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Harlem
Available for the first time as an eBook, New York Times bestselling author Eric Jerome Dickey’s thrilling short story Harlem
“People called me Harlem. I dubbed myself after that dangerous neighborhood that I’d never seen. I read life is rough in Harlem, and a black man isn’t expected to live to see twenty-five. I was twenty-three. The clock was ticking.”
When Harlem gets off on a murder charge due to insanity, the asylum he’s sent to feels worse than death, with one exception: the beautiful nurse Daphane. As their relationship grows, so do the stakes: she has the ability to help him escape, and he has the ability to set her free from her abusive relationship. Yet Harlem has one big secret: he was perfectly sane when he committed his crime. But in the end, Daphane’s own secret may be the deadliest of all. . . .
Includes an excerpt from Eric’s upcoming novel, Before We Were Wicked, coming April 2019. Harlem was previously published in the 2006 anthology Voices from the Other Side.
“People called me Harlem. I dubbed myself after that dangerous neighborhood that I’d never seen. I read life is rough in Harlem, and a black man isn’t expected to live to see twenty-five. I was twenty-three. The clock was ticking.”
When Harlem gets off on a murder charge due to insanity, the asylum he’s sent to feels worse than death, with one exception: the beautiful nurse Daphane. As their relationship grows, so do the stakes: she has the ability to help him escape, and he has the ability to set her free from her abusive relationship. Yet Harlem has one big secret: he was perfectly sane when he committed his crime. But in the end, Daphane’s own secret may be the deadliest of all. . . .
Includes an excerpt from Eric’s upcoming novel, Before We Were Wicked, coming April 2019. Harlem was previously published in the 2006 anthology Voices from the Other Side.
44 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2018
1100 people are currently reading
1041 people want to read
About the author
Eric Jerome Dickey
60 books3,645 followersEric Jerome Dickey was born in Memphis, Tennessee and attended the University of Memphis (the former Memphis State), where he earned his degree in Computer System Technology. In 1983, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in engineering.
After landing a job in the aerospace industry as a software developer, Eric Jerome Dickey's artistic talents surfaced, inspiring him to become an actor and a stand-up comedian. Yet Eric quickly found out that writing was something he could do and do well. From creative writing classes to avidly consuming the works of his favorite authors, Eric Jerome Dickey began to shape a writing career of his own. Having written several scripts for his personal comedy act, he started writing poetry and short stories. "The film work gave me insight into character development, the acting classes helped me understand motivation...All of it goes hand in hand," Eric explains. He joined the IBWA (International Black Writers and Artists), participated in their development workshops, and became a recipient of the IBWA SEED Scholarship to attend UCLA's Creative Writing classes. In 1994 his first published short story, "Thirteen," appeared in the IBWA's River Crossing: Voices of the Diaspora-An Anthology of the International Black Experience. A second short story, "Days Gone By," was published in the magazine A Place to Enter.
With those successes behind him, Eric Jerome Dickey decided to fine-tune some of his earlier work and developed a screenplay called "Cappuccino." "Cappuccino" was directed and produced by Craig Ross, Jr. and appeared in coffee houses around the Los Angeles area. In February 1998, "Cappuccino" made its local debut during the Pan African Film Festival at the Magic Johnson Theater in Los Angeles.
Short stories, though, didn't seem to fulfill Eric Jerome Dickey's creative yearnings. Eric says, "I'd set out to do a ten-page story and it would go on for three hundred pages." So Eric kept writing and reading and sending out query letters for his novels for almost three years until he finally got an agent. "Then a door opened," Eric says. "And I put my foot in before they could close it." And that door has remained opened, as Eric Jerome Dickey's novels have placed him on the map as one of the best writers of contemporary urban fiction.
Eric Jerome Dickey's book signing tours for Sister, Sister; Friends and Lovers; Milk in My Coffee; Cheaters; and Liar's Game took him from coast to coast and helped propel each of these novels to #1 on the "Blackboard Bestsellers List." Cheaters was named "Blackboard Book of the Year" in 2000. In June 2000, Eric Jerome Dickey celebrated the French publication of Milk in My Coffee (Cafe Noisette) by embarking on a book tour to Paris. Soon after, Milk in My Coffee became a bestseller in France. Eric Jerome Dickey's novels, Chasing Destiny, Liar's Game, Between Lovers, Thieves' Paradise, The Other Woman, Drive Me Crazy, Genevieve, Naughty or Nice, Sleeping with Strangers, Waking with Enemies, and Pleasure have all earned him the success of a spot on The New York Times bestseller list. Liar's Game, Thieves' Paradise, The Other Woman, and Genevieve have also given Dickey the added distinction of being nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Literary Work in 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005. In 2006, he was honored with the awards for Best Contemporary Fiction and Author of the Year (Male) at the 2006 African American Literary Award Show. In 2008, Eric was nominated for Storyteller of the Year at the 1st annual ESSENCE Literary Awards. In January 2001, Eric Jerome Dickey was a contributor to New American Library's anthology Got To Be Real: Four Original Love Stories, also a Blackboard Bestseller. He also had a story entitled “Fish Sanwich” appear in the anthology Mothers and Sons. In June 2002, Dickey contributed to Black Silk: A Collection of African American Erotica (Warner Books) as well as to Riots Beneath the Baobab (published by Inte
After landing a job in the aerospace industry as a software developer, Eric Jerome Dickey's artistic talents surfaced, inspiring him to become an actor and a stand-up comedian. Yet Eric quickly found out that writing was something he could do and do well. From creative writing classes to avidly consuming the works of his favorite authors, Eric Jerome Dickey began to shape a writing career of his own. Having written several scripts for his personal comedy act, he started writing poetry and short stories. "The film work gave me insight into character development, the acting classes helped me understand motivation...All of it goes hand in hand," Eric explains. He joined the IBWA (International Black Writers and Artists), participated in their development workshops, and became a recipient of the IBWA SEED Scholarship to attend UCLA's Creative Writing classes. In 1994 his first published short story, "Thirteen," appeared in the IBWA's River Crossing: Voices of the Diaspora-An Anthology of the International Black Experience. A second short story, "Days Gone By," was published in the magazine A Place to Enter.
With those successes behind him, Eric Jerome Dickey decided to fine-tune some of his earlier work and developed a screenplay called "Cappuccino." "Cappuccino" was directed and produced by Craig Ross, Jr. and appeared in coffee houses around the Los Angeles area. In February 1998, "Cappuccino" made its local debut during the Pan African Film Festival at the Magic Johnson Theater in Los Angeles.
Short stories, though, didn't seem to fulfill Eric Jerome Dickey's creative yearnings. Eric says, "I'd set out to do a ten-page story and it would go on for three hundred pages." So Eric kept writing and reading and sending out query letters for his novels for almost three years until he finally got an agent. "Then a door opened," Eric says. "And I put my foot in before they could close it." And that door has remained opened, as Eric Jerome Dickey's novels have placed him on the map as one of the best writers of contemporary urban fiction.
Eric Jerome Dickey's book signing tours for Sister, Sister; Friends and Lovers; Milk in My Coffee; Cheaters; and Liar's Game took him from coast to coast and helped propel each of these novels to #1 on the "Blackboard Bestsellers List." Cheaters was named "Blackboard Book of the Year" in 2000. In June 2000, Eric Jerome Dickey celebrated the French publication of Milk in My Coffee (Cafe Noisette) by embarking on a book tour to Paris. Soon after, Milk in My Coffee became a bestseller in France. Eric Jerome Dickey's novels, Chasing Destiny, Liar's Game, Between Lovers, Thieves' Paradise, The Other Woman, Drive Me Crazy, Genevieve, Naughty or Nice, Sleeping with Strangers, Waking with Enemies, and Pleasure have all earned him the success of a spot on The New York Times bestseller list. Liar's Game, Thieves' Paradise, The Other Woman, and Genevieve have also given Dickey the added distinction of being nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Literary Work in 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005. In 2006, he was honored with the awards for Best Contemporary Fiction and Author of the Year (Male) at the 2006 African American Literary Award Show. In 2008, Eric was nominated for Storyteller of the Year at the 1st annual ESSENCE Literary Awards. In January 2001, Eric Jerome Dickey was a contributor to New American Library's anthology Got To Be Real: Four Original Love Stories, also a Blackboard Bestseller. He also had a story entitled “Fish Sanwich” appear in the anthology Mothers and Sons. In June 2002, Dickey contributed to Black Silk: A Collection of African American Erotica (Warner Books) as well as to Riots Beneath the Baobab (published by Inte
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
May 19, 2024
Harlem was short but, very good. It ended how I pretty much thought it would. I knew Daphne was playin' him but, you could've bought me for less than a peso when her identity was revealed and I damn sure wasn't expecting @#$%&*@ to be her partner in crime. That was the plot twist I didn't see coming. I get that Harlem was a bad guy but, I was honestly hoping he found a way to murder those backstabbin' heffas. I was rootin' for you Harlem!
December 10, 2018
I had a short flight from Atlanta to North Carolina so I decided to read Harlem.
It’s a shame that EJD’s short story is way better than a lot of author’s full novels. In a few pages, Harlem tells a story that is packed with action, emotion and a connection that can’t be overlooked. Oh, and there’s a plot twist that’ll leave you thinking, “Well, isn’t that clever?!?!”
Way to show ‘em why you’re still the best, EJD!!!
It’s a shame that EJD’s short story is way better than a lot of author’s full novels. In a few pages, Harlem tells a story that is packed with action, emotion and a connection that can’t be overlooked. Oh, and there’s a plot twist that’ll leave you thinking, “Well, isn’t that clever?!?!”
Way to show ‘em why you’re still the best, EJD!!!
December 24, 2018
This one was a No Ma’am for me! I keep trying EJD’s new work to no avail. There are some unexpected twists and turns but that’s not enough to make a good short story. Harlem was missing some much needed character development. Not to mention, the dialogue was not very natural. We just don’t get why the characters do what they do. I wouldn’t recommend it. However if you’re still interested, it only cost me 79 cents on ebook which sadly contained some typos.
May 19, 2024
Talking about an unexpected plot twist 🤯! I wish this was longer!
4.5⭐️
4.5⭐️
November 30, 2020
Damaged people damage people
January 14, 2019
A fast-paced short read. Enjoyable. My favorite quote " I went to a place where I was sleep but awake at the same time."
November 16, 2018
Love can get you killed. This was a quick and thrilling page turner. Harlem’s very rough around the edges. He’s a killer at heart, because of his dreadful childhood circumstances. Daphane took advantage of his only weakness. He wanted to be loved for the man who he now was. I was blown away from how this short story kept me on edge. I even felt foolish for wanting Harlem and Daphane to fall in love. If you’re looking for a suspenseful read then this is for you. Damn, Eric sure does know how to place you in the mind of his protagonist very well.
I wanted more...
I wanted more...
October 5, 2024
Being inside of Harlem’s mind was a treat. 😂 Can’t really say too much without spoiling the story but the big reveal was pretty clever. I was cackling at Phyllis doing her lil dance at the end.
October 9, 2024
*audiobook*
I enjoyed this one! It felt like a movie playing out in my ears. In an odd way I felt awful for Harlem, and I felt like he was taken advantage of by Daphne. I was not prepared for the plot twist but revenge is something serious! 🫠
I enjoyed this one! It felt like a movie playing out in my ears. In an odd way I felt awful for Harlem, and I felt like he was taken advantage of by Daphne. I was not prepared for the plot twist but revenge is something serious! 🫠
August 25, 2024
This book was quite disturbing and weird. Did not see the twist coming at the end at all.
August 11, 2024
This was a really good short story. I enjoyed the twist at the end.
November 15, 2018
Wow
My heart raced and I lost my breath. EJD does it again! Masterfully written as always. A short story that will make you beg for more.
My heart raced and I lost my breath. EJD does it again! Masterfully written as always. A short story that will make you beg for more.
January 15, 2023
Trigger warnings: mentions of child sexual abuse, death of a parent, gun violence, murder, alcohol abuse, mentions of rape (in the past)
Well then. This was...a thing. That I read.
In some ways, it's kind of hard to rate this because it's only a short story. But at the same time, it's a short story that went all over the place and I have a LOT of thoughts. I'm going to number them under a spoiler cut purely because it's easier.
Well then. This was...a thing. That I read.
In some ways, it's kind of hard to rate this because it's only a short story. But at the same time, it's a short story that went all over the place and I have a LOT of thoughts. I'm going to number them under a spoiler cut purely because it's easier.
February 13, 2021
“I’m the sum of all of my experiences. I’m the culmination of a series of events that have allowed me to arrive at this moment. Even, quite possibly, driven me to this moment.”
This quote really sums up the book. Harlem was a man who truly was a product of his environment. Although he ended up in an insane asylum because of some
of the choices he made in life, that didn’t stop him from falling for the one person he felt understood him.
Wow.. I definitely didn’t expect the story to end the way it did... I wish it would’ve ended differently because I would’ve loved to read more about him. I liked the book, not because of its ending, but because it held my attention, there were gems throughout, and it was well-written.
This quote really sums up the book. Harlem was a man who truly was a product of his environment. Although he ended up in an insane asylum because of some
of the choices he made in life, that didn’t stop him from falling for the one person he felt understood him.
Wow.. I definitely didn’t expect the story to end the way it did... I wish it would’ve ended differently because I would’ve loved to read more about him. I liked the book, not because of its ending, but because it held my attention, there were gems throughout, and it was well-written.
January 18, 2021
What a nut!
Boy do I love a good whack job as a character and a great plot twist! EJD gave me both in this novella.
Harlem is a mental patient in the nut house for multiple murders. While there he meets his crush Daphne, his nemesis Dr Brewster and Phyllis who he can't stand. From there we go on a quick rollercoaster ride.
The chapters are short... Really short. But if a reader needed a quick read to get themselves out of a funk or to hit a yearly goal... This is it. A little confusing when Harlem was in his therapy session but otherwise an enjoyable read.
Boy do I love a good whack job as a character and a great plot twist! EJD gave me both in this novella.
Harlem is a mental patient in the nut house for multiple murders. While there he meets his crush Daphne, his nemesis Dr Brewster and Phyllis who he can't stand. From there we go on a quick rollercoaster ride.
The chapters are short... Really short. But if a reader needed a quick read to get themselves out of a funk or to hit a yearly goal... This is it. A little confusing when Harlem was in his therapy session but otherwise an enjoyable read.
August 14, 2019
This was a very good book. It’s a short story and fast read. Harlem is being held in a mental facility. Weather he is crazy or not – you decide.
I haven’t read a book by this author in a long time. Picked this one up from a recommendation from
Diamond’s Literary. The recommendation was awesome. I enjoyed the plot and characters. I did not see the plot at the end coming. The ending was exceptionally written
If you are looking for a great short story, I recommend this book.
I haven’t read a book by this author in a long time. Picked this one up from a recommendation from
Diamond’s Literary. The recommendation was awesome. I enjoyed the plot and characters. I did not see the plot at the end coming. The ending was exceptionally written
If you are looking for a great short story, I recommend this book.
November 30, 2018
This was really good book. I really enjoyed it. All the twist and turns and all the crazy things Harlem did and he didn’t two flying shoes he knew what he did and mad them mad trying to figure him out. Haven’t read a book by this author in a minute but it was truly worth the wait. Now on to another book.
July 31, 2019
Harlem is a patient of a Mental Hospital, that is in therapy for his anger issues. During this time, he meets and befriends a nurse named Daphane. He opens up to her and vice versa, but what he thinks is help, turns out to be the ultimate betrayal.
I highly recommend this 💎💎💎💎💎short story by New York Times bestselling author @ericjeromedickey.
I’m looking forward to meeting him this weekend at the National Book Club Conference in Atlanta, Ga.
I highly recommend this 💎💎💎💎💎short story by New York Times bestselling author @ericjeromedickey.
I’m looking forward to meeting him this weekend at the National Book Club Conference in Atlanta, Ga.
February 1, 2019
This book kept me pondering the whole time. I really liked Harlem even though he was the bad guy so to speak. He had been through such tough times that it made him certifiable as the story mentioned several times . Won’t give anything else away. Pick it up . Nice read.
June 1, 2019
Good book
Was not what I expected. I really enjoyed it though. Harlem was an interesting character. I would recommend this book.
Was not what I expected. I really enjoyed it though. Harlem was an interesting character. I would recommend this book.
February 12, 2024
Good short read!! Certainly put me in the book in true EJD fashion. Interesting twist at the end!
December 10, 2018
I enjoyed this short, but entertaining read. Despite the seriousness of the subject, EJD had me laughing out loud with Harlem’s thoughts and descriptions of people. He's one cold brother.
The story flowed well and I couldn’t wait to get to the end. Knew something would give, but didn’t see those plot twists coming. Good storytelling.
The story flowed well and I couldn’t wait to get to the end. Knew something would give, but didn’t see those plot twists coming. Good storytelling.
April 28, 2019
Disappointing
Although I'm glad there was no gratuitous sex happening, the story fell flat for me. I haven't read anything by my former favorite author in years and I was hoping this short story would woo me back. Sadly it did not.
Although I'm glad there was no gratuitous sex happening, the story fell flat for me. I haven't read anything by my former favorite author in years and I was hoping this short story would woo me back. Sadly it did not.
March 31, 2019
It’s no secret that I’m a big EJD fan. So, I was all too excited to read this short story of his and I was not disappointed. Here’s the thing about reading short stories in general. They must hook readers from the start, weave a compelling story then leave readers with a bang or a surprise twist at the end. With that being said, let’s take a look at how EJD worked his magic in writing this short story which was previously published in the 2006 anthology Voice from the Other Side.
From the very beginning, when readers are introduced to Harlem, we see a killer who was “boxed up and shipped” to a mental facility after beating a murder charge due to insanity. He spent his time reading newspapers, Shakespeare, and Iceberg Slim. He was drawn to Daphane, a nurse whom he described as a “cute, caramel-flavored, thin sister, who always gave a sincere smile back” at him. She was also one of two women of color in the facility. The other woman, Phyllis, Harlem didn’t like much and described her as a “funny-shaped sister with the atrocious, rough skin that made her look like a nappy-headed Gila monster.”
Harlem was plagued by nightmares of beatings as a child and so he would lash out in a violent way. All this came out in therapy with Dr. Brewster whom Harlem described as a “fat-assed, cigarette-smelling, Grizzly Adams-bearded, Bozo-bald counselor.” Harlem hated Dr. Brewster and in the back of his mind, Brewster would become his next “one eighty-seven.”
Fast forward and we see Daphane sharing personal details about her life and wanting to get away from her husband. She then proposes to run away with Harlem and plans his getaway. And that’s where things turn interesting and ends with a twist that completely blindsided me.
EJD created a multi-layered character who was funny yet dangerous. Overall, this thrilling short story had me hooked and honestly, I wouldn’t mind reading a full story about Harlem. Two thumbs up!
Here are my favorite lines:
Doc Brewster was trying this hypno bullshit on me. I was supposed to regress, go way back into my past, and see what else has me so jacked up that I behaved the way I did now. He kept calling me Ronnie, and they knew how I felt about that name. If I didn’t have these thick leather strap on my arms, I’d choke the life out of him. But I couldn’t, because whatever shot they just gave me left me too weak. I was fading.
“Ronnie?”
“My name is Harlem. Can’t you remember? Harlem. H-A-R-L-E-M. Harlem.”
“Right, right. I apologize, Harlem. I’m sorry; I was reading off your charts.”
“That’s all right. I’m sorry for going off in front of you, Daphane.”
Daphane smiled. “That’s okay, Harlem. Don’t be too mean today, okay? I had a rough night last night. Just do what Doctor Brewster asks, and I’ll sit down with you and we’ll look at yesterday’s newspaper.”
From the very beginning, when readers are introduced to Harlem, we see a killer who was “boxed up and shipped” to a mental facility after beating a murder charge due to insanity. He spent his time reading newspapers, Shakespeare, and Iceberg Slim. He was drawn to Daphane, a nurse whom he described as a “cute, caramel-flavored, thin sister, who always gave a sincere smile back” at him. She was also one of two women of color in the facility. The other woman, Phyllis, Harlem didn’t like much and described her as a “funny-shaped sister with the atrocious, rough skin that made her look like a nappy-headed Gila monster.”
Harlem was plagued by nightmares of beatings as a child and so he would lash out in a violent way. All this came out in therapy with Dr. Brewster whom Harlem described as a “fat-assed, cigarette-smelling, Grizzly Adams-bearded, Bozo-bald counselor.” Harlem hated Dr. Brewster and in the back of his mind, Brewster would become his next “one eighty-seven.”
Fast forward and we see Daphane sharing personal details about her life and wanting to get away from her husband. She then proposes to run away with Harlem and plans his getaway. And that’s where things turn interesting and ends with a twist that completely blindsided me.
EJD created a multi-layered character who was funny yet dangerous. Overall, this thrilling short story had me hooked and honestly, I wouldn’t mind reading a full story about Harlem. Two thumbs up!
Here are my favorite lines:
Doc Brewster was trying this hypno bullshit on me. I was supposed to regress, go way back into my past, and see what else has me so jacked up that I behaved the way I did now. He kept calling me Ronnie, and they knew how I felt about that name. If I didn’t have these thick leather strap on my arms, I’d choke the life out of him. But I couldn’t, because whatever shot they just gave me left me too weak. I was fading.
“Ronnie?”
“My name is Harlem. Can’t you remember? Harlem. H-A-R-L-E-M. Harlem.”
“Right, right. I apologize, Harlem. I’m sorry; I was reading off your charts.”
“That’s all right. I’m sorry for going off in front of you, Daphane.”
Daphane smiled. “That’s okay, Harlem. Don’t be too mean today, okay? I had a rough night last night. Just do what Doctor Brewster asks, and I’ll sit down with you and we’ll look at yesterday’s newspaper.”
February 25, 2019
I didn't hate it, but I didn't really like it, either. The story is IN THERE SOMEWHERE, but it just really needed to be fleshed out. And I don't think it's just because it was short, it's that it wasn't properly utilized. The story actually ends at 77%, the rest is an excerpt from another story (and who knows what else, I wasn't interested). That remaining 23% could have been devoted to doing more justice to this story. There was detail given about what happened to Harlem's parents, but his life after that was glossed over, including his crimes, which should not have been. They kept naming all these crimes against all these people, only giving them a 5 second mention, and none of it was made clear. And why exactly did he hate the nurse, Phyllis, other than her being ugly? And though the synopsis mentions he was judged insane but actually hadn't been [at the time of his last crime], there is no elaboration on either end of that situation. And there is no description of the hospital or city or state. This really came off more like an amateur's work and I didn't really enjoy it. Especially not the abrupt ending!
December 28, 2018
So disappointed as a huge fan I expected more because EJD is a master when it comes to weaving something together.
The story had potential and should've been thought out more. I wish we would've known what his diagnoses was , he came off so crazy wanting to be wise and out smart everyone else. For me it did not start getting good until the end and that's when I wanted more. And I wish it was developed more.
I have several questions
-what did Harlem expect to gain being in a mental hospital
-how long would his sentence be
-what was so special ABOUT Daphne and why was Phyllis so hated
-what drove this nut crazy foreal
-how did daphne get those bruises
-why was the dr hurt if anything he tried to help.
-phyllis and Daphne must've been lovers.
The story had potential and should've been thought out more. I wish we would've known what his diagnoses was , he came off so crazy wanting to be wise and out smart everyone else. For me it did not start getting good until the end and that's when I wanted more. And I wish it was developed more.
I have several questions
-what did Harlem expect to gain being in a mental hospital
-how long would his sentence be
-what was so special ABOUT Daphne and why was Phyllis so hated
-what drove this nut crazy foreal
-how did daphne get those bruises
-why was the dr hurt if anything he tried to help.
-phyllis and Daphne must've been lovers.
November 18, 2019
Pretty good for a short story
Pros:
Very quick paced, easy read. You get enthralled in Harlem's story and you really start to think nahhhh, this man is actually cray. His story is also a very interesting one where you can empathize...BUT
Cons:
It's TOO QUICK. Lol. It's a short story, so I get it. But bc this character is actually interesting, it makes the reader want to know more, want to dive in more. Also, the end felt a little rushed...it made sense, deffly had me walking and reading like WHAT? NO THEY DIDN'T...but it was a little too rushed for my taste.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I would one day love for EJD to expound on Harlem's story. Check it out though! Took me about 40min to read, and that was me also navigating nyc's mta system. Lol.
Pros:
Very quick paced, easy read. You get enthralled in Harlem's story and you really start to think nahhhh, this man is actually cray. His story is also a very interesting one where you can empathize...BUT
Cons:
It's TOO QUICK. Lol. It's a short story, so I get it. But bc this character is actually interesting, it makes the reader want to know more, want to dive in more. Also, the end felt a little rushed...it made sense, deffly had me walking and reading like WHAT? NO THEY DIDN'T...but it was a little too rushed for my taste.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I would one day love for EJD to expound on Harlem's story. Check it out though! Took me about 40min to read, and that was me also navigating nyc's mta system. Lol.
February 23, 2021
***TRIGGER WARNING (physical abuse, mental health, suicide, murder)***
This is my first book from Eric Jerome Dickey and this book had me in for a loop! It had me thinking of Joker and Harley Quinn and Bonnie and Clyde vibes and just left my mind wondering what's going to happen next!?! Had my suspicions but the last few minutes blew my mind and left me listening with my mouth open. JD Jackson did a great job with the solo narration. His female voices were good, but when he did Harlem's "crazy" voice, whew! I felt the craziness in it, kinda scary 😅 If you want a quick suspense story this is for you!
This is my first book from Eric Jerome Dickey and this book had me in for a loop! It had me thinking of Joker and Harley Quinn and Bonnie and Clyde vibes and just left my mind wondering what's going to happen next!?! Had my suspicions but the last few minutes blew my mind and left me listening with my mouth open. JD Jackson did a great job with the solo narration. His female voices were good, but when he did Harlem's "crazy" voice, whew! I felt the craziness in it, kinda scary 😅 If you want a quick suspense story this is for you!
November 21, 2020
This may be a short story but it packs a punch. Harlem is a sociopath, a victim of abusive parents, who’s now in an asylum after committing murder. Since the story primarily takes place inside the protagonist's room, the relationships Harlem has are limited with the staff who attend to him. Since the story is short, I won’t write anymore about what happens as to not give away any spoilers. What’s enjoyable and where the reader will be rewarded is the gritty writing and characterization. However, the reader will also be blindsided by the ending.
March 1, 2021
Ett riktigt bra exempel på hur en kortare berättelse kan innehålla så mycket känsla. Den innehåller precis all den information den behöver och har ingen nödvändighet av att vara längre.
Här följer vi den onde som med tiden i fängelset har mjuknat och visar till viss del upp en mjukare sida. Och den genomgoda, den vackra själen som inte påverkas av den ondskefulla sidan. Men finns det något eller någon som kan påverka de innersta känslorna eller är man för alltid fast i de stereotypa rollerna?
Betyg: 4 oskyldiga offer av 5
Här följer vi den onde som med tiden i fängelset har mjuknat och visar till viss del upp en mjukare sida. Och den genomgoda, den vackra själen som inte påverkas av den ondskefulla sidan. Men finns det något eller någon som kan påverka de innersta känslorna eller är man för alltid fast i de stereotypa rollerna?
Betyg: 4 oskyldiga offer av 5
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