Image for Joi.
641 reviews40 followers
September 10, 2016
This book was good. It was nice and fast. The only problem I had with this book is that towards the end, I started noticing more mistakes in the writing. I wouldn't mind picking up the next book in the series if one comes out.
5 reviews
August 10, 2014
The book was good

I could not put this book down it had none stop drama. this book did it job keeping me on edge
Profile Image for Cynthia Standifur-curry.
148 reviews10 followers
February 12, 2019
Dog food

Demarcus aka Dee was a only child to a single mom. She use to run the streets before she had Dee. Once she had him she got a job and started going to church. Dee was consider a mama boy and he was bullied by his cousin Omar. Omar was a snake. He treated Dee terrible. After tragedy struck Omar family he had to move in with Dee and his mom and the abuse was never ending. Dee took up football in school and was on his way to college but got sidetracked and his life was forever changed. Being naive and hardheaded led him down a path that his mother tried to keep him away from.
Once Dee met Gutta his life is changed. Gutta teaches him the ups and down of the drug life. Along the way he mets Bria. Dee and Bria both have things in their last that the other doesn't know about. It all comes full circle.
After going through life without knowing who his father is Dee finally mets him and he is shocked that he already knew him. One click and enjoy this read. Minor errors but doesn't take away from the story. Ready to read part 2 to see how the story turns out. Who will win the game!!
Cynthia Curry/Paperback Pusher
Profile Image for Shilo Parcel.
199 reviews
October 14, 2023
From the moment I pressed play, I was drawn into Demarcus' world, and I couldn't stop listening. His journey, from being a sheltered mama's boy to facing the harsh realities of prison life, is portrayed with such depth and authenticity that I felt like I was right there with him, experiencing every twist and turn. The choices he had to make, the challenges he faced, and the way he navigated the world after his release were both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

The audiobook delves deep into the gritty world of drug distribution, and it doesn't shy away from the brutal consequences of that lifestyle. The tension and drama as the drug war unfolds kept me on the edge of my seat, and the revelations about Demarcus' past added layers of complexity to the narrative.

But what truly sets this audiobook apart is its exploration of family dynamics and the betrayal that can occur even among those you trust the most. It's a story of resilience and self-discovery that left me deeply moved. I can't wait to read the sequel.
Profile Image for Harold Moulton.
58 reviews
February 25, 2020
I started reading this story and thought I wouldn't like it. That changed rather quickly. It was a very good story which ended or didn't end. I certainly hope there is some type of conclusion out there. That knucklehead DeMarcus was really bothering me. He learned lifes hard knocks the hard way. At the mercy of his trifling cousin. Who I believe set everything up because he was jealous. A hater. Though the story doesn't actually come out and say that. I believe it was the original catalyst. Raynesha Pittman, good job! I hope there is an ending somewhere. I need closure on different issues.
Profile Image for Booksaholic LLC.
97 reviews12 followers
May 12, 2020
This two book series left me wanting to read more from this author. It was so good, I didn’t watch television because reading this was all I needed. As parents we make decisions that can have devastating affects on our children, is better to be transparent and honest to avoid devastation and hate.
Profile Image for Chemona Taylor.
133 reviews3 followers
August 12, 2021
Wow Demarcus got a lot to learn

I enjoy this story, I gave this book 4 stars and I brought book 2,at the end of this book I wasn't expecting the story to turn the way it did, wow and Demarcus girl friend she got a lot of explaining ,I'm hoping book 2 is just as good as book one
Profile Image for Jordyn.
142 reviews59 followers
January 14, 2020
Love this book. It was full of life lessons and I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Myestorie.
205 reviews10 followers
May 18, 2022
Even though the main character got on my nerves because he didn’t listen, it was a decent read.
1 review
August 1, 2022
definitely food read

It is what it is and what this book is a good read. You will enjoy this book as much as I did.
358 reviews3 followers
August 22, 2022
Family Ain't S@@t!!!! De'Marcus Was Doomed From The Beginning Messing With His Sorry Cuzn Omar (bam a%%)
Profile Image for Carrie Campbell-jones.
220 reviews3 followers
October 27, 2022
SOOO GOOD!! This book was so good. I just loved Demarcus and his naivety and his growth! I am looking forward to where these characters go from here…. Heading over to book 2.
Profile Image for Page Turner.
1,439 reviews
September 24, 2023
If nothing else, this story keeps you guessing. There is enough backstabbing and insecure love to go around for everybody to cause people's lives to be in eminent danger throughout the book.
Profile Image for Faye Wilkes.
55 reviews8 followers
May 5, 2015

I finished reading "Dog Food" by Raynesha Pittman early this morning! Like the wee hours of the morning as I could not put it down! This is the first book I have read by this author so I was pleasantly surprised with how easy the story flowed and connected! Often times, we don't heed the advice given to us only to face negative consequence in the end! Well the character DeMarcus a recent high schools graduate failed to take the advice given to him and it cost him dearly! Call it naiveness or pure stubbornness, but he continued to do things his own way facing detrimental consequence in the end! I wanted to smack the dog and rabbit hell out of him at times as he continued to make mistakes and forge alliances with the devil. However, in the midst of the storm their was light in the form of an unlikely alliance and a revelation that surprised him and I both to the very core! There were several twists that I did not see coming and when they were revealed all I could say was ooohhhh damn! This is another book that I think you will all enjoy as there never was a dull moment and the story flowed like it was supposed to flow! Now I'm sitting here counting the days for part two! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I think you will as well!
Profile Image for Sheryl Boyce.
398 reviews8 followers
February 10, 2017
I enjoyed reading this book. It held my interest the whole time. The character Demarcus was sheltered by his mom from the street life. After serving time in prison for a rape that he was setup, he comes out and gets in the drug game. Looking forward to reading the second book.
52 reviews2 followers
December 7, 2016
Great read!!!!!!!!!

Finished dog food and it was a really great read. It really shined a light on how it's a thin line from trying to protect your child as well as steer them the right way and not allowing them to come into there own and grow into a man. As a single mother of two boys it's definitely a challenge but one I love and take on with great pride! I really liked Gutta can't wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Tonikia.
206 reviews15 followers
May 10, 2015
A Must Read!

Let me start out saying that I have had this book since the release date, but I didn't read it right off and I am mad at myself for not doing so. This book was all that and some. It had the perfect recipe of a good book. Raynesha did the Damn thing with this book and I can't wait to start part 2!!
Profile Image for Pamela Johnston Ward.
1,818 reviews58 followers
January 1, 2016
This was a good read. I was drawn into Demarcus' story from the very first chapter. The storyline flowed really well and actually touched on real life situations. I could really relate to the story. I really like the title of this book. It's a dog eat dog world out there, and if you don't watch out you will definitely become dog food. I am excited to read the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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