Cookie: A Fort Worth Story

by Tamika Newhouse

Born Latoya James, when starting high school, Cookie believes this is her time to stand out from underneath her sister s shadow. Always declared the odd one, she makes it her mission to be noticed by anyone who will pay attention. Reality starts to settle in when she realizes life isn t always peaches and cream. After witnessing the rape of her best friend, and then the death of one of her classmates, she starts to believe life isn t what she thought it would be. Sex, drugs, catering to her new demons, and hanging out with the older crowd become her escape and not even her high school sweetheart can steer her straight. It isn t until she realizes everyone around her is not who they seem to be when she decides to change her life. But when she experiences an unwanted pregnancy and the death of her mother, Cookie is left to wonder if this is the way her life will always be. Based on a true story, Cookie is a gripping tale of a teen girl who had to grow up sooner than later. Taking place in one of the fastest-growing suburbs of Fort Worth, witness the life of Cookie and her quest to be loved, appreciated, and wanted. You will soon discover life is never what it seems.

212 pages, Paperback

First published April 16, 2011

About the author

From teen mom to CEO by the age of twenty, Tamika Newhouse, the author of 17 novels, has landed on numerous best sellers’ lists and is the winner of 7 African American Literary Awards.

Only nine months after debuting her first novel in 2009, she landed a major publishing contract without an agent and went on to become the CEO of Delphine Publications. To date, she has published nearly 200 books, launched the careers of hundreds of writers, and produces the only entertainment award show for African American writers, called the AAMBC Literary Awards.

In 2010, she was inducted into Who’s Who in Black San Antonio. In 2011, her company Delphine Publications won an African American Literary Award for Best Anthology, and for the second time, Tamika won Self Published Author of the Year. The National Women in Business Association also nominated her for the 2011 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. In 2013, she was honored with the Author of Distinction E. Lynn Harris Award.

She has quickly become the Shonda Rhimes in Black Publishing, due to her creative skills in discovering talent, her unique events that feature celebrities from across the nation, and being the creator of AAMBC, one of the most influential brands in the publishing industry. She has even served as associate producer and screenwriter to the 8 Ball and MJG bio-pic Comin Out Hard; with the goal of becoming a literary Rockstar still in her sights. Tamika presently tours the country speaking about her battle with mental illness and depression to fulfill her dreams, as well as teaching aspiring writers the publishing ropes. She resides in Atlanta with her children.

Reviews

[Page Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Nicely told and flows at a good pace. Cookie has experienced a lot.

[Kimberly Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an awesome coming of age story told in an authentic urban voice. It does have a few structure issues but they are easy to forgive because the storytelling is so on point.

[A.E. Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting tale about a girl who went down the wrong path. There are some strong moments that I'll remember from this book.

[Ericka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cookie is the coming of age story of a young girl born Latonya James. When we first meet Cookie she is the tender age of 15 but going on 20. The influence of her big sister Lyric does not make the situation any better, as she has Cookie following her lead of hanging out late, smoking and drinking. From boosting clothes to selling checks Cookie manages to do it all. It doesn't take her long before she ends up getting pregnant at the age of sixteen. So now she's contemplating on who the baby daddy is. It is amazing that she finished high school from all the hanging, stealing and sexing. But now Cookie has to grow up as her mother is on her death bed. But Will she?

All in all this was a very good read, the characters were very real, and the plot was strong. Would I recommend this book to others? Yes I would. Would I buy Cookie part 2? Yes I would... One a scale from 1-10 how would I rate this book? I would have to say 5.

[LyfeChanges · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a slow read in the beginning but as time progressed it became a little more interesting... Although it seemed like a biography and alot of things were left out. I kind of understand the concept the author was trying to relay then again I had to think...GO HARD OR GO HOME.... PERMISCIUOS behavior should not be tolerated...yes it worked out but at the same time there was alot to wonder as to WHY Lyric and Cookis hated each other to begin with besides the shade of their skin. Which in general seemed ridiculous but then again I'm not from the south although my experience helps me slightly understand. As to the other events ..they were not refreshing....A story that most inner city or impoverished youth can understand yes....groundbreaking NO...DEFINITELY A READ FOR A YOUTH GROUP....LIKE 10-14....

[Latiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty good coming of age story. It was a very quick read. I finished it in a day. I enjoyed the flow of the storyline and it was interesting. The ending had just enough impact to have me looking forward to the sequel.

[Leona Romich · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow to draw me in but once it caught me I couldn't let go. Heavy on drama for a teen story but had a real life feel.

[Monica White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself pulling for Cookie. Hoping she'd make better decisions. She's so realistic and down-to-earth that you will likely find yourself caught up in her conflicting emotions. I love it.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

This was an excellent read a page turner. .I got emotional when Mama died and now Lyric in a bad accident.. I'm looking forward to part 2

[Saundra · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE IT VERY INTERESTING