The Chase

by Mark T. Sneed

Eleven year old Lathan Alexander is a bright, thoughtful and funny kid who finds himself spending the end of the school year and most of his last pre-teen summer in a new neighborhood with his cousins, the Beck's, trying to fit in. Lathan is book smart but has little experience elsewhere. The Beck's, led by his mother's brother and cousin, attempt to help Lathan learn the ropes of life in a new neighborhood. In that new neighborhood Lathan is tested and challenged over friendships, loyalties and sports. Lathan Alexander has a lot to learn. Yet, during the last week of summer Lathan puts all of the lessons he has learned to good use as he and the friends play their last version of the game of hide and seek.

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2021

About the author

Born. Living. Learning. Writing. Southern memories, raised in Chicago and there I began writing. I moved west and was educated at the University of California, at Berkeley. Played collegiate football and rugby. First fell in love with comics. Have always read. Always writing. Became an English major. Took that major to Los Angeles and began teaching. Taught English to middle school and high school and junior college. Was a debate and chess coach. Continue to challenge myself.
Love Shakespeare. Wish to further the amazing writing experiences of those that I have read and read through an African American male lens. My desire is to write with passion and desire a varied style of genres with the hopes of being one of the heralded African American authors that others read and enjoy.

Reviews

[Mariana Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book reminds us again of how quickly children have to grow up and face the harsh realities of life...particularly from a young black child's perspective. Lathans innocence is so real in the story. With the help and guidance from his family he adjusts as he enters the teen years. I really liked the story and it made me reflect on how our childhood experiences shape the way we view life. I highly recommend the book.

[Mark Sneed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the closest efforts to the author's upbringing, but not an autobiography or biography. Insightful. Thoughtful. The author plays with the idea of Black children being forced too soon to give up their childhoods and be seen and understand the cruelties of a racially divided world that doesn't care about their stolen youth. Truly touching moments are found in the writing. In the chaos and mean streets of this story there are moments when Lathan Alexander, the main character, seems to forget the harshness that surrounds him and his family. Really enjoy the family moments and the game nights.