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Cross Realities
Primary Christian rule to remember, just because you get saved, doesn't mean the rest of the world does! This inner-city tale chronicles the lives of a well-developed, colorful cast as some try to maintain their spirituality in the heart of corupt South Central Los Angeles, while others fall victim to the greed, lust, and street violence that plagues the city. One thing is certain, it's hard keeping your focus on God in the midst of smog, shoot-outs, and scandal, when you're dealing Cross Realities!
270 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 16, 2008
Focus On Reality
`Cross Realities' written by Rickey Teems II introduces readers to the Ozias and Cross families out of Los Angeles, California. While in attendance at New Risings to celebrate the home going celebration for Eunice Ozias, the matriarch of the Ozias family, we encounter her loved ones.
Tamar and Reuben are married, living in the projects, desperately trying to raise a family and live right. Tamar has been blessed with a beautiful voice and hopes to someday be able to utilize God's gift to assist her family.
Delilah is well educated, sophisticated and paid. The only thing on her mind outside of money is the possibility of more money.
Datiel is a full-fledge Crip. He has no shame as he proudly displays his loyalty.
Over the course of the weekend, we learn that no matter what the Ozias-Cross family is dealing with that something is always laying in wait. Past demons, shoot-outs, scandal, selfishness and plenty of blood shed make `Cross Realities' a hard book to put down. Ricky Teems II tells a good story and I have to admit I'm anxious to get to parts 2 and 3 as readers are left in the dark.
I truly enjoyed the spiritual aspect, the lack of cursing and the many dynamics introduced throughout the community. This is definitely a book that I'm certain serious readers will not only relate to, but enjoy. The only thing I would suggest is a new cover.
Reviewed by: Crystal
`Cross Realities' written by Rickey Teems II introduces readers to the Ozias and Cross families out of Los Angeles, California. While in attendance at New Risings to celebrate the home going celebration for Eunice Ozias, the matriarch of the Ozias family, we encounter her loved ones.
Tamar and Reuben are married, living in the projects, desperately trying to raise a family and live right. Tamar has been blessed with a beautiful voice and hopes to someday be able to utilize God's gift to assist her family.
Delilah is well educated, sophisticated and paid. The only thing on her mind outside of money is the possibility of more money.
Datiel is a full-fledge Crip. He has no shame as he proudly displays his loyalty.
Over the course of the weekend, we learn that no matter what the Ozias-Cross family is dealing with that something is always laying in wait. Past demons, shoot-outs, scandal, selfishness and plenty of blood shed make `Cross Realities' a hard book to put down. Ricky Teems II tells a good story and I have to admit I'm anxious to get to parts 2 and 3 as readers are left in the dark.
I truly enjoyed the spiritual aspect, the lack of cursing and the many dynamics introduced throughout the community. This is definitely a book that I'm certain serious readers will not only relate to, but enjoy. The only thing I would suggest is a new cover.
Reviewed by: Crystal
June 6, 2008
Cross Realities offers readers a different version of Christian fiction. Some readers may feel that this book gives them a more realistic view of everyday people struggling with their faith.
The storyline is a little too busy due to the story being told over about 3 days. Many supportive characters and storylines were also introduced too soon into the book which tends to take away from getting to know the main characters better and makes the synopsis offered on the back of the book not as relative to the book. I do agree with other reviewers that the bleeped out curse words did tend to take away from the book just because this book is suppose to be Christian fiction. However, due to the type of characters that this book is written about it would seem appropriate but just doesn't fit "traditional" Christian fiction book standards.
Mr. Teems has a great sense of humor and that really does show through his writing. I look forward to seeing where the rest of this story will go!
TaNisha Webb
KC Girlfriends Book Club President
The storyline is a little too busy due to the story being told over about 3 days. Many supportive characters and storylines were also introduced too soon into the book which tends to take away from getting to know the main characters better and makes the synopsis offered on the back of the book not as relative to the book. I do agree with other reviewers that the bleeped out curse words did tend to take away from the book just because this book is suppose to be Christian fiction. However, due to the type of characters that this book is written about it would seem appropriate but just doesn't fit "traditional" Christian fiction book standards.
Mr. Teems has a great sense of humor and that really does show through his writing. I look forward to seeing where the rest of this story will go!
TaNisha Webb
KC Girlfriends Book Club President
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews