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White Sugar, Brown Sugar
Alt cover for ISBN 9780985804411
White Sugar, Brown Sugar is a novel set in Daytona Beach, Florida. An upper middle-class white boy from the peninsula, or beach-side, of the Inland Waterway, and a black boy of lesser means, who lives west of the railroad tracks, where Blacks (who were called Negroes and other names at the time) were required to live, become good friends, in spite of the racial separation in effect in the 60's in the south. David "Jude" Armstrong and Roosevelt Harris meet at a basin of a yacht club. Jude, the white boy, fishes from the docks, where stately boats stand. Roosevelt, the black boy, and his family, fish with cane poles on the wall next to the street. The boys meet various times over the years. The tranquility of Jude Armstrong's safe, upper middle-class white world ends when his alcoholic mother tosses his father out of the house. Roosevelt Harris's life has never been tranquil. He has grown up with his grandparents. He has never known a father, and his mother is a heroin addict who disappears for weeks at a time, and is incarcerated frequently. Neither boy understands the racial issues of the time. Both boys fully understand the misery and difficulties that arise from abuse of alcohol and drugs, and both swear they will never end up in that situation, yet they both follow the same path. Eventually, Jude's father, Lansing Armstrong, an attorney, helps the boys escape criminal prosecution for drug-related crimes, and becomes a guiding light for both boys. Roosevelt grasps sobriety much sooner and easier than Jude does. As the founder of a successful restaurant business, he eventually places both Roosevelt and Jude in control of the business. Jude and Roosevelt struggle to overcome their prior problems, and eventually lead normal and successful lives. White Sugar, Brown Sugar follows their loss of innocence, submergence to the depths of desperation and eventual emergence as recovering adults. It is a story of deep friendship, hope, strength, and inspiration.
White Sugar, Brown Sugar is a novel set in Daytona Beach, Florida. An upper middle-class white boy from the peninsula, or beach-side, of the Inland Waterway, and a black boy of lesser means, who lives west of the railroad tracks, where Blacks (who were called Negroes and other names at the time) were required to live, become good friends, in spite of the racial separation in effect in the 60's in the south. David "Jude" Armstrong and Roosevelt Harris meet at a basin of a yacht club. Jude, the white boy, fishes from the docks, where stately boats stand. Roosevelt, the black boy, and his family, fish with cane poles on the wall next to the street. The boys meet various times over the years. The tranquility of Jude Armstrong's safe, upper middle-class white world ends when his alcoholic mother tosses his father out of the house. Roosevelt Harris's life has never been tranquil. He has grown up with his grandparents. He has never known a father, and his mother is a heroin addict who disappears for weeks at a time, and is incarcerated frequently. Neither boy understands the racial issues of the time. Both boys fully understand the misery and difficulties that arise from abuse of alcohol and drugs, and both swear they will never end up in that situation, yet they both follow the same path. Eventually, Jude's father, Lansing Armstrong, an attorney, helps the boys escape criminal prosecution for drug-related crimes, and becomes a guiding light for both boys. Roosevelt grasps sobriety much sooner and easier than Jude does. As the founder of a successful restaurant business, he eventually places both Roosevelt and Jude in control of the business. Jude and Roosevelt struggle to overcome their prior problems, and eventually lead normal and successful lives. White Sugar, Brown Sugar follows their loss of innocence, submergence to the depths of desperation and eventual emergence as recovering adults. It is a story of deep friendship, hope, strength, and inspiration.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
Paperback
First published July 16, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 21, 2013
Author E.G. Tripp's debut offering is a novel of many levels and spanning many years. Some will see it as a novel about race relations and discrimination in Florida during the 1960s. Others will see it as an exploration of drug and alcohol abuse, and subsequent recovery for some. But for this reader, it's a book about the triumph of the human spirit.
"I never expected to still be alive at the old age of thirty nine..."
In White Sugar, Brown Sugar , author Tripp takes us through a journey spanning the years from the '60s and beyond, opening our eyes and minds initially to two young boys from different sides of the tracks during the era of segregation in the South, primarily centered in Daytona Beach. There's David "Jude" Armstrong, the upper middle-class white boy whose family lives in the better side of town, across the bridges on the beach-side. And there's Roosevelt Harris, a young black kid who's family lives west of the railroad tracks. They meet at the basin of the local yacht club, where Jude fishes from the docks next to the yachts, while Roosevelt and his family fish with cane poles from the wall next to the street.
There's a bond that's formed between these two boys, and it's one that slowly grows and carries them through the ups and downs of a shared lifetime of experiences, some mutual and other separate. As they grow, we see them exposed to the drug subculture that was growing in America during that era, and also their first sexual experiences with local females. One could say that it was all part of that transitional period from childhood to adulthood known as coming of age, but in the case of Jude and Roosevelt, there was a dark side, and that had to do with narcotics.
E.G. Tripp takes us through the decades of experiences of our protagonists, their families and and other who they encounter. We see that area of the South, with it's separate and labeled bathroom signs, the racial epithets used by law enforcement officers, all labels of a past part of regional American history. And we see how Jude and Roosevelt navigate the shoals of their experiences, bonded together by their roots from their youth as this novel moves to some surprising finales.
There are parts in author Tripp's novel that will disturb some readers with the descriptive terminology, especially those dialogues involving sex and drugs; there are others that will leave the reader hanging, wondering what will be the outcome of the relationship between the two main characters, whether the the bonds woven in their youth will become unraveled or survive their experiences over time.
As one who lived in the Daytona Beach area during my own high school years, and at a time within the framework of much of this book, I found that author Tripp has painted an accurate setting of a time and events that made up an undercurrent of what people may have heard about, yet often avoided discussing. But this is no Florida travel guide, and don't expect it to be one. Readers of Susan Cheever's My Name Is Bill will find a lot in common with the life of Bill Wilson and his own real-life experiences.
Being critical, as reviewers are suppose to do, there were parts where White Sugar, Brown Sugar fell slightly flat with this reader, where parts could have been expanded further, as it's clear that E.G. Tripp is a good author and does know how to weave an interesting tale. Considering that it's his debut fictional offering, for this reader it was worthy of 4.5 stars, yet in hopes that he'll write another book, will round it up to a five-star novel.
The title is perfect, and on many levels. Highly recommended.
Note: an slightly different version of this review also appeared on Amazon.com
"I never expected to still be alive at the old age of thirty nine..."
In White Sugar, Brown Sugar , author Tripp takes us through a journey spanning the years from the '60s and beyond, opening our eyes and minds initially to two young boys from different sides of the tracks during the era of segregation in the South, primarily centered in Daytona Beach. There's David "Jude" Armstrong, the upper middle-class white boy whose family lives in the better side of town, across the bridges on the beach-side. And there's Roosevelt Harris, a young black kid who's family lives west of the railroad tracks. They meet at the basin of the local yacht club, where Jude fishes from the docks next to the yachts, while Roosevelt and his family fish with cane poles from the wall next to the street.
There's a bond that's formed between these two boys, and it's one that slowly grows and carries them through the ups and downs of a shared lifetime of experiences, some mutual and other separate. As they grow, we see them exposed to the drug subculture that was growing in America during that era, and also their first sexual experiences with local females. One could say that it was all part of that transitional period from childhood to adulthood known as coming of age, but in the case of Jude and Roosevelt, there was a dark side, and that had to do with narcotics.
E.G. Tripp takes us through the decades of experiences of our protagonists, their families and and other who they encounter. We see that area of the South, with it's separate and labeled bathroom signs, the racial epithets used by law enforcement officers, all labels of a past part of regional American history. And we see how Jude and Roosevelt navigate the shoals of their experiences, bonded together by their roots from their youth as this novel moves to some surprising finales.
There are parts in author Tripp's novel that will disturb some readers with the descriptive terminology, especially those dialogues involving sex and drugs; there are others that will leave the reader hanging, wondering what will be the outcome of the relationship between the two main characters, whether the the bonds woven in their youth will become unraveled or survive their experiences over time.
As one who lived in the Daytona Beach area during my own high school years, and at a time within the framework of much of this book, I found that author Tripp has painted an accurate setting of a time and events that made up an undercurrent of what people may have heard about, yet often avoided discussing. But this is no Florida travel guide, and don't expect it to be one. Readers of Susan Cheever's My Name Is Bill will find a lot in common with the life of Bill Wilson and his own real-life experiences.
Being critical, as reviewers are suppose to do, there were parts where White Sugar, Brown Sugar fell slightly flat with this reader, where parts could have been expanded further, as it's clear that E.G. Tripp is a good author and does know how to weave an interesting tale. Considering that it's his debut fictional offering, for this reader it was worthy of 4.5 stars, yet in hopes that he'll write another book, will round it up to a five-star novel.
The title is perfect, and on many levels. Highly recommended.
Note: an slightly different version of this review also appeared on Amazon.com
January 24, 2015
Brutal at times and graphic, this was one of the best books on addiction and alcoholism I've read. The writing was simple but heartfelt and I truly came to care about the main characters, despite their failings.
The last part of the book dealt with the process of recovery and I learned quite a bit. Glad I stuck with this one!
The last part of the book dealt with the process of recovery and I learned quite a bit. Glad I stuck with this one!
March 18, 2013
The characters were very real. Anyone who has a loved one that is or has struggled with dependency, this book makes you see the thrill of what pulls them in and the overwhelming struggle that they continuously battle. I couldn't put it down!
March 4, 2013
White Sugar, Brown Sugar. by E. G, Tripp, was a jolting look at the strength of the human spirit and the depth of friendship through unimaginable circumstances. This realistic fiction set in historically accurate roots of Daytona Beach, Florida; takes the reader on a compelling journey through years of struggle and human misery. Two friends, leading completely different lives; yet caught up in the same self destructive, addictive living nightmare. Readers may find they are almost unable to turn the page; yet are compelled to learn more about their painful journey to regain a foothold on firm life soil after clawing their way up and out of Hell. This book offers hope and pertinent life lessons for all readers. However harsh the circumstances, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, demonstrates the value and power of love, family, and life itself.
July 25, 2013
Michael A. Pyle has written a novel that will pull at your heartstrings and root for Roosevelt and want him to overcome his demons. Some may see the theme of racial relationships in a desegregated South and others may perceive friendship, redemption, or recovery. I thought all of these were present in this piece. The characters were real and one could easily identify with the struggles that each character has to deal with. Despite a wealthier upbringing, Jude has much more difficulty finding the path to sobriety. His early friendship with Roosevelt stands the test of time and perseveres through these turbulent times.
Thanks to Michael A. Pyle, Smith Publicity, and Netgalley.com for the advanced copy! Can't wait for another book from Pyle!
Thanks to Michael A. Pyle, Smith Publicity, and Netgalley.com for the advanced copy! Can't wait for another book from Pyle!
March 4, 2013
E. G. Tripp's White Sugar, Brown Sugar is an inspirational novel that everybody should read. I read an early version some years ago. To me, the most important theme is that people should never give up hope on anyone who is struggling with drugs, alcohol and other issues.
A lot of the descriptions are graphic and will make some people squirm.
I did not grow up in this country and never experienced or had any idea about many of the shocking issues and events described in this book. I learned a lot about segments of U.S. society that I never before and still have never experienced. I also learned about the grasp of addiction.
I heartily endorse this novel for everybody.
A lot of the descriptions are graphic and will make some people squirm.
I did not grow up in this country and never experienced or had any idea about many of the shocking issues and events described in this book. I learned a lot about segments of U.S. society that I never before and still have never experienced. I also learned about the grasp of addiction.
I heartily endorse this novel for everybody.
July 23, 2013
This novel has already earned 5 stars from me.
July 20, 2013
I was furnished a copy of this book from NetGalley.
So, I have this habit of picking books based on the cover and a few lines of description. I don't want to know too much... I don't want anyone's preconceived notions to infiltrate my thoughts and personal feelings about the story.
I'm always down for a book about racial discord and/or harmony, southern literature and stories about two people who have overcome what should tear them apart to come together. I thought this book was about a black boy and a white boy who defy odds and social opinion to become friends.
Imagine my surprise when I am enthralled by the vivid portrayal of two boys living a lower class existence in a broken home. Both descend into a world of using acid, heroin, weed (reefer) and alcohol. Both are arrested several times and have several opportunities to get their lives together.
Roosevelt has watched his mother battle her drug demons of and on his whole life. Jude rebels against the straight and narrow path that his stuffy father wants him to follow.
White Sugar (pure crystaline, injectible heroin) Brown Sugar (base heroin for smoking) is graphic and real in telling it's story. I reached a point where I couldn't put it down. I needed to know how things worked out for Roosevelt and Judah.
I think endings in particular are difficult... I've read very few really satisfying endings and this ending isn't one of them. It wasn't terrible, just a bit cliche. Not unhappy at all... it read like a good episode of Intervention.
E.G. Tripp does a great job developing his characters and bringing them forward on the page. Settings are vivid, the story is easy to follow. It does get a little preachy, but that tends to happen in books about addiction and a recovery.
Overall a gripping, enjoyable read but not the deep southern drama I was really looking for.
So, I have this habit of picking books based on the cover and a few lines of description. I don't want to know too much... I don't want anyone's preconceived notions to infiltrate my thoughts and personal feelings about the story.
I'm always down for a book about racial discord and/or harmony, southern literature and stories about two people who have overcome what should tear them apart to come together. I thought this book was about a black boy and a white boy who defy odds and social opinion to become friends.
Imagine my surprise when I am enthralled by the vivid portrayal of two boys living a lower class existence in a broken home. Both descend into a world of using acid, heroin, weed (reefer) and alcohol. Both are arrested several times and have several opportunities to get their lives together.
Roosevelt has watched his mother battle her drug demons of and on his whole life. Jude rebels against the straight and narrow path that his stuffy father wants him to follow.
White Sugar (pure crystaline, injectible heroin) Brown Sugar (base heroin for smoking) is graphic and real in telling it's story. I reached a point where I couldn't put it down. I needed to know how things worked out for Roosevelt and Judah.
I think endings in particular are difficult... I've read very few really satisfying endings and this ending isn't one of them. It wasn't terrible, just a bit cliche. Not unhappy at all... it read like a good episode of Intervention.
E.G. Tripp does a great job developing his characters and bringing them forward on the page. Settings are vivid, the story is easy to follow. It does get a little preachy, but that tends to happen in books about addiction and a recovery.
Overall a gripping, enjoyable read but not the deep southern drama I was really looking for.
September 26, 2013
At first I was completely taken aback by the nonchalant manner in which Michael Pyle described the unfolding events in the book. Jude and Red alike went through the motions of non drug user, straight to casual drug user, and right into selling and addiction with a a fluidity that he made seem natural. I got this kind of hazy picture of these boys just floating through scenario after unbelievable scenario like it was a completely normal progression, that what they were seeing wasn't at all shocking. Every time I thought I knew where the book was going and knew that surely THIS would be the boys rock bottom, a new facet of the drug world was revealed, a new option for their involvement, a new flight of stairs down into addiction. Instead, the author chose to describe in better detail the results of their use and the constant struggle of sobriety. So many issues were addressed in White Sugar, Brown Sugar. From parental drug and alcohol abuse, finding a god to light the way to recovery, the mistrust of family towards a user, the ease in which children are exposed, racism, the struggles of a parent of a user, the struggles of a child of a user- it's all here. Historically accurate to my very own hometown, informative in the quickly escalating and destructive cycle that is addiction, and a hopeful glimpse into recovery- this book encompassed every aspect of the dark side of drugs. It isn't always a party, it isn't always harmless, and these boys were blessed to have made it out alive.
I have reviewed and rewritten this review ten times now. I don't think I've quite relayed how important this book is. All I can say is it is a must read and I look forward to witnessing its huge success that I am sure is to come.
I have reviewed and rewritten this review ten times now. I don't think I've quite relayed how important this book is. All I can say is it is a must read and I look forward to witnessing its huge success that I am sure is to come.
January 5, 2014
Brown Sugar White Sugar by Michael Pyle
This book drew me into the narrative, so much so that I could not put it down. The story is very realistic and down to earth. It deals with the struggle of drug abuse and the strength it takes to overcome the problems of addiction. It deals with two boys from opposite sides of the track, both struggling with parental difficulties. Their move into addiction and then their journey through AA and NC. A very powerful story and one which will stay with me a long time. I would recommend this book highly for any adult section of a library.
I give this book 4 Stars
.
This book drew me into the narrative, so much so that I could not put it down. The story is very realistic and down to earth. It deals with the struggle of drug abuse and the strength it takes to overcome the problems of addiction. It deals with two boys from opposite sides of the track, both struggling with parental difficulties. Their move into addiction and then their journey through AA and NC. A very powerful story and one which will stay with me a long time. I would recommend this book highly for any adult section of a library.
I give this book 4 Stars
.
November 18, 2015
Intriguing, Riveting & Inspirational! A Powerful Read! I Loved It!
March 3, 2024
At first, I didn't know what to think of this book. wasn't what I thought it was going to be what I was reading; I did have to put it down a few times because it was disturbing to me. The story was raw and hard to comprehend at times. I was shaken by the sex as teenagers and the hard reality of the drugs that almost swallowed them up and did for a while. I am glad I finished it and saw the full circle. I wouldn't have read the book if I would have known the full scope of the book. but I am glad I did.
October 1, 2013
An amazing, well written tale about an unexpected yet extraordinary friendship.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews