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Chyna Black #1
Chyna Black
There was a time when I didn't care about anybody, not even myself. Oh, and who am I? I'm Chyna, Chyna Danea Black to be more exact.
I'm here to tell you my story, but for you to fully understand me, you have to understand my past. You see, I'm every black girl growing up in the hood, and like most, I got caught up in the life. Some things I didn't see coming.
Other things were self-inflicted. I don't regret my path in life but I could have taken a different one. So, for all the young girls growing up in the hood, let me take you back to how I grew up.
Here is the Life & Times of me, Chyna Black.
I'm here to tell you my story, but for you to fully understand me, you have to understand my past. You see, I'm every black girl growing up in the hood, and like most, I got caught up in the life. Some things I didn't see coming.
Other things were self-inflicted. I don't regret my path in life but I could have taken a different one. So, for all the young girls growing up in the hood, let me take you back to how I grew up.
Here is the Life & Times of me, Chyna Black.
268 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2004
97 people are currently reading
2865 people want to read
About the author
Keisha Ervin
59 books759 followersHailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Keisha Ervin is a prolific writer and devoted mother. Her success has drawn much deserved attention to herself and her hometown.
She is the author of the National Best-Sellers Chyna Black, Me & My Boyfriend, Mina's Joint and Hold U Down, as well as the novel Torn and the short story After the Storm, featured in the Street Love anthology.
She is the author of the National Best-Sellers Chyna Black, Me & My Boyfriend, Mina's Joint and Hold U Down, as well as the novel Torn and the short story After the Storm, featured in the Street Love anthology.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
December 2, 2010
This was an awesome book! It's about a young girl from St. Louis, Missouri who falls off track when meets a guy. She starts off as an all A student, who values friends and success. However, when she meets Tyriek James, a local hoodlum, she begins to neglect her schoolwork and her friends. At first, they are in love and everything is great until Tyriek decides he doesn't want her anymore. It's great; I would recommend this book to everyone!
June 1, 2011
Oh boy. Oh boy oh boy oh boy. That's more high ratings than I expected to see. :-0
Okay well, let's see. Number one this is mediocre at the very best. There is nothing, and I do mean nothing, here that separates this story from the rest out there.
I don't like when authors - urban fiction authors to be exact - feel the need to explain their slang. Who do they think is reading their books? A nun? An old white man who has never come closer to a black person than standing in line at the supermarket? Newsflash to the authors: your books are targeting an audience for a reason. Believe it.
Now, different drugs are called different names in all parts of the world. Hell, weed and heroin have about 20 different names each just here in little old Delaware. I've never heard heroin called 'O Wee' and I wouldn't be surprised if I found Ervin made this up for no express purpose. Doesn't matter though. What did matter is that I didn't need 'dope' in parenthesis to make sure I got it.
If you have to add an explanation for something into the story - leave it the hell out. It's better all around.
The editing. Wasn't the worst I've seen, by a long shot, but it's surely is not properly edited. I found numerous mistakes throughout the story like 'wandered' for 'wondered', 'fly the coupe', etc. That's just a pain in the ass to deal with. Especially for someone like me who does read well edited books. I shouldn't have to deal with this. Take some pride in what you put out people.
I think it's real tacky to talk about yourself, your friends, your other books, their other books, etc. in your own story. Tacky, tacky, tacky and classless. A shameless plug. Put in an ad for it in the back if you want to do something. Market some other way. Don't make yourself look like this:
"Girl, you been sleeping, it's this book out called 'Flip Side of the Game' that's killing the game right now."
"The author's name is Tu-Shonda Whitaker. There's also a book out called 'Every Thus Needs a Lady' by Wahida Clark and one called 'Little Ghetto Girl' by Danielle Santiago. I mean. The beginning of Chapter 19 is just plugs for friends. And it's tacky. If I was Whitaker, Clark, or Santiago I'd be pissed. I wouldn't even want mention like that. My God. Have some class.
Ervin, did they mention you in their books? Hmmmm. (And, if they did, they need to take a class or two in tackiness themselves.)
Okay well, let's see. Number one this is mediocre at the very best. There is nothing, and I do mean nothing, here that separates this story from the rest out there.
I don't like when authors - urban fiction authors to be exact - feel the need to explain their slang. Who do they think is reading their books? A nun? An old white man who has never come closer to a black person than standing in line at the supermarket? Newsflash to the authors: your books are targeting an audience for a reason. Believe it.
Now, different drugs are called different names in all parts of the world. Hell, weed and heroin have about 20 different names each just here in little old Delaware. I've never heard heroin called 'O Wee' and I wouldn't be surprised if I found Ervin made this up for no express purpose. Doesn't matter though. What did matter is that I didn't need 'dope' in parenthesis to make sure I got it.
If you have to add an explanation for something into the story - leave it the hell out. It's better all around.
The editing. Wasn't the worst I've seen, by a long shot, but it's surely is not properly edited. I found numerous mistakes throughout the story like 'wandered' for 'wondered', 'fly the coupe', etc. That's just a pain in the ass to deal with. Especially for someone like me who does read well edited books. I shouldn't have to deal with this. Take some pride in what you put out people.
I think it's real tacky to talk about yourself, your friends, your other books, their other books, etc. in your own story. Tacky, tacky, tacky and classless. A shameless plug. Put in an ad for it in the back if you want to do something. Market some other way. Don't make yourself look like this:
"Girl, you been sleeping, it's this book out called 'Flip Side of the Game' that's killing the game right now."
"The author's name is Tu-Shonda Whitaker. There's also a book out called 'Every Thus Needs a Lady' by Wahida Clark and one called 'Little Ghetto Girl' by Danielle Santiago. I mean. The beginning of Chapter 19 is just plugs for friends. And it's tacky. If I was Whitaker, Clark, or Santiago I'd be pissed. I wouldn't even want mention like that. My God. Have some class.
Ervin, did they mention you in their books? Hmmmm. (And, if they did, they need to take a class or two in tackiness themselves.)
October 16, 2009
Synopsis-In this book Chyna is raised by her grandma and she feels as if her grandma is the only one who cares about her. In her early teenage life her grandma dies and Chyna has to go live with her mom,that she never did get along with. She goes through many ups and downs and learns lessons that will help out later on in life.
Classification- This book is targeted more on teenagers and adults because the things the charaters go through only are realted to adults and teenagers. It wouldnt be appropriate for kids because they wouldnt really understand whats going on.Teenagers would probrably be the best because the main charater is a teenager and she goes thrrough most things other teenagers do.
Criticsim-This book is good literature. I like how the story seems realistic and makes you feel like you know the characters or been in there situation. Some of the things in the book dont really connect to the story and shouldnt be in there.
Classification- This book is targeted more on teenagers and adults because the things the charaters go through only are realted to adults and teenagers. It wouldnt be appropriate for kids because they wouldnt really understand whats going on.Teenagers would probrably be the best because the main charater is a teenager and she goes thrrough most things other teenagers do.
Criticsim-This book is good literature. I like how the story seems realistic and makes you feel like you know the characters or been in there situation. Some of the things in the book dont really connect to the story and shouldnt be in there.
June 26, 2014
This book right here reminded me a bit of myself when you first start dating there is always that one guy that has you that way; Your First Love, no matter how you try to justify the situations he puts you in you just can't seem to let go of something you tried so hard to work on. You feel as though you could not have been through all of this drama for no reason and it has to mean that you guys are meant to be. In some cases that might be it but in most cases they are lessons for you to grow and mature as a person. I loved reading this book because it took me back to when I was in high school and the things that Chyna went through was real shit. I'm glad that she had her Friends and family's help in the end. Very Good read!
August 28, 2022
Chyna Black series was so good that I hate it will be ending soon. I really saw myself at times in Chyna for being distracted or blinded by love and not being able to focus. Procrastinating on finishing her books and staying on her grind. And then she wakes up from the mess she’s made of being with a loser way too long and not putting herself first and to stop giving her body away at the drop of a hat to satisfy her inner diva because doing that, you will never feel like a winner when you really sit down and do the one on one with yourself. I’m getting ready to read the last book in the Chyna series “Such a fuckin lady” and I pray that in her last book that she finds the true love that she deserves. I recommend this series. I’m now one of Keisha Ervin’s biggest fans and will be purchasing everything she writes
February 12, 2020
I think that this book was an awesome read. I wanted to get a little back story on who was Chyna Black and this book being the first in her series definitely let us in to just who Chyna was a little. It was definitely a page turning read and held my attention from beginning to end. I felt that Chyna was forced to grow up entirely too fast and soon from the decisions that she chose to make but in the end I did enjoy her growth overall. I think she needs to steer clear of all relationships especially one with Tyreik because it’s clearly toxic on so many parameters. I look forward to reading more about Chyna in the future.
April 19, 2020
First time I had read this book was back in 2013 when I was 10th grade. Over all it is a good book but I decided to re read all the Chyna black books because of Dream. Recently Keisha came out with a book about Chyna daughter India which was cool but in the Chyna black book India was born in 2002 but in India Black which is tilted Dream, India was born in 1999. Chyna black first book needs to updated because of Dream.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2017
This was a good urban book. The synopsis definitely tells you NOTHING about the book but it's nice to have some mystery. The first chapter had me drawn. Chyna is definitely a wild child. I'm not sure I'm going to continue with the series. This is one of those books that I think would be better as a stand alone novel.
Read
May 23, 2018Love the story and the characters. Chyna went through alot but some of the things that happened was her fault. I hope her relationship with Tyriek work out time will tell. I think Jaylen was her true love
September 4, 2018
Urban novel
The book was just o.k. Wasn't realistic although it had some good moments. Don't like the girl was so young, I really couldn't get into it. I just kept thinking that this was a child, so unbelievable!...
The book was just o.k. Wasn't realistic although it had some good moments. Don't like the girl was so young, I really couldn't get into it. I just kept thinking that this was a child, so unbelievable!...
August 12, 2020
This book had me in tears I loved it so much that I named my daughter Chiyna to see her overcome everything she went through was amazing I’m finna read it again for the hell of it K.E. Did her thing with this book.
January 7, 2021
Can’t wait
I absolutely loved this book. I can’t wait to read the next one! I have read a couple books by this author and thoroughly enjoyed them. I love the storyline in this one. Can’t wait to see what happens next with Ms Chyna Black
I absolutely loved this book. I can’t wait to read the next one! I have read a couple books by this author and thoroughly enjoyed them. I love the storyline in this one. Can’t wait to see what happens next with Ms Chyna Black
February 1, 2022
one of the greatest.
This book is one of the greatest books I ever read I’m so thank I got a chance to finally read it. They very last page is what spoke directly to me since I’m going through so much. So thank you 😊
This book is one of the greatest books I ever read I’m so thank I got a chance to finally read it. They very last page is what spoke directly to me since I’m going through so much. So thank you 😊
July 26, 2023
Chyna Black is a selfish ass character, and honestly didn’t deserve to be forgiven by most people she wronged. This was typical urban fiction, nothing was bad but there was nothing different about it to make it stand out either.
October 10, 2024
Whew this book was good!!! I went through a lot of emotions because it’s so relatable being young, first love, a product of your environment, and etc.
Love will make you do some crazy things especially when you’re young and naive lol
Love will make you do some crazy things especially when you’re young and naive lol
January 21, 2018
Siobhan
Good book glad that Chyna woke up and realized she needed to do better for her and her daughter. Her Tyreik were a toxic couple
Good book glad that Chyna woke up and realized she needed to do better for her and her daughter. Her Tyreik were a toxic couple
November 2, 2018
Great read!
Started off with the first wives club and so now I have to back track but I'm enjoying it! Can't wait to start on the rest of the characters.
Started off with the first wives club and so now I have to back track but I'm enjoying it! Can't wait to start on the rest of the characters.
April 10, 2019
This Book was one of those books non stop page turner so relatable so believable so real its filled up downs heartbreak love lost I highly recommend
November 25, 2019
Well well
Well we'll this is how it all begins! I liked the storyline and characters. I do recommend this read. Happy reading!
Well we'll this is how it all begins! I liked the storyline and characters. I do recommend this read. Happy reading!
December 19, 2019
Loved this Book Its My Favorite so far of the Triple Crown Publications and Of The Author Keisha Ervin.
April 13, 2020
Great book
Great book,! I finn this book in one day. It was so goo that I could not put it down!!!!
Great book,! I finn this book in one day. It was so goo that I could not put it down!!!!
August 27, 2020
True to life
I ready like they way this book pulled me in, like I was there first hand as the life of Chyna fills out. Can’t wait to read the entire series!
I ready like they way this book pulled me in, like I was there first hand as the life of Chyna fills out. Can’t wait to read the entire series!
September 5, 2020
This book is sooooo goooooddd
I wish I could give more than 5 stars. Keisha Ervin did her thang with this book. I have read it so many times because it is so good.
I wish I could give more than 5 stars. Keisha Ervin did her thang with this book. I have read it so many times because it is so good.
August 18, 2021
A really good read
I like this book and can't wait to read more about Miss Chyna Black. I started reading India's story first but am glad I came back to read her mom's .
I like this book and can't wait to read more about Miss Chyna Black. I started reading India's story first but am glad I came back to read her mom's .
January 7, 2022
Chyna
What a read. No matter what Chyna went through something. She was looking for love in all the wrong places. This book is about every day issues. A great read.
What a read. No matter what Chyna went through something. She was looking for love in all the wrong places. This book is about every day issues. A great read.
March 23, 2023
Chyna!!!!
Chyna Black Had To Hit Many Brick Walls To Grow Up To Become The Person She Is Today, But All That Really Happen Was Life💯❤️💯GREAT READ 💯❤️💯
Chyna Black Had To Hit Many Brick Walls To Grow Up To Become The Person She Is Today, But All That Really Happen Was Life💯❤️💯GREAT READ 💯❤️💯
Read
August 5, 2024I guess I'll need to get to this one as well soon. I wondered why I hadn't read & reviewed this one yet.
Oh Well, I guess I'll peruse & add a review soon. BRB.
Oh Well, I guess I'll peruse & add a review soon. BRB.
March 5, 2025
Ghetto…DASSIT
January 2, 2026
I read this book so much in my youth I LOVE IT
June 29, 2019
I gave the book 3 stars because the author and writing has evolved. This was one of her first books and it is apparent in the editing, storyline progression, and description of characters attire. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. When I first read this book back in the early 2000s, I loved it! But reading Keisha’s recent books makes me see the growth and thus I know she is capable of more. So, if you read the book, just read with this in mind: Chyna Black is one of her earlier works and her evolution is displayed in her recent/later works.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews