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Snitch
In Jersey City the code of the streets is simple. No matter what, you don't talk to the cops. You don't snitch. But when young bus driver Andre Bolden witnesses a murder on his route, the code gets personal and every decision leads him deeper into worlds that he never intended to enter.
In this rich story that ratchets up the tension and suspense at every turn, the reality of life on the street is infused with spiritual truth. Gifted storyteller Booker T. Mattison's realistic tale of revenge and redemption offers hope about the strength of community against violence and intimidation.
Early Praise for
" Snitch absorbed me to the point that I felt that my life and the lives of my family were at stake. It's just that good. Snitch should be required reading for anyone with a pulse and a conscience."-- Lisa Cortés , executive producer of the Academy Award nominated film Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
"AMAZING--down to the last line. Bravo!"-- Victoria Christopher Murray , Essence bestselling author
In this rich story that ratchets up the tension and suspense at every turn, the reality of life on the street is infused with spiritual truth. Gifted storyteller Booker T. Mattison's realistic tale of revenge and redemption offers hope about the strength of community against violence and intimidation.
Early Praise for
" Snitch absorbed me to the point that I felt that my life and the lives of my family were at stake. It's just that good. Snitch should be required reading for anyone with a pulse and a conscience."-- Lisa Cortés , executive producer of the Academy Award nominated film Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
"AMAZING--down to the last line. Bravo!"-- Victoria Christopher Murray , Essence bestselling author
287 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
12 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 15, 2011
Darkness is His Shroud
New Jersey Transit bus driver Andre is minding his own business and doing his job finishing up his route when he witnesses a murder. To snitch or not to snitch is the question. That decision may no longer be his to make as the murderer sees Andre’s face and has no intentions of going to prison.
SNITCH had my full attention immediately and never let go. Mattison’s flow and style are smooth. I found Andre, a wounded soul, with his flaws and struggles to be a very interesting character that I emotionally attached myself to and I couldn’t help but want the best for him. I also enjoyed the incorporation of his thoughts through poems.
I really liked this book all the way up until the end. And that would be my only complaint and that brought down the overall reading experience. The ending was rather abrupt and things were left in the air. I wasn’t looking for everything to be neatly packaged or addressed as that’s not possible or realistic, but I wanted more closure than was given. With that said, though, I hope there is not a sequel. I’ll just allow my imagination to bring the characters to my own conclusions. However, with a very interesting cast of characters, a testament to the author’s skills, I wouldn’t mind learning more about one or more in a spin-off of sorts. And while I didn’t find the novel too preachy, I could see how some others might.
Booker T. Mattison spins a tale that is emotional and moving, and it works. Andre is a testament to anyone who has suffered loss. Themes of spirituality, growth, healing, redemption and triumph echo.
I look forward to Mattison’s next endeavor.
New Jersey Transit bus driver Andre is minding his own business and doing his job finishing up his route when he witnesses a murder. To snitch or not to snitch is the question. That decision may no longer be his to make as the murderer sees Andre’s face and has no intentions of going to prison.
SNITCH had my full attention immediately and never let go. Mattison’s flow and style are smooth. I found Andre, a wounded soul, with his flaws and struggles to be a very interesting character that I emotionally attached myself to and I couldn’t help but want the best for him. I also enjoyed the incorporation of his thoughts through poems.
I really liked this book all the way up until the end. And that would be my only complaint and that brought down the overall reading experience. The ending was rather abrupt and things were left in the air. I wasn’t looking for everything to be neatly packaged or addressed as that’s not possible or realistic, but I wanted more closure than was given. With that said, though, I hope there is not a sequel. I’ll just allow my imagination to bring the characters to my own conclusions. However, with a very interesting cast of characters, a testament to the author’s skills, I wouldn’t mind learning more about one or more in a spin-off of sorts. And while I didn’t find the novel too preachy, I could see how some others might.
Booker T. Mattison spins a tale that is emotional and moving, and it works. Andre is a testament to anyone who has suffered loss. Themes of spirituality, growth, healing, redemption and triumph echo.
I look forward to Mattison’s next endeavor.
June 9, 2013
I happened upon this novel one day while perusing a Christian bookstore, and decided to read it for a reading/reviewing challenge. At first, I was a little unsure about the urban fiction feel of this story, trying to understand why it was considered Christian fiction; however, I am super happy that I gave it a chance. Snitch follows the story of Andre, a city bus driver who witnesses a murder while working his route. The killer knows there is a witness, invoking a manhunt for the person who can ID the criminal. Meanwhile, Andre is trying to reunite with the mother of his child, Sandra, and be a reliable figure in the life of his son; however, Sandra has rededicated her life to God and refuses to continue to let Andre lead her into sin. With each day that passes, Andre must fight to reclaim and protect his family as the murderer and events surrounding the murder inch closer and closer.
Snitch is a worthy read. It fuses inspirational, suspense, and urban fiction together in an intelligent manner. Mattison has created a realistic tale that shows the development of the main character from mediocrity to living with purpose. His path is ridden with snares and traps, but through it all, the novel demonstrates the sovereignty of God even in the bleakest situations. This is book I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good inspirational read.
Snitch is a worthy read. It fuses inspirational, suspense, and urban fiction together in an intelligent manner. Mattison has created a realistic tale that shows the development of the main character from mediocrity to living with purpose. His path is ridden with snares and traps, but through it all, the novel demonstrates the sovereignty of God even in the bleakest situations. This is book I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good inspirational read.
May 13, 2011
Snitch is an absorbing novel that explores faith, justice, and community while telling an intense tale that is pulled directly from urban life.
Read my full review here: http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...
Read my full review here: http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...
December 13, 2011
Snitch is a gritty novel that I couldn't stop reading. The characters were complex and the story was insightful regarding the human condition. Plus, the action was almost non-stop. To me it felt like the people in the story were real people, and a couple of times I was scared myself, so I can only imagine how the people felt who lived in that gang-infested neighborhood. The slang and dialog the characters used made the story feel even more authentic to me. The author did a fantastic job with the setting as well. At times I felt like I was living on the streets, too. I loved how the author didn't hold back and told it like he saw it. So many books soft-step the tough issues and water them down. This book kept it real, which I appreciated.
There were a number of complexities in this novel that I found impressive. So many spiritual issues were dealt with, but in a relevant way. I felt bad for Andre on so many levels and found his transformation quite compelling. He really hit an all-time low when he ended up homeless and couldn't get a job. His son loved him dearly, but Andre couldn't even provide for him, which broke my heart. Everything seemed to spiral downward, and a few times he'd almost given up hope. Those scenes were well-written. I could see the temptation to end it all, but I also saw God's hand in Andre's life. Some good men came alongside Andre and helped lift his head. The theme of men helping and supporting other men in need really touched my heart. It also made me crave some hot wings, lol!
Last, I loved that the author didn't spare the characters any pain. Bad things happened, and just when you thought things couldn't possibly get any worse, they did. Snitch was difficult to put down and held my attention for the duration of the novel. I read it quickly. The prose was well-written, the poetry was insightful and engaging, and the plot went far beyond what I thought it would when I started reading. I kept forgetting it wasn't real life. This sophomore effort by Mattison tops his prior book, and I didn't think it could get any better than Unsigned Hype. Snitch is a keeper. I highly recommend it.
There were a number of complexities in this novel that I found impressive. So many spiritual issues were dealt with, but in a relevant way. I felt bad for Andre on so many levels and found his transformation quite compelling. He really hit an all-time low when he ended up homeless and couldn't get a job. His son loved him dearly, but Andre couldn't even provide for him, which broke my heart. Everything seemed to spiral downward, and a few times he'd almost given up hope. Those scenes were well-written. I could see the temptation to end it all, but I also saw God's hand in Andre's life. Some good men came alongside Andre and helped lift his head. The theme of men helping and supporting other men in need really touched my heart. It also made me crave some hot wings, lol!
Last, I loved that the author didn't spare the characters any pain. Bad things happened, and just when you thought things couldn't possibly get any worse, they did. Snitch was difficult to put down and held my attention for the duration of the novel. I read it quickly. The prose was well-written, the poetry was insightful and engaging, and the plot went far beyond what I thought it would when I started reading. I kept forgetting it wasn't real life. This sophomore effort by Mattison tops his prior book, and I didn't think it could get any better than Unsigned Hype. Snitch is a keeper. I highly recommend it.
July 18, 2011
Title: SNITCH
Author: Booker T. Mattison
Publisher: Revell
May 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3396-4
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary/suspense
On the streets of Jersey City there is a simple code. You don’t talk to the cops. You don’t snitch. Period.
Andre Bolden is a college drop out. And a screw up. The best he has managed to do is a third-shift bus driving gig, which is enough to pay his rent and child support. But then trouble happens. Andre witnesses a crime on his route. And he is forced to make a choice. Keep quiet, and lose his job—if anyone finds out—or tell the police and lose his family or his life…
A player when Andre was in college, he manages to get a girl pregnant, and now he’s the parent of a 14 month old baby boy. He and his girlfriend have broken up, but now Andre realizes that Sandra was the best thing that ever happened to him. Jealous when she sees others, he causes her some very embarrassing moments. And Sandra has found ‘religion’ and Andre isn’t very sure how to take that.
Will Andre make the right decision—and what is the right decision?
SNITCH is the first book I’ve ever read by Booker T. Mattison, and it’s the first book I can ever recall reading in third person/present tense. I’m not sure I like that style combo; it kept me out of the story, and was like reading a screen script, minus the action cues.
However, the story was good, the action, the drama, and the soul-searching non-stop. Mr. Mattison is a very talented author. I was taken out of my rural environment and plucked down in the middle of a very urban area that I didn’t understand. Scenes are kept short and are in points of view ranging from our hero, Andre, to Sandra, to the bad guy, the police, etc. And some points of view are from the author’s point of view. And I absolutely do not get the last line of the book. $14.99. 290 pages.
Author: Booker T. Mattison
Publisher: Revell
May 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3396-4
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary/suspense
On the streets of Jersey City there is a simple code. You don’t talk to the cops. You don’t snitch. Period.
Andre Bolden is a college drop out. And a screw up. The best he has managed to do is a third-shift bus driving gig, which is enough to pay his rent and child support. But then trouble happens. Andre witnesses a crime on his route. And he is forced to make a choice. Keep quiet, and lose his job—if anyone finds out—or tell the police and lose his family or his life…
A player when Andre was in college, he manages to get a girl pregnant, and now he’s the parent of a 14 month old baby boy. He and his girlfriend have broken up, but now Andre realizes that Sandra was the best thing that ever happened to him. Jealous when she sees others, he causes her some very embarrassing moments. And Sandra has found ‘religion’ and Andre isn’t very sure how to take that.
Will Andre make the right decision—and what is the right decision?
SNITCH is the first book I’ve ever read by Booker T. Mattison, and it’s the first book I can ever recall reading in third person/present tense. I’m not sure I like that style combo; it kept me out of the story, and was like reading a screen script, minus the action cues.
However, the story was good, the action, the drama, and the soul-searching non-stop. Mr. Mattison is a very talented author. I was taken out of my rural environment and plucked down in the middle of a very urban area that I didn’t understand. Scenes are kept short and are in points of view ranging from our hero, Andre, to Sandra, to the bad guy, the police, etc. And some points of view are from the author’s point of view. And I absolutely do not get the last line of the book. $14.99. 290 pages.
September 3, 2011
I enjoyed the book's exploration of the code of silence - why people who live in high crime areas don't report information they know about crimes. The mental anguish Andre went through trying to figure out what to do in all aspects of his life was engaging. The author also did a good job depicting the plight of someone who has a police record and wants to go straight, but can't find a job.
I felt the romance in the book was a lot less convincing story line. The story didn't go into depth about why the two of them were together beyond the fact that the woman was attracted to Andre being a football star and a bit dangerous. Andre made some romantic moves to get back together, but I wasn't convinced that he knew what would be needed for the long haul.
I also never figured out what the deal was with the Hakeem character. Obviously he wanted to use his education to help men like himself, but how did he even make his rent?
All-in-all, though, as both my first Urban Fiction book and my first Christian Fiction book, this was a success, and I will definitely read more by Mattison.
I felt the romance in the book was a lot less convincing story line. The story didn't go into depth about why the two of them were together beyond the fact that the woman was attracted to Andre being a football star and a bit dangerous. Andre made some romantic moves to get back together, but I wasn't convinced that he knew what would be needed for the long haul.
I also never figured out what the deal was with the Hakeem character. Obviously he wanted to use his education to help men like himself, but how did he even make his rent?
All-in-all, though, as both my first Urban Fiction book and my first Christian Fiction book, this was a success, and I will definitely read more by Mattison.
February 25, 2012
Awesome
I read Booker Mattison's first book and was captivated by the characters and the story. Snitch grabbed me in the same way. Andre was an interesting character. He introduced me to a world with a code I know nothing about, but fully understood by the time I closed the book. The suspense around Andre's fate was what really held me at the end of my seat. I didn't know if he was going to pay for what he saw even though he wasn't telling or if he would make it out of the situation alive. I won't tell the ending, but it kind of took me by surprise.
The story had some romance which added to it. I think it would definitely make it a story female readers would like as I know that element is crucial for them.
The spiritual themes of faith, healing and redemption were present and gave just enough texture to the story to make the reader think without them feeling preached to.
I look forward to the next Booker Mattison story. Would love to see this one as a movie.
Reviewed by Aaron McKnight
I read Booker Mattison's first book and was captivated by the characters and the story. Snitch grabbed me in the same way. Andre was an interesting character. He introduced me to a world with a code I know nothing about, but fully understood by the time I closed the book. The suspense around Andre's fate was what really held me at the end of my seat. I didn't know if he was going to pay for what he saw even though he wasn't telling or if he would make it out of the situation alive. I won't tell the ending, but it kind of took me by surprise.
The story had some romance which added to it. I think it would definitely make it a story female readers would like as I know that element is crucial for them.
The spiritual themes of faith, healing and redemption were present and gave just enough texture to the story to make the reader think without them feeling preached to.
I look forward to the next Booker Mattison story. Would love to see this one as a movie.
Reviewed by Aaron McKnight
April 20, 2012
This is good, not great. I kept reading to figure out what happened to the main character , and that's about it. You can tell that the author is a screenwriter by trade, that is, allowing pictures to tell some of the story for him. I didn't really feel connected to most of the characters and I felt like the storyline was a bit disjointed. These are things that would have been more smooth with he help of the big screen.
November 9, 2011
Good book. Liked the spiritual theme in it. Not familiar with gangs but thought the story could be very true. Was a couple of times I thought the author needed to elaborate more. Felt like he left out some things that could have added to the story. Can see this book made into a movie.
August 17, 2011
Interesting to see an urban story with a hint of faith-seeking. The ending seems abrupt, and there are character moments that don't make sense. Still, I know of readers who would be interested in a narrative like this, and others will likely improve on the idea.
July 11, 2011
It was the bomb
June 14, 2023
One could not say that Andre is flourishing - the relationship with the mother (Sandra) of his son (Little Dre) is fallen apart, for one, and tragedies through his life have fractured his family relationships - but he is moving relatively well along. He has a dependable job as a bus driver with the New Jersey transit system and enough to support himself and maintain child custody payments. His path, though, suddenly veers a dangerous, life-altering direction when, while on a late night shift driving past a police station, Andre witnesses a young man shoot and kill another. The culprit: The second-generation leader of the gang Original Gun Clappers, OGC.
The murder turns Andre's world upside-down. Initially, he doesn't report what he saw, but the police, in cooperation with Andre's supervisor, find him out. Sticking to the Jersey City code of silence when it comes to law enforcement, Andre refuses to divulge what he knows. After a series of unfortunate events, he finds himself unemployed, homeless, and paranoid that OGC will target him or, worse, his family.
While trying to preserve his life, regroup from the losses, and reconcile with Sandra, Andre meets an old college friend Hakeem Shabazz, now a licensed professional counselor; and the Realness, a group of men from Sandra's church who meet on Wednesdays over hot wings to talk about what is burdening them. Through these connections, Andre, reluctantly at first, learns to navigate the trauma that he has experienced, make peace with the injustices that he has faced, and stand up for what and who he loves. (I would have liked to see more of Andre's engagement with the men in the Realness and the growth he achieves in this "iron sharpens iron" environment.)
I would not describe Snitch as a crime, mystery, or thriller novel. The reader knows early on who killed who and why. Because of the position in which he has been placed, Andre carries an air of tension, but the POV shifted to other characters and their activities or the story focused on his spiritual journey often enough that it didn't overburden the narrative. Snitch is more concerned with the emotional, mental, and spiritual transformations of Andre and, to a lesser extent (insofar as fewer pages are spent with them), the OGC members, some of which are pursued with more success than others.
The murder turns Andre's world upside-down. Initially, he doesn't report what he saw, but the police, in cooperation with Andre's supervisor, find him out. Sticking to the Jersey City code of silence when it comes to law enforcement, Andre refuses to divulge what he knows. After a series of unfortunate events, he finds himself unemployed, homeless, and paranoid that OGC will target him or, worse, his family.
While trying to preserve his life, regroup from the losses, and reconcile with Sandra, Andre meets an old college friend Hakeem Shabazz, now a licensed professional counselor; and the Realness, a group of men from Sandra's church who meet on Wednesdays over hot wings to talk about what is burdening them. Through these connections, Andre, reluctantly at first, learns to navigate the trauma that he has experienced, make peace with the injustices that he has faced, and stand up for what and who he loves. (I would have liked to see more of Andre's engagement with the men in the Realness and the growth he achieves in this "iron sharpens iron" environment.)
I would not describe Snitch as a crime, mystery, or thriller novel. The reader knows early on who killed who and why. Because of the position in which he has been placed, Andre carries an air of tension, but the POV shifted to other characters and their activities or the story focused on his spiritual journey often enough that it didn't overburden the narrative. Snitch is more concerned with the emotional, mental, and spiritual transformations of Andre and, to a lesser extent (insofar as fewer pages are spent with them), the OGC members, some of which are pursued with more success than others.
November 23, 2019
A modern, urban crime fiction story that started off good, got kind of weak, got better, and ended okay.
The story -- set in the part of New Jersey where I live -- starts off with a crime and a strong cast of characters. That's the good.
It gets weak as the story meanders around the main character trying to find a job. Interesting? Sure, at times. Unfortunately, it only related to character development and added no real value to the story. Which, if you recall, is a crime fiction story.
No spoilers: The story is solid. The main characters are very interesting. The side characters are mostly cardboard cutouts.
The writing is good and the prose is good-ish. The author tells a solid story and keeps the chapter cliffhangers flowing. That's the good part.
Unfortunately, the same story is bogged down by overwriting. You know how they teach you in creative writing classes to "paint a scene with words" and to use a wide range of creative verbs? That's good advice for short stories, but can become painful to read, especially in action sequences.
If I had to guess, the book was written well with great dialogue and sharp prose. Then (again, if I had to guess) the next draft was written with a thesaurus open, so that basic verbs could be replaced with something more "creative." It's like the author was stuck between being a good storyteller and trying to be a prose stylist.
Bottom line? It's pretty good. It's short enough to consume in a weekend. Give it a try, especially if you're from the North Jersey area.
The story -- set in the part of New Jersey where I live -- starts off with a crime and a strong cast of characters. That's the good.
It gets weak as the story meanders around the main character trying to find a job. Interesting? Sure, at times. Unfortunately, it only related to character development and added no real value to the story. Which, if you recall, is a crime fiction story.
No spoilers: The story is solid. The main characters are very interesting. The side characters are mostly cardboard cutouts.
The writing is good and the prose is good-ish. The author tells a solid story and keeps the chapter cliffhangers flowing. That's the good part.
Unfortunately, the same story is bogged down by overwriting. You know how they teach you in creative writing classes to "paint a scene with words" and to use a wide range of creative verbs? That's good advice for short stories, but can become painful to read, especially in action sequences.
If I had to guess, the book was written well with great dialogue and sharp prose. Then (again, if I had to guess) the next draft was written with a thesaurus open, so that basic verbs could be replaced with something more "creative." It's like the author was stuck between being a good storyteller and trying to be a prose stylist.
Bottom line? It's pretty good. It's short enough to consume in a weekend. Give it a try, especially if you're from the North Jersey area.
June 10, 2018
Interestingly different!
I picked this book up at BAM for $4. What I thought was to be a thriller based on the initial premise of the main character seeing a murder but not wanting to snitch, quickly became much more of a Christian-based rite of passage as the main character (Andre) tries to rebuild his life and correct past wrongs. In fact, the murderer is mentioned rarely until the last throes of the book. The grimy descriptions of Andre's life, coupled with the optimism offered by Christian groups he accidentally gets involved with, are very realistic and take the reader out of their comfort zone. It's only the last quarter of the book where the characters' lives are revealed as overlapping to a significant degree, at which point I personally had already experienced roller coasters of emotion. This is NOT a whodunnit! However, I am glad I picked it up and enjoyed reading something different from my favorite thriller/detective genre. Worth a go!
I picked this book up at BAM for $4. What I thought was to be a thriller based on the initial premise of the main character seeing a murder but not wanting to snitch, quickly became much more of a Christian-based rite of passage as the main character (Andre) tries to rebuild his life and correct past wrongs. In fact, the murderer is mentioned rarely until the last throes of the book. The grimy descriptions of Andre's life, coupled with the optimism offered by Christian groups he accidentally gets involved with, are very realistic and take the reader out of their comfort zone. It's only the last quarter of the book where the characters' lives are revealed as overlapping to a significant degree, at which point I personally had already experienced roller coasters of emotion. This is NOT a whodunnit! However, I am glad I picked it up and enjoyed reading something different from my favorite thriller/detective genre. Worth a go!
May 21, 2018
This was an excellent portrayal of urban life. I enjoyed the plot and I thought that the storyline was intense. However, there was a lot of sexist comments and I'm not sure if it was supposed to be representative of the culture/lifestyle of the character or if the author was unaware of the misogynistic comments. Overall, this was a decent book but I would not recommend it nor read it again.
April 13, 2022
Pretty common storyline to be honest.
I really enjoyed the early stages of the book. Especially the writing as it depicts even mundane things like arriving to work as a bus driver.
The storyline was too obvious. I felt like i was watching an episode of a tv courthouse/detective show set in New York.
The twist towards a more religious focus on the second half wasn't expected though.
I really enjoyed the early stages of the book. Especially the writing as it depicts even mundane things like arriving to work as a bus driver.
The storyline was too obvious. I felt like i was watching an episode of a tv courthouse/detective show set in New York.
The twist towards a more religious focus on the second half wasn't expected though.
April 13, 2020
Took me some time to get into this book. A bus driver witnesses a crime and doesn't tell the law. He will live to regret this as his girlfriend and son are put in danger. Is about gangs.
October 3, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It gave me enough to get wrapped up in the story.
January 16, 2014
A Classic!
A Remarkable read from beginning to end. Booker Mattison's writing is likened to that of the greats such as James Balwin, Langston Hughes and Richard Wright!
The story is about Andre Bolden standout football player hopeful turned bus driver. Andre struggling make a a life out of what life has dealt him takes a downward spiral after seeing a murder on his bus route. Dre, who is already struggling with faith, love and hope sees know way out of his seemingly dead end life. What keeps him sane is his love for Angela who craves a better life than what Dre can offer. A life she grew up with. The most important stance of stability is the love for the son they share. When Dre is faced with losing it all, it is a group of men who show him that although his life has been plagued with tragedy, God has always provided for and protected him through it all.
I can read this book over and over again. I look forward to more books by Mr. Mattison. This is a Very important book!
A Remarkable read from beginning to end. Booker Mattison's writing is likened to that of the greats such as James Balwin, Langston Hughes and Richard Wright!
The story is about Andre Bolden standout football player hopeful turned bus driver. Andre struggling make a a life out of what life has dealt him takes a downward spiral after seeing a murder on his bus route. Dre, who is already struggling with faith, love and hope sees know way out of his seemingly dead end life. What keeps him sane is his love for Angela who craves a better life than what Dre can offer. A life she grew up with. The most important stance of stability is the love for the son they share. When Dre is faced with losing it all, it is a group of men who show him that although his life has been plagued with tragedy, God has always provided for and protected him through it all.
I can read this book over and over again. I look forward to more books by Mr. Mattison. This is a Very important book!
July 27, 2011
i have a lot of good things to say about this book. and i will say them. but the bottom line is that it read more like a movie script than a novel. i was not surprised at all when i read the book jacket and then looked up the author's bio...seeing that he was, in fact, a film writer. so is that a good thing or a bad thing? well, it's neither, really.
the good things about the book are that it's fast paced. the characters come alive in a natural and exciting way. the action in the book plays out in the readers mind like we were seeing it on a screen. the banter and relatability of the characters is a major plus.
the downside to this book...there's not a lot of substance to the characters. they all seem forgettable.
overall the book was good, it was quick to read, i enjoyed it the plot...i'd pass it along to a friend.
the good things about the book are that it's fast paced. the characters come alive in a natural and exciting way. the action in the book plays out in the readers mind like we were seeing it on a screen. the banter and relatability of the characters is a major plus.
the downside to this book...there's not a lot of substance to the characters. they all seem forgettable.
overall the book was good, it was quick to read, i enjoyed it the plot...i'd pass it along to a friend.
August 7, 2011
This book started out as I expected. Life in the city ruled by gangs
and bad things happening everywhere. I was taken in and in fear for
the life of Andre who had witnessed a murder and knew he was being
hunted down by the killer.
Andre is the father of a toddler but the baby's mother wants to move
on with her life. Her family isn't happy with Andre and can't imagine
marriage between these two. He wants to live for his son and eventually
make things right.
It evolved into a spiritual lesson, the importance of letting God take
control and of having a group of friends with similar beliefs who will support
and defend you.
Beautiful book.
and bad things happening everywhere. I was taken in and in fear for
the life of Andre who had witnessed a murder and knew he was being
hunted down by the killer.
Andre is the father of a toddler but the baby's mother wants to move
on with her life. Her family isn't happy with Andre and can't imagine
marriage between these two. He wants to live for his son and eventually
make things right.
It evolved into a spiritual lesson, the importance of letting God take
control and of having a group of friends with similar beliefs who will support
and defend you.
Beautiful book.
March 10, 2012
Bus driver Andre Bolden witnesses a crime, and is forced to confront the truth about himself, his relationships, and God.
The plot and the characters carry the book. The plot is extraordinary--successfully pulling off a couple of jarring surprises. The characters gave me insight into some of the odd ways of thinking and behaving that I see in urban areas.
The present-tense writing style and realistic dialogue reads like a movie. The direct tone stays out of the way of the story, unencumbered by even a hint of subtexts or subtleties.
The plot and the characters carry the book. The plot is extraordinary--successfully pulling off a couple of jarring surprises. The characters gave me insight into some of the odd ways of thinking and behaving that I see in urban areas.
The present-tense writing style and realistic dialogue reads like a movie. The direct tone stays out of the way of the story, unencumbered by even a hint of subtexts or subtleties.
July 23, 2013
In the eyes of one who is a borderline atheist, this book really addresses the questions of one who is a nonbeliever, questioning why there would be an omnipotent overseer. The romance in the book was not as interesting as the gang related violence and religious parts. Mirroring the harsh reality of the unpredictable and of snitching, the book draws you into the streets of New Jersey. Andre's character matured quite rapidly after he starts hanging out with the New Jersey Truth.
March 21, 2012
I picked this up thinking it was a straight crime novel. It turns out that it's a Christian parable with a miraculous end. Of course, you're likely to love it if you're Christian. As an atheist, I prefer my fiction to be "realistic", i.e. for the normal laws of cause and effect to work.
http://opionator.wordpress.com/2012/0...
http://opionator.wordpress.com/2012/0...
April 16, 2012
A story giving insight to inner city gangs and the fear of those outside the inner circle of the gang. The setting is Jersey City, New Jersey. Religious theme, as well. While the book does give insight into gangs and their victims, it was not long enough to develop the characters (of which there were too many). A Barnes and Noble Nook "come-on," and with good ratings, as well.
November 14, 2012
While it's good that the author attempted to explain the code of the street and why people who witness crimes don't talk to the police, this book was a bit cheesy and preachy. The choices of a lot of the characters didn't seem realistic. Also, I was expecting a crime novel, so I was disappointed since it definitely wasn't. And the ending left something to be desired. It ended VERY abruptly.
October 5, 2013
My first time reading a book by Booker T. Mattison, and I learned after I became engrossed in the book that it's his sophomore work. Great story about God, love, mistakes, retaliation, and retribution - all set in New Jersey.
Main characters: Andre, Rock, Sandra, Mr. and Mrs. Horton, Hakeem, Frederick, Strange-O. Mattison's characters are believable.
Main characters: Andre, Rock, Sandra, Mr. and Mrs. Horton, Hakeem, Frederick, Strange-O. Mattison's characters are believable.
September 7, 2015
this book was an excellent read!!! it took you on an adventure like no other & it made you realize they were real people just like me & you. it struck a cord in me that this book could potentially be a sequel maybe or maybe not. but I enjoyed it & I would recommend this book to everyone. it is not what you think @ all
February 21, 2012
this was an "interesting" book - I expected it to be more of a thriller/crime story than it was so I was originally disappointed, but the ending made the book worth reading. It was more about gangs, crime, family and finding God.
May 26, 2012
I didn't like this book at first, but I kept reading. I ended up liking it and I hope there will be a second part to see if Sandra lives or not cause the last sentence says she opened her eyes. I want to know do her and Dre get back together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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