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Finding Tamika
Black girls and women disappear every day, but not without a trace. Join actress and activist Erika Alexander in a neo-noir, true crime drama as she searches for Tamika Huston, a 24-year-old Black woman from Spartanburg, SC who went missing in 2004. Her case became a rallying cry for other missing Black women in America and led to a growing demand to expose a system that ignores missing girls and women of color.
Kevin Hart and Charlamagne Tha God’s SBH productions present their debut Audible Original Finding Tamika. In it, host Erika Alexander summons a new generation to help raise the dead, expose a hidden past, and give a dark warning for our future. In Finding Tamika, what we’ll actually discover is the awful truth that a Black girl does not have to go missing for us not to see her. No matter the cost, though, we must look for Tamika, because until she is found, we are all lost.
Please Note: This content is for mature audiences only. It contains adult language and themes. Discretion is advised.
Kevin Hart and Charlamagne Tha God’s SBH productions present their debut Audible Original Finding Tamika. In it, host Erika Alexander summons a new generation to help raise the dead, expose a hidden past, and give a dark warning for our future. In Finding Tamika, what we’ll actually discover is the awful truth that a Black girl does not have to go missing for us not to see her. No matter the cost, though, we must look for Tamika, because until she is found, we are all lost.
Please Note: This content is for mature audiences only. It contains adult language and themes. Discretion is advised.
6 pages, Audiobook
First published March 3, 2022
27 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
March 10, 2022
Less of a audiobook and more of a verbal retelling of a tragic story about a young black woman. Gripping and heartbreaking what her family has had to endure. Eye opening to the amount of young black women who are overlooked by the media. We failed her. I've told everyone I know on a journey to educate themselves about what it is to deal with racism and being black in America to listen to the book. A kick in the ass about the work we still need to do.
Side note, I really enjoyed the author's trigger warnings throughout the book. At the beginning of sections that would have topics that would endanger someone's peace of mind (topics including abuse, self harm etc), she advised that the topic would be included. We need more author's like this. Bravo.
Side note, I really enjoyed the author's trigger warnings throughout the book. At the beginning of sections that would have topics that would endanger someone's peace of mind (topics including abuse, self harm etc), she advised that the topic would be included. We need more author's like this. Bravo.
March 11, 2022
Let me start by saying it is a story that needs to be told. I just didn't care for how this audiobook is presented. There was too much music I guess was designed to set the mood, but it didn't land with me. I found it a distraction.
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June 6, 2022No rating. No review. DNF.
I should've read more about this format. It's a bunch of interviews, kinda like a podcast. Just not feeling that right now.
I should've read more about this format. It's a bunch of interviews, kinda like a podcast. Just not feeling that right now.
March 9, 2022
“A Black girl does not have to go missing for us not to see her.”
This true crime story highlighted so many key points. The way Tamika’s story was told highlighted so many obstacles we (black women) face. A lot of people don’t realize that time and time again we don’t get the proper news coverage or investigation that we deserve. We literally have to fight while “others” get media coverage with no problem. And sadly we see this happen time and time again.
This true crime story highlighted so many key points. The way Tamika’s story was told highlighted so many obstacles we (black women) face. A lot of people don’t realize that time and time again we don’t get the proper news coverage or investigation that we deserve. We literally have to fight while “others” get media coverage with no problem. And sadly we see this happen time and time again.
June 26, 2022
A true crime podcast series that not only tells Tamika's story, but also the story of the obstacles that the families of young black women face with police and media, in their effort to have their disappearance taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and be represented fairly. It also presents information on cultural differences in approaching life mysteries.
Audiobook, via Audible Plus catalog. Excellent production.
Audiobook, via Audible Plus catalog. Excellent production.
April 16, 2023
This special, audible production was an effort on my part, to learn more about the number of missing people, among persons of color, who are too easily forgotten by society. I think of this issue, in terms of people who are missing, and I never found. But this story is about a young woman Who disappears and is ultimately found, murdered. This is a story that I have heard in my life about young black woman in my area of residence. This story is complicated by the fact that the story of Tamika is especially complex, and her family circumstances included multiple events That might or might not be related to her own tragic experience.
The production of the story is filled with drama that is often created with the assistance of music. Many people speak in this relatively short, audible presentation, and it obviously took a lot of effort to assemble and produce the entire Product that we experience. I think that the story of this individual person somewhat overwhelmed the overall effort to think about the significant number of people of color who disappear. The point that when white people disappear they get a lot more attention than when black and brown people disappear. This story also focuses on the fact that the people who are left behind obviously have lives and experiences that are impacted by the factor of disappearance of a friend or relative.
This audible experience is obviously very heartfelt and that love and concern for the issue is evident. This production also, I think includes many versions of what is the truth. There is not a dependence on being sure that all the words exactly match. There are some different viewpoints of reality.
The production of the story is filled with drama that is often created with the assistance of music. Many people speak in this relatively short, audible presentation, and it obviously took a lot of effort to assemble and produce the entire Product that we experience. I think that the story of this individual person somewhat overwhelmed the overall effort to think about the significant number of people of color who disappear. The point that when white people disappear they get a lot more attention than when black and brown people disappear. This story also focuses on the fact that the people who are left behind obviously have lives and experiences that are impacted by the factor of disappearance of a friend or relative.
This audible experience is obviously very heartfelt and that love and concern for the issue is evident. This production also, I think includes many versions of what is the truth. There is not a dependence on being sure that all the words exactly match. There are some different viewpoints of reality.
June 10, 2022
First off, this is not an audiobook. It plays like an investigative documentary podcast, with reenactment and characters chiming in throughout. Music, sound effects, etc.
Finding Tamika addresses the lack of media coverage of missing black women compared to white women. This, I learned, is called The Missing White Woman Syndrome. Because it’s based on a true story, you hear how impactful it was to the case for Tamika to get the national media coverage and how that coverage needs to be extended to more POC families.
Unfortunately, I found Finding Tamika disorganized and redundant. The author jumped around the timeline, interjected her own feelings about the case (which was a bit jarring at times), and constantly gave previews of what was coming ahead. This last bit annoyed me the most. Ahead I will tell you how the author gave snippets of the next chapters dialogue.
Now…Imagine the author giving you snippets of the next chapter’s dialogue and arc at the end of every chapter, just to hear that same info again a few minutes later. See how annoying and unnecessary that is? If it was a podcast that aired weekly at one point, they should have removed those previews for this “audiobook” version.
Several other things bothered me as well, such as the multiple false endings, introducing a new character and her background at the last chapter, side plot-line about the father’s death, etc.
The book gets 2 stars. I’ll give it another star because it addressed some important issues.
Finding Tamika addresses the lack of media coverage of missing black women compared to white women. This, I learned, is called The Missing White Woman Syndrome. Because it’s based on a true story, you hear how impactful it was to the case for Tamika to get the national media coverage and how that coverage needs to be extended to more POC families.
Unfortunately, I found Finding Tamika disorganized and redundant. The author jumped around the timeline, interjected her own feelings about the case (which was a bit jarring at times), and constantly gave previews of what was coming ahead. This last bit annoyed me the most. Ahead I will tell you how the author gave snippets of the next chapters dialogue.
Now…Imagine the author giving you snippets of the next chapter’s dialogue and arc at the end of every chapter, just to hear that same info again a few minutes later. See how annoying and unnecessary that is? If it was a podcast that aired weekly at one point, they should have removed those previews for this “audiobook” version.
Several other things bothered me as well, such as the multiple false endings, introducing a new character and her background at the last chapter, side plot-line about the father’s death, etc.
The book gets 2 stars. I’ll give it another star because it addressed some important issues.
May 2, 2022
This was a first for me because it’s a full podcast wrapped up into one audiobook. I rather liked this format bc I didn’t have to sit through commercials or recaps like I would when binging a podcast.
This is a sad story that needed to be told and even sadder is that there are so many more stories like Tamika’s that haven’t been told.
My only complaint was the long musical breaks. I would have cut them down, but overall I really enjoyed and will definitely listen to more podcasts in this form when available.
This is a sad story that needed to be told and even sadder is that there are so many more stories like Tamika’s that haven’t been told.
My only complaint was the long musical breaks. I would have cut them down, but overall I really enjoyed and will definitely listen to more podcasts in this form when available.
March 27, 2022
"A Black girl and/or woman doesn't have to go MISSING for us not to see her."
Many Black and Brown women go missing, daily/yearly and DO NOT receive the media coverage our counterparts receive. If it had not been for Tamika's aunt her story WOULD NOT have received national attention. Erika Alexander was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING with her coverage of this story.
POC would like the same attention to the MISSING as others receive.
Many Black and Brown women go missing, daily/yearly and DO NOT receive the media coverage our counterparts receive. If it had not been for Tamika's aunt her story WOULD NOT have received national attention. Erika Alexander was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING with her coverage of this story.
POC would like the same attention to the MISSING as others receive.
October 25, 2022
Gut-wrenching
Listening to this book, I kept hearing the profound Malcolm X quote that said that the most disrespected, unprotected, and neglected person in America is the Black woman. Tamika’s story embodied all of that. I am so hurt for her. Beyond her senseless murder, she faced so many other atrocities when she was still alive. The same for her younger sister. The disparity in media attention and criminal investigations for missing Black women compared to missing white women is so upsetting. In her narration, Erika Alexander commented, “Tamika is not an anomaly. Many women, especially Black women, have similar stories. Common ground where their lives shift by the unjust actions of men and other agents of fate.” That’s heartbreaking, yet absolutely true. Alexander did an absolutely amazing job with her narration and trigger warnings. She handled Tamika’s story with love, compassion, and grace. I appreciated that so much. While I thought it was a nice touch to add music and nature sounds, at times it went on for far too long. I wanted to hear Tamika’s story, not somber music and ocean waves. Other than that misstep, this was an absolutely amazing documentary.
Listening to this book, I kept hearing the profound Malcolm X quote that said that the most disrespected, unprotected, and neglected person in America is the Black woman. Tamika’s story embodied all of that. I am so hurt for her. Beyond her senseless murder, she faced so many other atrocities when she was still alive. The same for her younger sister. The disparity in media attention and criminal investigations for missing Black women compared to missing white women is so upsetting. In her narration, Erika Alexander commented, “Tamika is not an anomaly. Many women, especially Black women, have similar stories. Common ground where their lives shift by the unjust actions of men and other agents of fate.” That’s heartbreaking, yet absolutely true. Alexander did an absolutely amazing job with her narration and trigger warnings. She handled Tamika’s story with love, compassion, and grace. I appreciated that so much. While I thought it was a nice touch to add music and nature sounds, at times it went on for far too long. I wanted to hear Tamika’s story, not somber music and ocean waves. Other than that misstep, this was an absolutely amazing documentary.
July 1, 2022
Captivating! I wanted more when this book ended. I completed this in 3 days. I still have so many questions. My out look on her dad went down the drain after the 2 accounts on his ideas on Tamika and college. I’m still don’t think we’re getting the truth on why this happened to her. It only makes sense to think that her and her dad knew information about the robbery. I also don’t buy the murder suicide. There is more to this story. I was in tears by the end. Her best friend was so honest and broken from loosing Tamika. Her ex-boyfriend was also honest and gave the needed comic relief in such a heavy story. My prayers go out to Tamika’s mother, sister, and aunts. She was loved. Thank you to her aunt and the other women fighting to make the media and police forces recognize that Black girls/women deserve the same coverage and protections as white girls/women.
March 29, 2022
48 hours meets White Fragility? This is actually a series of nine 30-minute segments presented in a podcast format. The first half is more or less about Tamika, and her family and the search to find out what happened to her, with some well-thought out commentary about the dramatically different treatment missing white women receive - leading to the coining of the phrase Missing White Woman Syndrome. The latter part of the book delves more deeply into Tamika's family's history, and also includes a musical interlude of approximately 30 minutes. As long as you're not expecting a book in a book format, this is a very well done documentary series.
March 12, 2022
Gut-wrenching investigative reporting. I don't know how many more stories such as these have to become a daily occurrence to be "seen". Before reading this story, I didn't know about Tamika, and crazy enough, I was living in Utah a few miles from the Lori H. case so what a punch in the face to hear how Tamika was overlooked during this same time period. Wow, it is just surreal in one way, but it's not truly because I would have never been exposed to Tamika's case because she was deemed "not news worthy".
I need to see the "video" because there's a good 5 minutes of soundbites with no indication of what's happening - which, not sure why that wasn't edited for the audiobook unless it was a ploy to click on the video - mission accomplished.
I need to see the "video" because there's a good 5 minutes of soundbites with no indication of what's happening - which, not sure why that wasn't edited for the audiobook unless it was a ploy to click on the video - mission accomplished.
March 19, 2022
It's a terrible truth that missing black women get ridiculously less coverage than their white peers. It's shameful. This book highlights this travesty in the tragic story of Tamika Huston, just 24 years old when she was brutally murdered. A tough read, but an unfortunately necessary project.
July 1, 2022
Story worth listening to. Interesting stats presented on the disparity between national media coverage for missing white women as compared to missing black women. Unfortunately, I found the narrative a bit clunky and amateurish.
September 25, 2022
I’m really glad I pushed through the beginning of this… bc I was reluctant. But something grabbed me… and I felt like I was letting Tamika down by not liking her story. Then I got tangled up in the reality of it all… the racial
Disparity…the real people who suffered… and i felt like I owed it to her and her family to listen.
I’m so glad I did. Her story is one worth telling… and one very worth listening to. I owe sincere gratitude to everyone who put this together.
Disparity…the real people who suffered… and i felt like I owed it to her and her family to listen.
I’m so glad I did. Her story is one worth telling… and one very worth listening to. I owe sincere gratitude to everyone who put this together.
April 3, 2023
This was an odd audiobook listen. The information was thought-provoking and I liked having the various interviews. But I didn't realize this was going to be set up more like a podcast and it had a lot of jarring music and noises and sounds and was broken into segments. It just felt a bit disjointed and it bounced around, rather than truly flowing.
June 11, 2022
Fyi, this is more like a podcast than an audiobook. That didn't bother me. I enjoyed the format, and especially the music. At one point the music was extended like a period for reflection on the story. Other than that, the story was well told. Worth giving it a listen.
November 5, 2022
This is so heartbreaking 💔. I agree with the author that only certain people make the news when they go missing. But also everything that happened to the family after tamika was found was so awful.
March 26, 2024
This book just went off on too many side stories and that made me lose focus at times…
June 15, 2022
I went into this audible original expecting it to be a narrative about the search for Tamika Huston but it really is an investigative podcast which is an interesting format. For that reason I wouldn't classify this as an audiobook at all. That being said this was such a necessary story and I am giving it 4 stars despite not being a fan of some of the stylistic choices that were made. As a whole I believe the production was great. The chapters did jump around the timeline a bit which could be confusing but there was so much to cover so I understand. I also thought Erika Alexander did an excellent job narrating the podcast.
Given what we all know about Tamika's death, I don't think this is a case where earlier media exposure would have changed the way her story ended but the reality is no one knew that until the truth came out well over a year after her disappearance. Why did the family have to beg for people to care?
I have the upmost respect and admiration for all of those who are working tirelessly to highlight the disparities in the way the way cases involving missing black women are investigated and reported. Even though Tamika was murdered back in 2004, Missing White Woman Syndrome still exists and so much work still needs to be done. This podcast did an excellent job of reporting not only the circumstances of Tamika's disappearance and death, but the fullness of her life and how much she meant to her family, her friends, and her community. It humanized her in a way that I think media outlets typically get wrong when reporting on black women who have been the victim of a crime.
My heart breaks for what happened to Tamika but I think that by continuing to tell her story, her family ensures that she can continue to have an impact by changing the way cases involving missing black women are reported by the media and investigated by law enforcement. I thank her family for sharing her story with us and I pray that they have found peace.
Given what we all know about Tamika's death, I don't think this is a case where earlier media exposure would have changed the way her story ended but the reality is no one knew that until the truth came out well over a year after her disappearance. Why did the family have to beg for people to care?
I have the upmost respect and admiration for all of those who are working tirelessly to highlight the disparities in the way the way cases involving missing black women are investigated and reported. Even though Tamika was murdered back in 2004, Missing White Woman Syndrome still exists and so much work still needs to be done. This podcast did an excellent job of reporting not only the circumstances of Tamika's disappearance and death, but the fullness of her life and how much she meant to her family, her friends, and her community. It humanized her in a way that I think media outlets typically get wrong when reporting on black women who have been the victim of a crime.
My heart breaks for what happened to Tamika but I think that by continuing to tell her story, her family ensures that she can continue to have an impact by changing the way cases involving missing black women are reported by the media and investigated by law enforcement. I thank her family for sharing her story with us and I pray that they have found peace.
March 22, 2022
This was an incredibly interesting listen as to the media's preference for how they cover "missing persons" combined with a sad true crime story. Well worth the listen and free on Audible.
November 2, 2022
I, too am a Black Woman, mostly invisible in this world who's constantly intentional,one dimensional, unspoken rule of our erasure and eradication of us. But the Missing White Woman Syndrome and media's tunnel vision on rich and white women is the booming business and foundation of America as though everyone else don't matter. Black people are never seen as the victim but we all know we're the fruit in Americas quote unquote Apple Pie. Everyone knows the names of Lacy Peterson and them, but how come America can't morn the same in Black women or any other person of color. Our culture and women are revered but blatantly ignored on all facets until the world needs saving. Everyone needs a best friend name Zelda "Z" or an aunt Rebekah like Tamikas who wouldn't give up until the end! Black people are constantly shown in a negative light, but what if they changed the views? Too many Black women are trying to find our footing in this world. We're constantly saving everyone but who's saving us!!!! Black people always play the perpetrator or ones that inflict pain on others so they can leave us branded and to fit their narrative and frankly I'm TF over it. Over it! Tamika said over and over that death angels we're coming to get her. Did she know she was dying or who was going to kill her? Keys found in her car and A 15 year old girl helped in solving her death. Many thought it was her ex boyfriend, Torrance but Christopher Hampton, and his many lies....hmmmm. National coverage helped a great deal too. People came forward to give details of the apartment, an ex, a fingerprint, picture, blood, and so much, but what's the holdup? Tamika knew she wouldn't live to see 25....my God and her killer wondered if he would be like Moses? Moses, one that committed murder, was reformed, redeemed, and exhausted, chile please. This story gave me all the feels, geesh! The vast difference in coverage of Black women compared to white women ain't shocking but when do we as a nation stop and change this, WHEN? I'm beyond pissed. An Iron....a freaking iron. Familiar spirits? Communication from the dead? Precognitions, dreams. Somewhere in the woods, Tamika led them to her body through dreams. Complete chills took over my body, to be honest I'm still reeling from this story. This ain't no made for TV lifetime made up story, this is a real life story. The light encompassed in and through Tamika even through death..... We seriously need to rebalance those so-called justice scales ⚖️. Death is not final, it lingers on and in those living. More death, unexpected death, or was it guilt, damn. Tamika Houston wasn't an anomaly. Even before her death she was victimized, she was sexually assaulted by her orthodontist, her own father told her to sell herself. Her freaking father, ughhhhhh. Yet we allow men/government to make choices regarding womens body, we don't even have bodily autonomy.....I digress. We have to be aware and cautious of who we allow in our lives and space. The wounds are unsettling. 30 percent of people missing are People of Color, yet we hear nothing about it, NOTHING! There's so much evil in the world, too much. America needs and must do better! #Book35of2022 #Bookworm #Whatsnext
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2025
Okay, so you know how every few months there's the debate on if audiobooks are real books. I've never paid much intention to it because I read all formats, and I know for me audiobooks are books. However, after coming across this title, I am now contemplating the validity of podcast being considered books.
Finding Tamika came up under the Audible book search. It's listed on Goodreads and Storygraph. However, if you read the description, this is a collaboration of a 10-episode podcast That follows the disappearance and murder of a 24-year-old black woman.
A woman, like many others who the police didn't look for, and botched their investigation by not securing crime scenes, and only focusing on one suspect.
Had it not been for the fact that Tamika's aunt was actively working as a journalist and had connections and pull to get the public's attention and demand Justice be served, Tamika, like many others, may have just become a cold case.
I really appreciated this story. And the fact that it was created to shed light on not just Tamika. But how black and brown missing persons are treated within the justice system. This is not an isolated incident, it's something I felt passionate about since my early twenties. Everyone knows who Lacey Peterson is, yet nobody knows who Latoya Figuero is.
Both were pregnant women who went missing at the end were founded murdered by their partner. Music producer Damon Dash even offered an award for information on Latoya's disappearance, yet it never hit national news.
I feel weird counting this as a book, because it is a podcast. I didn't care for the excessive music That played in the background. It was said that there was a composer who put together a musical interlude in honor of Tamika, and I felt like a douche for not liking it. At one point there's an entire quote chapter that's just straight music. Which adds to my discomfort in saying that this is a book.
Overall, I found this educational, but it reminded me of the podcast Black Girl Gone. Kevin Hart and Charlemagne tha God helped produce this. It was narrated by Erica Alexander, these are very big names in Hollywood, so I just feel like the quality of the production doesn't match the people who are involved.
Finding Tamika came up under the Audible book search. It's listed on Goodreads and Storygraph. However, if you read the description, this is a collaboration of a 10-episode podcast That follows the disappearance and murder of a 24-year-old black woman.
A woman, like many others who the police didn't look for, and botched their investigation by not securing crime scenes, and only focusing on one suspect.
Had it not been for the fact that Tamika's aunt was actively working as a journalist and had connections and pull to get the public's attention and demand Justice be served, Tamika, like many others, may have just become a cold case.
I really appreciated this story. And the fact that it was created to shed light on not just Tamika. But how black and brown missing persons are treated within the justice system. This is not an isolated incident, it's something I felt passionate about since my early twenties. Everyone knows who Lacey Peterson is, yet nobody knows who Latoya Figuero is.
Both were pregnant women who went missing at the end were founded murdered by their partner. Music producer Damon Dash even offered an award for information on Latoya's disappearance, yet it never hit national news.
I feel weird counting this as a book, because it is a podcast. I didn't care for the excessive music That played in the background. It was said that there was a composer who put together a musical interlude in honor of Tamika, and I felt like a douche for not liking it. At one point there's an entire quote chapter that's just straight music. Which adds to my discomfort in saying that this is a book.
Overall, I found this educational, but it reminded me of the podcast Black Girl Gone. Kevin Hart and Charlemagne tha God helped produce this. It was narrated by Erica Alexander, these are very big names in Hollywood, so I just feel like the quality of the production doesn't match the people who are involved.
May 19, 2022
3.5 estrellas que subo a cuatro porque se lo merece.
No le he dado cuatro estrellas por la producción. No es que me parezca mala pero sí que distrae en algunos momentos de la historia principal. Hay un capítulo en especial en el que se desperdician bastantes minutos con música. No me molesta que haya música al final o principio, o ambos, de un capítulo. Pero que duren tanto sí que me molesta. Sobre todo cuando el tema es tan serio e interesante como en este caso.
Otro apunte que debo hacer acerca de este audiolibro si el inglés no es tu primer idioma, o no eres bilingüe, los acentos pueden resultar un poco difíciles al principio. Pero con un buen nivel de listening no habría problema. Se supone.
El tema que trata y las cuestiones de racismo institucional, etc. que plantea son, cuanto menos, de interés. Incluso aunque, en todo momento, esté enfocado en un país en concreto (obvio, EEUU). Además, es crimen real (True Crime) por lo que los "aficionados" al género ya sabemos lo que nos vamos a encontrar. Sí que es verdad que, como la mayoría de lo que consumo perteneciente a este género (ya sea audiovisual o literario) suele provenir de este país, siempre he notado que no abundan los casos de gente "no blanca" (otra vez, preferiría no tener que hacer distinciones por el color de piel). Así que este punto de vista es importante.
En cuanto al caso en concreto y el audiolibro, me ha gustado cómo se ha presentado a Tamika, su vida, sus circunstancias y su familia. Al principio sobre todo, la narración llegaba a ser un poco, espeluznante o algo así, vamos, que me ponía los pelos de punta. En algunos capítulos ha provocado, además, mi escepticismo, pero bueno, suelo tener bastante tolerancia con las creencias ajenas. Aunque me ha sacado bastante de la narración encontrarme con esos temas en esta producción. No me refiero a la religión, sino a temas paranormales.
Esta producción original de Audible está incluida en mi suscripción y no suelen decepcionar. Sobre todo cuando tratan estos temas.
No le he dado cuatro estrellas por la producción. No es que me parezca mala pero sí que distrae en algunos momentos de la historia principal. Hay un capítulo en especial en el que se desperdician bastantes minutos con música. No me molesta que haya música al final o principio, o ambos, de un capítulo. Pero que duren tanto sí que me molesta. Sobre todo cuando el tema es tan serio e interesante como en este caso.
Otro apunte que debo hacer acerca de este audiolibro si el inglés no es tu primer idioma, o no eres bilingüe, los acentos pueden resultar un poco difíciles al principio. Pero con un buen nivel de listening no habría problema. Se supone.
El tema que trata y las cuestiones de racismo institucional, etc. que plantea son, cuanto menos, de interés. Incluso aunque, en todo momento, esté enfocado en un país en concreto (obvio, EEUU). Además, es crimen real (True Crime) por lo que los "aficionados" al género ya sabemos lo que nos vamos a encontrar. Sí que es verdad que, como la mayoría de lo que consumo perteneciente a este género (ya sea audiovisual o literario) suele provenir de este país, siempre he notado que no abundan los casos de gente "no blanca" (otra vez, preferiría no tener que hacer distinciones por el color de piel). Así que este punto de vista es importante.
En cuanto al caso en concreto y el audiolibro, me ha gustado cómo se ha presentado a Tamika, su vida, sus circunstancias y su familia. Al principio sobre todo, la narración llegaba a ser un poco, espeluznante o algo así, vamos, que me ponía los pelos de punta. En algunos capítulos ha provocado, además, mi escepticismo, pero bueno, suelo tener bastante tolerancia con las creencias ajenas. Aunque me ha sacado bastante de la narración encontrarme con esos temas en esta producción. No me refiero a la religión, sino a temas paranormales.
Esta producción original de Audible está incluida en mi suscripción y no suelen decepcionar. Sobre todo cuando tratan estos temas.
November 28, 2023
I don't usually review true crime books. For I don't want it to come across like I'm rating the crimes or criminals.
However I want to review this audiobook because it is great, just not what I expected and I want to make sure other people know that this isn't your 'normal' true crime audiobook.
The story:
This book focussed a lot on the experiences of black people when dealing with media coverage. I had no idea. As an avid true crime reader I don't care about the color of a person's skin but I have noticed that you find mainly 'white coverage'.
There are many reasons for this but it is sad that this family had to fight so hard to get her story out there because media cares more about what their viewers might prefer than the life of a missing woman.
Rating audiobook:
I get it isn't for everyone. This audiobook was very different, yet a gem in many ways.
It wasn't facts and investigations told, it was a retelling of what happened through interviews. The narrator took you along with her in her journey to tell Tamika's story.
It is definitely a story that needs to be told! My heart goes out to her friends and family!
The background noises made it feel like you were actually, physically tagging along with Erika in her interviews. However it also ended up being very distracting at times.
I had a hard time keeping a timeline of the events to get a picture of what might have happened to Tamika. So at the end I didn't feel like I learned much about the events of Tamika's dissapearance.
Erika did a great job with this book to give this family and community a voice.
My heart goes out to Tamika's community, friends and family!
However I want to review this audiobook because it is great, just not what I expected and I want to make sure other people know that this isn't your 'normal' true crime audiobook.
The story:
This book focussed a lot on the experiences of black people when dealing with media coverage. I had no idea. As an avid true crime reader I don't care about the color of a person's skin but I have noticed that you find mainly 'white coverage'.
There are many reasons for this but it is sad that this family had to fight so hard to get her story out there because media cares more about what their viewers might prefer than the life of a missing woman.
Rating audiobook:
I get it isn't for everyone. This audiobook was very different, yet a gem in many ways.
It wasn't facts and investigations told, it was a retelling of what happened through interviews. The narrator took you along with her in her journey to tell Tamika's story.
It is definitely a story that needs to be told! My heart goes out to her friends and family!
The background noises made it feel like you were actually, physically tagging along with Erika in her interviews. However it also ended up being very distracting at times.
I had a hard time keeping a timeline of the events to get a picture of what might have happened to Tamika. So at the end I didn't feel like I learned much about the events of Tamika's dissapearance.
Erika did a great job with this book to give this family and community a voice.
My heart goes out to Tamika's community, friends and family!
April 2, 2022
This was a thoroughly researched story that was brought to life in a colorful way. I appreciate that there wasn’t super gory details about Tamikas death and that the murderers voice is not heard. This story is about Tamika and 100s of other missing Black girls who will never come home or be found. In the interviews we learn about Tamikas aunt being into PR and is a lawyer (also married to an NFL player) which really was the key to making this a headline case in the media. Similar to how Meek Mill talks about his experience with Philadelphia Police. He was only able to make it out the system because he had money and connections. Tamikas aunt brought Missing White Syndrome which is absolutely real & should be brought up every time when necessary during a missing persons case involving a Black girl or woman. Throughout the podcast I reflected on my own relationships with men and how I have put myself in danger because I wanted to see the best in these men. Or as women were taught to always be nice to men which can also cause danger for ourselves. It’s heartbreaking to think about all the twist and turns as Black woman we have to do be safe. All we want to do is live our lives unapologetically. I will tell everyone I can about you Tamika Houston. You are still here.
Also, how great is that this whole was put together by Maxine Shaw y’all?!
Also, how great is that this whole was put together by Maxine Shaw y’all?!
March 29, 2022
I'm so hesitant to gjve this two stars because the story is so important to tell. People should know about Tamika and other black women like her. So, yes. I would recommend this but I would do so with caveats. For that reason alone, I'm marking this as a three star read.
The music is awful. There's just too *much* of it. I found myself drumming my fingers wondering how long the refrain would go on. It took me out of the story repeatedly. It did more to distract than to enhance.
The storytelling is okay. Not great but not awful. I'm not sure why this is categorized as an audiobook though. It sounds more like a podcast or serial that's been compiled into one file. That was also mildly distracting.
At the end of the day though, the story is the most important piece here. The disregard for mmissing black women by law enforcement is alarming and disgusting. It's important to hear these stories and remember that society has a responsibility to value their lives as much as others.
Listen to it. Think about it. Advocate for them.
The music is awful. There's just too *much* of it. I found myself drumming my fingers wondering how long the refrain would go on. It took me out of the story repeatedly. It did more to distract than to enhance.
The storytelling is okay. Not great but not awful. I'm not sure why this is categorized as an audiobook though. It sounds more like a podcast or serial that's been compiled into one file. That was also mildly distracting.
At the end of the day though, the story is the most important piece here. The disregard for mmissing black women by law enforcement is alarming and disgusting. It's important to hear these stories and remember that society has a responsibility to value their lives as much as others.
Listen to it. Think about it. Advocate for them.
April 13, 2022
First, I have been a member of Audible for many years and love the perks I get with my annual membership. Audible Originals is the best, I feel privileged to be entertained, afraid and informed by the material. But this audible series touches home with a heavy heart. Recently, lost white women syndrome struck again with the Gaby Petito case and almost twenty years later I finally hear the story about Tamika Huston on Audible - told by a fantastic team highlighted by family input and first time audible’s narrator and Interviewer, the very talented, with a sublime voice Erika Alexander. Tamika was a young beautiful black voice that was silenced by a killer who had slipped in and out of her life with silent menace. I believe Tamika reached from beyond the grave to seek justice for herself through her loved ones and the law who had to be vigilant to catch a killer. Several years ago as well as this year I will donate/participate in a Black and Missing Foundation 5 K event. This is so important that black people who are missing with open cases be solved. These missing lives matter.
December 31, 2022
Three stars because there's a compelling story here.
While described and produced as an audiobook, as best I can tell this is a number of episodes of a true crime podcast stitched together and lightly edited to be one "book". In fact the author repeatedly refers to "the next episode". As such the story flow is a bit disjointed and each chapter teases the content and next chapter, like a podcast and not a book or even Audible original. The book would benefit a lot from some editing from podcast to a book.
That said, there's an engaging and compelling story about the disappearance of Tamika Huston and the search for what happened to her. There's also a lot of content AFTER the mystery is solved which has the same production quality but isn't as interesting as core to the story.
Highly recommend treating this as a series of podcasts and skipping liberally to get the core story and bypass the podcast styling.
While described and produced as an audiobook, as best I can tell this is a number of episodes of a true crime podcast stitched together and lightly edited to be one "book". In fact the author repeatedly refers to "the next episode". As such the story flow is a bit disjointed and each chapter teases the content and next chapter, like a podcast and not a book or even Audible original. The book would benefit a lot from some editing from podcast to a book.
That said, there's an engaging and compelling story about the disappearance of Tamika Huston and the search for what happened to her. There's also a lot of content AFTER the mystery is solved which has the same production quality but isn't as interesting as core to the story.
Highly recommend treating this as a series of podcasts and skipping liberally to get the core story and bypass the podcast styling.
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