Things IN Between

by Nathanial Portis

Synopsis of Things IN Between Born premature to a former prostitute and a pimp; Cameron's life history has not been one of many supportive relatives or positive influence. With a mother addicted to drugs, and a father who never supported him or his older brothers in anyway and placed in and out of children homes on some of the harshest streets of Detroit Michigan, Cameron was forced to gain his independence at an early age and has been maintaining it every since. Cameron's two older brothers, both convicted felons, have already added truth to the theory that most inner city males never see the success of the American Dream. When the only positive influence in Cameron's life encourages him to go to college then suddenly dies during his freshman year of college, he is left hundreds of miles from home in a world that he's not custom to with only himself to depend on. While working his way through college and living off weekly pay check advancements Cameron experiences financial and emotional hardships that the average college student would never imagine. Barely living above poverty and in the worst projects in the city Cameron witness murder and drug activity, but the worse blow comes from his own drug strung mother which will change his life forever. Will Cameron allow the Thing IN Between to alter his future dreams of becoming a successful chemist? Filled with twists, turns, and shocking revelations all followed by a surprising ending. Things IN Between will certainly be one that will make you want call up your book club friends to chat about. Nathanial Portis holds no punches in his first published Novel which is destined to be a hit among readers.

Genres: Romance

212 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2005

About the author

Nathanial Portis is the author of romance novel 'Married to a Married Man', as well as an Urban fiction 'Things in Between'.
Besides being a lover of the Arts, Nathanial has a solid background in Engineering. His 13+ years of engineering experience lead him to co-found, SolGreen Solutions where he continues to push limits in the high-tech solar industry with innovative designs and engineering solutions.
Nathanial resides in the DC area where he has completed more than a dozen triathlons and marathon races and he promotes healthy living. Stay on the look out for new book releases by Nathanial Portis.

Reviews

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will capture your attention in the first few pages. The central character is a young man surviving the unfavorable odds of growing up in Detroit as the child of a drug-addicted mother which a debilitating secret and dismissive, uncaring father. Cameron's story presents all of the stereotypic challenges to young black boys/men growing up in public housing. The turning point for him however, is a brief stay with an educated, southern aunt during one of his mother's stints in rehab. As strong willed, Christian woman, his aunt opens his mind to the possibility of a better life if he gets an education and learns how to present himself. When he is forced to return to Detroit, his aunt's wise counsel keeps him focused even as his mother returns to her drug seeking habits. Supported by calls from his aunt and his less ambitious but supportive best friend he finishes high school and college. The story is about the journey to his success. The author had many opportunities to make this a different, tragic and less inspirational story. Instead Mr Portis shares a story about friendships, perseverance and rising above obstacles. I highly recommend sharing this book with young adults who need reminders of their personal role in shaping their destiny. The style of writing is appropriate to the context and inoffensive, a deviation from some urban fiction I have read.

[African Americans on the Move Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story to me brought back how so many children grew up back in the days. It reminded me when I grew up in the projects and had that one family that everyone knew. Cameron Johnson was the type of person whom had so many dreams but so many blocking his dreams.
From the moment he was young, jumping from shelter to shelter. Until the system took him from the home that he knew of. Until Momma D came apart of his life, he would have been lost in the system. But she help him set goals in his life that help him grow. Thru all his trials he had Momma D's setting in his mind. So many young people don't have Momma D in their lives.
His mom was a crack head, drinker, etc....but he never gave up on her. He didn't want to return back to what the pass was but I think it taught him to be strong in himself. His so call friends will never change and he didn't forget where he came from thru his trials time.

I want to thank Nathanial Portis for this book. It brought back so many thinks that I seen and when thru back in the days for me and my family. Nathanial's sounds like he has an old soul. I would tell every young person to read this book because it's a very positive story, that every young person can learn from.

Dee Jacksoon
AAMBC Book Reviews

[Jo Notary]

212p Born prematurely to a former prostitute and a pimp, Cameron's life has been full of hard knocks. With a mother addicted to drugs, and a father who was never there, Cameron and his brothers grew up in and out of children homes on the harshest streets of Detroit .
Cameron's two older brothers are both convicted felons and
have added truth to the theory that most inner city males never achieve the
American Dream, making Cameron wonder if he has a chance of something better. He does have one positive influence in his life, who helps Cameron get into college, but then dies suddenly during his freshman year. Cameron finds himself stranded hundreds of miles from home in an unfamiliar world with no one but himself to depend on.
Cameron works his way through college, experiencing financial and emotional hardships that most students never dream of. Barely living above the poverty line in the city's worst projects, Cameron sees drugs and murder, but it's the blow his mother delivers that will change his life forever.

[Falishia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book! I was happy to see that Cameron and Rayshawn were able to rise up from their rough beginnings and make a successful life for themselves. The ending was simply perfect!

[QuiQue Williams]

Loved it!

This was an uplifting read. I enjoyed it a lot. I would recommend it to everyone who believes in love of a grandmother.