Wifebeater

by Mann Frisby

Blinking Red Light was the debut of an explosive natural-born talent who set it off on the first page and never let up. Now, Mister Mann Frisby drives the urban thriller in a graphic new direction as three players cross tracks on the night streets of North Philly.

It goes like Sticks is a struggling single dad doing everything he can to dodge any slip-up that could give his ex-wife custody of their daughter. He needs money to keep that from happening. Then Sticks stumbles on a bootleg video of a rap star with a solid rep, caught on tape doing something that could ruin his career and send him to jail. Sticks's friend Kheli convinces him that it's the get-rich scam he needs. Blackmail the punk. But Kheli's got an agenda of her own, the rapper isn't in the mood to play, and the word on the street is Sticks is a dead man.

A nightmare of stunning reversals and violent twists of fate, Wifebeater is a thriller all right. Now there's no turning back.

Genres: Urban

304 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2005

Reviews

[I'mher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this many years ago when it first came out, and recently reread it because it's one of my favorite books. It's as riveting and well-written as "The Coldest Winter Ever" by Sister Souljah. I personally think this book is a literary masterpiece. Loved the masculine POV and black storytelling style as well and original voice of the author. It feels like you are listening to someone talk, not reading a book, which, is a very uncommon writing style, especially from a black POV. EXTREMELY ENTERTAINING BOOK. Which is not easy to do because you're creating a picture with words. I'm from Philly and loved how he put famous places in Philly and Philly language in the book. Mister Mann Frisby is an excellent storyteller. Whoever doesn't appreciate the book for what it is, probably likes limited writing styles. It doesn't need to be realistic...(to me, it is, because I've lived an extraordinary life) It's a STORY. Give this book a try. This book is multi layered. Can be read within one sitting if you have the whole da.

[Salsabrarian]

****SPOILERS*** Saludeen is a black man in Philadelphia who is devoted to his 2-year-old daughter Brie. He struggles financially and has primary custody of Brie. He can't stand Brie's mother Minerva and doesn't want Brie growing up under too much of her influence. One morning he pops in a Teletubbies tape for Brie that his mother picked up at a yard sale. In the middle of the tape is video of the nation's hottest rapper, Snatch-Back and his entourage gang-raping a blonde. Saludeen isn't sure what to do with this. He takes up a suggestion by his best friend Kheli to blackmail Snatch-Back with the tape for $1 million. But Saludeen soon finds himself in too deep especially when Brie is kidnapped...and none other by Kheli who's betrayed him. A rather fractured mystery littered with Philadelphia urban slang.

[Porsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book it is so emotional and I think that it is really based on some things that still is happening in north philly today.Stick character reminds me of a couple of people I know around my way.He is the type that has a heart but get caught up in the wrong things but at least he was doing something right and that was taking care of his daughter.He gets caught up in so many things to prevent her from leaving him.It is a really good book and it had me full of emotional especially when it start to get really juicy and there is no turning back you can't put it down this really is a really good book and I loved it.

[Brooklyn Darkchild · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whatever you do, don't miss this one. I mean, what a great book. I almost passed because domestic violence as a subject has been overdone. I was mistaken about the topic, though; Mister Frisby was referring to the t-shirt, and by the first few pages I was hooked.

The characters were outrageous and over top; so was the plot, but it was sooo artistically done it didn't matter. I LIKED that the plot was different and unique. Sometimes it seems as if writers keep recycling the same trite plot lines over and over again. The twist with the wifebeater was the icing on the cake.

As I said: don't let this one pass you by.

[Erica Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fast read, suspenseful from beginning to end.

[Brooklyn Donne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man did I enjoy this book! I was shaking my head like..wow no they did not do that! Lol and some friend she was...