Category Archives: african american books

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Big Tray Deee & Anthony Barrow, authors of Streetz Gon’ Cry

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Big Tray Deee / Anthony Barrow, author of Streetz Gon’ Cry
(LeNoir Publications)

from author Big Tray Dee:

Streetz Gon’ Cry is a fictional, yet realistic depiction of the life of a gangster/hustler in the unforgiving zone of West South Central Los Angeles. After pulling a stretch in California’s most violet Level 4 prison, Pelican Bay, the main character, Carter, paroles back to his hood. He realizes several of his once most trusted and respected homeboys have placed their desires for personal gain above the solidarity and structure of the gang.

During his mission to place things back in order, he recognizes a way that he can also usurp control of the influx of cocaine infesting his territory from across the border. This execution quickly ignites conflict with not only his rival turf and the local competition, but the ruthless Mexican Mafia itself.

In the midst of the chaos and carnage, Carter, remains convicted to guide his little brother, Johnté, away from this deadly lifestyle and down a more promising path. His ultimate aim is to eventually, somehow make the game make sense.

from author Anthony Barrow:

Streetz Gon’ Cry is also a story that reflects on a mother’s pain and two sons coming of age. One brother struggles to escape the inevitable of California-living and what it’s known for. He strives to sustain his dreams and dodge his nightmares. His sibling is paroled back into society after serving a ten year bid. Upon his release he is faced with the vicious streets of Los Angeles, where the gang that he represented with pride and honor has evaporated, and the loyalty has been corrupted with greed, deceit and betrayal.

Streetz Gon’ Cry addresses real issues that are prevalent in today’s society. My co-author and I managed to join the story into a fictional fabric This is a story of two rival gangs feuding for revenge with a Mexican cartel attempting to capitalize on their war, with attempts to take over a whole district that’s ran and controlled by the two; which puts Los Angeles and the surrounding cities in a volcanic state.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write Streetz Gon’ Cry?

Big Tray Deee: My co-author, Anthony Barrow, came to me with the concept. He actually had a few chapters already written, which I thought Continue reading 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Big Tray Deee & Anthony Barrow, authors of Streetz Gon’ Cry

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Azarel, author of V.I.P.: Confessions of a Groupie

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Azarel, author of VIP: Confessions of a Groupie
(Life Changing Books (LCB))

V.I.P. is an explicit tale of two beautiful women both determined to become very important people “by any means necessary”. After living in a world where you’re only cool if you’re the wife of an athlete or a current T.V star, they are both suddenly faced with jealousy and lies.

Neither realize fame comes with a high, and sometimes deadly, price tag. Meet India, the star-struck, money-hungry honey from Brooklyn, who’s dead set on marrying someone well-known – even if she has to steal him from her good friend. In comes Royce, a tantalizing, sexy singer who is searching for fame in all the wrong places. Soon, her past catches up with her and things spiral out of control.

By hook, crook, or the good book, one of these ladies will fall hard. If you think you love Basketball Wives, hold onto your seat. V.I.P will blow your mind!

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write VIP: Confessions of a Groupie?

Azarel: The explosion of Reality T.V. It absolutely amazes me how we watch and truly believe they have the good life! Continue reading 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Azarel, author of V.I.P.: Confessions of a Groupie

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Merna Harrington, author of Abuse is no Accident, it’s Definitely on Purpose

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Merna Harrington, author of Abuse is no Accident, it’s Definitely on Purpose
(Esquire Publications)

Abuse is no Accident, It’s Definitely on Purpose is about being trapped in abusive relationships and not knowing how to get out. It shows the reader some of the tactics abusers use to gain and keep control over their spouses or mates. The book also gives its reader a look into the mind of a battered woman; what she is thinking, and what she is feeling.

I wrote this book to help anyone who may be going through abuse, or anyone who has survived abuse. It is geared toward Domestic Violence, Victims, Police Officers, Judges, Batterers, and anyone who does not understand why victims stay. Many individuals have had to deal with some form of abuse in their lifetime, and my book is about dealing with all internal pain, lifting spirits, creating awareness and healing hearts.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write Abuse is no Accident, it’s Definitely on Purpose?

Merna Harrington: My inspiration came from being a Domestic Violence survivor. I began journaling episodes when I could. Years later, I knew that Continue reading 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Merna Harrington, author of Abuse is no Accident, it’s Definitely on Purpose