Way Past Cool

ok, ppl, here's the review as promised. this one's called Way Past Cool. it's written by Jess Mowry, and it's the writer's debut novel.

it's set in Oakland,Mississippi. it revolves around two street gangs that have their own turfs in Oakland, or Oaktown, as they call it. these gangs consist of kids as young as 12 and 13 years. one of 'em is called the Friends, while the other one's the Crew. the Friends are led by fifteen year old Gordon.

well, as can be guessed, there's constant rivalry between the two gangs. both of them are always spouting curses against each other, and looking for an excuse to start a fight.

Along comes Deek, a drug dealer who makes big bucks supplying drugs to addicts in the neighbourhood. he's rich, and it shows. he has a car, which in itself is a privilege in those parts, and his fingers and torso are covered with gold ornaments. he never drives around without Ty, his bodyguard.

now, he wants to turn the two gangs wiped out, so that he can rule the neighbourhood. so he sets about turning the Friends and the Crew against each other.

how the gangs save their respective backsides forms the rest of the novel.

the narrative is gripping, the language great. it's an explosive novel and a must read. it successfully portrays the conditions in those parts in those times. the reality hits you, and hits you hard. and above all, it follows the principle i love the most: Screw Happy Endings.

Bottomline: Way Past Cool is way past cool!!

well, about me. today's day was dull dull dull. i hate holidays. i really do. sitting around at home with nothing to do gets to me. at least this review gave me something to write about.

well, i better go off now. gotta wake up early tomorrow.

watch this psace tomorrow for another book review. and keep the comments coming in.

till next time,

Bearded Evil.