Even Sinners Have Souls

Sinners

by E.N. Joy (Editor), KaShamba Williams, Noire

EVEN SINNERS HAVE SOULS edited by E.N. Joy features NOIRE, CHUNICHI, KASHAMBA WILLIAMS, B.L.U.N.T. AND NIKKI TURNER; These respected authorities have all come together for the first time ever, taking a break from penning their norm, to pen a piece of work that truly flowed from their spirits. In EVEN SINNERS HAVE SOULS, each gritty and profound story is told in a raw and real voice, luring the readers in by the poignant storylines, themes and the genuine talents and abilities of each of these prolific authors. The stories have characters who face the same struggles and tragedies that any other person growing up in the hood might endure, but what makes these stories phenomenal is the fact that although the characters might be living a dangerous, immoral and unacceptable lifestyle according to society's standards, they are not so far gone that they can't acknowledge the power of a higher being and a life changing moment that could alter their lives forever. Be prepared to be engaged, moved and compelled as in each tale you will see a side to these authors that you have never seen before. Do not expect what you are used to getting from these authors...expect the unexpected-EXPECT MORE!

263 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2007

About the author

BLESSEDselling Author E. N. Joy is the writer behind the five book series, “New Day Divas,” the “Still Divas” three book series, the “Always Divas” three book series, and the "Forever Divas" three book series, all which have been coined “Soap Operas In Print.” Formerly writing secular works under the names Joylynn M. Jossel and JOY, this award winning author has been sharing her literary expertise on conference panels in her home town of Columbus, Ohio and cities across the country as well as instructing literary workshops.
Joy writes children’s and middle grade titles under the name N. Joy. Her children’s story, The Secret Olivia Told Me, received the American Library Association Coretta Scott King Honor. Book club rights were acquired by Scholastic Books and the book has sold almost 100,000 copies. Elementary and middle school children have fallen in love with reading and creative writing as a result of the readings and workshops Joy instructs in schools nationwide.
The former acquisitions editor for a decade for Urban Christian, an imprint of Urban Books in which the titles are distributed by Kensington Publishing Corporation, Joy is now a freelance editor. In addition, Joy is the artistic developer for a young girl group named DJHK Gurls. Joy pens original songs for the group that deal with messages that affect today’s youth, such as bullying.

Reviews

[Melissa]

The sinners in Even Sinners Have Souls really excel at sinning! How about letting your identical twin go to jail in your place and sleeping with her fiance while she is doing your time? Or having sex with the pastor's son-in-law and the husband of a woman you consider your spiritual mentor? Murder, drug dealing, rape and gang rape all get a turn or two as well. These stories are united by salvation and the opportunity each woman has to make good choices in their lives.

Some stories were more believable than others. Dina, or Queen D, has a dream where all of the sins of her life are revisited (this is the least dream-like dream I've ever read) and awakens determined to make things right in her life. Her twin Denise doesn't get the chance to reconcile with her though due to a tragic end. Porsche makes a decision to give up the wealth and stability of her NFL wife lifestyle because her faith in God is stronger than her mother and husband's materialistic and immoral influences. Tatiana also comes to God in a way that would make Big Momma smile in heaven above and, in a romantic twist, she discovers Jo is the same Pastor Joseph that Big Momma wanted her to meet all along.

The stories may be uplifting to many readers but I got bogged down in the poor writing and editing. "That was all an uneducated stallion like herself needed to stay on top; the likes of Silk." Huh? "Refusing to never leave Big Momma's side, Tatiana, at the age of twenty-two, still lived with her." Really?! Triple quotation marks and missing prepositions also got in my way but I know I wouldn't have been so hung up on the small details if I'd been a little more involved in the stories.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are into urban novels, or "street lit", as some call it, then this anthology is right up your alley. The only thing missing is the raunchy sex scenes and bad language that these authors are famous for. The common theme in each if the stories is that you will always reap what you sow. I applaud these authors for coming together and putting a book like this out because this may be the only way that some of them are exposed to this principle.

[Mrs Tupac · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay read anybody ready or willing to give their lives to God should read this

The first story was decent
The second story had me crying man omg
The last story was the best to me
The 3rd story had me shaking my head I hate when people make a mockery out of god
I hated the typos and "-" in the middle of every damn word but besides that it was okay

[Tina Pearl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

The only thing I didn’t like about the book was the stories were too short. I wish they would have been just a little longer. Each story touched my heart and were an example of the greatness of God. Kudos to each author.

[Aleta Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good it reminds me of my book "Zipcodez" Urban Fiction with a uplifting message. If you never thought about changing your life, getting a new start or ever wonder what that little voice on your shoulder is trying to tell you read this book. I cried almost the whole book

[Rachel]

Loved this book of short stories. They took the best street lit authors and let them do their literary magic. The title reminds of the Color Purple when Shug left the club and went back to her father's church and said "you see daddy even sinners have souls ". This book is a must read

[Shannan Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compilation of several stories from street lit authors that was edited by one of my favorite author, E. N. Joy. Each story has in common, that every on of them realize that there is a higher power in existence. They did a great job.

[Ms2kute · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read!

[Mary Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good read.

[JAMESIN SEAWARD · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read

Good read, could not put it down. I am starting the new book to night. I can not wait. Thanks