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Brown Silk
Seventeen year old, Tianna Harper, never expected to leave Georgia. But after her mother lands a new job overseas, she is forced to leave her small rural town and move up North with her crazy, no-holds-barred, aunt in Brooklyn. Fast paced. Full of life. New York is nothing like back home. And with the help of her cousin, Lavina, Tianna learns to adjust to the new way of life in the busy city. However, everything as she knows it changes, when she meets Damien, a smooth talking, baby faced brother from around the way, who manages to turn her life completely upside down. A coming of age story, compellingly painted with the rich essence of 1970’s through early 90’s New York, Brown Silk shares the gripping tale of a young girl’s journey to womanhood, as she discovers the poignant beauty of love, pain, and self-acceptance.
461 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2015
56 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Taisha S. Ryan
17 books81 followersTaisha Ryan is a writer and artist from New York. Writing has been her passion since the age of 12, allowing her to express her wild imagination through words. Taisha has written short stories, novels, poems, songs, and screenplays. In March 2014, she published her debut novel, Cuffed. And since then, has published three additional novels. She would describe her stories as raw, creatively uninhibited, and true to life. Words are power. And her intent is to take readers on an emotional journey as they experience the world through her mind's eye, while also providing them with a sense of purpose with each word that drips from the page. And with her gift, she believes she can do just that.
Look out for more of her projects in the future!
Look out for more of her projects in the future!
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 4, 2024
EXCELLENT READ!
Omg! This book was soo good and it really messed me up! 🥹. I’m just speechless. Top tier boom reads this year.
Omg! This book was soo good and it really messed me up! 🥹. I’m just speechless. Top tier boom reads this year.
February 12, 2023
Review
I loved this story. I loved the relationship that Tianna had with Damien it was beautiful. I was sad with the ending but happy with some parts.
I loved this story. I loved the relationship that Tianna had with Damien it was beautiful. I was sad with the ending but happy with some parts.
February 22, 2016
Set in the late 70's to early 90's, this is a coming of age love story that takes us on a journey. Tianna and Damien were smitten from from jump and grew together as friends and lovers. Read just how star-crossed teens blossom and young love withstand the test of time.
I am not a fan of reading about young adults falling in love but Ryan's other works were so good I had to give this one a try. I must say that the author was detailed in many aspects and penned very developed characters that were flawed yet perfect in their own way. Their growth was also well established as the plot progressed. Tianna and Damien were very real and true to character and I enjoyed seeing them grow in love. I loved that the book had a message and also a cause. I wondered how the title would tie into the book itself and I was surprised to see it had such significance to the writing. Also that ending threw me for a loop: I don't know what to feel about it. Some twists were def thrown in there for sure based on the initial scene in the introduction!!
In addition, I wasn't sure how reading about this particular period in time would be since I like contemporary, but I really enjoyed it. As a stickler for timelines and pacing, I have to mention that it was a little off. A few things mentioned were not of the 70's in terms of dialogue and even some items referenced. In terms of pacing, more than 50% of the book was written with Damien and Tianna as young adults that was beyond detailed which I throughly LOVED reading. However, there seemed to be a disconnect with the latter part of the book which takes place 12 years later. The time lapse was not as smooth in transition which made the pacing seem off and the end a little rushed to me.
Overall, this was a nice coming of age story and a good reading journey.
I am not a fan of reading about young adults falling in love but Ryan's other works were so good I had to give this one a try. I must say that the author was detailed in many aspects and penned very developed characters that were flawed yet perfect in their own way. Their growth was also well established as the plot progressed. Tianna and Damien were very real and true to character and I enjoyed seeing them grow in love. I loved that the book had a message and also a cause. I wondered how the title would tie into the book itself and I was surprised to see it had such significance to the writing. Also that ending threw me for a loop: I don't know what to feel about it. Some twists were def thrown in there for sure based on the initial scene in the introduction!!
In addition, I wasn't sure how reading about this particular period in time would be since I like contemporary, but I really enjoyed it. As a stickler for timelines and pacing, I have to mention that it was a little off. A few things mentioned were not of the 70's in terms of dialogue and even some items referenced. In terms of pacing, more than 50% of the book was written with Damien and Tianna as young adults that was beyond detailed which I throughly LOVED reading. However, there seemed to be a disconnect with the latter part of the book which takes place 12 years later. The time lapse was not as smooth in transition which made the pacing seem off and the end a little rushed to me.
Overall, this was a nice coming of age story and a good reading journey.
August 30, 2015
This was a great read! Throughly written & held my attention. Although the obstacles placed before them were quite devastating, Tiana & Damien's love for each other was felt throughout this story. Storyline and content executed well. This is another read by Tasha Ryan that I enjoyed & recommend!
May 10, 2025
3⭐️ and 2🌶️
A coming of age story about a girl who moves from Georgia to Brooklyn. I’m here for it but understand this is a heavy story and the ending may not be what you desire.
The story is set in 1975 and we witness Tianna move in with her aunt and cousin because her mom has a new traveling nursing job overseas.
The transition from Georgia to New York appears seamless to Tianna because she has no issues making friends, especially with Damien.
They become close and it is a true bestie friends to lovers trope. Their love was so deep and the foundation it was built on was solid for a couple of teenagers. But the lovers part proves to be the hardest for these two in ways that they could never imagine.
This story made me feel and I enjoy that in a book. But it had its hiccups in continuity, references from the 90s of things that definitely did not exist in the 70s, and the ending was very, very rushed.
Please take care of yourselves while reading this one.
•Coming of Age
•Soulmates
•Check triggers: Mental health illness, unaliving, SA on child, & child abuse
A coming of age story about a girl who moves from Georgia to Brooklyn. I’m here for it but understand this is a heavy story and the ending may not be what you desire.
The story is set in 1975 and we witness Tianna move in with her aunt and cousin because her mom has a new traveling nursing job overseas.
The transition from Georgia to New York appears seamless to Tianna because she has no issues making friends, especially with Damien.
They become close and it is a true bestie friends to lovers trope. Their love was so deep and the foundation it was built on was solid for a couple of teenagers. But the lovers part proves to be the hardest for these two in ways that they could never imagine.
This story made me feel and I enjoy that in a book. But it had its hiccups in continuity, references from the 90s of things that definitely did not exist in the 70s, and the ending was very, very rushed.
Please take care of yourselves while reading this one.
•Coming of Age
•Soulmates
•Check triggers: Mental health illness, unaliving, SA on child, & child abuse
June 9, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. It definitely shed light on mental illness and how easily things can trigger a person. I loved Tianna and Damien’s love story and how you could visualize the scenes. Some things were a little different from the 70’s than I remember but it didn’t take away from the book. I am looking forward to reading Damiens POV. First time reading from this author but not my last time.
May 15, 2023
Whew what a great read this was
I will remember this book for a while to come it was just that good. Ms. Ryan you really did your thing with this book. This was my first time reading anything by you but I got you on my number list of favorite authors. Keep up the awesome work. Lata
I will remember this book for a while to come it was just that good. Ms. Ryan you really did your thing with this book. This was my first time reading anything by you but I got you on my number list of favorite authors. Keep up the awesome work. Lata
March 15, 2016
Wonderful work
I don't know what to say. I am at awe of this author. This book, wow. I'm at a lost for words, because it was so good. It hit home for so many dealing with mental illness in their family. I can say it's a must read. It's worth 50 stars. It is just that good. Taisha Ryan, u did it.
I don't know what to say. I am at awe of this author. This book, wow. I'm at a lost for words, because it was so good. It hit home for so many dealing with mental illness in their family. I can say it's a must read. It's worth 50 stars. It is just that good. Taisha Ryan, u did it.
April 16, 2016
Outstanding Reading
As an avid reader, I am unabashedly giving this novel a 5 star rating. This novel was passionate, intelligent, interesting, insightful, educational, and heart wrenching! Taisha Ryan has earned her way to the top of my "best Author's" list and I will anxiously await her new works with fervor. Bravo for Taisha!!
As an avid reader, I am unabashedly giving this novel a 5 star rating. This novel was passionate, intelligent, interesting, insightful, educational, and heart wrenching! Taisha Ryan has earned her way to the top of my "best Author's" list and I will anxiously await her new works with fervor. Bravo for Taisha!!
August 19, 2015
I loved it!
Now that was an great book! I wish Damien would have stayed alive but other than that this book was everything....I love his and Sass chemistry and I so glad she has DJ...If y'all haven't read this book do so it's so good!
Now that was an great book! I wish Damien would have stayed alive but other than that this book was everything....I love his and Sass chemistry and I so glad she has DJ...If y'all haven't read this book do so it's so good!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2015
Great mental health awareness
Very good storyline that also raised how important the issues are with mental health. It also portrayed the true love connection between Tianna and Damien. Surprised, great ending.
Very good storyline that also raised how important the issues are with mental health. It also portrayed the true love connection between Tianna and Damien. Surprised, great ending.
July 8, 2015
Different, yet I enjoyed it. You never forget your first love. I liked how it dealt with real life issues and although it wasn't the ending I would have wanted, it was still liberating.
February 5, 2016
My Goodness
This book was beautifully written. Tackling mental illness is tough but this was handled with the grace that it deserves. This book moved me to tears! Excellent job!
This book was beautifully written. Tackling mental illness is tough but this was handled with the grace that it deserves. This book moved me to tears! Excellent job!
December 1, 2017
Sass and Damien
What a realistic, hard hitting, pulse pounding, tear jerker. Damien and Tianna's journey from childhood sweethearts to adults trying to make it was so real. The fact that life doesn't always end perfectly is what makes this story so good. Mental illness, police brutality, wrestling with one's decision to either advance their career or loose their soul, all of these issues were played out nicely. I knew, at the end, that Tianna would have to suffer the consequences of her actions, as well as Damien, I didn't expect the outcome though.
What a realistic, hard hitting, pulse pounding, tear jerker. Damien and Tianna's journey from childhood sweethearts to adults trying to make it was so real. The fact that life doesn't always end perfectly is what makes this story so good. Mental illness, police brutality, wrestling with one's decision to either advance their career or loose their soul, all of these issues were played out nicely. I knew, at the end, that Tianna would have to suffer the consequences of her actions, as well as Damien, I didn't expect the outcome though.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews