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Keyshia and Clyde
Treasure E. Blue–acclaimed author of Harlem Girl Lost and A Street Girl Named Desire –is back with a heartbreaking urban love story of two star-crossed lovers up against the dirtiest dealer Harlem has ever seen.
Knocked up by a Southern preacher, Keyshia is sent to live with her aunt in New York, but after a horrific act of violence, the timid young woman becomes ice-cold–turning tricks and finding comfort in a crack vial.
Clyde and his two brothers find themselves living with a family friend after their mother is shot by their own father–leaving her institutionalized and unable to communicate, and him behind bars. Clyde’s older brother leads a decent life, working as a bank manager and trying to keep Clyde off the streets, but Clyde’s younger bro is the coldest killer in Harlem and takes every opportunity to involve Clyde in his infamous robberies-turned-blood baths.
When Keyshia and Clyde meet, they are instantly drawn to each other. Forced to pay back a large sum of cash to one nasty Harlem kingpin or risk the lethal consequences, Keyshia and Clyde use their tight game and their loyalty to pull off the impossible. And when Clyde is falsely accused of a bank hit, Keyshia vows to stick by her man–no matter the cost.
Praise for Treasure E. Blue’s A Street Girl Named Desire :
“Treasure Blue continues and solidifies his position as the true heir to Iceberg Slim and Donald Goines. A book full of gritty realism, violence, drug abuse, and hope; the book is simply off the damn hook!”
– African American Literary Book Club
“Drenched in drama, drugs, vengeance, power, pain, envy, love and hope . . . all the elements needed to satisfy [the] desire for a good read.”
– Urban Reviews
Knocked up by a Southern preacher, Keyshia is sent to live with her aunt in New York, but after a horrific act of violence, the timid young woman becomes ice-cold–turning tricks and finding comfort in a crack vial.
Clyde and his two brothers find themselves living with a family friend after their mother is shot by their own father–leaving her institutionalized and unable to communicate, and him behind bars. Clyde’s older brother leads a decent life, working as a bank manager and trying to keep Clyde off the streets, but Clyde’s younger bro is the coldest killer in Harlem and takes every opportunity to involve Clyde in his infamous robberies-turned-blood baths.
When Keyshia and Clyde meet, they are instantly drawn to each other. Forced to pay back a large sum of cash to one nasty Harlem kingpin or risk the lethal consequences, Keyshia and Clyde use their tight game and their loyalty to pull off the impossible. And when Clyde is falsely accused of a bank hit, Keyshia vows to stick by her man–no matter the cost.
Praise for Treasure E. Blue’s A Street Girl Named Desire :
“Treasure Blue continues and solidifies his position as the true heir to Iceberg Slim and Donald Goines. A book full of gritty realism, violence, drug abuse, and hope; the book is simply off the damn hook!”
– African American Literary Book Club
“Drenched in drama, drugs, vengeance, power, pain, envy, love and hope . . . all the elements needed to satisfy [the] desire for a good read.”
– Urban Reviews
- GenresUrban
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
18 people are currently reading
862 people want to read
About the author
Treasure E. Blue
10 books98 followersTreasure E. Blue was born and raised in Harlem. He formerly worked with the New York Fire department as a supervising fire inspector in the Bronx. He now devotes himself full-time to writing and promoting his novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
December 28, 2008
Body Language
Mentally, physically and emotionally abused, Keyshia Simmons is in desperate need of love and affection. At 12, she was forced to leave her home in South Carolina for NYC to live with her aunt. It's been five long years and Keyshia hasn't blended into the city at all, and despite living with family, she's all on her own! Clyde Barker is the youngest of three boys. His mother's best friend, Martha, took them in after tragedy rocked the Barker household. While he may not be the best dressed or making the greatest cash, Clyde is happy with his work. When life starts making demands, both Keyshia and Clyde make hasty decisions. Will they be able to handle the backlash?
KEYSHIA AND CLYDE written by Treasure E. Blue is an immense read. I immediately felt empathy for the teens who have endured so much pain. I absolutely loved the way the chemistry between these characters flowed, which made the story that much easier to get into. Yet, when we come to the core of the story, it's so outlandish that it's almost as if another author had taken over the story. For instance, the prosecutor and defense are usually opposing one another. Not in this novel, it was as if they were competing to see who could defend the defendant better. I didn't understand why a serial rapist was able to have custody of a child he bore with one of his victims. Also, and this is a biggie, I was really disturbed by the broken English that Treasure tried to pass off as the Geechee language. Now while I was extremely troubled by these things, I'm always rooting for the underdog. I enjoyed the way the two outcasts connected and I enjoyed the growth of the characters. A predictable, neat ending, but I can still find myself recommending KEYSHIA AND CLYDE to others.
3.5
Mentally, physically and emotionally abused, Keyshia Simmons is in desperate need of love and affection. At 12, she was forced to leave her home in South Carolina for NYC to live with her aunt. It's been five long years and Keyshia hasn't blended into the city at all, and despite living with family, she's all on her own! Clyde Barker is the youngest of three boys. His mother's best friend, Martha, took them in after tragedy rocked the Barker household. While he may not be the best dressed or making the greatest cash, Clyde is happy with his work. When life starts making demands, both Keyshia and Clyde make hasty decisions. Will they be able to handle the backlash?
KEYSHIA AND CLYDE written by Treasure E. Blue is an immense read. I immediately felt empathy for the teens who have endured so much pain. I absolutely loved the way the chemistry between these characters flowed, which made the story that much easier to get into. Yet, when we come to the core of the story, it's so outlandish that it's almost as if another author had taken over the story. For instance, the prosecutor and defense are usually opposing one another. Not in this novel, it was as if they were competing to see who could defend the defendant better. I didn't understand why a serial rapist was able to have custody of a child he bore with one of his victims. Also, and this is a biggie, I was really disturbed by the broken English that Treasure tried to pass off as the Geechee language. Now while I was extremely troubled by these things, I'm always rooting for the underdog. I enjoyed the way the two outcasts connected and I enjoyed the growth of the characters. A predictable, neat ending, but I can still find myself recommending KEYSHIA AND CLYDE to others.
3.5
June 9, 2010
I loved the way Treasure started this book off with a bang and then took it back to give readers and insight on the characters. In the beginning, my first thoughts were that Keyshia was naive and getting played. But as the story line went on I began rooting for each character.
This was a good read because the author didn’t ramble about useless and unneeded things throughout the book. He stayed on course and gave you just enough info that you needed to keep you informed and keep the suspense going.
Certain things in the book were a hard pill for me to swallow. For example when Suggabear (a 300 pound man) demonstrated to Keyshia on how to perform oral sex on himself. “Literally” Its hard for some to get down to tie their own shoes. The next unrealistic thing to me was how the molesting preacher obtained Keyshia’s daughter! Plus she was 11!!! And it was as if NO ONE cared! Did “pops” really have a 2 million dollar estate?
These are just some of the cons of the story for me. But all in all I think this was a great read and I would definitely recommend this book and read others by Treasure E. Blue
This was a good read because the author didn’t ramble about useless and unneeded things throughout the book. He stayed on course and gave you just enough info that you needed to keep you informed and keep the suspense going.
Certain things in the book were a hard pill for me to swallow. For example when Suggabear (a 300 pound man) demonstrated to Keyshia on how to perform oral sex on himself. “Literally” Its hard for some to get down to tie their own shoes. The next unrealistic thing to me was how the molesting preacher obtained Keyshia’s daughter! Plus she was 11!!! And it was as if NO ONE cared! Did “pops” really have a 2 million dollar estate?
These are just some of the cons of the story for me. But all in all I think this was a great read and I would definitely recommend this book and read others by Treasure E. Blue
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2015
This is another one that I thought what took me so long to get to it. This was well written and held my attention until the end. The author brought 2 characters together that I could not help but to want something better for them. Love the way the author brought the story together. Looking forward to listening and reading to more from Treasure E. Blue.
October 28, 2016
I had been eager to read this book ever since I read and loved Harlem Girl Lost many years ago. After having this book on my audible wish list for months and months, I was so disappointed when it was not anything like I had expected! I did not intend to compare this book to Harlem Girl Lost as I read or in my review now but I just can't seem unable to help but compare the two books! First of all, this book is absolutely nothing like Harlem Girl Llost. Keisha and Clyde is a much more tame, diluted version of that vibrant, engaging book!
Keisha and Clyde is an interesting story about two characters and their immediate families. Although this book is well written and the character's stories are interesting, there were very few exciting or gripping scenes in this book. Additionally, there were very few, possibly no characters that were extraordinary or exceptionally interesting. Mr. Blue is capable of writing compelling, gripping characters and scenes so we do get a few of those in this book but very few; in such a lengthy book, I felt that a lot more was needed. The talent is there, maybe I just chose the wrong book? Hopefully the next book I read/listen to by Mr. Treasure E. Blue will be much more upbeat and juicy!
Keisha and Clyde is an interesting story about two characters and their immediate families. Although this book is well written and the character's stories are interesting, there were very few exciting or gripping scenes in this book. Additionally, there were very few, possibly no characters that were extraordinary or exceptionally interesting. Mr. Blue is capable of writing compelling, gripping characters and scenes so we do get a few of those in this book but very few; in such a lengthy book, I felt that a lot more was needed. The talent is there, maybe I just chose the wrong book? Hopefully the next book I read/listen to by Mr. Treasure E. Blue will be much more upbeat and juicy!
January 16, 2012
This is my first book by Treasure E. Blue. I have to say I am very impressed with the storyline and the quality writing. I am going to be reading his other books very soon. Keyshia was an amazing character, with amazing strength, and did whatever she had to do to survive. She made it through sexual abuse by a pastor, pregnancy, physical and mental abuse by an aunt, as well as drug addiction all within her early teenage years. Clyde is also a great character. I loved the way he treated Keyshia. He was also put through crazy circumstances as a child and teenager and tried to live a good, honest life despite that. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys urban books, or if you like a good drama.
http://www.hoteatsandcoolreads.com/20...
http://www.hoteatsandcoolreads.com/20...
April 15, 2011
loved the characters, the emotion, the author's attention to detail - just loved the book
September 30, 2012
It started out too slow so I didnt get past chapter 8 after Clyde got rapped that was enough for m it was like I read the book before!
September 26, 2025
Do not let your upbringing determine your future! This book gave exactly that, Keyshia and Clyde both endured so much childhood trauma abuse and they came together and became each other’s safe place. Clyde was wrongfully accused and Keyshia set out to be the best fake law student/lawyer to help her man and also to help others because she didn’t let her trauma control her life she fought like hell.
I’m so glad Keyshia’s mom and other sister beat the auntie ass because that’s what she gets. Everyone that hurt Keyshia literally paid for it in the end. As the saying goes “you play stupid games, you win stupid prizes”
Please read the trigger warnings before reading**
I’m so glad Keyshia’s mom and other sister beat the auntie ass because that’s what she gets. Everyone that hurt Keyshia literally paid for it in the end. As the saying goes “you play stupid games, you win stupid prizes”
Please read the trigger warnings before reading**
February 14, 2018
Wonderful ending. Took me a while to grow with the Characters, but I really took to Keyshia and Clyde who were so opposite of each other. I thought Martha was suspect when Caesar made the statement that Martha needed to get a job since she was no longer getting assistance for Clyde. And end the end she got her just reward.
July 2, 2018
I dont know why it took me so long to listen to this. I've literally had this book for 3 years. Keyshia had a hard life but so did Clyde and that's what makes them the perfect couple.
October 31, 2018
A MUST READ!!!!!!!
December 26, 2018
I don't like the way they made Keyshia & her family's dialect but really good read overall.
November 3, 2019
Such a good read. I love how everything came full circle another masterpiece by Treasure forgot how much I missed reading her. On to the next one and don't forget to always remember "BODY LANGUAGE"
January 9, 2021
Awesome book
I chose this rating because I have read this book a couple of times by getting it from the library and wanted it for my self
I chose this rating because I have read this book a couple of times by getting it from the library and wanted it for my self
August 29, 2021
Great imagery
December 1, 2016
Loved it!
April 8, 2014
This was my first urban literature novel. I listened to this book on audio, and the reader did an excellent job. He used different voices but not in a cheesy way. The first part of the book was extremely violent and difficult to read because of the very raw nature of the writing and the story. The second part of the book was actually quite a beautiful love story. Of course, there were some fortunate coincidences and some unfortunate circumstances, but it was nice to read about two people who found such a deep and meaningful bond. Unfortunately, the ethical dilemmas and the way they were settled in the third part of the book took it down a few notches it for me.
*Spoiler Alert*
I mean, I felt sorry for the couple, but they did kill a guy. And they stole hundreds of thousands of dollars. Granted, the guy was a bad guy, and the money was going to bad people, but that didn't necessarily mean that the couple had the right to determine what justice to bring down on them. I could kind of forgive these two things, attributing them to a more Robin Hood-like situation, but what really threw it over the top was that this girl, studying to become a lawyer, not once, but twice acted unethically in a legal capacity. She put not only her own job and reputation on the line, but also the reputation of an entire law firm. Throughout the book, Keyshia and Clyde seek revenge on a huge number of people, and in the end, they get it.
Overall, I guess the story was pretty good, but my ethical qualms with the book made it difficult for me to give it any higher than three stars. I was also kind of annoyed that the author kept mentioning his own name and his other books within the book.
*Spoiler Alert*
I mean, I felt sorry for the couple, but they did kill a guy. And they stole hundreds of thousands of dollars. Granted, the guy was a bad guy, and the money was going to bad people, but that didn't necessarily mean that the couple had the right to determine what justice to bring down on them. I could kind of forgive these two things, attributing them to a more Robin Hood-like situation, but what really threw it over the top was that this girl, studying to become a lawyer, not once, but twice acted unethically in a legal capacity. She put not only her own job and reputation on the line, but also the reputation of an entire law firm. Throughout the book, Keyshia and Clyde seek revenge on a huge number of people, and in the end, they get it.
Overall, I guess the story was pretty good, but my ethical qualms with the book made it difficult for me to give it any higher than three stars. I was also kind of annoyed that the author kept mentioning his own name and his other books within the book.
December 15, 2014
This book started out great, maybe even too good. I was ready for it to go down! And then, it SLOWED all the way down. It slowed down too much for my taste, when it picked back up things were going almost too well to me for the 17 year olds. The concept was a great one I though but I thought it could have been better some how. If it were more detailed it would have allowed me to see what the characters saw and feel what they felt. The characters never really came alive to me. The end of the book was quite interesting to me. I discovered that I may have an interest in some stories that deal with justice triumphing out of the easily convicted, idk. Some things were kind of off to me though like Keyshia's daughter situation staying with her father, despite there being clear evidence that would have said otherwise. I dont know if the author was trying to play us here in the south or what. I think the way Keyshia talked took away from the story, or maybe cause Im from the south, Im like 'we don't talk like that'. I felt it wasn't appropriate and Treasure was stretching. She could have been southern without sounding like a damn slave. Keyshia seemed way more gangsta than Clyde and ironically he has the infamous name. The ending (Keyshia going to school and getting Clyde out) and the very first chapter were my favorite parts of the book. Overall this was a worthy read I think for what the synopsis was it didn't meet my expectations and thats the reason for my not so complimentary review. I will however give this author another try.
January 10, 2013
Keyshia and Clyde is a novel that I have been wanting to read for years but I never got my hands on. Finally for Xmas I got the paperback :-)!!! So worth the wait!!
Keyshia is a young girl sent to Harlem from South Carolina due to being draped and impregnated by a preacher in her hometown. Clyde lives in Harlem with his mother's best friend Martha who raised him along with his brothers Ceasar and Sonny after their father went to jail for shooting their mom.
I have to admit that the book didn't really jump off for me until these two paths collided! It was as if Karma, Fate and God had their love story completely mapped out. Their love withstood the test of time and both found something in the other that the both desperately needed... true unconditional love and a best friend who understood what it is they needed without words having to be exchanged. While Keyshia proved to be Clyde's ride or die chick, Clyde proved that even a dude from the hood can be a knight in shining armor. This is a love story for the history books!
Keyshia is a young girl sent to Harlem from South Carolina due to being draped and impregnated by a preacher in her hometown. Clyde lives in Harlem with his mother's best friend Martha who raised him along with his brothers Ceasar and Sonny after their father went to jail for shooting their mom.
I have to admit that the book didn't really jump off for me until these two paths collided! It was as if Karma, Fate and God had their love story completely mapped out. Their love withstood the test of time and both found something in the other that the both desperately needed... true unconditional love and a best friend who understood what it is they needed without words having to be exchanged. While Keyshia proved to be Clyde's ride or die chick, Clyde proved that even a dude from the hood can be a knight in shining armor. This is a love story for the history books!
April 2, 2010
I loved this book! At first I was a little annoyed with the Southern verbiage (Is, Yous, Wes, etc.) but as she began to speak correctly I got into the character of Keyshia. I loved the unexpected turn of her going to college and studying law as opposed to her staying complacent or worse, getting herself killed. I think the only twist I was expecting that wasn't there was Martha being the 3rd accomplice in the actual robbery of the bank (the guy who got away), that would have made me smile! The twists and turns are what allowed me to finish the book in about 2 days! I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Love books like this! Definitely gonna read some more Treasure E. Blue, I read Harlem Girl Lost years ago but I don't remember it at all. Might pick up A Street Girl Named Desire.
April 11, 2013
I enjoyed this book. It made me want to read the other book that they referenced alot I think "Harlem Girl Lost". The way that he brought to life some of the things that young kids go through & the way that they overcome them. I didn't like the way Keyshia & some of her other relatives talked but I was able to get past that especially when she when back to school & dropped that "language" all together. She had natural smarts & was able to forgive all of the people that betrayed her.
Clyde seemed to have a good heart & really didn't want to go down the same road as his older brother. But his life at the time seemed to lead him that way.
I really enjoyed how this story came together at the end. The actor that narrated this book on cd did a great job & really brought this story to light. It was just like watching a good movie w/ love, violence & happy endings.
Clyde seemed to have a good heart & really didn't want to go down the same road as his older brother. But his life at the time seemed to lead him that way.
I really enjoyed how this story came together at the end. The actor that narrated this book on cd did a great job & really brought this story to light. It was just like watching a good movie w/ love, violence & happy endings.
October 29, 2008
This was my first book by Treasure E. Blue and I have to say I have a new author to add to my list. Loved this book. Keyshia and Clyde both was brought up doing wrong. Keyshia was sent to Harlem by her mom due to the pastor getting her pregnant and her mom thought that would be be right to send her off. Clyde grow up anger at her dad for shooting his mom leaving her in a zombie like state. Keisha had to live and take care on her own by sleeping with all kinds of men to get by. Clyde had to robby to make ends meet. But, Keisha and Clyde hooking up for all the right reasons. But, it paid off.
Book was funny and sad all at once. But, was a good book overall. Have to get more books by Mr. Blue.:)
Book was funny and sad all at once. But, was a good book overall. Have to get more books by Mr. Blue.:)
October 9, 2009
So my sister gave me this book to read because she thought it was a good book and as i started reading, i would get so caught up in the book that i would miss dinner. I would sit on the phone at night with my boyfriend on the other end and read to him as soon as he stopped talking. We would stop every so often and picture ourselves in their predicaments.I think that the book is very interestinG and it is a real life look at what many people all over the world goes through on a regular. Its a real eye opener.
July 17, 2010
I loved this book. I loved how Keyshia pushed herself to succeed in life even though she had to go through some turbulence in life. I also hated how how Aunt treated her from her other kids. This book was just simply amazing. It had so much going on. And shows what each character was going through in life. What amazed me more about Keyshia was her determination to save her boyfriend's innocence. How she did everything in her power to go to school and everything to become a great intern and Lawyer in the end.
May 25, 2015
This is my first book from this author. I admit when I first started with this book, I was not sure that I would like it but I must say that I am pleasantly surprised. The story turned out to be really good. I found myself unable to put it down. I wanted to know what was going to become of Clyde and Keyshia. Best of all, I loved the epilogue. So many authors leave you wandering what happened to various characters but this author gave full details on what happened to each character in the epilogue. Thank you for that!
February 27, 2009
i learned from this book that nomatter where you came from or what kind of past you have you can always be somebody in life and come out on top. i also learned that out of all the men out ther in the world there always going to be that speacial one that loves you for who you are. Keysha and Clyde is a Bonnie and Clyde love story. they ride together or die together. and that's exacly what this book is about.
July 23, 2012
I loved this book. At first, I was aggravated with how country Keyshia was. However, it wasn't bad enough for me to stop reading. I coul really see some of my friends in Keyshia's situation. I loved how her and Clyde had a "ride or die" relationship that couldn't anyone or anything could come between. This was a great book. I would recommend this to anyone even they don't usually read urban fiction. I would give this book more than 5 stars if possible.
September 30, 2008
Hands down THE BEST urban lit book I've ever picked up. I can only hope this man is still writing and I'm ordering anything else he's written already this week. Harlem Girl Lost was mentioned several times in this book and it sounds just as great as this one. This is not a book to miss if you read urban lit.
February 16, 2013
I just completed reading the book Keyshia and Clyde by Treasure Blue! The book focuses on the life of a young couple, Keyshia and Clyde, who paths collided while committing a crime. This is a real life and painful story as each character deals with his/her turbulent pasts, survival and commitment. The author did a great job! I highly recommend this book!!
January 21, 2014
This was a great book. I loved how the book developed the relationship between Keyshia and Clyde and how the had each others back through good and bad. I loved Keyshia's determination to free Clyde no matter what it took.my favorite statement in the book was It's going o be some furniture moving going on
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews