Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
43rd out of 108 books
—
141 voters
The Family Business
by
Carl Weber,
Eric Pete
With his typical flair, Weber brings readers another jaw-dropping tale of African-American life. With the help of his friend, Pete, Weber changes the backdrop from his usual stories of plus-size women and church politics to introduce readers to the underworld and the back-room deals of New York City.
Hardcover, 370 pages
Published
February 1st 2012
by Urban Books
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
1,159)
This book started off a bit slow. For the first 100 pages I was saying to myself will this get any better, or will I have to put it down. The beginning was all about the legal side of the family business, and while commendable, the part of the story was just uninteresting. Now when we got to the dirty side of the business the story did a complete 180 and became a definite page turner. I thought the storyline was fast paced, had many twist and turns, and keep me thinking about where the story was...more
Whose to blame?
I will not place this solely at Eric Pete's feet simply because Carl's books have been hit or miss lately on his own so let's be fair.
I started this book looking forward to reading about a legitimate black family only to get some mediocre street lit. The Duncan's with LC at the helm has to be the dumbest family that I have ever met. I'm not street myself, but even I knew what was going on with the stolen car before it even got to that point. I was looking for something explosive f...more
I will not place this solely at Eric Pete's feet simply because Carl's books have been hit or miss lately on his own so let's be fair.
I started this book looking forward to reading about a legitimate black family only to get some mediocre street lit. The Duncan's with LC at the helm has to be the dumbest family that I have ever met. I'm not street myself, but even I knew what was going on with the stolen car before it even got to that point. I was looking for something explosive f...more
1 like
·
like
· see review
The Family Business was like reading a gangster print version of the Huxtables meet The Sopranos. I'm not one for giving review like summaries, no one's paying me and that's what Goodreads and Amazon is for. I'm hear to help you determine if it's worth reading/purchasing, because I see that's lacking on these sites. Honestly, I didn't think Weber had it in him. Every once in a while I'll read something hood-gangster like, but not as much as I used to because regardless of author,as the genre is...more
6 likes
·
like
· see review
The Family Business and I started off on the wrong foot and it just went down hill from there. The first chapter introduces you to the youngest member of the Duncan Family, Paris. And she was annoying as a toddler throwing a fit in the middle of Walmart. Really, she was just one huge giant ghetto stereotype. Then Weber and Pete introduces you to the other members of the family and while they are not as bad as her. They are uninteresting and really hard to connect to. By the time I got to Chapter...more
Carl Weber and Eric Pete have definitely outdone themselves. This was a fast-paced, action-packed, thriller. The Family Business is a novel about, well, a family business. The Duncans are a family that run a high end car dealership or so we think. L.C., the father, Chippy, the mother, and their children Orlando, Paris, Rico, Vegas, London, and Junior. The father, L.C. is a strong influence in his childrens lives- just not like what you would guess. This family is by far the craziest and most div...more
I actually really liked this book. Reading some of the reviews had me a bit worried that I wasted my money & wouldn't like it. But I very much enjoyed it. It was not a book that I couldn't put down or read within a day, but it did keep me very interested.
I like how each chapter is a different person's perpective or voice of what is going on with them, as well as a whole, in every situation.
I would like to see more on the eldest brother Vegas in the next book. I can't wait to see what happens...more
I like how each chapter is a different person's perpective or voice of what is going on with them, as well as a whole, in every situation.
I would like to see more on the eldest brother Vegas in the next book. I can't wait to see what happens...more
nteresting Line: Never pull out your gun unless you plan on using it
The Family Business by Carl Weber what can I say I usually like Carl Weber novels but this one did not hold my attention the way that most of his books do. I do not know if it is because he is co- writing with another author or what but it did not work for me. All of the characters were unlikable there wasn't anyone that I liked or even cared for. The women were portrayed as sluts and hoes with no growth or change at all. The st...more
The Family Business by Carl Weber what can I say I usually like Carl Weber novels but this one did not hold my attention the way that most of his books do. I do not know if it is because he is co- writing with another author or what but it did not work for me. All of the characters were unlikable there wasn't anyone that I liked or even cared for. The women were portrayed as sluts and hoes with no growth or change at all. The st...more
3 likes
·
like
· see review
" The Family Business" by Carl Weber...wow, where do I begin. This is the story of The Duncan Family. It's head, L.C and wife, Chippy. Orlando, Vegas, London, Rico,and Paris make up their children. On the outside, everything appears calm. But in reality, they each hold thier own serets. Secrets that could threaten to tear the family apart if they ever came to light. They all have a special talent or skill when it comes to running Duncan Motors, the family business. But even that is not what it...more
Why didn't I like this book? Was it the graphic language -- I guess to "keep it real"? The shallow characters -- like ghetto-fabulous Paris? London, who allows her husband to mentally and physically abuse her? The same London who takes a lover without asking basic questions about who he is or why he conveniently entered her life in the midst of a major family crisis! Orlando, with his secret sex life with call girls -- one of whom claims he'll be a future baby's daddy? I liked another reader's c...more
I have heard of Carl Weber for a long time seeing his books in the library and reading summaries online about his work but his books were too adult for me When I was in high school but now that I am 22 I found a book by him that seemed interesting The Family Business is a good story but the characters I don't really care for they have too many weak moments for them to have a high standard they so call represent LC and the whole Duncan clan appear as a legit business but not surprisingly they are...more
I have many titles from Carl Weber, so that was the first reason I purchased the novel. With the new co-author I figured what the hey and it would be a twist for the Carl Weber novels.
Don't get me wrong it was a good book. The beginning was slow as you were introduced to the characters (the norm) and then there was the unexpected twist. However, the twist was a bit "cliche" for an African American business. Was I disappointed no. Surprised, yes.
Going along with the story, every character collabo...more
Don't get me wrong it was a good book. The beginning was slow as you were introduced to the characters (the norm) and then there was the unexpected twist. However, the twist was a bit "cliche" for an African American business. Was I disappointed no. Surprised, yes.
Going along with the story, every character collabo...more
Not Your Average Family
I haven't read a Carl Weber novel in a few years and I have never read anything by Eric Pete. I am not sure who the dominate voice is. I will say the first half read very different from the second half. The second half of book is a typical hood book. There were characters and scenes that were useless and when the full scope of the novel is revealed, even less made sense. The family was underdeveloped, didn't really get the gist of who they were and by end of book, what yo...more
I haven't read a Carl Weber novel in a few years and I have never read anything by Eric Pete. I am not sure who the dominate voice is. I will say the first half read very different from the second half. The second half of book is a typical hood book. There were characters and scenes that were useless and when the full scope of the novel is revealed, even less made sense. The family was underdeveloped, didn't really get the gist of who they were and by end of book, what yo...more
The Family Business is about running a business and having each others back. I truly enjoyed this new installment from Carl Weber and Eric Pete. This new twist of storytelling will have readers on the edge of their seats. The Duncan's run a car dealership and they are respected in the business industry. After one business deal goes sour the family finds themselves in the middle of a war that does not mind taking causalities. This book was a page-turner of sheer excitment. The characters were wel...more
3.5 star rating......Can't say this was a bad read it actually kept you turning the pages......Just wasn't a Carl Weber read.....with that being said I am looking forward to part 2.......
2 likes
·
like
· see review
The old saying goes "What goes on in the dark will comes to the light". The characters in this book had so many secrets. They go out their way to hide them, but the truth always came back to hunt them. The Duncan Family was off the chain!! Everyone has their own idea, as to how the "family business" should be ran. Everyone has their contribution to the family business. If you are looking for sex, betrayl, murder, lies, and family, then this is the book for you. The Family Business if filled with...more
The Family Business by Carl Weber is not family story. As promised there is a family. LC Duncan is the patriarch of Duncan Motors, one of the biggest dealers in the New York area.
Let me repeat that caveat again: this is not a family story. Aside from the violence (low double-digit body count), there is a lot of male-author sex, explicit and lengthy. Regardless, this is fast paced story of deception and intrigue, with plenty of action and plot twists.
For more see: http://1book42day.blogspot.com/...more
Let me repeat that caveat again: this is not a family story. Aside from the violence (low double-digit body count), there is a lot of male-author sex, explicit and lengthy. Regardless, this is fast paced story of deception and intrigue, with plenty of action and plot twists.
For more see: http://1book42day.blogspot.com/...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Once I was able to read without any interruptions, it had my undivided attention. Certain parts of the book was making me want to slap the hell out of Paris, but when it came to the incidents of the "fake FEDS" and saving Rio, I was very proud of her. I like the moral of the story that "blood is thicker than water" cause even through all the hard times the Duncans stuck together with having each other's back in mind. As far as Ruby is concerned, I'm sitting back LMAO at her and ready to see how...more
I don't understand some of these other reviews. I don't know anything about Eric Pete, but I definitely will be checking for him after this read. For some reason at the beginning I wasn't drawn in, but sometimes what's going on in real life can distract you from your reading. But after I have finished I love, love, love this book. I am absolutely looking forward to the next book!!! I loved the twist, it kind of just flipped, but it all still flowed nicely. I would have to say the father is an as...more
Well I will not be buying the follow up for this book. I am absolutely disappointed. I am really just at a loss for this story, I am not sure if it was the unrealistic story line... the amount of sex scenes (It almost came off as soft porn) or the story line jumping around like crazy!!! What happened with the follow up on the congressman's son? What did the Mexicans do after the father was finished grieving? This book was a disaster in my opinion and if it was a returnable product I would surely...more
Jan 27, 2013
Tracy Darity
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Street Lit Lovers
Shelves:
tracy-s-book-club
2.5 Stars
The Family Business by Carl Weber with Eric Pete, where do I start… First, if you have read my previous reviews you know I have a Love/Hate relationship with Weber’s books. I think I will toss this one into the “hate” column. Not because it was an awful book, but as a matter of principle. The Family Business came highly recommended to me by a friend who said it was a really great read. I’m sure to those who love Street/Urban Lit; it is all that and then some. For me, I just felt duped,...more
The Family Business by Carl Weber with Eric Pete, where do I start… First, if you have read my previous reviews you know I have a Love/Hate relationship with Weber’s books. I think I will toss this one into the “hate” column. Not because it was an awful book, but as a matter of principle. The Family Business came highly recommended to me by a friend who said it was a really great read. I’m sure to those who love Street/Urban Lit; it is all that and then some. For me, I just felt duped,...more
2 likes
·
like
· see review
Bloodline
The Duncan’s name carry a lot of weight. As a respected businessman, L.C. has been able to build up his empire and with six grown children, now is the perfect time for him to step down. Or at least that’s what his children believe. Somewhere the Duncan’s have become vulnerable and ripe for the picking. As the patriarch of the family, it’s L.C.’s job to locate that threat and eliminate it before it can cause any destruction to his family.
Orlando is now the head of the Duncan family. Whi...more
The Duncan’s name carry a lot of weight. As a respected businessman, L.C. has been able to build up his empire and with six grown children, now is the perfect time for him to step down. Or at least that’s what his children believe. Somewhere the Duncan’s have become vulnerable and ripe for the picking. As the patriarch of the family, it’s L.C.’s job to locate that threat and eliminate it before it can cause any destruction to his family.
Orlando is now the head of the Duncan family. Whi...more
‘Our selfishness was our weakness…’
L.C. Duncan has worked tirelessly to build his car dealership empire to provide his family with the finest luxuries of life. His family consists of his precocious baby girl, Paris, who seems to always attract danger. Her twin Rio, likes to challenge his father with his flamboyant nature. Junior is a quiet calm amongst his siblings with his dependability as well as his intelligence…and Vegas, the oldest child is away with no explanation…family business presumabl...more
L.C. Duncan has worked tirelessly to build his car dealership empire to provide his family with the finest luxuries of life. His family consists of his precocious baby girl, Paris, who seems to always attract danger. Her twin Rio, likes to challenge his father with his flamboyant nature. Junior is a quiet calm amongst his siblings with his dependability as well as his intelligence…and Vegas, the oldest child is away with no explanation…family business presumabl...more
The Family Business is a superbly written story about the life and times of the Duncans. LC is the patriarch of the family and rules with an iron fist. His wife, Chippy, seems to be a strong matriarch, though we don't learn much about her story. Then there are the adult children: Junior, Vegas, Orlando, London, Rio and Paris. Each one has their own "place" in the family business. Finally enter Harris, London's husband. He is a bit uptight because he is not family by blood. Yet, LC leans on him s...more
The Family business was a fast paced on the edge of your seat read. This book will have readers wondering who is behind black-balling the Duncan family. At first you think this is a nice family running a legit business but not all what you see is true. This is a family that has a history and struggle to stay on top by any means necessary. There was a facade about Paris that Mr. Weber and Mr. Pete did an outstanding job keeping hidden as well as the true nature of business the Duncan family were...more
This was my first time reading a book by this author. This book had a lot of suspense and unexpected twists. I really enjoyed the book. Had it have been a movie, I probably would not have watched because it was a lot of blood an guts and I don't do well with that. Carl Weber definitely kept it gangsta. I will be interested to see who the fathers of his daughters unborn children turn out to be. I will read more books by this author.
this book was quite interesting especially when you think about how normal this situation probably is. I thought it was an interesting story, but the best of Carl's works. Plus there's supposed to be a sequel but I haven't seen anything published yet and I felt a little robbed at the end. I don't want things to be necessarily wrapped up in a bow but I don't like too many ends remaining loose for a sequel either.
DAMN!!! this was an exciting book. I wasn't sure what to expect. I thought maybe it was about a crooked pastor or something, but didn't it expect to me such a thriller. I love the characters and how the story is told from all the different perspectives. I can't wait for the sequel. Definately a page turner and fast read. Yes, it is kind of cheesy and predictable, but still a good story.
Enjoy this book really good read...I have read all his books and must say that this one goes to the top as well...Waiting to read the second installment, The family Business 2: Extended Family
The Duncan family what can I say...hope that we will read more on the oldest son Vegas.
Every child in this family played a major part wow would have never expected..
The Duncan family what can I say...hope that we will read more on the oldest son Vegas.
Every child in this family played a major part wow would have never expected..
OMG! This was the best story I've read in a long time. Action, mystery, kidnapping, drugs, cars and family secrets you would never believe. The story development will force you to keep reading and the family will have you cheering and cussing. The action is swift, killings bloody and the foul language is off the chain but if that's what you like you will LOVE this book. I'm ready for book 2...
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wine & Book C...: December Book Discussion - The Family Business by Carl Weber | 10 | 27 | Jan 28, 2013 07:25pm |
Carl Weber is a New York Times and #1 Essence® bestselling novelist.
In addition to his writing, Weber is the founder and publisher of Urban Books and in 2005, he was named Blackboard's Publisher of the Year. He is the owner of the Urban Knowledge chain of book stores and a past recipient of Blackboard's Bookseller of the Year award.
Weber graduated from Virginia State University and holds an MBA in...more
More about Carl Weber...
In addition to his writing, Weber is the founder and publisher of Urban Books and in 2005, he was named Blackboard's Publisher of the Year. He is the owner of the Urban Knowledge chain of book stores and a past recipient of Blackboard's Bookseller of the Year award.
Weber graduated from Virginia State University and holds an MBA in...more
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
Sep 10, 2012 10:02am
Sep 10, 2012 10:09am