If I Ruled the World

by Joylynn M. Jossel

In every ghetto there is that one who stands out above the rest. In this unforgettable novel, her name is Harlem.

Harlem Jones is a twenty-six-year-old bad-ass female who owns her own home, her own car, and her own business. And no, some drug dealer didn't front her the money for any of it. Nor did she have to sell herself to get what she's got. Harlem came up the hard way. She had the perfect family until her mother fell prey to an addiction and Harlem's whole world fell apart. After several life-changing encounters, Harlem seems to have lost everything. But then, under circumstance she wishes never existed, she inherits a modest fortune and opens up her own business.
Then into her life comes an unexpected and unlikely love, a street-bred charmer named York. Not your typical hood, York is out for Harlem's heart. But when tragedy strikes, Harlem knows that, as a survivor, she must be the one to decide her own destiny.

Genres: Fiction

289 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2005

Reviews

[Raven M. Osborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book over a decade ago. I remember working as a cashier and getting in trouble for reading this book every time I didn’t have a customer during a shift: truly a page turner. Starts out fun, but the ending disturbs me to this day. The only book I’ve cried from.

[Candice Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

i cried so hard in the book

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me experiencing every emotion, literally. Harlem had extremely tough skin, and rightfully so being that she started experiencing traumatic life events as a child. As the story progressed, her character slowly evolved and she began to experience friendship, love, relationship, loss, forgiveness, and finding Christ after all is said and done. It was an easy read with complex characters and similar problems that we’ve all experienced in our own reality if we’re standing in our authentic selves.

[Cynthia Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Trigger warnings for assault.

[Misshaq · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, had some jewels in it would recommend for a upper high school or young college girl for entertainment and some street wisdom. I loved the way the author celebrated friendship in it. Reminds me of the types of friendships I've had with my girls.

[Jazzmine Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was such an inspirational piece of work. it makes you realize how someones past can be so horrible, even if they are here today looking as perfection

[Yasmeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was a good book...i really enjoyed it.

[Claudisia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read, page turner from first to last page.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good.

[Keia chat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and loved it but I am going to read it again because it was a long time sense I read it wonderful book

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, differently a page turner.