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Cry Baby
Crybaby Chris is a boy on a journey to become a man. His biggest problem is he doesn’t handle his emotions well. As a kid he is bullied and teased. As a teen he has his heartbroken by Charlotta the only girl that ever had any real interest in him. Being exposed to the elements of the streets one day he decides to bottle up all his emotions as best he can and reinvented himself as a cold hearted gansta named Capone. As Capone he deals harshly with anyone who crosses him earning respect and position in the streets. But no matter how hard he tries he can’t escape who he really is. Charlotta is serious risk taker and just to cool for her own damn good. What she wants out of life most is respect for being the hustler she believes herself to be and the street fame that comes with it. She too young to realize that street fame comes with a price. Years After the break up Capone and Charlotta link up and a flame is rekindled once again. Will the bond these teen gangstas share lead to ghetto heaven or send them straight to hell?
- GenresM F Romance
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2012
79 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
King Benjamin
73 books70 followersKing Benjamin was born Ronny Jackson Jr. on the east side of Detroit Michigan. Growing up his love for writing was at first channeled into writing rap songs and short poems. After succumbing to teen peer pressure and the despair of poverty KB, as most call him, would find himself constantly in trouble with the law at a very young age. It wasn’t until his third incarceration that he decided to change his life for the better. Guided by a higher power he discovered his love for literature and also his calling. He would go on to pen four novels in eighteen months before his release. Upon release King Benjamin started his own publishing company and released his debut bestselling novel Cry Baby. To date King has several published bestselling novels and short stories and his following continues to grow rapidly.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 26, 2021
When reading please acknowledge my grammar is not the best as I am dyslexic.
I really enjoyed this book. I was speaking about books with the author and he reccomended it to me. I was hesitant at first thinking “of course he would say it’s a good book he wrote it”, but turns out he was telling the truth.
I loved getting to know all the different characters and seeing the way they interacted with each other.
Of course my favours character was Chris/Capone and seeing the way adverse childhood issues/ mixed with “toxic” masculine created him into the person he was, like so many of these young boys, they are good people who find themselves in bad situations and changing who they are to survive.
I can’t say Charlotta’s death shocked me because it didn’t, she got involved in too many people, too many dangerous people and I knew it would come back to her eventually, but it was sad, she was so young and still had time to change her life, although she showed no passion in changing.
I do have deep love for Sergio. Into he’s not the best behaved character, but you can tell he does truly love Capone/ Chris and that was before his change. His death was extremely sad, but again not surprising. I kind of expected it to happen much earlier in the story.
I would of liked to see some more character growth from Capone/ Chris, Cus in my opinion he didn’t really learn anything. The second anything goes wrong he goes bad, as if his actions have 0 consequences. Ev did the right thing to get away from him.
The book is such an easy and enjoyable read it really was like watching a movie.
I really enjoyed this book. I was speaking about books with the author and he reccomended it to me. I was hesitant at first thinking “of course he would say it’s a good book he wrote it”, but turns out he was telling the truth.
I loved getting to know all the different characters and seeing the way they interacted with each other.
Of course my favours character was Chris/Capone and seeing the way adverse childhood issues/ mixed with “toxic” masculine created him into the person he was, like so many of these young boys, they are good people who find themselves in bad situations and changing who they are to survive.
I can’t say Charlotta’s death shocked me because it didn’t, she got involved in too many people, too many dangerous people and I knew it would come back to her eventually, but it was sad, she was so young and still had time to change her life, although she showed no passion in changing.
I do have deep love for Sergio. Into he’s not the best behaved character, but you can tell he does truly love Capone/ Chris and that was before his change. His death was extremely sad, but again not surprising. I kind of expected it to happen much earlier in the story.
I would of liked to see some more character growth from Capone/ Chris, Cus in my opinion he didn’t really learn anything. The second anything goes wrong he goes bad, as if his actions have 0 consequences. Ev did the right thing to get away from him.
The book is such an easy and enjoyable read it really was like watching a movie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2018
Chris was an emotional child. He was picked on by his school peers and was quick to cry, earning him the name CRY BABY. The kids in school would tease and taunt him and he never stood up for himself. That is, until his only friend Sergio started schooling him on the things he needed to know. Sergio who was a few years older, started buying him gear, giving him money and letting him know how he should carry himself to be noticed by the girls and to get respect from the guys. Chris looked up to Sergio and started trying to be a gangster. He decided he wouldn’t allow anybody to call him Chris or CRY BABY again...now he was Capone. And this is where his troubles started. He was trying to be something or someone that he wasn’t. He was basically putting on a front for the new found friends that he had but Sergio acting as a big brother, was still trying to shield him from a lot of things. Capone didn’t want to be shielded, he felt he had something to prove but inside he was still that little emotional boy who wanted to cry when things got too heavy.
Things go right but so many things go wrong and you wonder if Capone will be able to keep his head above water. I won’t go deeper into things but I definitely recommend the story. @authorkingbenjamin did a good job in telling a good tale and keeping my interest. ~LEE~
Things go right but so many things go wrong and you wonder if Capone will be able to keep his head above water. I won’t go deeper into things but I definitely recommend the story. @authorkingbenjamin did a good job in telling a good tale and keeping my interest. ~LEE~
January 26, 2018
This is my first read by this author but it definitely will not be my last. Easy read to follow and
nothing over the top but things you could see happening every-day in "Hood Life".
Chris was that shy dude that everyone picked on until he got tired of it. While having someone in his ear coaxing him, that kid that always got bullied, turned into a kid that wasn't taking any shorts. Chris did a complete turn around from that dude who always wore his feelings on his sleeve and always breaking down, to a dude who had something to prove. Once it was all said and done, being the shy guy wasn't that bad after all. He lost so much along the way and I just can't see him thinking that the changes he made within himself was worth it all.
4*
nothing over the top but things you could see happening every-day in "Hood Life".
Chris was that shy dude that everyone picked on until he got tired of it. While having someone in his ear coaxing him, that kid that always got bullied, turned into a kid that wasn't taking any shorts. Chris did a complete turn around from that dude who always wore his feelings on his sleeve and always breaking down, to a dude who had something to prove. Once it was all said and done, being the shy guy wasn't that bad after all. He lost so much along the way and I just can't see him thinking that the changes he made within himself was worth it all.
4*
September 25, 2022
idk
I don’t like reading books without happy endings and in this book NOBODY had happy endings? Like dang, Sergio was that tuff but died so easily, like please explain why Charlotta had to die? And what was the conversation that lead to Dana doing it? Like kill Dana but don’t play out a scene where Dana actually found out Dink was a snitch and he was out just making wild moves on his own stupid thoughts? Capone couldn’t even not go to jail.. I don’t know this book just kill basically everybody and nobody has a happy ending. All that dying and killing only to end up in jail.. I don’t like that at all.
I don’t like reading books without happy endings and in this book NOBODY had happy endings? Like dang, Sergio was that tuff but died so easily, like please explain why Charlotta had to die? And what was the conversation that lead to Dana doing it? Like kill Dana but don’t play out a scene where Dana actually found out Dink was a snitch and he was out just making wild moves on his own stupid thoughts? Capone couldn’t even not go to jail.. I don’t know this book just kill basically everybody and nobody has a happy ending. All that dying and killing only to end up in jail.. I don’t like that at all.
June 27, 2018
Fresh
King Benjamin has a fresh writing style . It was a breath of fresh air. This book is a test between good and evil. The battle we all know. I liked Chris and as most girls would; fell in love with Capone. ( Why Sergio? ) I am looking forward to reading the next episode. I will recommend you to all my friends.. Keep writing. 😀
King Benjamin has a fresh writing style . It was a breath of fresh air. This book is a test between good and evil. The battle we all know. I liked Chris and as most girls would; fell in love with Capone. ( Why Sergio? ) I am looking forward to reading the next episode. I will recommend you to all my friends.. Keep writing. 😀
May 9, 2020
WOW
I'm told this was King's FIRST book ever! Unbelievable.... this book is very well written. The characters are true to life. And well ..this was soooo worth reading. Didn't expect that ending. I'm ready for a sequel!!! Thank you for this King Benjamin..... I'm about to get the next book by you fa real!!
I'm told this was King's FIRST book ever! Unbelievable.... this book is very well written. The characters are true to life. And well ..this was soooo worth reading. Didn't expect that ending. I'm ready for a sequel!!! Thank you for this King Benjamin..... I'm about to get the next book by you fa real!!
October 14, 2021
okkkk
I was completely drawn in from the beginning of this book man I hate ole dude Sergio had to go out like that I loved all the characters I wish Evelyn and Capone (Chris) could have had a different out come can’t wait to see what happens next I’m sure it’s gone turn around from him when he put his trust n God
I was completely drawn in from the beginning of this book man I hate ole dude Sergio had to go out like that I loved all the characters I wish Evelyn and Capone (Chris) could have had a different out come can’t wait to see what happens next I’m sure it’s gone turn around from him when he put his trust n God
May 17, 2018
Daaaaammmmmnnnn
Chris aka Capone has really been thru some things n his short life. It seems as tho he just couldn't catch a break. I felt bad for Charlotta, but the thing with Sergio really broke my heart had me really shedding tears. I was really rooting for Capone and Evelyn.
Chris aka Capone has really been thru some things n his short life. It seems as tho he just couldn't catch a break. I felt bad for Charlotta, but the thing with Sergio really broke my heart had me really shedding tears. I was really rooting for Capone and Evelyn.
May 14, 2020
Wow what an amazing read
Man Chris went from being a cry baby to Capone the killer gangster. He was bullied a lot but after getting his heart broken he took on an alter ego. I can't wait to read part 2 to c if he comes home or spends his life in jail
Man Chris went from being a cry baby to Capone the killer gangster. He was bullied a lot but after getting his heart broken he took on an alter ego. I can't wait to read part 2 to c if he comes home or spends his life in jail
November 11, 2020
Growing up too soon
The book keep me on edge not knowing what was coming next. Few errors in the spelling. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who tries to be a gangster. There are always consequences behind our actions.
The book keep me on edge not knowing what was coming next. Few errors in the spelling. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who tries to be a gangster. There are always consequences behind our actions.
January 24, 2022
loved it
This was another great read. This writer have you reading his books as if you’re actually there witnessing what’s happening. On to book two. Don’t want to give too much away.
This was another great read. This writer have you reading his books as if you’re actually there witnessing what’s happening. On to book two. Don’t want to give too much away.
July 1, 2021
Banging
Loved it!~ Author kept me engaged with relatable characters. Cry Baby really grew up and remained true. Perfect ending to a hood love story.
Loved it!~ Author kept me engaged with relatable characters. Cry Baby really grew up and remained true. Perfect ending to a hood love story.
March 25, 2023
Awesome reading
So many ups and downs...rooting for the underdog and hoping they would change their ways...hoping things would turn out for the better
So many ups and downs...rooting for the underdog and hoping they would change their ways...hoping things would turn out for the better
October 21, 2023
WOW
The rollercoaster ride that quickly turned a boy into a hood legend. As the younger became Capone he became ruthless.
The rollercoaster ride that quickly turned a boy into a hood legend. As the younger became Capone he became ruthless.
March 30, 2013
From Boy to Man
Young Chris has been labeled crybaby by his peers for his tendency to break out into tears whenever faced with adversity. In a city as tough as Detroit being perceived as soft is extremely hard on Chris. Add to that the public humiliation of his first girlfriend dumping him convinces Chris that it's finally time for him to man up. But the man that he decides to emulate himself after is none other than Al Capone. Soon Chris's head is full of movie knowledge of his favorite gangster so much so that he renames himself Capone. Capone picks up some street credibility by becoming his neighbor Sergio's young protégé. But his real street credibility is earned after he bodies the first person who insisted on still calling him Crybaby Chris. On the run for over 18 months the young tattooed man that returns to Detroit personifies Capone perfectly.
What can the future hold for a young man on the run from the cops before he's even 18? Is this street life really better than the one he would have had if he remained the brunt of all of his peers jokes? Author King Benjamin pens an urban cautionary tale with a very realistic ending. An ending that is usually overlooked in most urban books that tend to glorify street life. King Benjamin showed that as a young man Chris really didn't have a genuine need for Capone but by novel's end with Chris' foolish attempts to be perceived as tough the Capone persona would be extremely necessary.
Final Rating 3.5 Stars
Delonya Conyers
ARC Book Club Inc.
Young Chris has been labeled crybaby by his peers for his tendency to break out into tears whenever faced with adversity. In a city as tough as Detroit being perceived as soft is extremely hard on Chris. Add to that the public humiliation of his first girlfriend dumping him convinces Chris that it's finally time for him to man up. But the man that he decides to emulate himself after is none other than Al Capone. Soon Chris's head is full of movie knowledge of his favorite gangster so much so that he renames himself Capone. Capone picks up some street credibility by becoming his neighbor Sergio's young protégé. But his real street credibility is earned after he bodies the first person who insisted on still calling him Crybaby Chris. On the run for over 18 months the young tattooed man that returns to Detroit personifies Capone perfectly.
What can the future hold for a young man on the run from the cops before he's even 18? Is this street life really better than the one he would have had if he remained the brunt of all of his peers jokes? Author King Benjamin pens an urban cautionary tale with a very realistic ending. An ending that is usually overlooked in most urban books that tend to glorify street life. King Benjamin showed that as a young man Chris really didn't have a genuine need for Capone but by novel's end with Chris' foolish attempts to be perceived as tough the Capone persona would be extremely necessary.
Final Rating 3.5 Stars
Delonya Conyers
ARC Book Club Inc.
May 1, 2013
The book, Cry Baby, by King Benajmin, focuses on character Chris aka Crybaby aka Capone. Chris is a victim of teen-bulling and responds with crying. His peers have named him Cry Baby and he has learned to answer to it. Chris longs to be treated with respect just like the gangsters. Eventually, Chris has had enough of the bullying and decides to become a gangster himself. He then changes his name to Capone. The storyline is original, real, well developed, even pace and maintains steam. My favorite character is Charlotta. Charlotta is always scheming with no fear. My least favorite character is Evelyn. Evelyn is continuously questioning herself as to whether she should or should not become involved with a gangster. The author did an excellent job! Kudos King Benajmin!
September 26, 2012
This was a good story by this author. Cry Baby took you through the life of Chris and allowed you to see how being bullied can change a person. Mr. King took you through the transformation of this young man and gave you a front row seat as his life unfolded. This novel took on a serious issue and gave the reader something to think about. I enjoyed the flow of the story as well as the storyline. There were several lessons to be learned from the mistakes of Chris and his friends. Kudos to Mr. King for a story well told.
Happy Reading,
Happy Reading,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2014
This is really a good book
This is really a good book
It is so sad what our young black men go through to find acceptance. I really feel sorry for Chris because all he really wanted was to fix in. The Love that him and Evelyn shared was one of a kind. T he only bad part in this story was when Sergio got killed. Charlotte was naughty out there. All in all It's a good read. Waiting on Part 2
This is really a good book
It is so sad what our young black men go through to find acceptance. I really feel sorry for Chris because all he really wanted was to fix in. The Love that him and Evelyn shared was one of a kind. T he only bad part in this story was when Sergio got killed. Charlotte was naughty out there. All in all It's a good read. Waiting on Part 2
December 28, 2013
I really njoyed this book. It touch close to home. My son fell in that same life and now he is doing 25 years. Thanks King Benjamin, for the storyline. It maybe fiction to you but its real life to me. I seen it happen and now I am living it with him (my son). Very close storyline to me. Again Thanks...........
June 12, 2014
Not a happy ever after!
Realistic in comparison to other urban fiction books I have listened to lately. I like that this urban tale is not sugar coated with the happily ever after ending. It is gritty and raw like the roads the characters in this book chose to travel. This is a story worth the read.
Realistic in comparison to other urban fiction books I have listened to lately. I like that this urban tale is not sugar coated with the happily ever after ending. It is gritty and raw like the roads the characters in this book chose to travel. This is a story worth the read.
September 7, 2014
Gangster cry baby
A sweet innocent kid that got picked on all through elementary school. All.he wanted was to be left alone and had a big crush on a pretty girl name Evelyn. Everything was going fine until he decided to stand up for himself and ended up killing a former classmate. That little boy went from being Chris to Capone, a hard core gangster living on the run.
A sweet innocent kid that got picked on all through elementary school. All.he wanted was to be left alone and had a big crush on a pretty girl name Evelyn. Everything was going fine until he decided to stand up for himself and ended up killing a former classmate. That little boy went from being Chris to Capone, a hard core gangster living on the run.
September 26, 2012
Best urban fiction novel I've read in a long time and not just because I wrote it but because it was a lot more realistic than most of the books I've read in the past. It wasn't far fetched or drawn out with long boring chapters, just face paced and action packed to the end.
June 18, 2014
Awesome read! The characters was all in play the book was so real I didn't know what to think at the end Sergio took my heart because he was like a real brother to Chris. This is the book to read if you haven't already read it by now
March 11, 2016
One of my favorite books of all times. This book is timeless for me and I can read it over and over again.
July 5, 2014
Riveting Story
Had me hooked at the beginning. It had a few typos but it was easily overlooked. great read. part two?
Had me hooked at the beginning. It had a few typos but it was easily overlooked. great read. part two?
August 1, 2014
Ended too soon! Gimme more
April 14, 2015
Good read
Well this was nothing like the first book. But it was still good it ended leaving you hanging. Not sure how I feel but I did give it a 4 star.
Well this was nothing like the first book. But it was still good it ended leaving you hanging. Not sure how I feel but I did give it a 4 star.
August 13, 2018
Great Story
Spoiler Alert: This story got on my nerves in the beginning. Chris was doing too much crying for me. I seen guys get picked on but not crying. I like how even he got tired of Chris and reinvented himself. I'm not saying I was a fan of the new him but a change was definitely needed. One thing I liked about this story was his relationship with Sergio. He was lonely and Sergio was the brother he never had. He wasn't much older than Chris but he was wiser and had his back. Ultimately Capone was like his alter ego but wasn't really much different than Chris. They both had some messed up ways of thinking which would lead to trouble in the end. Now I'm loving the story but couldn't decide which persona I liked best. I can't believe all the events happened so quickly though and he's still just a kid who made bad decisions and messed up his life. I'm feeling bad for him but he was messy. At least he did get the girl he wanted from the beginning. I've been wanting to read this book for awhile but never did and I see there a part 2 which I'm about to start reading. (Lucky me, no waiting) I'm hoping Chris pleads insanity and blames Capone for the murders but I don't think their smart enough. King Benjamin did this! I'm loving this story.
Spoiler Alert: This story got on my nerves in the beginning. Chris was doing too much crying for me. I seen guys get picked on but not crying. I like how even he got tired of Chris and reinvented himself. I'm not saying I was a fan of the new him but a change was definitely needed. One thing I liked about this story was his relationship with Sergio. He was lonely and Sergio was the brother he never had. He wasn't much older than Chris but he was wiser and had his back. Ultimately Capone was like his alter ego but wasn't really much different than Chris. They both had some messed up ways of thinking which would lead to trouble in the end. Now I'm loving the story but couldn't decide which persona I liked best. I can't believe all the events happened so quickly though and he's still just a kid who made bad decisions and messed up his life. I'm feeling bad for him but he was messy. At least he did get the girl he wanted from the beginning. I've been wanting to read this book for awhile but never did and I see there a part 2 which I'm about to start reading. (Lucky me, no waiting) I'm hoping Chris pleads insanity and blames Capone for the murders but I don't think their smart enough. King Benjamin did this! I'm loving this story.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews