Cold hearted.
Eleven year old Rodney Adams did not ask to be born into a fatherless home with a drug dependent abusive mother, who cared more about her multiple sex partners than washing her son's clothes and making sure he had something to eat before going off to school.
Being teased at school meant Rodney had no friends and looked to do odd jobs for neighbors to buy food.
While playing with his stray dog Bam he watches the activity in the local park. Not quite understanding what is going on, Rodney makes a move to the boy who everybody seems to respect, Pookie, a young local hustler. Rodney gets caught up in the neighborhood violence and serves four years in a detention center where he meets his first real friend Dooski, who schools Rodney on street ethics. On his return to the streets Rodney is not the same naive boy that his mama dukes could push around. He is callous, cunning, and calculating; he doesn't speak too much but has much going on in his murderous mind!
What I liked about this story is the development of the character Rodney. This author did a good job with Rodney's personality which is very dark with borderline crazy tendencies, Rodney knew exactly what he wanted and used anyone to get it. I also liked Ebony who had a lot of spunk and would not let anyone intimidate her.
The editing and inconsistencies in this story could not be over looked and this tarnished an otherwise decent story.
With a professional editor, together with Rasheed's skill on penning interesting characters I expect a smoother transition within the pages of his next book.
Locksie September 4th 2011
ARC Book Club Inc.
Star Rating 3.0***