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Christmas In The Trap: Chicago Style
Cessair and Kain have been best friends since grade school and they have always coexisted at opposite ends of the spectrum. Cessair is level headed, introverted, and blessed with an old soul thanks to his mother who has committed her life to saving her son from the harsh streets of North Lawndale Chicago. Kain is an untrustworthy hot headed teen with a tongue lash just as fast as the gun he carries without his mother’s knowledge. Upon his initiation into the Kill Kingz, Kain adheres to the leadership of Deuce, a Kill King leader with an ever darker soul than Kain could imagine. These two adolescent best friends are forced to choose between circumstantial loyalty and history as their lives merge down opposing paths only blocks from one another during the holiday season. Dia and Kelly have been attached at the hip since they could wear colored lip gloss. Kelly is a brown skinned beauty that is struggling to break away from her abusive and alcoholic father that has plagued her and her mother’s life with broken bones and heartache. With the guidance of her ‘know it all’ friend Dia and Dia’s uneducated mother, Fifi, the female duo dive head first into new aged prostitution. One that doesn’t involve street walking and fishnets, but instead the girls use their phone to meet with strangers in exchange for money all with one goal in to make it out of the ghetto. M. Keyes brings a tale of survival when four teens all from one neighborhood face the odds built against them as they fight to complete high school in exchange for their escape from the cold streets of Chicago in this African American Urban Fiction Novel.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2018
115 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 16, 2018
Live or Die Trying
This story really bothered me. Gangs, gang violence, and just trying to survive are so real in the streets of Chicago. Trying to find your way in a family that doesn't love you is never a good ending. There were so many unanswered questions. What ever happened to Kelly? Deuce and Blue? Why did they let Cessair live? What happened to Kelly's family? Did Dia marry Trevor? This book was so real. It was a good book and it was such an eye opener. It depressing that we as a people can't change this destructive mentality and be the kings and queens that we were destined to be.
This story really bothered me. Gangs, gang violence, and just trying to survive are so real in the streets of Chicago. Trying to find your way in a family that doesn't love you is never a good ending. There were so many unanswered questions. What ever happened to Kelly? Deuce and Blue? Why did they let Cessair live? What happened to Kelly's family? Did Dia marry Trevor? This book was so real. It was a good book and it was such an eye opener. It depressing that we as a people can't change this destructive mentality and be the kings and queens that we were destined to be.
December 1, 2019
This is my first book from this author and it was a short drama filled read. The story focuses on Dia, Kelly, Kain, Cessair and Deuce. I liked Cessair from the very beginning and that he was real Kain. Kain wasn't a bad person, he just chose to go a bad route and as much as it seemed like he didn't care about his friendship with Cessair it meant a lot to him, as he tried to protect Cessair. Kelly was in a class all by her self and Dia tried to put her on the game but she was stuck on stupid and her life at home was no help. I felt sorry for her. There were things I liked and disliked about this short story but overall, it was an okay read.
December 9, 2018
CITT: Chicago
This story shows you, how easy it is for some to get caught up in various lifestyles. Kain wanted to be a part of the life for protection. But while trying to protect himself he broke one of the codes that led to his demise. Kelly was so ready for what she thought was love, that she accepted anything that came along with it. I'm glad the Ceassar refused to be a product of his environment. Dia also wanted out and I believe Trevor had a lot to do with her decision.
This story shows you, how easy it is for some to get caught up in various lifestyles. Kain wanted to be a part of the life for protection. But while trying to protect himself he broke one of the codes that led to his demise. Kelly was so ready for what she thought was love, that she accepted anything that came along with it. I'm glad the Ceassar refused to be a product of his environment. Dia also wanted out and I believe Trevor had a lot to do with her decision.
December 9, 2018
Very good read
This was a great read. It goes to show you that you can get out and not be a victim to your environment and circumstances. Two made it and the other two didn't. I hate that Kain 's life was cut short, but hey that's the kind of life that he chose to live knowing what the outcome could be. I felt so bad for Kelly. She just had it rough every which way she turned. All that she went through with her father beating on her and her mom, is enough to make anyone turn to drugs and street thugs.
This was a great read. It goes to show you that you can get out and not be a victim to your environment and circumstances. Two made it and the other two didn't. I hate that Kain 's life was cut short, but hey that's the kind of life that he chose to live knowing what the outcome could be. I felt so bad for Kelly. She just had it rough every which way she turned. All that she went through with her father beating on her and her mom, is enough to make anyone turn to drugs and street thugs.
December 8, 2018
Completely different paths
The paths that these four took were completely different. Kain learns the hard way that his brothers aren't so loyal to him as he is to them. I don't have the words to say about Kelly...just sad. I'm glad that Cessaire and Dia rise above their environment and better their lives. This story shows that Christmas in the trap doesn't always have a happy ending.
The paths that these four took were completely different. Kain learns the hard way that his brothers aren't so loyal to him as he is to them. I don't have the words to say about Kelly...just sad. I'm glad that Cessaire and Dia rise above their environment and better their lives. This story shows that Christmas in the trap doesn't always have a happy ending.
December 8, 2018
💣
This was an Amazing read... it goes to show how we try to do anything to make it out of the poverty,abuse, or drug infested ghettos... This was a great read I felt so bad for Kelly.. and Kain r.i.p Cessair tried to tell him that he was going down. The wrong path and those same people that he thought had his back was the ones that took his life for something he didn't know he even did
This was an Amazing read... it goes to show how we try to do anything to make it out of the poverty,abuse, or drug infested ghettos... This was a great read I felt so bad for Kelly.. and Kain r.i.p Cessair tried to tell him that he was going down. The wrong path and those same people that he thought had his back was the ones that took his life for something he didn't know he even did
December 10, 2018
Chicago style
This story explains a great deal about how life in certain areas of a city can differ when compared to other parts. Cessair's dream was to move from where he lived to a city where the street lights worked. M. Keyes' depiction of life in the streets of Chicago is dangerous coupled with being in a gang made it even worse. Christmas and New Years in the windy city was everything except "Merry". Great read!
This story explains a great deal about how life in certain areas of a city can differ when compared to other parts. Cessair's dream was to move from where he lived to a city where the street lights worked. M. Keyes' depiction of life in the streets of Chicago is dangerous coupled with being in a gang made it even worse. Christmas and New Years in the windy city was everything except "Merry". Great read!
December 29, 2018
Great read
This was so sad ! Kelly and Kain smh they should’ve listen to their friends but they let their environment succumb them. Deuce was the devil and blue didn’t want to see kain bring equal to him so he was ready for kain to mess up and he did . Kelly was just messed up from the start because of her parents, I shed a tear for her and kain. I’m glad Cessair and Dia made it
This was so sad ! Kelly and Kain smh they should’ve listen to their friends but they let their environment succumb them. Deuce was the devil and blue didn’t want to see kain bring equal to him so he was ready for kain to mess up and he did . Kelly was just messed up from the start because of her parents, I shed a tear for her and kain. I’m glad Cessair and Dia made it
November 10, 2020
An ok read
The book would have been much better if the author would have not tried to use such extravagant words. The average reader does not want to have a dictionary on hand to look up some of the words that she used. It just did not mix with the slang she tried to use in the book. When authors do this it makes me want to stop ready the book even though I know what the words mean they just dont fit with the street life depicted in the book.
The book would have been much better if the author would have not tried to use such extravagant words. The average reader does not want to have a dictionary on hand to look up some of the words that she used. It just did not mix with the slang she tried to use in the book. When authors do this it makes me want to stop ready the book even though I know what the words mean they just dont fit with the street life depicted in the book.
December 8, 2018
Talk About Troubled Youth
This was a different read than the others but it was definitely a good type of different. To focus on the sense of needing to belong or have a sense of family was very powerful. This is all too real and it occurs everyday. Montana did beautifully while thinking outside of the box.
This was a different read than the others but it was definitely a good type of different. To focus on the sense of needing to belong or have a sense of family was very powerful. This is all too real and it occurs everyday. Montana did beautifully while thinking outside of the box.
December 9, 2018
wow
it's crazy how people will let street codes or rules take them down. it's sad how a woman can be so in love with a man that she will lose herself. women have to becareful of the example they show, or the lesson they teach to young girls. the lesson taught is that you don't have to follow your friend.
it's crazy how people will let street codes or rules take them down. it's sad how a woman can be so in love with a man that she will lose herself. women have to becareful of the example they show, or the lesson they teach to young girls. the lesson taught is that you don't have to follow your friend.
December 10, 2018
It was an ok read
This is my first read by this author this book was ok it really didn't give me tht wow factor, but it was quite interesting concerning the out come of 4 different youth.I was sadden tht Kain got killed but glad tht Dia got her life together & so did Cessair by opening a youth center after his best friend
This is my first read by this author this book was ok it really didn't give me tht wow factor, but it was quite interesting concerning the out come of 4 different youth.I was sadden tht Kain got killed but glad tht Dia got her life together & so did Cessair by opening a youth center after his best friend
December 27, 2018
Absolutely awesome
First rime reading this author..absolutely not a one disappointment. Life lessons teach you that you can outgrow people and situations. Not everyone is a product of their environment. Kain walked by the gun and died by the gun, so glad Dia separated herself from the other parts of her younger life. Merry Christmas
First rime reading this author..absolutely not a one disappointment. Life lessons teach you that you can outgrow people and situations. Not everyone is a product of their environment. Kain walked by the gun and died by the gun, so glad Dia separated herself from the other parts of her younger life. Merry Christmas
December 8, 2018
Yesss
This was a great read, I couldn't put the book down.... A real page turner for me!!! The only thing that put a damper in me was when Kain died!! :-( Awwww Awesome Read M. Keyes
This was a great read, I couldn't put the book down.... A real page turner for me!!! The only thing that put a damper in me was when Kain died!! :-( Awwww Awesome Read M. Keyes
December 8, 2018
great read
Poor Kain I was hoping he would live but I am glad Ceasar didnt fall victim . I really wanted to know what happened to Kelly did she die of drugs. I'm so happy Dia got her life together great read.
Felicia
Poor Kain I was hoping he would live but I am glad Ceasar didnt fall victim . I really wanted to know what happened to Kelly did she die of drugs. I'm so happy Dia got her life together great read.
Felicia
December 8, 2018
Deep
This book had me all in my feelings. Kain and Kelly were both sad individuals. They were trapped by their environment. They didn't try to do better. I really felt sorry for them. Great writing M. Keyes. Great book.
This book had me all in my feelings. Kain and Kelly were both sad individuals. They were trapped by their environment. They didn't try to do better. I really felt sorry for them. Great writing M. Keyes. Great book.
December 8, 2018
Great Read
I'm glad some do make it out of a bad situation life has placed you in. The positive influence that Cessiar's mother along with him wanting more able him to do better and made a different for him and his mom.
I'm glad some do make it out of a bad situation life has placed you in. The positive influence that Cessiar's mother along with him wanting more able him to do better and made a different for him and his mom.
December 8, 2018
Man
The hood can bring people together or tear them apart. It seems to hardly be an in between. Sad things turned out the way they did for the 2 sets of friends but it’s all about choices.
The hood can bring people together or tear them apart. It seems to hardly be an in between. Sad things turned out the way they did for the 2 sets of friends but it’s all about choices.
December 8, 2018
Good book
It's refreshing to see a book about a positive message. Sad what happened to Kam. I'm glad Dia and Cessair made it out. I would like to know what happened to Kelly and her parents. Gangs is real. That life is real. Really enjoyed.
It's refreshing to see a book about a positive message. Sad what happened to Kam. I'm glad Dia and Cessair made it out. I would like to know what happened to Kelly and her parents. Gangs is real. That life is real. Really enjoyed.
December 8, 2018
Friends
This was a good read. The life that kain and cessair shared is like what’s going on in the world now. It’s sad that the hood life makes you forget who your real friends are.
This was a good read. The life that kain and cessair shared is like what’s going on in the world now. It’s sad that the hood life makes you forget who your real friends are.
December 8, 2018
Review
The streets can swallow you up if you let them. Kain was so focused on hanging with Deuce that he lost focus and his best friend Cessair. Dia also list a close friend by the name of Kelly. It’s because of Kain that her young life was ruined.
The streets can swallow you up if you let them. Kain was so focused on hanging with Deuce that he lost focus and his best friend Cessair. Dia also list a close friend by the name of Kelly. It’s because of Kain that her young life was ruined.
December 9, 2018
Great book
I enjoy reading a book that's unexpected. I was actually sad when Kaine died and how Kelly turned out. Was glad that Dia stayed on point and married Trevor. And Cessair accomplishments
I enjoy reading a book that's unexpected. I was actually sad when Kaine died and how Kelly turned out. Was glad that Dia stayed on point and married Trevor. And Cessair accomplishments
December 9, 2018
🎅🎅🎅🎅
This was a good read it shows that some people or products of their environment sometimes you get out and sometimes you fall victim to it its all about choices I feel so bad for Kelly I hope she can get out but we will see
This was a good read it shows that some people or products of their environment sometimes you get out and sometimes you fall victim to it its all about choices I feel so bad for Kelly I hope she can get out but we will see
December 9, 2018
GOOD BOOK!!!
I enjoyed reading this book...This was a great story that the young people can relate too...This story seem more real than fiction because everyone has or knows someone in their life that’s been through the things the characters went through..
I enjoyed reading this book...This was a great story that the young people can relate too...This story seem more real than fiction because everyone has or knows someone in their life that’s been through the things the characters went through..
December 10, 2018
Awesome!
Great read! I was on the edge of my seat there for a minute not wanting Cessair to have a similar fate as Kain. I enjoyed the message of "making it out the hood" when you make the decision to not be like your environment. Well done M.Keyes
Great read! I was on the edge of my seat there for a minute not wanting Cessair to have a similar fate as Kain. I enjoyed the message of "making it out the hood" when you make the decision to not be like your environment. Well done M.Keyes
December 13, 2018
Loved it
I have no words. I knew Kain would have ended up getting killed. Deuce needs to go asap. I feel it for Kelly but she was a lost soul. I am happy that Dia and Cessair made it though. This novel was really good M. Keyes.
I have no words. I knew Kain would have ended up getting killed. Deuce needs to go asap. I feel it for Kelly but she was a lost soul. I am happy that Dia and Cessair made it though. This novel was really good M. Keyes.
December 20, 2018
Some make it & some don't
Im so glad nothing happened to Ceasar that he made it. Kain & Kelly fell victim but Dia too made it. I wonder was Trevor her husband. What happened to Duece & Blue? I really enjoyed this. On to the next one.
Im so glad nothing happened to Ceasar that he made it. Kain & Kelly fell victim but Dia too made it. I wonder was Trevor her husband. What happened to Duece & Blue? I really enjoyed this. On to the next one.
December 29, 2018
Loved it!!
Oh yeah!! Chicago style was great!! It was good that Cessair was an individual of his own and even though his best friend did his own thing he didn’t but he never looked at him differently. He ended up honoring him in way they shed light!! Love loved it!!!!!
Oh yeah!! Chicago style was great!! It was good that Cessair was an individual of his own and even though his best friend did his own thing he didn’t but he never looked at him differently. He ended up honoring him in way they shed light!! Love loved it!!!!!
December 7, 2018
Good book
Good book I'm so glad dia ain't get caught up like Kelly did and I knew something was gonna happen Kaine good thing cessair was beat for none of that good job loved it
Good book I'm so glad dia ain't get caught up like Kelly did and I knew something was gonna happen Kaine good thing cessair was beat for none of that good job loved it
December 7, 2018
Good read
Peer pressure is bad. Glad Cessair and Dia got out before it was too late. Enjoyed the story and it all came together. From beginning to end well written
Peer pressure is bad. Glad Cessair and Dia got out before it was too late. Enjoyed the story and it all came together. From beginning to end well written
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews