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Your Corner Dark
American Street meets Long Way Down in this searing and gritty debut novel that takes an unflinching look at the harsh realities of gang life in Jamaica and how far a teen is willing to go for family.
Things can change in a second:
The second Frankie Green gets that scholarship letter, he has his ticket out of Jamaica.
The second his longtime crush, Leah, asks him on a date, he’s in trouble.
The second his father gets shot, suddenly nothing else matters.
And the second Frankie joins his uncle’s gang in exchange for paying for his father’s medical bills, there’s no going back...or is there?
As Frankie does things he never thought he’d be capable of, he’s forced to confront the truth of the family and future he was born into—and the ones he wants to build for himself.
Things can change in a second:
The second Frankie Green gets that scholarship letter, he has his ticket out of Jamaica.
The second his longtime crush, Leah, asks him on a date, he’s in trouble.
The second his father gets shot, suddenly nothing else matters.
And the second Frankie joins his uncle’s gang in exchange for paying for his father’s medical bills, there’s no going back...or is there?
As Frankie does things he never thought he’d be capable of, he’s forced to confront the truth of the family and future he was born into—and the ones he wants to build for himself.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 19, 2021
13 people are currently reading
3545 people want to read
About the author
Desmond Hall
2 books43 followersDesmond Hall – bio
Desmond Hall is a Jamaican born author whose debut YA novel, YOUR CORNER DARK, a fast-paced thriller is due out in January ’21. American Street meets Long Way Down in this searing and gritty novel that takes an unflinching look at the harsh realities of gang life in Jamaica and how far a teen is willing to go for family. The book confronts police brutality, “Colorism”, gang culture and political deception.
He graduated Marquette University with a BA in Journalism and was selected for the “Who’s Who of American College Students.”
He’s written and directed an HBO feature movie, “A Day in Black and White” which was nominated for the Gordon Parks Award. He’s also written and directed a full-length stage play, “Stockholm, Brooklyn” that won the Audience Award at the Downtown Theater Festival at the Cherry Lane theater. The play was also picked for the Public Theater's New Works Series.
For two years, he worked as a high school Biology and English teacher in Brooklyn, NY. In this period of his life he also counseled at-risk teens after their release from Riker’s Island Correctional Institution.
As an advertising creative director, he’s written many TV campaigns, two Superbowl commercials and won multiple awards while running the creative side of Spike Lee’s advertising agency.
While working in the advertising and film industry he’s served on the board of the Partnership for a Drug Free America, the Advertising Council, judged the One Show, Addys and the NYC Downtown Film Festival. He’s also been named one of Variety magazine’s Top 50 Creatives to Watch.
He’s completed Grub Street’s Novel Incubator class, a yearlong intensive program where I work-shopped YOUR CORNER DARK, a novel inspired by the murder of his uncle back in Jamaica. The novel is available for pre-order and is due out January, 19, 2021.
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https://www.amazon.com/Your-Corner-Da...
Desmond Hall is a Jamaican born author whose debut YA novel, YOUR CORNER DARK, a fast-paced thriller is due out in January ’21. American Street meets Long Way Down in this searing and gritty novel that takes an unflinching look at the harsh realities of gang life in Jamaica and how far a teen is willing to go for family. The book confronts police brutality, “Colorism”, gang culture and political deception.
He graduated Marquette University with a BA in Journalism and was selected for the “Who’s Who of American College Students.”
He’s written and directed an HBO feature movie, “A Day in Black and White” which was nominated for the Gordon Parks Award. He’s also written and directed a full-length stage play, “Stockholm, Brooklyn” that won the Audience Award at the Downtown Theater Festival at the Cherry Lane theater. The play was also picked for the Public Theater's New Works Series.
For two years, he worked as a high school Biology and English teacher in Brooklyn, NY. In this period of his life he also counseled at-risk teens after their release from Riker’s Island Correctional Institution.
As an advertising creative director, he’s written many TV campaigns, two Superbowl commercials and won multiple awards while running the creative side of Spike Lee’s advertising agency.
While working in the advertising and film industry he’s served on the board of the Partnership for a Drug Free America, the Advertising Council, judged the One Show, Addys and the NYC Downtown Film Festival. He’s also been named one of Variety magazine’s Top 50 Creatives to Watch.
He’s completed Grub Street’s Novel Incubator class, a yearlong intensive program where I work-shopped YOUR CORNER DARK, a novel inspired by the murder of his uncle back in Jamaica. The novel is available for pre-order and is due out January, 19, 2021.
ORDER
https://www.amazon.com/Your-Corner-Da...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
January 24, 2021
The title Your Corner Dark comes from a Jamaican saying that means "between a rock and a hard place." Frankie is a smart and talented young man who has just won a full scholarship to his dream school. Just as he is about to realize that dream his father is gunned down. He doesn't have the money to pay for his medical expenses but his Uncle Joe, the don, does. The price for his uncle's financial assistance is that Frankie join his posse. For life. No school. No leaving for America. His hopes dashed.
In Your Corner Dark we get to see the effects of government corruption and gang life on the "everyday man". You are genuinely scared for Frankie as he really has few options and fewer people to count on. I loved all of the turns of phrases and felt that this was a solid debut. I look forward to seeing more from Desmond Hall.
In Your Corner Dark we get to see the effects of government corruption and gang life on the "everyday man". You are genuinely scared for Frankie as he really has few options and fewer people to count on. I loved all of the turns of phrases and felt that this was a solid debut. I look forward to seeing more from Desmond Hall.
January 20, 2021
In this YA novel we follow Frankie a teenager growing up in rural Jamaica, who has recently been accepted to University in the United States. However a gang attack results in his father being shot and hospitalized requiring expensive treatment. Frankie makes a deal with the devil (his Uncle) leader of a “posse” and we watch as his path changes drastically.
This was a sad story filled with family turmoil and unconventional displays of love, as well as the portrayal of life growing up in the shadows of violence and corruption. It showed a very dark side to Jamaica, made all the more vivid because of its closeness to the true life experienced by inner city youths. I did feel at times the author took an “all or none” approach to his story telling, which did make me uneasy.
The major problem I had was with the language. Although some semblance of patois was used in conversations in the book, the body of the book and inner musings of Frankie felt inauthentic with expressions which would not be used here in Jamaica.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster as well as Hear Our Voices Book tours for this gifted ARC. I
This was a sad story filled with family turmoil and unconventional displays of love, as well as the portrayal of life growing up in the shadows of violence and corruption. It showed a very dark side to Jamaica, made all the more vivid because of its closeness to the true life experienced by inner city youths. I did feel at times the author took an “all or none” approach to his story telling, which did make me uneasy.
The major problem I had was with the language. Although some semblance of patois was used in conversations in the book, the body of the book and inner musings of Frankie felt inauthentic with expressions which would not be used here in Jamaica.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster as well as Hear Our Voices Book tours for this gifted ARC. I
January 12, 2021
4.5 but I’m rounding up because it is such a unique YA book! Thank you Caitlyn Dlouhy Book for an ARC to review.
This wasn’t on my radar for 2021. But it should absolutely be on yours. I knew nothing about Jamaican posses before this book - now I have a deeper understanding of Jamaica. But more than that, it looks into the question of what do you do when there are no good answers? When everything is the decision between bad or worse? Frankie is a teen who is faced with those questions.
This book had me feeling so many emotions! The plot is fast-paced and you’ll want to stay up late reading it. But even though it’s fast-paced, it never really loses the emotional heart at the center of the story.
My main issue is that Frankie’s schooling isn’t resolved as a storyline, which is a bummer because I’m rooting for Frankie and want him to make it. But otherwise, this is a book for older teens (think 11th or 12th grade) and even good for adults who like an action-packed story with deep family storylines.
This wasn’t on my radar for 2021. But it should absolutely be on yours. I knew nothing about Jamaican posses before this book - now I have a deeper understanding of Jamaica. But more than that, it looks into the question of what do you do when there are no good answers? When everything is the decision between bad or worse? Frankie is a teen who is faced with those questions.
This book had me feeling so many emotions! The plot is fast-paced and you’ll want to stay up late reading it. But even though it’s fast-paced, it never really loses the emotional heart at the center of the story.
My main issue is that Frankie’s schooling isn’t resolved as a storyline, which is a bummer because I’m rooting for Frankie and want him to make it. But otherwise, this is a book for older teens (think 11th or 12th grade) and even good for adults who like an action-packed story with deep family storylines.
January 24, 2021
“This is as dark as I get, and as light as I get.”
“Out of many, one people.”
"The job is forever, Frankie. People don't leave my posse, not alive."
"His father imagination was his gift, and Frankie's curse."
"Owning money to that man is like owning the devil himself"
Gritty, emotional and action-packed #Ownvoices Caribbean novel. This book is a definite page turner. High school Senior Frankie is about to leave his home to attend college in the United States to become an engineer. I had the feels for Frankie, he really wanted to get that engineering scholarship to make his father proud and create a better life for himself. His life takes a turn for the worse when he joins his uncle's gang. By joining the posse, Frankie made a huge sacrifice to give up his scholarship and trying to save his father's life. Most of the adults in this book choose being selfish over deciding on what's best for Frankie. Aunt Jenny was the only adult who is smart and not a fool. Frankie has a girlfriend named Leah, she's trying to get Frankie out of the posse.
Your Corner Dark gives readers a different side of Jamaica that people don’t see often. The beauty and richness in lieu of the day to day struggles by citizens.
“Out of many, one people.”
"The job is forever, Frankie. People don't leave my posse, not alive."
"His father imagination was his gift, and Frankie's curse."
"Owning money to that man is like owning the devil himself"
Gritty, emotional and action-packed #Ownvoices Caribbean novel. This book is a definite page turner. High school Senior Frankie is about to leave his home to attend college in the United States to become an engineer. I had the feels for Frankie, he really wanted to get that engineering scholarship to make his father proud and create a better life for himself. His life takes a turn for the worse when he joins his uncle's gang. By joining the posse, Frankie made a huge sacrifice to give up his scholarship and trying to save his father's life. Most of the adults in this book choose being selfish over deciding on what's best for Frankie. Aunt Jenny was the only adult who is smart and not a fool. Frankie has a girlfriend named Leah, she's trying to get Frankie out of the posse.
Your Corner Dark gives readers a different side of Jamaica that people don’t see often. The beauty and richness in lieu of the day to day struggles by citizens.
May 14, 2021
This was a bit of a rollercoaster emotionally, at least for me, because I was so upset to see Frankie pulled into some gangster-mess. It’s frustrating but also sad with Frankie dealing with his father, his wanting to study in the US, and keeping an eye on his friend Winston.
There are some sparks of romance, but ultimately, it’s in the background until the latter half. The love interest is an artist, but she’s no manic-pixie girl. She does political art and social commentary in her work and is very focused. I also loved that Frankie wanted to be an engineer. The few moments we see Frankie’s analytical mind work is well-done.
In this story, the familial relationships drew me in. I loved learning about Frankie’s Uncle Joe (who I want to stomp out!) and his Aunt Jenny. The relationship between Frankie and Samson, his father, was so interesting to me. I just wanted to know more about their strained interactions and how things were before Frankie’s mom passed.
Overall, I have had my fill of street-life and/or drug culture media, but I read this because it was set in Jamaica. A lot of mainstream books are in the US or UK, so it’s a welcome change of pace. I wasn’t aware that political parties got gangs to back them. I thought this was a good page-turner because you know everything’s going to go off the rails, it’s just a matter of when. I couldn’t put this down, so I had to finish this with sleepy, tired eyes in one night.
There are some sparks of romance, but ultimately, it’s in the background until the latter half. The love interest is an artist, but she’s no manic-pixie girl. She does political art and social commentary in her work and is very focused. I also loved that Frankie wanted to be an engineer. The few moments we see Frankie’s analytical mind work is well-done.
In this story, the familial relationships drew me in. I loved learning about Frankie’s Uncle Joe (who I want to stomp out!) and his Aunt Jenny. The relationship between Frankie and Samson, his father, was so interesting to me. I just wanted to know more about their strained interactions and how things were before Frankie’s mom passed.
Overall, I have had my fill of street-life and/or drug culture media, but I read this because it was set in Jamaica. A lot of mainstream books are in the US or UK, so it’s a welcome change of pace. I wasn’t aware that political parties got gangs to back them. I thought this was a good page-turner because you know everything’s going to go off the rails, it’s just a matter of when. I couldn’t put this down, so I had to finish this with sleepy, tired eyes in one night.
December 27, 2020
Very interesting novel. Easy read. Keeps you going on what's next. Page turner.
So, I gave it a 5. That's about how this book reads. You keep thinking about how this is going to end. Does it really end? Perhaps a sequel is in the making.
Well, my sentences are short and easy to read. That is how this interesting story goes. This book should do well in the sales market.
Good luck, Desmond Hall.
So, I gave it a 5. That's about how this book reads. You keep thinking about how this is going to end. Does it really end? Perhaps a sequel is in the making.
Well, my sentences are short and easy to read. That is how this interesting story goes. This book should do well in the sales market.
Good luck, Desmond Hall.
January 18, 2021
Thank you to Hear Our Voices and the publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Three stars is being nice.
The story was very hard to get into as the beginning of the story tended to drag and didn’t seem very cohesive.
I think the plot or at least the idea of the plot was very interesting and is what made me want to read the story but I don’t feel as if the story was properly executed.
Three stars is being nice.
The story was very hard to get into as the beginning of the story tended to drag and didn’t seem very cohesive.
I think the plot or at least the idea of the plot was very interesting and is what made me want to read the story but I don’t feel as if the story was properly executed.
January 25, 2021
Vivid and brilliant, Desmond Hall transports his reader to the parts of Jamaica no tourist ever sees.
February 7, 2021
When an adult reads a YA and had too many questions at the end...well review here -> https://youtu.be/2k7XIHQsSK8
March 29, 2021
While Your Corner Dark has a really interesting, important core story, comparing it to American Street and Long Way Down felt like a confusing choice because of how lyrical both of those are compared to a fairly blunt, standard narration in this one. There's nothing wrong with the narration style but given the description, it just wasn't what I expected.
While I like the themes Your Corner Dark examines, I do feel like Frankie (our protagonist) was sacrificed a bit to bolster those themes. His personality basically just consists of his morals and struggles and after reading a whole book about him, I still don't really know anything about his personality.
While I like the themes Your Corner Dark examines, I do feel like Frankie (our protagonist) was sacrificed a bit to bolster those themes. His personality basically just consists of his morals and struggles and after reading a whole book about him, I still don't really know anything about his personality.
March 9, 2021
This was intense and unique...a part of our world I didn’t know much about. It took me a few chapters to feel grounded in it, maybe due to the thick Jamaican accent the narrator had. I grew to love his voice, though, and wouldn’t have wanted to read the story any other way. I also felt like the author missed some opportunities for dramatic storytelling at the end. The love story could have been ratcheted up a few notches, or maybe the stakes needed to be higher. Overall, I enjoyed it and found myself craving it when I wasn’t listening.
January 24, 2021
Thank you SimonTeen and Hear Our Voices Book Tours for sending me an advance readers copy of Your Corner Dark by Desmond Hall in exchange for a honest review.
This book truly gutted my heart and soul. It had me shook by how much I was able to relate to the main character, Frankie. The little side remarks, the arguments used and portrayed throughout the book were all to familiar to me. The scene between Frankie and his father at the beginning of the book reminded me so much of my relationship with my mother . Then when Frankie mentions that when his father offered to shave his head was his father's way of apologizing, I was just like "Bruh! This is the same thing my mother does”.
I loved this story because it was able to depict the struggle of being a teen in Jamaica. I felt myself cheering Frankie on for every win he had throughout this read, hoping that he can figure out a way out of each situation he found himself in. He was just a teen with a lack of options and was trying to find the best way to survive. I respect that about Frankie as a main character and his character development was not alway a straight line going upwards towards success. I appreciate the fact that Frankie had moments where he stumbled because life is just not easy, especially in Jamaica.
I did enjoy how politics played a part in this book but I did feel that some of the views were outdated in a way.
I enjoyed the ending of the book as well because I found it to be bittersweet. Totally recommend for everyone to pick up and read.
This book truly gutted my heart and soul. It had me shook by how much I was able to relate to the main character, Frankie. The little side remarks, the arguments used and portrayed throughout the book were all to familiar to me. The scene between Frankie and his father at the beginning of the book reminded me so much of my relationship with my mother . Then when Frankie mentions that when his father offered to shave his head was his father's way of apologizing, I was just like "Bruh! This is the same thing my mother does”.
I loved this story because it was able to depict the struggle of being a teen in Jamaica. I felt myself cheering Frankie on for every win he had throughout this read, hoping that he can figure out a way out of each situation he found himself in. He was just a teen with a lack of options and was trying to find the best way to survive. I respect that about Frankie as a main character and his character development was not alway a straight line going upwards towards success. I appreciate the fact that Frankie had moments where he stumbled because life is just not easy, especially in Jamaica.
I did enjoy how politics played a part in this book but I did feel that some of the views were outdated in a way.
I enjoyed the ending of the book as well because I found it to be bittersweet. Totally recommend for everyone to pick up and read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 19, 2021One of those books that slowly settles onto your chest until you can't breathe. (In a good way, of course.) Also, I'm pretty sure the first YA I've read entirely set in Jamaica. It was definitely enlightening and interesting, but my favorite aspect is the way it plays with different relationships and how they have their beautiful and ugly sides, both of which can sneak up on you when you least expect it.
October 5, 2021
All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
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This review will appear on my site on October 5, 2021.
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Your Corner Dark is the debut novel by Jamaican native Desmond Hall who gives the reader a whole different perspective of how difficult life on the island can be: Jamaica isn’t just pretty sand and beaches, it has a whole rough side of life to it dealing with the harsh social, political, and economic realities of many who live there.
Frankie is our main character who has just received a full ride to college in the USA! He is ready for this to better himself and then something unexpected happened: Frankie’s father is shot and hospitalized. And the bills are going to be very costly.
Frankie is given an option from his uncle: He will pay Frankie’s father’s medical bills if Frankie joins his gang, which would mean giving up his scholarship and the way he thought his future was going to go. And Frankie’s father would be furious if he joined the gang….
Hall shows us another side of Jamaica with what the natives go through-- a very difficult life-- and we experience most of that with Frankie and the choices he makes and the repercussions from those choices. This was a hard novel to put down as I had no idea how it was going to end or what was going to happen with Frankie next!
There is a small potential romance that comes in the last portion of the book, but with everything else going on, it was not really necessary for me. There is a lot of violence, and yes, death along with political leanings and poverty in this novel, but you can’t help but to root for Frankie to pull through everything. And I really liked Aunt Jenny as well!
The conversations in the novel are written as how the natives would speak. I did have to get used to it, but it also added to the novel for me.
This book would not have come to my attention if I was not taking part in #Diverseathon2021 this year. I read this for September’s prompt which was a book set in Jamaica. I am glad I came across and read it. I did get Your Corner Dark finished in September, but was just not able to get the review written.
~~~~
This review will appear on my site on October 5, 2021.
~~~~
Your Corner Dark is the debut novel by Jamaican native Desmond Hall who gives the reader a whole different perspective of how difficult life on the island can be: Jamaica isn’t just pretty sand and beaches, it has a whole rough side of life to it dealing with the harsh social, political, and economic realities of many who live there.
Frankie is our main character who has just received a full ride to college in the USA! He is ready for this to better himself and then something unexpected happened: Frankie’s father is shot and hospitalized. And the bills are going to be very costly.
Frankie is given an option from his uncle: He will pay Frankie’s father’s medical bills if Frankie joins his gang, which would mean giving up his scholarship and the way he thought his future was going to go. And Frankie’s father would be furious if he joined the gang….
Hall shows us another side of Jamaica with what the natives go through-- a very difficult life-- and we experience most of that with Frankie and the choices he makes and the repercussions from those choices. This was a hard novel to put down as I had no idea how it was going to end or what was going to happen with Frankie next!
There is a small potential romance that comes in the last portion of the book, but with everything else going on, it was not really necessary for me. There is a lot of violence, and yes, death along with political leanings and poverty in this novel, but you can’t help but to root for Frankie to pull through everything. And I really liked Aunt Jenny as well!
The conversations in the novel are written as how the natives would speak. I did have to get used to it, but it also added to the novel for me.
This book would not have come to my attention if I was not taking part in #Diverseathon2021 this year. I read this for September’s prompt which was a book set in Jamaica. I am glad I came across and read it. I did get Your Corner Dark finished in September, but was just not able to get the review written.
March 5, 2021
This book helped get me out of my pandemic reading slump. I'd had a trouble focusing on reading, in a way I'd never experienced before. This book, with its compelling protagonist, Frankie, and the myriad of tough choices and circumstances he faces, sucked me in and kept me reading, past when I planned to.
Frankie both loves his home in Jamaica while recognizing its limits and he seeks escape in the form of a scholarship to an engineering program in the U.S. But then his father is shot and he is forced to find a way to pay for his very expensive treatment. I found Frankie's strained relationship with his father utterly believable. With each choice he makes, Frankie finds himself in more and more danger (hence why I couldn't stop reading!)
A fantastic debut. Looking forward to the next book by this author!
Frankie both loves his home in Jamaica while recognizing its limits and he seeks escape in the form of a scholarship to an engineering program in the U.S. But then his father is shot and he is forced to find a way to pay for his very expensive treatment. I found Frankie's strained relationship with his father utterly believable. With each choice he makes, Frankie finds himself in more and more danger (hence why I couldn't stop reading!)
A fantastic debut. Looking forward to the next book by this author!
January 16, 2021
*I received an arc in exchange for an honest review*
I really liked this! I don't think I've really ever read a book set in Jamaica before, and I learned a lot about some of the social issues there. Frankie was a wonderful character and it was so nerve-wracking to read about his journey.
I really liked this! I don't think I've really ever read a book set in Jamaica before, and I learned a lot about some of the social issues there. Frankie was a wonderful character and it was so nerve-wracking to read about his journey.
April 5, 2021
This is an unflinching look at the harsh realities of gang life in Jamaica and how far a teen is willing to go for family.
November 20, 2024
4.5 rounded up
January 27, 2021
Your Corner Dark was an engrossing story of a Jamaican youth facing limited options and endless challenges as he seeks to overcome the circumstances of his birth. In Jamaica, you often get told that education is your way out. A way out of poverty and into middle class life, a way out of middle class life and into the uptown, or even a way out of Jamaica.
Frankie has worked hard to make his way out of his rural neighbourhood, pushing himself as his mother pushed and encouraged him. Now, he's finally making his way out and has got a scholarship to go to his dream university, and then in a second everything changes when his father gets shot. Now Frankie is on his own and has to make decisions no child should ever be faced with.
I was completely taken up with the story, however as a Jamaican there were things that were distinctly not Jamaican referenced in the ARC. For non-Jamaican readers it's not anything they'd likely notice.
Full review & Author Interview: https://gabsi77.wordpress.com/2021/01...
Frankie has worked hard to make his way out of his rural neighbourhood, pushing himself as his mother pushed and encouraged him. Now, he's finally making his way out and has got a scholarship to go to his dream university, and then in a second everything changes when his father gets shot. Now Frankie is on his own and has to make decisions no child should ever be faced with.
I was completely taken up with the story, however as a Jamaican there were things that were distinctly not Jamaican referenced in the ARC. For non-Jamaican readers it's not anything they'd likely notice.
Full review & Author Interview: https://gabsi77.wordpress.com/2021/01...
May 29, 2022
Wow. I was thoroughly engrossed in the book from the very first page. Was excited for Frankie when he received news of his scholarship and his opportunity to go to America. Frankie is a likable character and I wanted the best for him. He worked so hard and sacrificed so much to earn that scholarship. Although I expected some twists and turns, some of them I totally did not expect. Hall unapologetically writes about the harsh realities of Jamaican politics, gangs, and culture, but he also writes about friendship, family, loyalty and love. I loved this story. The ending was satisfying and an appropriate ending to the story.
January 3, 2021
Frankie Green is a senior in high school living with his father in the small town of Troy, Jamaica. Since losing his mother to cancer he’s had his heart set on receiving an engineering scholarship to study at the University of Arizona. Surrounded by gang violence, poverty, and political corruption, Frankie knows his only way of escape to a better life and future is in America. But when his father ends up in the hospital in need of costly antibiotics he knows they can’t afford, Frankie must make a choice. Accept the scholarship or join his uncle’s gang in exchange for payment of the treatment.
It broke my heart and downright pissed me off when Joe gave Frankie such an unfair ultimatum. But I think he could sense the street smarts and loyalty his nephew possessed and he really wanted someone like that on his team. He’d been trying to recruit Frankie for years but Frankie always brushed him off to stay focused on his goals. Now that an opportunity has presented itself and he realizes that Franklyn has no one else to turn to, he wastes no time taking advantage.
I really admired Frankie’s dedication to his father in making his decision. Their relationship had become rocky after his mother’s passing but he still respects the man who raised him and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to save his life. Even if that means giving up his dream and getting caught up in a lifestyle he absolutely hates.
This book gives us a glimpse into the nitty gritty side of Jamaica. The description of the mountainside having no electricity, the size and the colors of the houses in Troy, the patois, the food, the Rasta lifestyle, and the music references painted such a vivid picture of the reality of life outside the tourist parts of the island. Truly eye opening to the social and political issues that aren’t discussed in mainstream media. An easy read that will have your heart doing all kinds of palpitations.
It broke my heart and downright pissed me off when Joe gave Frankie such an unfair ultimatum. But I think he could sense the street smarts and loyalty his nephew possessed and he really wanted someone like that on his team. He’d been trying to recruit Frankie for years but Frankie always brushed him off to stay focused on his goals. Now that an opportunity has presented itself and he realizes that Franklyn has no one else to turn to, he wastes no time taking advantage.
I really admired Frankie’s dedication to his father in making his decision. Their relationship had become rocky after his mother’s passing but he still respects the man who raised him and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to save his life. Even if that means giving up his dream and getting caught up in a lifestyle he absolutely hates.
This book gives us a glimpse into the nitty gritty side of Jamaica. The description of the mountainside having no electricity, the size and the colors of the houses in Troy, the patois, the food, the Rasta lifestyle, and the music references painted such a vivid picture of the reality of life outside the tourist parts of the island. Truly eye opening to the social and political issues that aren’t discussed in mainstream media. An easy read that will have your heart doing all kinds of palpitations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2021
SO DAMN GOOD! Absolutely adored this book. Your Corner Dark is such a compelling, contemplative and dramatic novel. Yet another book I would LOVE to see as a movie! Premise: College bound high school senior Franklyn Green's dream of going to university in America is upended when tragedy strikes and gut-wrenching choices must be made. In an instant Frank goes from top student to gun toting posse member.
Your Corner Dark transported me to Jamaica and immersed me in a world where political machinations and corruption bred and fed posse crime and violence, and the sense of despair was just as thick as the humidity in the mountain air. Where just like the close knit communities in the country side, the posse became your family, your support, your pride. Climbing out of poverty and legitimately making a better life felt like an impossibility. Every choice you made bore a cost. The undeniable beauty and richness of the land and culture marred and blurred in the background in lieu of the heavy day to day struggles that burdened the majority of citizens.
Desmond Hall excellently built a rich, colorful world and birthed a complicated and nuanced cast of characters. I was excitedly entangled and entrenched in the drama of it all. Most of all I developed such a soft spot for main character Frank and his plight. It made me think what sacrifices would I be willing to make for my parents our beloveds. What could I give of myself to make someone's life better? Frank was such a compassionate and altruistic soul and I truly admired him for it. I was rooting for him from the beginning and still haven't stopped. Characters like Frank and bad ass Aunt Jenny feel so real and stay with me even after the story has ended.
Your Corner Dark was a fantastic read and I would highly recommend it. A dope read to start off my 2021 Reading Challenge:)
**Please note I won a paperback ARC in a Goodreads Giveaway. (Thank you!) This review is my own honest opinion.
Your Corner Dark transported me to Jamaica and immersed me in a world where political machinations and corruption bred and fed posse crime and violence, and the sense of despair was just as thick as the humidity in the mountain air. Where just like the close knit communities in the country side, the posse became your family, your support, your pride. Climbing out of poverty and legitimately making a better life felt like an impossibility. Every choice you made bore a cost. The undeniable beauty and richness of the land and culture marred and blurred in the background in lieu of the heavy day to day struggles that burdened the majority of citizens.
Desmond Hall excellently built a rich, colorful world and birthed a complicated and nuanced cast of characters. I was excitedly entangled and entrenched in the drama of it all. Most of all I developed such a soft spot for main character Frank and his plight. It made me think what sacrifices would I be willing to make for my parents our beloveds. What could I give of myself to make someone's life better? Frank was such a compassionate and altruistic soul and I truly admired him for it. I was rooting for him from the beginning and still haven't stopped. Characters like Frank and bad ass Aunt Jenny feel so real and stay with me even after the story has ended.
Your Corner Dark was a fantastic read and I would highly recommend it. A dope read to start off my 2021 Reading Challenge:)
**Please note I won a paperback ARC in a Goodreads Giveaway. (Thank you!) This review is my own honest opinion.
January 19, 2021
4.5 stars
"'Yes, yu' corner dark,' she said"
Your Corner Dark is a book I could not put down. From the first few pages I was hooked!! It legitimately made me start tearing up within the first ten pages. Desmond Hall writes a book with characters you are invested in. They are complex and contradictory- human in every way. Frankie is my heart; I was cheering for him throughout the whole book. I laughed for him and I cried for him. AUNT JENNY IS MY GIRL; I WON'T HEAR ANY SLANDER PERIOD. Samson and Uncle Joe both cared for Frankie in their own way and it was interesting to see how the choices they pushed Frankie to do played out.
Your Corner Dark showed how politics and gang life in Jamaica are interconnected. "It wasn't about who had the better plan or better idea; it was all about connections. He had guessed at this before but now it was bone-chillingly clear." Frankie as a dark-skinned young man does face some discrimination from some of the other characters in the story. He is "black boy" and sneered at. Your Corner Dark shows the struggle for international students when it comes to going off to college. There are some dark scenes in this book that are very vivid and tense. It shows the dark side of inner-city life to the full extent.
quotes I liked from the book
"Jamaica was like a messed-up parent: You loved it, but at the same time you wanted to leave it. You said bad things about it, but you'd get mad if anyone else said anything bad about it."
"Exhaling, he was oddly proud of Aunt Jenny, the way he had been of his mother. They were Jamaican women, hips forward."
"...The sweet mountain breeze caressed his face. He could smell the positivity. All Jamaicans breathed it. Out of many, one people."
Thanks to Hear Our Voices Book tour and Atheneum for the ARC.
*Quotes taken are from an ARC; may not match with final copy.
"'Yes, yu' corner dark,' she said"
Your Corner Dark is a book I could not put down. From the first few pages I was hooked!! It legitimately made me start tearing up within the first ten pages. Desmond Hall writes a book with characters you are invested in. They are complex and contradictory- human in every way. Frankie is my heart; I was cheering for him throughout the whole book. I laughed for him and I cried for him. AUNT JENNY IS MY GIRL; I WON'T HEAR ANY SLANDER PERIOD. Samson and Uncle Joe both cared for Frankie in their own way and it was interesting to see how the choices they pushed Frankie to do played out.
Your Corner Dark showed how politics and gang life in Jamaica are interconnected. "It wasn't about who had the better plan or better idea; it was all about connections. He had guessed at this before but now it was bone-chillingly clear." Frankie as a dark-skinned young man does face some discrimination from some of the other characters in the story. He is "black boy" and sneered at. Your Corner Dark shows the struggle for international students when it comes to going off to college. There are some dark scenes in this book that are very vivid and tense. It shows the dark side of inner-city life to the full extent.
quotes I liked from the book
"Jamaica was like a messed-up parent: You loved it, but at the same time you wanted to leave it. You said bad things about it, but you'd get mad if anyone else said anything bad about it."
"Exhaling, he was oddly proud of Aunt Jenny, the way he had been of his mother. They were Jamaican women, hips forward."
"...The sweet mountain breeze caressed his face. He could smell the positivity. All Jamaicans breathed it. Out of many, one people."
Thanks to Hear Our Voices Book tour and Atheneum for the ARC.
*Quotes taken are from an ARC; may not match with final copy.
January 21, 2021
I am at a loss of words to describe this book. When I read the blurb, I wasn’t expecting anything, I was totally blank as to which direction the book was going to take, but when I started reading the book, I was hooked from the page one. I wanted to stop reading, think and analyze whatever was going on but at the same time I couldn’t actually make myself do that.
The story starts with Frankie waiting for his scholarship letter and everything feels bright and good. There’s hope given to the readers that things will turn out well for him but slowly and gradually we see the realities of a third world countries being introduced to us. There were instances of street fights, gang wars, random shooting, domestic physical beatings, colorism, class divide and so much more. I didn’t know much about the posse system in Jamaica but the story described it in such a way that it seemed as if I already knew all the customs and everything. Every new mission or chapter made me think and anticipate what would happen next.
The best thing about this book was the character development. One could clearly see Frankie’s struggles and the way he dealt with them was no joke. No child deserves to make such rash, no choice decisions that he had to make on a whim. He sacrificed a lot. Through all of this I really liked how he came with terms to him understanding himself and his decisions much more wisely. Somehow there was no way I was able to sympathize with his uncle. Like seriously why in the world would he make his nephew give up full scholarship to join in posse where his life was almost always at stake? All in all, I totally loved the book and would honestly highly recommend it!
** Trigger Warnings: Death of a loved one, Colorism, Fights and violence, Gun firing, Domestic physical abuse (beatings with belt)
** I was provided with an advance review copy via netgalley for this tour in exchange for an honest review!
The story starts with Frankie waiting for his scholarship letter and everything feels bright and good. There’s hope given to the readers that things will turn out well for him but slowly and gradually we see the realities of a third world countries being introduced to us. There were instances of street fights, gang wars, random shooting, domestic physical beatings, colorism, class divide and so much more. I didn’t know much about the posse system in Jamaica but the story described it in such a way that it seemed as if I already knew all the customs and everything. Every new mission or chapter made me think and anticipate what would happen next.
The best thing about this book was the character development. One could clearly see Frankie’s struggles and the way he dealt with them was no joke. No child deserves to make such rash, no choice decisions that he had to make on a whim. He sacrificed a lot. Through all of this I really liked how he came with terms to him understanding himself and his decisions much more wisely. Somehow there was no way I was able to sympathize with his uncle. Like seriously why in the world would he make his nephew give up full scholarship to join in posse where his life was almost always at stake? All in all, I totally loved the book and would honestly highly recommend it!
** Trigger Warnings: Death of a loved one, Colorism, Fights and violence, Gun firing, Domestic physical abuse (beatings with belt)
** I was provided with an advance review copy via netgalley for this tour in exchange for an honest review!
January 24, 2021
YOUR CORNER DARK is a touching and poignant story about a young Jamaican man who simply wants to make something of his life so that he can help the country he loves so much. Trying to fulfill the wishes of his late mother and live up to the expectations of his demanding father, Frankie has been fastidiously dedicating himself to school and applying for an engineering scholarship in America. Frankie’s entire world is flipped on its axis one day after Frankie attends a party hosted by his uncle Joe.. Joe is the leader of a powerful and expanding posse, his entire intent on helping his people in ways that the local politicians don’t. Being in a posse is no joke: once you’re in, you’re never allowed back out.
Author Desmond Hall does an excellent job portraying the difficulties Frankie has dealt with and continues to deal with. It is clear from the beginning that Frankie feels some anger about the death of his mother, as well as some regret and guilt. This is a common theme throughout the book as Frankie movies through grieving people, memories, and hopes and dreams. We see Frankie, who is a determined character from the beginning of the book, cope with the reality of having to reimagine what he wants for himself. This is not an easy journey for Frankie; he’s broken apart several times throughout the novel and must put himself back together. What Frankie realizes quite quickly is that when you’re forced to piece yourself back together, you look a tad bit different than when you first started your journey. And Frankie learns to love and embrace every reconstructed version of himself and his reality.
Author Desmond Hall does an excellent job portraying the difficulties Frankie has dealt with and continues to deal with. It is clear from the beginning that Frankie feels some anger about the death of his mother, as well as some regret and guilt. This is a common theme throughout the book as Frankie movies through grieving people, memories, and hopes and dreams. We see Frankie, who is a determined character from the beginning of the book, cope with the reality of having to reimagine what he wants for himself. This is not an easy journey for Frankie; he’s broken apart several times throughout the novel and must put himself back together. What Frankie realizes quite quickly is that when you’re forced to piece yourself back together, you look a tad bit different than when you first started your journey. And Frankie learns to love and embrace every reconstructed version of himself and his reality.
January 25, 2021
✨Fav Quote ✨
“ Jamaica was like a messed up parent: You loved it, but at the same time you wanted to leave it. You said bad things about it, but you would get mad if anyone else said something about it”
I mean how true is this quote for anything you love in life. I feel like only I can talk bad about something I love, that’s not anyone else’s place 😂
✨Reflection✨
This Book Is Suitable For It’s YA Audience, It Showcases What Has Turned Boys Into Men Before Their Time. This Novels Follows Frankie, Who Has Worked Hard & Earned A Scholarship To Go To The U.S For School, Things Are Looking Up For Him Until His Father Gets Shot. This Changes Everything For Him. His Father Requires Costly Medical Treatment & In Order To Help With That Makes A Deal With His Until Who Is The Leader Of A Dangerous Gang.
I Think The Author Showcased What Can Happen When You Have To Make Hard Decisions To Help Someone Before You Help Yourself. Frankie Story Hurt & What Hurt Me Most Is That His Uncle Took Advantage Of Him. He Could Have Easily Supported Him & Let Him Follow His Dreams Of Becoming A Engineer.
My Only Gripe With This Book Is The Patios. I Feel Like The Author Turned It Down, This Could’ve Been Because It Was For Young Adults But They Should Still Be Granted The Right To See How The Language Is Truly Used.
“ Jamaica was like a messed up parent: You loved it, but at the same time you wanted to leave it. You said bad things about it, but you would get mad if anyone else said something about it”
I mean how true is this quote for anything you love in life. I feel like only I can talk bad about something I love, that’s not anyone else’s place 😂
✨Reflection✨
This Book Is Suitable For It’s YA Audience, It Showcases What Has Turned Boys Into Men Before Their Time. This Novels Follows Frankie, Who Has Worked Hard & Earned A Scholarship To Go To The U.S For School, Things Are Looking Up For Him Until His Father Gets Shot. This Changes Everything For Him. His Father Requires Costly Medical Treatment & In Order To Help With That Makes A Deal With His Until Who Is The Leader Of A Dangerous Gang.
I Think The Author Showcased What Can Happen When You Have To Make Hard Decisions To Help Someone Before You Help Yourself. Frankie Story Hurt & What Hurt Me Most Is That His Uncle Took Advantage Of Him. He Could Have Easily Supported Him & Let Him Follow His Dreams Of Becoming A Engineer.
My Only Gripe With This Book Is The Patios. I Feel Like The Author Turned It Down, This Could’ve Been Because It Was For Young Adults But They Should Still Be Granted The Right To See How The Language Is Truly Used.
January 26, 2021
Your Corner Dark is a debut, Own Voices novel that illustrates the harsh social, political, and economic realities of many Jamaicans.
We meet Frankie Green, a top student who receives a scholarship letter to university in the US, and is close to fulfilling his departed mother's dream for her son to live a better life. But after his father is shot, Frankie is forced to join his uncle's gang to pay for his dad's medical bills.
Your Corner Dark tells a dark story of loss, hope, love, and sacrifice. As a Jamaican who studied in the US on a scholarship, it made me reflect on the privileges that I've had. And a lot of that comes down to being raised in a supportive family. Frankie is surrounded by adults who see his potential as a tool for their own success. It was disheartening, but also entirely realistic.
I had some issues with the language and references, but overall, I look forward to reading more of Desmond's work!
--
Thanks again to Hear Our Voices Tours and Simon and Schuster for sending me a free copy of the ARC for YOUR CORNER DARK by Desmond Hall!
We meet Frankie Green, a top student who receives a scholarship letter to university in the US, and is close to fulfilling his departed mother's dream for her son to live a better life. But after his father is shot, Frankie is forced to join his uncle's gang to pay for his dad's medical bills.
Your Corner Dark tells a dark story of loss, hope, love, and sacrifice. As a Jamaican who studied in the US on a scholarship, it made me reflect on the privileges that I've had. And a lot of that comes down to being raised in a supportive family. Frankie is surrounded by adults who see his potential as a tool for their own success. It was disheartening, but also entirely realistic.
I had some issues with the language and references, but overall, I look forward to reading more of Desmond's work!
--
Thanks again to Hear Our Voices Tours and Simon and Schuster for sending me a free copy of the ARC for YOUR CORNER DARK by Desmond Hall!
January 23, 2021
Desmond Hall’s debut young adult Your Corner Dark novel follows Franklin, a Jamaican high school senior who has several difficult decisions to make and each one has lasting consequences. Each situation requires more and more of Franklin. At the end of it all, what will be left?
The way Hall pays attention to detail gave this story a very cinematic experience … you could feel the heat of the Jamaican sun, hear the Sizzla emanating from somewhere far off, see the lusciousness of the countryside. It’s all very enveloping. This shouldn’t be surprising however. While this may be Hall’s first book, he’s already written and directed not only a movie, but full-length stage play as well.
Your Corner Dark is highly recommended for those reluctant readers. This is an engaging story that moves at a good pace, so readers won’t get bogged down. Themes of love, loss, and staying true to yourself in the midst of life-changing choices are ones that many can relate to.
The way Hall pays attention to detail gave this story a very cinematic experience … you could feel the heat of the Jamaican sun, hear the Sizzla emanating from somewhere far off, see the lusciousness of the countryside. It’s all very enveloping. This shouldn’t be surprising however. While this may be Hall’s first book, he’s already written and directed not only a movie, but full-length stage play as well.
Your Corner Dark is highly recommended for those reluctant readers. This is an engaging story that moves at a good pace, so readers won’t get bogged down. Themes of love, loss, and staying true to yourself in the midst of life-changing choices are ones that many can relate to.
January 24, 2021
🇯🇲 Your Corner Dark is an #ownvoices story the follows Frankie, who receives a scholarship to start his college education in America. After Frankie's father is shot, he has to decline his scholarship, give up his dream and join his uncle's posse to help pay for his father's medical treatment.
🇯🇲 The phasing "Shitstem" reminded me of my father telling me about "Shituations" 💛💚🖤
🇯🇲 This book made me reminisce about my childhood. Samson's stern parenting, holistic way of healing and phrases reminds me of my own father. I found myself laughing during certain parts especially when Samson thought Cerasee tea heals everything 🤢🤮Desmond's writing is so vivid, I felt like I could smell and taste all the meals mentioned. Uncle Joe, I have a few words for him. The way he treats Frankie 😡🤬 I love Aunt Jenny and Leah.
🇯🇲Your Corner Dark also deals with heavy topics such as coping with loss, gang violence, societal, economical and political dynamics.
🇯🇲 The phasing "Shitstem" reminded me of my father telling me about "Shituations" 💛💚🖤
🇯🇲 This book made me reminisce about my childhood. Samson's stern parenting, holistic way of healing and phrases reminds me of my own father. I found myself laughing during certain parts especially when Samson thought Cerasee tea heals everything 🤢🤮Desmond's writing is so vivid, I felt like I could smell and taste all the meals mentioned. Uncle Joe, I have a few words for him. The way he treats Frankie 😡🤬 I love Aunt Jenny and Leah.
🇯🇲Your Corner Dark also deals with heavy topics such as coping with loss, gang violence, societal, economical and political dynamics.
May 5, 2021
In the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, Frankie Green walks the line between his past and his future. When corrupt politicians fund gang activity, and drugs are both a way out and down, Frankie is caught between his future as a scholarship winner for an engineering program in the US, and his past and present in Jamaica. Desmond Hall is a master of the story, and this heartfelt and gritty coming of age story is a page-turner that will have you rooting for Frankie and everyone he loves. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of Aunt Jennie, which is just one more reason to love this book—Desmond Hall paints his women characters with capital Respect. Transportive, rewarding, rich and real—Your Corner Dark is a journey that will stay with you. Can’t recommend it enough!
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