Paper Bag

by Brian W. Smith

Monty Okafor is a young hot-shot lawyer who runs into his old high school girlfriend, Summer Tonti. While at dinner, catching up on old times, Monty reminds Summer that the reason they broke up was because her mother forbade her from dating anyone whose skin color was darker than a brown paper bag. Much to Monty's chagrin, it's 15 years later and Summer admits that her mom still doesn't want her to date anyone who is darker than a brown paper bag.

So, imagine how awkward things get when Summer's twin brother, Langston, is accused of murder and needs the best Defense Attorney in the city...Monty Okafor. Despite his dislike for Summer's "color-struck" family members, Monty agrees to represent Langston. He finds a hole in the DA's case, and is confident he can get Langston acquitted, but a disturbing secret about Summer's creole family comes to light and changes Monty's attitude.

Will Monty honor his oath as an attorney, and do all he can to free Langston? Or, will he entertain thoughts of getting revenge on Summer's family by providing Langston with the WORST defense that money can buy?

Genres: African American

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2020

Reviews

[Cheryl James · Rating 2 out of 5]

November Bookclub Selection

2.5 stars

I am a fan of Brian Smiths books. His titles are always about issues that are revelant and stories that need to be told.

However, the meat of the story is elementary to me. The characters are flat, the grammar is off, and the storyline did not keep my attention.

Sometimes, a great book means more than 30+ not so great books.📚

The book did make a great book club conversation.

[Cheryl Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The effects of colorism are profound and pervasive. Skin color bias has historical roots and continues to influence one’s self worth. Brian Smith pens a work that doesn’t look at colorism from majority to minority. He looks at it from the lens of Blacks to Blacks. Many Blacks have issues not only with themselves but others who do not meet the “paper bag test.” Does light skin denote better? Does dark skin denote bitter? Have you ever been assigned value based on the “paper bag test?” Don’t be so quick to say no.....it comes in many forms.

Smith focuses on its impact when it comes to true love and helping a loved one’s family member in need of legal representation. Praise God that Summer, with age and wisdom, could see past the issues that held her mother bound.

This book truly spoke to me. I remember not feeling truly welcomed by an in-law because I was of a darker hue. I was in awe when the family member complimented and condemned me for having beautiful eyes, high cheek bones and a wonderful smile but said I was awfully dark. In the work world, it comes across differently. Blacks with darker hues are considered aggressive whereas many blacks who are lighter are considered assertive.

I had never heard anything so crazy. Like Summer, I am so glad that my spouse could see beyond his family member. I would like to think at work, that for the most part, I am seen for what I bring to the table. For some colorism will always be present....the “paper bag test” will only go away when we look with out hearts and not with our eyes.

[Abby G. Amos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Read!

Once again Author Brian W. Smith has opened my eyes to something I knew nothing about. I always knew there was a reason why lite, (almost white), skinned black people had issues with darker skinned black people and vice versa. I was appalled at what happened to Monty's mom when she was just in Jr. High School for something that wasn't even her fault! It made me open my eyes to the fact that not only did we have to be leary of white people, but leary of our own race and that is sad. What makes it really sad is it is still happening to date! I didn't like how Tammy treated Willow, her darker granddaughter! That told me things really didn't change with her! I loved that the relationship with Monty and Summer was genuine and didn't let the difference between their skin tone get in between their love!

[Donna Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book I read by this author and it won't be the last. He brought out things I had never heard. I never heard of the brown bag test. But what's sad is that we are sill dealing with racism within our own people. Light skinned verses dark skinned. This was something that originated on the slave plantation and yet we are still living in that mentality. I highly recommend this book.

[Ellowyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this was a great read. I have never heard of the Paper Bag test until this book. The author did an awesome job in writing this story. He gave you some history of New Orleans. This book was very thought-provoking and had you thinking about prejudices, forgiveness and basically just doing the right thing when you have been wronged. I love Pop Pop in this book he was something else. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Tiffany Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian W. Smith is known to take on some pretty heavy topics and Paper Bag is no exception. One of the most devastating effects of slavery is colorism. It has plagued the Black community since slave owners raped our women and light skinned Blacks were considered “lucky” to work in the house. This is a modern take on the infamous Paper Bag Test and what manifest when we groom our children to think a certain way. Smith is truly a master at his craft and this book does not disappoint!

[Destiny “ Dee” · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

This book pulled me in from the beginning to the end. I learned so much about colorism and the history of New Orleans. I can’t wait to visit. This book will have you thinking twice about your own views and morals. The story of Monty and Summer and their families was well written. I highly recommend to anyone that likes to read good books.

[Maya B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemporary novel about colorism. I always appreciate this author for writing unique story lines.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Paper Bag
Author: Brian W. Smith
Publisher: B.W.S.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Paper Bag" by Brian W. Smith

My Opinion:

'Paper Bag' was quite a story that this author did a wonderful job bringing to the reader. I found this story somewhat sad in so many ways. From what all had gone on in Monty's mom's [Breanna] life was really something to have gone through as a child. I was glad in the way the story brought all of this situation to life. Yes, Monty needed to know what had happened to his mother. He dealt with this 'paper bag' incident interesting, seeing how he was involved with the sister, Summer, brother, Langston, twins, and their mother, Tammy. I was glad that Monty had his Pop Pop [my favorite character] there with him along with his birth father at the end.

As the story continues, the reader will see that Monty and Summer did love one another and didn't let the difference of their skin be a problem; however, we also see that some spots never change in the way Ms. Tammy treated her darker granddaughter.

Thank you to the author for bringing out to the reader just what the Paper Bag test was all about. This story will give you a taste of a little bit of it all from love, hatred, family secrets, mystery, the prejudice that has been passed on from generation to generation, and I believe it still exists today! This was an awesome read giving one some of New Orleans's histories and leaving many thought-provoking issues long after reading.

[Lolita · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely powerful story of a family that were taught to discriminate against people that had darker skin color. The family started the brown bag test, which unfortunately is still going on today, just in a different way, which made this storyline realistic.
After the family disagreed on a romance relationship between the best defense attorney on New Orleans who was a dark skinned brother and their light skinned beautiful daughter and sister, the brown bag test was really put to the test. However, the attorney got the last word because they needed him to defend their son and brother who was set up to take the wrap of a murder gone wrong. He was looking at life in prison.
It was many reasons the attorney could have turned his back on this family. But his mother who was dying of cancer made him promise to defend him and do his best to get him freed.
The brown bag test did destroy this romance and it brought the family closer together. I appreciate the ending twist, it makes you think.
This book grabbed my attention from the first page. The characters in this storyline had great depth. The author out did himself with his exemplary writing skills. Bravo ! Mr. Smith.
Diva Reviewer - Gale
Divas Read 2 Book Club

[martha fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colorism is real!

While this story pulled the covers off the reality of colorism as it was formulated by the Brown Paper Bag test, the more formidable lesson was the danger of teaching hatred to children. The story starts with a heartbreaking reality for 12 years old Tammy who found out that her father was unfaithful to her mother. What made it worst was that the mother was angered by the skin color of the mistress and sowed that hatred into her daughter's heart. That seed manifested into a harvest that was revealed in her son Langston. While Summer did not manifest the hatred like her mother and twin brother, her reluctance and hesitation with Monty revealed it. When more secrets uncovered, you were not sure how they would move forward. As parents let's be careful of the legacy that we leave behind. We also cannot ignore the detrimental effects of slavery and how it continues to impact our day to day. The author gave the readers nuggets to ponder and reflect.

[Charlene Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this great book in two days. My first read of Brian W Smith. I liked the characters and how they were developed into a great story. Monty appeared to be cool and calm during his job and how give back to his community. Then he saw his old flame Summer she set him on fire. Unfortunately the “paper bag “ was the way of some of the in the town “one side for light skin people and there is there side for dark skin. The secret about the father having affair with the mother was a fatal killing; the secret had an impact on two families . unfortunately the “Paper Bag” is still used among African Americans. Some ppl have never come out the closet. It will cost to many lives destroyed.The story has leaps and bounds. I was angry, sad, happy, crying; I was talking to the book “I can’t believe it “ I got involved in the story. I read Animus by Mr Smith. Both of these book are outstanding. 😃

[Angela Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this was an awesome read. I have heard of the Paper Bag test. The author did an awesome job in writing this story. Being from New Orleans he shared the culture of New Orleans through colorism we still experience within our own culture. I love how he takes his knowledge of life and living through his stories. He is a great story teller with his signature twist. It showed big lessons of forgiveness and respect we should offer to one another. I just loved the ending and how it wasn't a give away. It made you think that the story ending could have went either way and not at all predictable. I read a few chapters a day just to savor the story during my time of relaxation. Again great job, I am following this talented author closely. Truly inspired!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual Brian W. Smith has penned a very interesting and poignant novel for a time such as this. Everything addressed in this novel is and has always been a topic of discussion and unfortunately true fact. From the slavery days until now, we as a race of people deal with colorism! The sad thing about this story is Tammy at the end still exhibited what she was taught to do even with the babies! Breana was a strong woman and she raised a wonderful son! It was hard for Monty to overlook the Tonti family prejudices and defend Langston but a mother's love made him do the right thing! Breana knew her flaws in life and on her dying bed she told her full truth. As always I really enjoyed this novel and anticipate the next one from one of my favorite authors! Great job Mr. Smith!!!

[Rowena Winfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paper Bag Full of Drama

I knew from the prologue of Paper Bag that it was not going to be a romantic book, yet it had its romantic moments. I knew it was not going to be politically correct, and it wasn't; although there are moments of profound sensitivity. I knew it wasn't going to be a "happily ever after" book, and yet the main characters managed to achieve that! What I didn't know is how much it was going to make me think and reflect! And that my favorite character was not going to be the hero, but his maternal grandfather! I loved this book, so much that it actually took me seven minutes past my hour lunch break at work, because I just couldn't put it down! Fortunately, my supervisor knows I'm A reader!!! Bravo Mr. Smith, mission accomplished!!

[ThePurpleElephant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story but, I definitely feel like Monty is too good for Summer. She didn’t really have any personality it was like pretty was her whole personality. Zora seemed more likable and like she actually gave a damn about Monty. Her thoughtfulness when he was stressed about the case and she took him dinner was so genuine. All Summer seemed to care about was what was in the best interest of Summer. The fact that two times she told Monty she loved him was when she needed his help and again when she found out that he got her brother off. Langston was trash and so was the mammie. I would have never hitched my wagon to that family. But what’s good for the goose is good for the gander!
Pop-Pop had the most sense and the best humor.

[G L · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book about an important topic.
Unfortunately, although the plot has promise, the writing does not. It veers between unsuccessful attempts at literary language and cliché. The book needed an editor to clean up numerous errors (e.g., the wrong character's name suddenly appearing in a sentence during a scene where that character is not present). The plot itself is rather simplistic. The book, with better writing, might make a good short story, or the plot could be further developed, and the characters deepened, to make it novel-worthy. It's a shame, really, because it could have been a good book.

[Quinesia Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the novel Paper Bag, Smith addresses colorism with elegance; and seriousness yet lightness, in the midst of a romance. It takes place in the 7th Ward of New Orleans, so the issue of colorism in the Black community is expressed with a bit more gusto than what is average.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were realistic, I feel like I've met them all before. His expressing the issue in novel form is what is most appealing. Smith has a signature creativity that is unique, fresh, and classic. Much appeal.

This is a book many should read out of obligation, and many will read in enjoyment. I wish him the best.

[Robert White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out with a bang, with what took place with Tammy Tonti parents my lord. This book had my blood boiling fair warning if you have high Blood makes u check it while reading this book. Because it's going piss you off especially with Toni Family a hot mess. The raise her Twins Summer and Langston shameful. This book deals with colorism in the creole community how they don't want ruin the blood line. their so much I want to say but don't want go off course will say love has no color this was my second book from this Author. Love his work always writing outside the box can't wait more of his work.

[Nicole Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG Paper Bag is an AWESOME READ!!!! It will run your whole blood pressure up and make you use alllllll of your big words Brian W. Smith never fails to make you have every emotion that exist you want to strangle one character and love another this book is worth every up and down emotion you go through thank you for another book with the whole truth in it my hat is off to you sir!!!! Please read this book it is worth purchasing!!!!! I PROMISE

[E.faye Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brown Baggin!

Brian you have yet to disappoint me. It’s so unfortunate that this still exist. The ability to forgive, yet never forget is something many will never be able to be free of. Brian your interaction of all these characters show there are always underlying factors to why ppl act the way they do. It is horrible behaviors of yesteryear, are still very alive and well today. Thanks for keeping reality in the forefront..

[Wilma Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This was a great read. I have never heard of the Paper Bag test until this book. The author did an awesome job in writing this story. He gave you some history of New Orleans. This book was very thought provoking and had you thinking about prejudices, forgiveness and basically just doing the right thing when you have been wronged. I love Pop Pop in this book he was something else.

[Cassandra Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian W. Smith never disappoints with his choice of topics. I had never heard of the brown paper bag test until he talked about this book and it explained a lot. Colorism......wow. The characters in this book are so real, they feel what they feel and they are not ashamed of it. I'm that forgiveness was shown but we also recognized that some things will always remain the same. Thank you Mr. Smith for teaching me something and causing me to pause and think.

[Angela S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I decided to clear my reading schedule to read this book. I had to keep my mind on the details. Mr Smith packed a whole lot of wallop onto this book and it had me laughing, crying and definitely thinking. I had heard about the paper bag test before and even had a Grandma who was color struck. The book was well written and his characters were real with real emotion. I have preordered Mr. Smith's book. Incredible author.

[Adrian D'Jaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very realistic and relatable. I've lived in Louisiana all my life. This is a very valid storyline. Could have used better editing, but that didn't take away from the book. 4 stars because it really didn't make sense to me how the knife wasn't on camera. It also didn't make sense to me why the DA didn't question why a knife wasn't on camera. That part of the storyline seemed forced to me.

Reader and Weep Book Club approved

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo

I love the storyline. Paper Bag brought back a memory for me. Though it wasn't a bad memory, reading this story out that memory in perspective. I loved each character as they each had their issue yet it tied the whole story together. I wanted to fight for Tammy. I felt bad for Monty for various reason. Pop Pop had me Rollin but his wisdom was on point. The ending was beautiful. Absolutely recommend this author and his works.

[Genie Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful read

Paper Bag is a timely must read. Although I had once heard of the paper bag test and knew that colorism was indeed a real thing. I'd not considered the far reaching effects on generations. This book was well crafted. It touched many areas of social consciousness.
It was my first Brian W Smith book. I'm certain there will be others.

[Yolanda Knight- Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally read this book within 24hrs. What a great story!! This novel touches on a subject that go back for decades and is still going on today 2020. If you were fair skinned you were better than the dark skin, but Summer didn’t feel that way when she ran into a old high school friend sparks fly and they find themselves falling in love. Ms Tammy is Summer’s mother is very color struck and a dark skinned person isn’t allowed in her family.


Great Job Brian W. Smith

[Michelle Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly enjoyed the this book Brian W Smith continues to amaze me and engulf my attention within his storyline. He truly educated me on a form of history I was unaware of in entirety. I would recommend others to read this book and do a self evaluation on yourself with family dynamics and internal discrimination.

[Sylvia Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good read. I learned some things about some culture in Louisiana. I had not heard of the brown paper bag test before reading this book. Forgiveness by Breana played a major part, otherwise Monty would not have helped the Tonti family. I have become more aware that prejudice is not always about race.