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Just Say No!
Best friends since childhood, Darin Harmon and John Williams are young men on the brink of realizing their dreams. For John, it his music; for Darin, football. When Darin suffers an injury that closes the door on his sports aspirations, he reluctantly follows his friend into the music scene and quickly gets swept up in promoting John's new "Loverboy" identity to R&B superstardom. But the celebrity lifestyle of big-time money, fast women, and easy drugs quickly takes it toll, and the friends find themselves at a crossroads that will forever shape each of their futures.
As only he can, Omar Tyree delivers another urban classic filled with irresistible characters you won't forget.
As only he can, Omar Tyree delivers another urban classic filled with irresistible characters you won't forget.
496 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2001
22 people are currently reading
757 people want to read
About the author
Omar Tyree
104 books923 followersOmar Tyree, a New York Times best-selling author, a 2001 NAACP Image Award recipient for Outstanding Literature in Fiction, and a 2006 Phillis Wheatley Literary Award winner for Body of Work in Urban Fiction, has published 16 books and has sold nearly 2 million copies worldwide that has generated more than $30 million.
With a degree in Print Journalism from Howard University in 1991, Tyree has been recognized as one of the most renowned contemporary writers in the literary community. He is also an informed and passionate speaker on various community-related and intellectual topics. Now entering the world of feature films, business lectures, and children’s books, Tyree is a tireless creator and visionary of few limitations.
Tyree is a popular speaker on the university and corporate circuits. In his “Equation for Life” lecture, Tyree weaves together a full-proof formula for attaining lifelong success in business, as well as everyday living. Ideal for innovation, corporate sales and marketing teams, one attendee who heard the lecture commented, “Omar Tyree’s Equation for Life speech made me rethink my whole life - it has given me the focus I need.” The success of the speeches over the last 11 years landed Tyree his first nonfiction book deal with John Wiley, the number 1 business publisher in the world. The Equation: Applying the 4 Indisputable Components of Business Success, is being released in early January 2009.
As an author, journalist, performance poet, songwriter, screenwriter,entrepreneur, innovator of various creations, and an energetic and fiery speaker, Tyree is no stranger to the world of contemporary urban influence. Tyree became one of the dominant literary promoters of the 1990s, leading to offers of publishing deals by a number of influential mainstream book publishers. In 1995, he signed a lucrative two-book arrangement with publishing powerhouse Simon & S chuster. A few years later, Tyree signed an undisclosed long-term contract that established him amongst Simon & Schuster’s top authors.
His journey as an entrepreneur began in his early 20s when he started the book publishing company Mar Productions, to release his earliest works of fiction. Tyree’s entrepreneurial ventures have evolved to include the Urban Literacy Project as a nonprofit organization to inspire reading, writing, thinking,visualization, application and financial literacy skills among disadvantaged youth and adults. He has also formed Renaissance Entertainment Group, a partnership with self-made multimillionaire Arthur Wylie, to produce Tyree’s body of fiction novels into feature films.
Tyree’s articles have been published in the Washington Post, Essence, Upscale, Ebony, TheDailyVoice.com and several other publications
With a degree in Print Journalism from Howard University in 1991, Tyree has been recognized as one of the most renowned contemporary writers in the literary community. He is also an informed and passionate speaker on various community-related and intellectual topics. Now entering the world of feature films, business lectures, and children’s books, Tyree is a tireless creator and visionary of few limitations.
Tyree is a popular speaker on the university and corporate circuits. In his “Equation for Life” lecture, Tyree weaves together a full-proof formula for attaining lifelong success in business, as well as everyday living. Ideal for innovation, corporate sales and marketing teams, one attendee who heard the lecture commented, “Omar Tyree’s Equation for Life speech made me rethink my whole life - it has given me the focus I need.” The success of the speeches over the last 11 years landed Tyree his first nonfiction book deal with John Wiley, the number 1 business publisher in the world. The Equation: Applying the 4 Indisputable Components of Business Success, is being released in early January 2009.
As an author, journalist, performance poet, songwriter, screenwriter,entrepreneur, innovator of various creations, and an energetic and fiery speaker, Tyree is no stranger to the world of contemporary urban influence. Tyree became one of the dominant literary promoters of the 1990s, leading to offers of publishing deals by a number of influential mainstream book publishers. In 1995, he signed a lucrative two-book arrangement with publishing powerhouse Simon & S chuster. A few years later, Tyree signed an undisclosed long-term contract that established him amongst Simon & Schuster’s top authors.
His journey as an entrepreneur began in his early 20s when he started the book publishing company Mar Productions, to release his earliest works of fiction. Tyree’s entrepreneurial ventures have evolved to include the Urban Literacy Project as a nonprofit organization to inspire reading, writing, thinking,visualization, application and financial literacy skills among disadvantaged youth and adults. He has also formed Renaissance Entertainment Group, a partnership with self-made multimillionaire Arthur Wylie, to produce Tyree’s body of fiction novels into feature films.
Tyree’s articles have been published in the Washington Post, Essence, Upscale, Ebony, TheDailyVoice.com and several other publications
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 3, 2014
I listened to the audio-the story was just ok. The rating would have been higher if Omar wasn't singing. He CANNOT sing well-I feel he's off & it's almost intolerable.
January 27, 2011
Imagine a book so good, you get mad at the author for messing with your emotions...
It was reading this book that I realized what I had been fighting myself about when I was writing.
I wanted to make my books so touching and fulfilling to the reader that they remembered the characters long after the book ended. "Just Say No" was the book I used as an example when I said to my professor, "This is what I want to do." I want to bring forth deep emotion.
Since I've read it, I've been on my mission full steam ahead in making sure I touch the emotions of the reader, and not always in the typical, usual way. I'm so serious about it that I sometimes meditate and become one with the characters to take the reader exactly to that place that I need them to be.
Omar Tyre really takes you there in, "Just Say No". Have tissues and/or hankies in hand when reading because the book is not only great, but, it should've been an HBO mini-series.
It was reading this book that I realized what I had been fighting myself about when I was writing.
I wanted to make my books so touching and fulfilling to the reader that they remembered the characters long after the book ended. "Just Say No" was the book I used as an example when I said to my professor, "This is what I want to do." I want to bring forth deep emotion.
Since I've read it, I've been on my mission full steam ahead in making sure I touch the emotions of the reader, and not always in the typical, usual way. I'm so serious about it that I sometimes meditate and become one with the characters to take the reader exactly to that place that I need them to be.
Omar Tyre really takes you there in, "Just Say No". Have tissues and/or hankies in hand when reading because the book is not only great, but, it should've been an HBO mini-series.
January 9, 2014
As i read this book it touched my heart in a way no other book can. In my opinion Omar Tyree did an amazing job on telling the lesson.
Want to read
February 20, 2020I just couldn't. Maybe on a slow read day I will finish it.
April 1, 2011
This novel started off very well & I was definitely intrigued. Halfway through & I just stopped reading. Tyree kind of lost me. It seems this is either a hit or miss. I understand all the 4/5 star review and I also understand all the 2/3 star reviews. There's something about this novel that requires more attention than I'm willing to give. I really started to dislike John's character and even Darin became boring. Tony was seemingly thrown into the mix - I just don't understand the purpose of that character. Moreover, it's ridiculous that Tyree invested so much into John's use of marijuana. I kind of wish he was on something else, like cocaine. Then maybe I'd understand his downward spiral. Maybe this happens later in the novel, but I could not finish this book - it became to bland, too repetitive, too boring. I was very impressed with the story in the beginning, but it seems like Tyree lost his momentum or maybe I just lost great interest in the details. Over 400 pages and I became completely indifferent to the text. I've read other long, drama-filled novels this year that kept my interest. Too bad "Just Say No!" was a big failure - I really wanted to enjoy this book.
August 20, 2018
Good for the soul
Friendship in its purest form is to love without condition. This book is good for the soul and we don’t have enough stories written from a black man’s perspective on friendship, love and brotherhood.
Friendship in its purest form is to love without condition. This book is good for the soul and we don’t have enough stories written from a black man’s perspective on friendship, love and brotherhood.
June 7, 2009
This book really amazed me...I loved the journey of the characters, career-wise as well as how they evolved as men. Awesome book; I've read it at least two or three times!
March 13, 2019
I enjoyed Just Say No! I listened to the audio book and like the way that the book incorporated music into it. I mean the book is about a musician. Lol.
Omars voice was great in the way he changed up the dialect for the characters. Especially John Lover Boys voice. He was always so hyper. Rather he was mad, sad or happy he was HYPE.
This book is real. It discusses how someone can be on the road to famous and how things like drugs, love and much more can mess up a good thing. Kind of like what is going on in the world today. R. Kelly, Jussie Smollett and I wont say it. I guess I will even the Bill Cosbys of the world.
Just say No!
Omars voice was great in the way he changed up the dialect for the characters. Especially John Lover Boys voice. He was always so hyper. Rather he was mad, sad or happy he was HYPE.
This book is real. It discusses how someone can be on the road to famous and how things like drugs, love and much more can mess up a good thing. Kind of like what is going on in the world today. R. Kelly, Jussie Smollett and I wont say it. I guess I will even the Bill Cosbys of the world.
Just say No!
November 4, 2020
I liked the story line for this book. Omar Tyree has a special way of delivering his stories. The only thing I didn't like was all the drum beats and song notes that he tried to spell out. It got annoying after awhile. But I also came to realize that if he did it any other way, it'd come off like poetry so I just read through it like poetry. It was a good book. My heart went out to John. I wanted him to find love so bad but his love was in his music. Good read and I was satisfied with the ending.
February 3, 2024
Man. . . This was the FIRST Omar Tyree book that introduced me into his work, I have NEVER had a book make me go through so many emotions i finished this book in tears. This was well written and the characters? . . . Blew me away. It was one of my favourites before Flyy Girl. Wonderful book. I will read it again one day.
July 18, 2021
Listening to the audio version way so annoying, that i couldn't finish the book. The horrible singing and lyrics was a major distraction. I'll attempt reading it next time, instead of listening. Hopefully it will follow better.
February 23, 2025
It’s a good read and a good ending. It flows really well and you get a good picture of the book. I think it was a little repetitive for me like I could’ve been fine with the storyline if it was 200 pages less. But it wasn’t a bad read.
February 12, 2019
This book great!
September 5, 2019
Such an emotional book, could definitely be a movie.
August 1, 2021
Very entertaining! Especially the Audiobook! You get to hear the author do the voices in the way he actually imagines the characters.
July 8, 2022
Amazing book I love this author
December 13, 2022
Amazing read!
June 28, 2023
Loverboy was a rock star. My favorite book is A Change is going to come based on the leading man who act like Sam Cooke
April 11, 2022
🎵🎉🎊📚🎁🎶🎈Just Say No! by Omar Tyree
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2020
I enjoyed the book so much that I didn't want the book to end, I laughed and even had tears reading the book. I have never shed a tear before until reading this book. Omar Tyree did that! the story was deep, raw and transparent. What I like about this story, is it touch different themes, friendship, brotherhood, it shows the epitome of manhood, it also touched mental health which is taboo in the black community to this day. I like how the author told the story of two friends that loved each other unconditionally that would do anything for each other. I like how he wrote those characters Darin & John vulnerable and would express their emotions to each other. Because, in today's society we told that men aren't supposed to show their vulnerability that we have to keep our emotion to ourself otherwised were labled as weak. I was just a little disappointed at the end, I was hoping that one of the character would go through it. Just like any artists in the business. If that book ever go on the big screen I hope that it will touches the audience just as it touched the readers.
I believe that this should be adapted into an HBO mini series and I would see Ava Duvernay direct it she would know how to bring that 90s essence. I also think that teddy Riley should produced the music
I believe that this should be adapted into an HBO mini series and I would see Ava Duvernay direct it she would know how to bring that 90s essence. I also think that teddy Riley should produced the music
October 17, 2013
No. Oh, sorry. It said I was supposed to just say no.
I liked this book a bit better than the other Omar Tyree book I read, Pecking Order. Maybe it's because I recently met Mr. Tyree and heard his speak at Stetson University.
This story was pretty well written. I wasn't that enthusiastic about the ending. I listened to it as an audio book, which was a treat, because the reader is a singer, and as this character was a singer, the reader often broke into song, quite well, especially toward the end.
Both Omar Tyree books I have read give life lessons on how to succeed in business, which, of course, is Omar Tyree's forte.
A fairly interesting read.
I liked this book a bit better than the other Omar Tyree book I read, Pecking Order. Maybe it's because I recently met Mr. Tyree and heard his speak at Stetson University.
This story was pretty well written. I wasn't that enthusiastic about the ending. I listened to it as an audio book, which was a treat, because the reader is a singer, and as this character was a singer, the reader often broke into song, quite well, especially toward the end.
Both Omar Tyree books I have read give life lessons on how to succeed in business, which, of course, is Omar Tyree's forte.
A fairly interesting read.
October 30, 2014
I read this book when I was an earlier teen, but it definitely helped me understand that not everyone that wants the fame can handle it. And not everyone that isn't looking for it understands it.
Its unfortunate how it ended, but it is a great book to read for ones that are interested in readings from this author and are for partial realizations.
Its unfortunate how it ended, but it is a great book to read for ones that are interested in readings from this author and are for partial realizations.
January 11, 2016
This is one of the first books, if not the first book, that opened my naive mind, to a world, poignantly different from the one Enid Blyton, Jacqueline Wilson, Meg Cabot, and numerous fantasy books had all created in head. I cried when I finished it. I was 11.
May 20, 2014
Appropriate read for teenagers. Similar to 'Flyy Girl' this novel explores themes in a way that is light and easy to digest.
A great way to engage readers from ethnic minority backgrounds. Perhaps not the most mentally stimulating book, but a good starter read none the less.
A great way to engage readers from ethnic minority backgrounds. Perhaps not the most mentally stimulating book, but a good starter read none the less.
September 13, 2009
I love anything Omar Tyree, he was one of the first African American Authors I picked up as a teenager.
June 23, 2008
The price of fame. Hes excellent as well. One of my top authors.
July 14, 2008
I never could really get into this book.
July 28, 2008
Long... but very good.
November 14, 2008
Tyree is very hit or miss to me. I read most of this a while ago but I couldn't ever finish it. I recently picked it up at the library and plan to try to read it again.
May 16, 2009
Well...I actually likes this Book. With fame comes problems...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews