My Brother's Keeper

My Brother's Keeper #1

by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

In a captivating novel that is both humorous and heart wrenching, ReShonda Tate Billingsley spins a touching story that follows a young woman trying to navigate love after tragedy strikes her family, and what it means for her to move on.Aja James hasn't had it easy. After the loss of their mother at their father’s hand, Aja has kept a close watch over her siblings. The three siblings much find a way to recover from their family’s history, but it’s not clear how. Tired of carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders, Aja is finally ready for a change that she hopes could lead her down the path of find someone to love. Her best friend, Roxie, knows just what to do—she sets Aja up on a date with one of the most sought-after bachelors in town, handsome sportscaster Charles Clayton. Charles is everything Aja has ever dreamed of—sensitive, sexy, and charming. But "happily ever after" isn't that simple. While Aja has begun to heal from the loss of her parents, her sister and brother have not. Jada is lost in a world of silence with no way for Aja to reach her, and Eric's uncontrollable rage is wreaking havoc on his life. As Aja sees her brother heading down the same violent path that destroyed their family, she makes it her business to stop the cycle—even if it means putting her own life, and her own chance at love, on hold. My Brother's Keeper is a poignant novel about a resilient family learning that sometimes you have to forgive in order to find the strength to move on.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Christian

385 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2003

About the author

ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a general assignment reporter for KRIV-TV, the Fox affiliate in Houston, Texas. She is the author of the nonfiction book Help! I've Turned Into My Mother! and three previous adult novels: My Brother's Keeper, for which she received the prestigious Gold Pen Award for Best New Author from the Black Writer's Alliance and the Nova Lee Nation Award from the Greater Dallas Writing Association; the national bestseller Let the Church Say Amen, chosen for Library Journal's Best of 2004 list for Christian fiction; and I Know I've Been Changed, a Main Selection of the Black Expressions Book Club.
Her previous Christian teen novels are Nothing But Drama and Blessings in Disguise, both available from Pocket Books.
She is also a contributor to the story anthology Have a Little Faith.

Reviews

[E.N. Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One word for this woman right here: Trailblazer. One word for this woman's writing: Trailblazing. She put the drama in Christian drama. No one can take that title from her.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I re read this book in anticipation of reading the new one. I wanted to remember What Aja went through, especially in light of seeing so many reactions to her character in the new book. I really liked the story line, and especially that it was mentioned that therapy is needed, which is something that we still hesitate to do in our community in this day and age. I can't wait to see what happens next to the characters and their families.

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Brother's Keeper by ReShonda Tate Billingsley (2001/2003)
My Brother's Keeper #1
8h 14m narrated by Janina, 304 pages

Genre: Domestic Urban Fiction

Featuring: 1986, Spousal Abuse, 1998, Houston, Texas; Mental Health Care, NBA Prospect, Siblings, Trauma, Orphans, Forgiveness Trope, Counselor Turned Youth Services Director, Friendships, Dating, Drama, Prayers, Sex - Detailed, Blockbuster, PTSD, Violence

Rating as a movie: R for adult content

Songs for the soundtrack: Run-D.M.C., Whitney Houston, Keith Sweat, Puff Daddy, "Make ’em Say Ugh" by Master P. featuring Mia X, Fiend, Silkk the Shocker, and Mystikal; Kenny G., Natalie Cole, Macy Gray, Brian McKnight, Geto Boys

Books and Authors mentioned: Imitation of Life by Eleanore Griffin and Allan Scott [remake of] Imitation of Life by William J. Hurlbut [based on] Imitation of Life by Fannie Hurst; Love & Basketball by Gina Prince-Bythewood, The Hurricane by Armyan Bernstein and Dan Gordon [based on] Lazarus and the Hurricane by Sam Chaiton and Terry Swinton [and based on] The Sixteenth Round by Rubin Carter; Frequency by Toby Emmerich

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🇨🇱🤦🏾‍♀️🏀

My thoughts: 📱38% 3:07:15 Part I Chapter 15 - I picked this book up because I saw a review for the Stolen Daughter that hinted it was a follow-up to this book. I'm not sure if that's the case, but now I have to also read the actual follow-up More to Life as well. So far, it's a good story, but the language is a little messy, and I don't see how it's Inspirational at all.
📱84% 6:56:02 Part II Chapter 38 - I just knew I would be finishing this story tonight. It is currently my most intriguing book. I even downloaded Book 2 during this session. Unfortunately, my feelings about this story chink shortly after doing so. I don't really care for any of the characters which isn't always a problem but the main character really is getting on my nerves and I kind of regret getting booked too since I know it's all about her. It's too late now. Once I download a book, I have to give it a chance, but the last few chapters annoyed me, so I'm going to have to take a break from this story.

I have Book 2, so I'm going to start it, but I didn’t like the way this story went. I was surprised by the profanity and sex, but I guess she wrote Urban Fiction before Inspirational. I didn't care for Aja, her best friend Roxy, or her family, and I couldn't stand her brother. I was not rooting for her to forgive her father, and I don't understand why they chose that title.

Recommend to others: Maybe but not out of the gate, I'll need a reason.

My Brother's Keeper
1. My Brother's Keeper
2. More to Life

[Purple Heart 💜 Book Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brother got in my nerves more than anyone…. I really hate pity parties and he was one big Ass pity party….

[ShayBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reshonda has delivered another great story that deal with families and their everyday life, this story is so relatable to people I know. I actually thought some parts of the story was about a family I knew. The story kept me engaged from beginning to end. I found my self talking to her characters and getting emotional. Great story and look forward to the next book.

[Dani Quickley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good depiction of the lasting impact that childhood trauma can have on a person’s life. All three siblings experienced the same trauma, yet they responded in different ways. I’m interested in seeing if things work out for Aja in the next book.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent per usual! :)

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book! Aja, Eric and Jada were placed in a terrible situation when their dad acted out as a result of his own feelings of inadequacy. What a life to have to live with. I was sad, mad and happy all at once. Thankfully in the end Aja could move on and thank God Charles and Troy both loved her enough to be there for her. A great novel!

[Pamela Murrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a story of 3 siblings who faced a tragic event in their youth. They never grt over it and it manifested in their adult lives in mental health ways. While the story had themes of, love, friendship, forgiveness and mental health I felt like the theme of mental health wasn't addressed well in the story. One of the main character's significant other cleary had some issues after another tragic event near the end wasn't addressed it was just chalked up that they will never be the same again. The overall story was ok.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine my shock browsing at the library. I though I had read everything by Reshonda, but I missed this one. And I'll have to say, it was an excellent story and I am so glad to have been able to read it.

[Tamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.48

A good calm read...nothing excitable.

[Abigai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose the book, My Brother's Keeper, mostly because of the drama in it. It was all throughout the book and made the it worth reading. I also liked that the book would switch perspectives between the main character, Aja and her brother, Eric. This kept it interesting with new perspectives. I liked how the theme of the book was family first. One of parts of the book that I enjoyed is when Aja went to the store with Eric. At that point of the book you could see a different side of Eric that was always happy and was caring to his sister.
One of the issues in the book that kind of bugged me was that it would get really sad. All of the characters in my book have went through hard things in the past and that has effected all of them hugely. Almost all of them had some type of a mental disorder. That made it hard to read about them struggle on a daily.
I think I would recommend my book. My Brother's Keeper definitely exceeded my expectations. I originally just chose a random book because I couldn't choose one. I thought that it would be bad because of the cover. It almost looked a little old. On the cover of the book it also said that the author also wrote a book called, Let The Church Say Amen. That made me think it would more of a religious book, but it wasn't. The book kept the sense of family. The drama also stayed interesting all though out the book. I usually get bored of a lot of books but with this one, I stayed entertained.

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Power of Forgiveness

Aja James and her siblings, Jada and Eric, witnessed turmoil in their parents’ relationship after their father was laid off from his job. Although the death of a parent was an accident the children suffered greatly which leads to them not trusting others and not dealing with their anger. Aja is the oldest of her siblings and feels responsible for the welfare of Eric and Jada even though it may require her needs to be a lesser priority.

Jada was committed to mental rehabilitation center because she depressed and withdrew from family. Eric has unresolved anger management issues that impact his career and his relationship with Elise. Was Eric becoming his father with the alcoholism? Aja meets the man of her dreams but she cannot understand why Charles picked her. With her family baggage, she afraid to love and claims she is not ready. Will Roxie, Charles, Aunt Shirley, and Elise finally get through? Who is forgiveness for? When you do not forgive and let go that negative energy turns into hate and bitterness.

[Samantha Dorjmenchim · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Brother's Keeper is one of the first books in a long time that has kept me fully engaged. The story painted by ReShonda Tate Billingsley has constantly stayed on my mind since finishing the book. The opening chapter perfectly caught my attention and continued to hold it through Aja's journey of becoming larger than her trauma and Eric's tragic downfall. I often placed myself in Aja's shoes, and every single time I struggle to find it in myself to even tolerate Gerald especially after Eric's untimely and tragic death. I rarely give 5 stars, and I won't try to argue that this will be a 5 star novel to everyone, however, it is a book that truly touched me and influenced me to think deeper about loss, forgiveness, and moving on. This was all done to a student doing a required reading for a grade. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a well written emotional book.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eric and Aja needed counseling and their passive rejection of the warning signs was appalling! Mental health awareness and sensitivity was sacrificed for the story line, in my humble opinion. The story of the Black family and Mental Health issues... denial, Denial, DENIAL!! I hated "the lie" was not resolved at the end. Aja was HUMAN and we all fail but she is gonna pay for that one-night comfort!

I read this book for the sequel. Was it worth it! Resounding, yes, for a hopping plot!! I really think this one is better than the sequel. Sequel starting very slow... Bratty kids who take Mama for granted is my pet peeve!

[Alison Cleveland · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Brother’s Keeper is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking story that takes on heavy themes like family trauma, suicide, and mental health with honesty and care. ReShonda Tate Billingsley does a powerful job weaving together pain, growth, and hope as the characters navigate incredibly difficult experiences.
One of the most impactful elements of the book is its message about the importance of seeking help and the healing that can come from forgiveness. The main character’s journey—especially learning to love herself and allow others to love her—is moving and relatable.
This is a strong, heartfelt read that reminds us healing is possible, even after deep hurt.

[Shoshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The siblings are all deeply traumatized by the night their father killed their mother. They bring their anger, fear, and maladaptive coping mechanism into their present, poisoning their relationships. Each sibling has different hold ups: the younger sister is deeply depressed and never talks, the brother struggles with his temper to avoid becoming his father, the older sister struggles with trust and feeling of responsibility. All of them need therapy.

[La’Sha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this book years ago and loved it! This book will make you realize what you have once it’s gone. Deals with family, relationship and friendship battles in everyday life. I was hooked right after the first chapter. I didn’t want to put this book down. I laughed, said AWWW about 100 times, gotten mad and cried.. most definitely a book to add to your collection. I didn’t even know there was a book 2!

[Marlene Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Brother's Keeper

I've read a couple of ReShonda's books and enjoy her writing. I was a little upset over the fact that Eric took his life. I did so enjoyed the book Was overjoyed that Charles and Aja was, finally able to get together as they should be.. Happy Jada started coming out of the state she was in. Overall really enjoyed the book.




!

[LaChelle Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTB is a master storyteller. I love her writing style which is always mixed with a little faith, wit and humor. Aja was truly her brother’s keeper but to the detriment of her own well-being and happiness at times. A reminder that it’s okay to put self first. I’m looking forward to catching up with Aja in the sequel, More to Life.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children are a product of their environment. Aja’s childhood experiences affected her life as an adult. Why did she feel obligated to become the caregiver for her siblings? Will she ever be able to truly share unconditional love? Can she open her heart to forgiveness? Read this fast pace, heart wrenching book about family, mental health, unemployment, love, truthfulness and forgiveness.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always the author’s writing is spectacular. This book captures how events from one’s past can affect you as an adult if the problems are not dealt with. Mental health is a real problem. ReShonda did a great job with the characters and helping me as the reader to feel each of their emotions. Overall this was a great book.

[ToniReads_1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a deep read. Funny, heart warming, and gut wrenching. Am a James has a lot on her plate but then again she continues to over load it. An excellent storyline that is relatable. A page turner to say the least because you want to know what's going to happen next. An excellent read that will touch you.

[DeAja]

DNF at pg 198. I just don’t care to finish this, I’m not invested in the characters. Aja makes dumb decisions and Eric clearly has anger issues that he dismisses. I’m just over it and I’m honestly shocked because this is not my first RTB book and I liked her other ones.

Update: I skimmed the rest of it and got the gist of what happens

[Robinett Versey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unforgivable

All of Reshonda’s novels are great, but this one was dynamic! It was so realistic, heartbreaking. heart wrenching, and hopeful.
This novel allowed me to actual see how an unforgiving spirit can actually ruin your life and others involved. Another Great Task Completed!

[Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is amazing! I love the way she tells stories. It is difficult to put her books down. The story was written really well. The pace was good, never a dull moment. I definitely recommend this book. The only thing that surprised me was the language.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good. I just wish it had more of a focus on mental health and therapy. Therapy should have been introduced much earlier in the book. Aside from mentioning to one character to seek it out, it was touched on only once.

[Mary Calton Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written

The author completed a painful and poignant story. I liked the mention of counseling and forgiveness to heal for oneself. This book held my attention although emotional at times.

[Terri Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Award winning debut novel

I read this book before I started More to Life, as I wanted to understand the characters. I loved the story and look forward to the newest release.

[Cathy Chase · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very heart warming

This story is the life lived by so many in this world. Heart warming knowing she was a fighter and survivor.