The ladies in this month’s selections are feisty, cunning, disrespectful to everyone, and laser beam-focused on fulfilling their self-centered desires.
An Excellent Year for K’wan | African American Fiction (and More)
By on April 18, 2013 Leave a Comment
The Street Lit Book Award Medal (SLBAM) committee of librarians acknowledges the best of the best from 2012 and author K’wan hits the trifecta! A useful third annual list and reader’s advisory tool.
Pop Authors with Cred | African American Fiction (And More)
By on March 20, 2013 Leave a Comment
Authors in this month’s column have tons of cred. In fact, they’re almost known by single names like pop culture celebrities Rihanna, Diddy, or Nas. Here we have Nikki, HoneyB, and Eric whose books are always snatched up by loyal readers.
It’s so cool when spot-on descriptions shoot a visual image into readers’ imaginations and demand to be shared. Thus a few examples of tell-it-like-it-is found in this month’s titles.
A Column Gets a Reboot | The Word on Street Lit
By on February 21, 2013 3 Comments
From its initial installment in February 2008, this column has reviewed urban fiction, but beginning this month the scope will expand to cover a range of books representing reading interests of many African American readers. Subgenres such as urban Christian stories, steamy romance tales featuring African American characters, or contemporary novels far removed from the [...]
Tough Women, Tough Times | The Word on Street Lit
By on December 20, 2012 Leave a Comment
I’m often asked to name today’s top street lit authors. Look no further than Sister Souljah, Nisa Santiago, and Kiki Swinson, three writers who are surfing the wave of today’s urban fiction. Their intricate stories feature complex protagonists whose stone-cold faces belie the emotional tragedy they are enduring. Tough women, tough times, exciting reads. Pick [...]
Best Books 2012: Street Lit
By on November 15, 2012 Leave a Comment
K’wan. Animal. Cash Money Content, dist. by Atria: S. & S. ISBN 9781936399253. pap. $14.99; eISBN 9781936399260. Given their author’s unmatched ear for street talk and talent for bringing gritty characters to life, K’wan’s “Hood Rat” stories make up one of the best series in urban fiction. His latest plot will draw readers into an [...]
Six Shades of Urban Fiction | The Word on Street Lit
By on October 23, 2012 2 Comments
Sexy street lit covers often have volumes flying off shelves. Yet savvy librarians can give circulation a professional nudge by presenting the story in pithy summaries. Here then are six-word descriptions of this month’s selections. Let’s call them Six Shades of Street Lit. Wild killer seeks revenge in Harlem. Crazy murderess stripper seduces, slays men. [...]
Trash-Talking Divas in Trouble | The Word on Street Lit
By on September 24, 2012 Leave a Comment
The ladies in this month’s selections often find themselves in a world of trouble. How do they cope with abusive relationships, backstabbing women, or the legal action involved with trying to get deadbeat dads to pay child support? Out of their mouths come nasty insults and snappy comebacks. You’re jokin’ but you’re not funny. He [...]
The Word on Street Lit: Family Ties
By on August 13, 2012 Leave a Comment
From sisters who are sworn enemies in Nisa Santiago’s Checkmate to twin brothers connected by a strong bond despite different interests in Tysha’s Young-Minded Hustler, family is a big theme in this month’s selections.
The Word on Street Lit: These Ladies Have Come a Long Way
By on July 18, 2012 Leave a Comment
The Word on Street Lit: These Ladies Have Come a Long Way
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