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Abnormal Lives: A Novel
Engaging, provocative, and decadent, two lonely cousins make their own way in the world when everyone else abandons them. C ousins Simone and Stefan are forced to prostitute themselves to make ends meet. Stefan is disowned by his father, rejected by his peers and family, and bullied because of his sexuality until he finally gains the courage to stand up for himself. Sadly, his boyfriend is simply using him for money and romancing women on the side. Simone has a hard time making friends, and the only friends she has are cross-dressers. All they have is each other. Their friendship is the one thing that makes them feel invincible against the hatred toward them. But when everyone is dishonest about their indiscretions, friendships fall apart. Abnormal Lives takes readers from the despair of a life of crime to the hope and redemption of spirituality and love.
288 pages, Paperback
First published November 22, 2011
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25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 23, 2012
I received this book for review from Strebor Books, the publisher.
I really liked this book overall. Stefan and Simone were interesting main characters with a crazy life story. After their Grandma passed, they had to fend and raise themselves. Their easy way of earning money was prostitution, but it's not as easy as they thought it was.
This book kept me pretty interested throughout, but I had Stefan's secret figured out from the very beginning when Simone was digging through his gym bag. The ending could have been better in my opinion. It ended too abruptly like there will be a sequel. Not sure there would even be enough left to tell about Simone to make another book. One great thing about the books released by Strebor, is the editing. They are always on point with editing and this one fell right in line with that.I would read another book by Rae.
I rate this book 3.5 out of 5 stars!
http://www.hoteatsandcoolreads.com/20...
I really liked this book overall. Stefan and Simone were interesting main characters with a crazy life story. After their Grandma passed, they had to fend and raise themselves. Their easy way of earning money was prostitution, but it's not as easy as they thought it was.
This book kept me pretty interested throughout, but I had Stefan's secret figured out from the very beginning when Simone was digging through his gym bag. The ending could have been better in my opinion. It ended too abruptly like there will be a sequel. Not sure there would even be enough left to tell about Simone to make another book. One great thing about the books released by Strebor, is the editing. They are always on point with editing and this one fell right in line with that.I would read another book by Rae.
I rate this book 3.5 out of 5 stars!
http://www.hoteatsandcoolreads.com/20...
October 10, 2011
The book first introduces you to Simone,she hopes and dreams and desires to be a designer. And much like most creative people Simone needs inspirtion and family support which was void in her life. She tries to capture a feeling of family joining together with her cousin Stefan to conquer the world after losing their grandmother the only caring relative in their lives. Its a book of pain, survival, hope and what can happen when actions are taken without considering the consequences of ones actions. Looking forward to the sequel. Review base on advance proof copy.
March 22, 2012
Abnormal Lives By Rae was an Absolute Page turner!! Ms. Rae was able to create a story that had me captivated from page one. She Developed a story about two cousins who was trying to make it against all the odds that was stacked against them. The story was filled with Drama, unexpected twists, suspense, and just enough raunchiness to keep you tantalized. By the time you reach the end of the book you'll be so entranced with the story you won't want it to end. Ms. Rae did an EXCELLENT job and I can't wait to read more books from this talented author.
September 16, 2011
A Damn Good Book!
This book was jaw dropping, a true page turner that kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more. While reading the book I could visualize each scene. This book will make you laugh and make you cry. I hope the author writes a sequel to this novel. I reviewed an advanced uncorrected copy of this book.
This book was jaw dropping, a true page turner that kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more. While reading the book I could visualize each scene. This book will make you laugh and make you cry. I hope the author writes a sequel to this novel. I reviewed an advanced uncorrected copy of this book.
November 27, 2011
A Different World….
“Abnormal Lives” by Rae is a novel that definitely keeps the reader wanting more. I found this book to be very exciting and a definite page turner.
This novel entails a story of two cousins, Simone and Stefan, that want nothing but the finer things in life with little to bring to the table other than sex. Simone is young and beautiful and exploits her body to earn a living and to gain a head start amongst the others within her neighborhood. Stefan, a young male, desperately wants to become a female, which has been an issue with his family and friends who would not accept the change in his sexuality. Together, Simone and Stefan are devious, very promiscuous, and would do anything for a small piece of change. Will they succeed with their endeavors of becoming successful living in the world of sex?
I absolutely love this book because it contains so much drama. This novel was excellent with the quality and contained no spelling or grammar errors, which was a plus to me. “Abnormal Lives” seems to be true to reality as many people are struggling day to day in this tough economy and some think they can do other things to remain on top without putting forth the hard work and maintaining a sufficient level of education. I give “Kudos” to the author, Rae, and I’m looking forward to the sequel. Good Job!
Reviewed by: Tekisha
“Abnormal Lives” by Rae is a novel that definitely keeps the reader wanting more. I found this book to be very exciting and a definite page turner.
This novel entails a story of two cousins, Simone and Stefan, that want nothing but the finer things in life with little to bring to the table other than sex. Simone is young and beautiful and exploits her body to earn a living and to gain a head start amongst the others within her neighborhood. Stefan, a young male, desperately wants to become a female, which has been an issue with his family and friends who would not accept the change in his sexuality. Together, Simone and Stefan are devious, very promiscuous, and would do anything for a small piece of change. Will they succeed with their endeavors of becoming successful living in the world of sex?
I absolutely love this book because it contains so much drama. This novel was excellent with the quality and contained no spelling or grammar errors, which was a plus to me. “Abnormal Lives” seems to be true to reality as many people are struggling day to day in this tough economy and some think they can do other things to remain on top without putting forth the hard work and maintaining a sufficient level of education. I give “Kudos” to the author, Rae, and I’m looking forward to the sequel. Good Job!
Reviewed by: Tekisha
September 17, 2011
Impressive Debut.
A riveting story of two cousins growing up without the support or love from their families who forged a bond to support each other while living volatile lifestyles. This book is very engaging. The novel brings the characters to life. The cover depicts two photos of what appears to be average individuals but the storyline changes them to anything but average. After reading the book one can't help but wonder if the name came first and Author Rae wrote to the name or if she wrote the book first and decided on a name. I don't think this book could have had a better title. The storyline was developed in a logical exciting sequence. After finishing the book the characters pictured on the front cover took on a whole new light. The book was filled with mystery, street intelligence, self-hatred, love, understanding, forgiveness and an overwhelming desire to be loved and cared for. This book is a great read and deserves a sequel! It's hard to believe this is her first published work a book filled with character rich in personality, style and danger. I will be on the lookout for other works by this author. (This review is based on an Advanced uncorrected copy of the novel)
A riveting story of two cousins growing up without the support or love from their families who forged a bond to support each other while living volatile lifestyles. This book is very engaging. The novel brings the characters to life. The cover depicts two photos of what appears to be average individuals but the storyline changes them to anything but average. After reading the book one can't help but wonder if the name came first and Author Rae wrote to the name or if she wrote the book first and decided on a name. I don't think this book could have had a better title. The storyline was developed in a logical exciting sequence. After finishing the book the characters pictured on the front cover took on a whole new light. The book was filled with mystery, street intelligence, self-hatred, love, understanding, forgiveness and an overwhelming desire to be loved and cared for. This book is a great read and deserves a sequel! It's hard to believe this is her first published work a book filled with character rich in personality, style and danger. I will be on the lookout for other works by this author. (This review is based on an Advanced uncorrected copy of the novel)
April 5, 2014
Excellent Read! OMG! I have been a voracious reader since age 5, and am partial to J. California Cooper, Cairo and Allison Hobbs types of authors. This book right here???? Had me on the edge of my seat and came to such positive conclusions that I had to review it! Mos Def a "good-read" ! I loved it! Rae Johnson is a great storyteller!
September 16, 2011
this book was an okay read. it had its high points and its low points where the story really dragged. the ending left much to be desired
February 6, 2012
Simone AND Stefan were a mess. I did not like them at all. I liked Simone more than Stefan. He was a bitch! UGh, but good read lol
July 20, 2012
I really enjoyed this book! It held my attention the whole time. I hope there is a second book!
July 14, 2015
this book was really very sad. it had a good story line and was very real to what people will do to survive overall I enjoyed it
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews