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Water Flows Under Doors

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"SHH," he told her before he kissed the palm of her hand. "I should leave." Neither one of them said anything as they fixed their clothes and avoided each other's eyes. They didn't speak as they walked to the apartment door and silence still reigned as Tracy let him out. After the door closed, she leaned against it on her side, oblivious to the fact that he lingered on his side, waiting her but lacking the voice to say so. *** Water Flows Under Doors is a gritty urban tale that tells the story of a young man who believes he has lost his woman to another man when in fact, he has lost her to herself. To cure his addiction for this woman he becomes addicted to another and just like a new drug, this high is more potent than the last. However, what he’s found in this new woman may cost him his life as well as hers.

195 pages, Paperback

First published February 2, 2004

9 people are currently reading
46 people want to read

About the author

Keith Kareem Williams

36 books55 followers
Keith Kareem Williams is the author of over 20 books & 7 screenplays. He still resides in his hometown of Brooklyn, New York where he delicately balances his time between his responsibilities as a single father as well as the challenges of being a full-time author.
“In interviews, one of the most difficult questions I’ve been asked is, ‘What genre are your novels?’ because honestly, I never write with any particular style in mind. I enjoy blending styles and mashing different genres together in interesting ways. Basically, I pen whatever is in my heart and soul. However, if I had to describe my style I would use musical terms and say that I write Urban, Hip-Hop, fiction with the rhythm of Reggae that crashed into Heavy Metal and then began to bleed Neo Soul. I write Alternative Urban Fiction.”
One of the things I'm most proud of is how my children look at me with pride because I'm accomplishing my goals and doing the things I set out to do with my career. They recognize and respect my passion. I write constantly and I already have the titles & plots lined up for my next 92 novels. This is what I do and I'm just trying to let the rest of the world know this. My ambition is to become as legendary as some of the writers I admire. I believe that a GOOD writer pulls you into their story. A GREAT writer makes the world around you fall away as you read. The LEGENDARY writers tell stories that become a part of you and linger long after you've read the last line of the last chapter. It was once said that, the pen is mightier than the sword. I say to my fellow AUTHORS: Let's advance our craft until it's mightier than guns, grenades, bullets & nuclear bombs. If not, then put your pen down and fall back. Those of us who are serious about this will run you over as if we were riding in tanks.” – Keith Kareem Williams

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5 stars
24 (55%)
4 stars
14 (32%)
3 stars
2 (4%)
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1 (2%)
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2 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for WriteVibeMagazine.
321 reviews20 followers
February 28, 2011
“Water Flows Under Doors” is a dazzling debut from Keith Williams. Readers will be introduced to main character, Tyler, who is dealing with the break up from his former girlfriend, Deborah. Deborah truly isn’t affected by the recent change of events, since she wasted no time getting on with her life with someone new who is a pretty boy named, Patrick.

Tyler is trying to deal with the breakup, his regular life, with the absence of his father playing a major role, and the man he is trying to become, not what society would like to see him as.

“Water Flows Under Doors” is a classic tale of a young man’s road to self-discovery, and this book will keep readers engrossed. Main character Tyler is so likeable, even when his inner demons make him want to do otherwise.

Enter Tracey, a 16 year old teen mom, living with her mother and raising her daughter, wishing for a better life. In the meantime, she entertains the company of the neighborhood drug dealer and her daughter’s father, Remy. Even though she dates the streets’ most feared man, her mind and body yearn for a love that she wants with Tyler.

The two flirt on and off for some time and then do the unthinkable. Something that was supposed to be as incredible as finally losing control comes with a price that could cost someone their life.

As the story unfolds, readers will be introduced to a secret that changes lives and makes people question if they even know the people around them. This debut tells the story of love, life, and loss.

“Water Flows Under Doors” was a nice read and, despite some editing issues, it did not detract from the author’s words. This story has great character development and readers can’t help but be engrossed because the storyline is so true to life.

If you pick up this book thinking this is your typical “bang-bang shoot ‘em up”, you will be in for a rude awakening. “Water Flows Under Doors” is not street lit, but a contemporary, fictional tale of a young boy turning into a man. This was an awesome debut from Keith Williams.

This novel will make you take notice of this author’s writing skills and be looking for his next literary endeavor.

Reviewed by: Kisha Green

Profile Image for Sistar Tea.
296 reviews
May 17, 2010
Water Flows Under Doors by Keith Williams

Urban life at its best

I have to start by saying I was shocked when I saw this book was first printed in 04’ I have to say the way it’s written and the fact that no timeline and clothing lines are given this book is timeless. As I was reading I had no idea this book was six years old. The characters are fresh and they are everyday people - something we don’t see enough of today. I could relate to all the characters or they reminded me of someone I knew in my own life, thats how real they were. I wouldn’t classify this book as “hood” but I will say that Author Keith Williams is going to be one to keep an eye on. Even with typos it was still an EXCELLENT book that will not be distracting in the least, and in all honestly there were not many.

Tyler is a bright young man who doesn’t want to become a product of his ‘hood’. When his girlfriend suddenly breaks up with him he has to do some soul searching. Tyler was my favorite character, his snappy wit had me chuckling a few times.

Tracy is a teenage mother who is messing with an older man. Her daughter’s father is a hustler and takes care of Tracy and his daughter monetarily. Something is missing and she is flirting with Tyler to get the attention. Is this a game that will have winners?

Remi is Tracy’s boyfriend, as much as I wanted to hate him ‘cause he was truly an a** hole he was the character I pitied the most. A perfect example; of a man who doesn’t know how to deal with his emotions. Remi will have you cursing out loud.

The ex-girlfriend Deborah who although has a minor part in this novel she had MAJOR roll as she use her woman charm to get what she wanted weather good or bad.

The character - June we ALL know someone like him. Mouth all mighty always talking and not saying nothing at all. June had some classic lines for the most part I wanted to punch him in the mouth.

I truly enjoyed this novel it was really like living a day in the hood with real people. Even down to the way they are described. Tracy in one part is complaining about her stretch marks she received after her baby was born now how real is that? I found myself looking at my stomach as she expressed herself!! I usually don’t care for bold print but I have say it worked well in this book. Mr. Williams doesn’t over use it and only used to emphasize a point. I will be looking to follow his career. His debut novel does not read like a rookie so I would love to see how he improves over the years.

SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc.
5 star rating
Profile Image for Thedaringshow.
32 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2013
Without giving spoilers to this book, I have searched for the right words to explain what I was feelings while reading Water Flows Under Doors. Although I haven't come up with the appropriate words to describe it yet, I felt compelled not to wait another day in silence.

I definitely want to point out that this novel was a quick and easy read that many may categorize as urban fiction. I don't believe that if taken in its entirety it should be classified as such.

Water Flows Under Doors has so much more to offer in its storyline than the typical comparison to "black" or "urban" fiction. Very few urban books leave a lasting impression about humanity. And this one surprised me.

Reading Keith Kareem Williams' book Water Flows Under Doors has convinced me to not judge a book by its cover. To read books outside my genre comfort zone.

And lastly to recognize that as we go through life and make decisions that at the time seem right, may be wrong. There is a bigger picture that many of us don't understand because we react on emotion. We may mess up the positive possibilities in life by not letting go of the here and now because its hard and uncomfortable.

The author has told this story to us through fiction. Very entertaining fiction. My only concern was scene fluidity towards the end of the book. It seemed rushed. At the end of it all I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to many more books by this author.

I give this book 4 stars.
Profile Image for Ms.Toni.
173 reviews22 followers
August 20, 2010
Keith Williams' "Water Flows Under Doors" is a strong and impressive debut. But as with many debuts, it has its fair share of kinks (editing issues), though not enough to deter readers. Descriptive, interesting and easy to follow, Williams tells the story of a young man, Tyler. Tyler is an average guy, growing up in New York and raised by his mother. His absentee father made a few guest appearances over the years in his and his brother's lives. Just off the heels of a breakup with his girlfriend and not on emotional stable footing, Tyler finds himself with feelings for a young lady, Tracy, in his building; a lady that belongs to a local, ruthless dealer. Throwing caution to the wind and fueled off emotions, Tyler and Tracy open Pandora's Box...

Keith Williams takes readers on a ride. I won't say a wild ride, but it was a ride nonetheless and a worthy ride. He delivers a well-crafted story. This read is a strong four (I liked it) as it falls just a little shy of what I would consider a five (I loved it). I look forward to reading more from Williams and I can see this easily being the start of a promising literary career. Don't sleep on Keith!
Profile Image for K.R. Bankston.
Author 55 books93 followers
June 1, 2011
NOT WHAT I THOUGHT!!!!....Ha! gotcha didn't I? Let me tell you this, Water Flows Under Doors is an absolutely phenomenal read. The book captured me from page 1 and did NOT let go. I found myself totally caught up in the characters, yelling, crying, cursing as I read and identified with each ones struggle. Tyler, Tracey, were real people with real dilemma's who were in a real jacked up situation.

The book touched on every aspect of day to day life, existence, struggle, love and loss. The situations presented were real, and made you feel what the characters felt. Water Flows Under Doors is a mesmerizing roller coaster ride, that I encourage everyone to take. I'm not going to tell you about the book. READ IT and you'll understand why it's titled Water Flows Under Doors!

Great job Keith! I hope everyone is paying attention and remembers your name, because they're about to see you as you Zenith and really shine like the star that you are!!
Profile Image for Jaree Francis.
Author 3 books147 followers
July 16, 2010
First of all, I must say that this book transcends above the stereotypes of urban lit; it's well paced and more times than not, thought provoking. The story seamlessly weaves the lives of Tyler(a young man familiar with the highs and lows of love), the two women who possess different levels of him, and a grimy, self-motivated individual who you'll be forced to encounter within this timely piece. The story reads cinematically, descriptions splashing colors on the big picture, and the dialogue is heart-felt. With multiple character viewpoints, you can get a wider scope of the events that take place and also the capacity of which they occur. This is an excellent blend of intrigue & seduction.
Profile Image for Ann.
286 reviews
June 4, 2011
I read this book from start to finish in one sitting. From the first pages I was compelled to continue and enjoyed every word.

An amazing story about the destruction wrought when love is suffocated by rancid jealousy; love becomes a battlefield where all soldiers are wounded.

This story is extremely well written, a quick read with many significant insights into relationships, narcism, guilt, affects of domestic violence and raw human nature.
I would recommend this book to anyone. It left me with a powerful presence of the characters and their intimate struggles.
Profile Image for Erica.
78 reviews
January 20, 2013
"Water Flows under Doors" was a phenomenal book! This was my first book that I have read by Keith Williams and will not be my last. His style of writing is unlike any other and I strongly recommend this book. I enjoyed how Keith touched on many different angles of "love", with the different characters in "Water Flows under Doors". The book brought out so many different emotions while reading but the end really hit me hard, it was not what I expected. Keith keep up the great work and I look forward to reading more of your books!
Profile Image for Metris.
412 reviews
December 10, 2014
Tyler, Tracy, Shemar, Steve, Remy, Deborah(ughhhh).... A lot of times we have good intentions, wanting to do GOOD, but our flesh and some demons within will have us traveling more toward evil and/or self destruction. My heart went out to Tyler, Tracy and believe it or not even Remy, their struggles with the hand that life dealt them was tough & they all tried to deal with it the best that they could, but the demonic spirit within sometimes was a Stronger force. This book was so deep and I really liked it; my 1st read by Keith Kareem Williams but not my last!
Profile Image for Phoenix Brown.
Author 6 books53 followers
September 13, 2012
I heard about Keith Williams through a facebook group (Fun4damental). I am so glad that I did! Water flows under doors was a beautifully written story that followed the life of Tyler but gave us an indepth look at Tracy too. Their love story was breathtaking and I found myself holding my breath as I neared the ending. Everyone has their demons and this book weaved them throughout the story. Great read and I am already suggesting it to others.
Profile Image for Shan.
195 reviews42 followers
November 23, 2014
This book was sooooo good. The author will hold you captive from the first page to the last. I understand the title completely. I loved every single character and the parts that played in the story. This story read like a movie. I was literally holding my breath at the end!!!! This author is one of my favorites!
Profile Image for Victoria.
399 reviews56 followers
November 20, 2014
Let's just say It was not what I initially thought... More detailed review to follow. Worth a read
Profile Image for Cassandra Haywood.
326 reviews
February 4, 2019
Wow

This book was so good. The storyline and the characters just flowed so well together. I can't believe this is the author's first book. The emotions of the characters I could really feel and the places they went I could see in my imagination. My attention was held right from the beginning until the end of the book and all I could say was WOW, which left me wanting more.
There were so many secrets and lies that is was almost scandalous.
I recommend this book to read and you will enjoy the rollercoaster ride of the drama and innocence.
Cassandra H.
Profile Image for Lyn.
353 reviews8 followers
March 1, 2017
This book had me from the first page. The story takes place in New York, one of my Bucket list states to visit, and reading this story had me feeling as if I was right there walking in the halls of the apartment building, and on the syreets with Tracy, Tyler, Remy, and Steve.

I was engrossed in the lives of Tyler who seemed to be torn between two strange loves. Remedy with his bravado and secrets that was to force his hand. Tracy a teenage mother torn between what she had and what she desired. I felt her pain as the secret unfolded and manifested itself.

I loved how the story was told, raw, gut wrenching, fear, and love, or was it? The book was an easy read, it wasn't  cluttered with confusion. I couldn't  step away for to long, I had to know what happened next, and what did happen, I absolutely  did not expect. I hope to read about about Tyler in a future read. Well done.
Profile Image for Carmen Blalock.
262 reviews16 followers
June 12, 2012

It is often said there is a thin line between love and hate. The line is even thinner between love and obsession. How do you know when you are in love with a person and when it is bordering on can't live without them?

Tyler tries to live a carefree life but everything that he has learned about relationships has been just tumultuous. He has watched his father beat his mother all of his childhood, now he broken up with his girlfriend Deborah and he is not taking it well at all. Then he finds out from the neighborhood troublemaker that Deborah has moved on to the boy down the street, Patrick. After Tyler goes to Deborah's house and beats Patrick almost to death, that is when Tyler realizes that he might not quite be over Deborah. That is until his neighbor Tracy starts talking to him. Tracy is definitely off limits. She belongs to the neighborhood tough guy and drug dealer Remy, and no one talks to her unless Remy gives you permission. Tyler and Tracy develop a friendship and they understand each other because they are both in similar types of relationships - being with people who don't truly love them. But the bond between them is growing stronger even though it is unsafe for them to grow closer. Will Tyler's friendship with Tracy become a problem or will Remy approve of it? Only time will tell.

Water Flows Under Doors is a very well written book that introduces us to the characters and gives us background on why things happen to them. Keith Williams gives us the history on who is here, why they are here and where they are going and wraps up everything very nicely so that there are no loose ends. I enjoyed this book, it has a very nice flow to it and a good storyline. I look forward to more of his works.
Profile Image for Teresa Patterson.
Author 53 books115 followers
April 25, 2010
Tyler has some inner demons that he has to deal with. He struggles to contain the inner rage, because he knows if he lets it out the cage, it will consume him and everything around him. He’s angry because his girlfriend Deborah dumped him. He’s angry because as a child he had to watch his father beat his mother while he stood by helplessly. He’s angry because now his father doesn’t seem to care about him or his younger brother. The anger spirals out of control when he confronts Deborah’s new love interest. What happens puts his life in danger in more ways than one.

After the confrontation, he is consoled by Tracy, his upstairs neighbor. Tracy is off limits because she belongs to Remy, a ruthless neighborhood thug. Even though Tyler tries to convince himself that he’s still in love with Deborah, he begins to develop feelings for Tracy. The two keep playing with fire until, inevitably, they get scorched by the passion. When Remy finds out what transpired, a confrontation is inevitable. Someone will pay the cost for betrayal and it’s an all too high price.
Keith Kareem Williams’ debut novel, Water Flows Under Doors was an excellent read, with believable characters, gritty, real-life details, and depth. I am looking forward to more books by this author. He is definitely in gear for a very promising future in writing.

You have a new fan, Mr. Williams!
Profile Image for Barbara.
800 reviews132 followers
September 9, 2012
WATER FLOWS UNDER DOORS by Author Keith Kareem Williams is an excellent written story you will get so caught up in the story line from the beginning to the end. This story is extremely well written, a quick read with many insights into relationships day to day life existence, struggle, love and loss.

Author Keith Williams brings his characters to life with his excellent descriptions and voice of each character in the book. As you read the story line you can imagine the images of each character. The Author gave life to each character.

Tyler is a young man who does not want to become a product in hood.

Tracy is a teenage mother who is seeing an older man. Her daughter's father is a hustler and takes care of Tracy and his daughter.

Remy is Tracy's boyfriend. You will also meet Deborah and June.

Keith Kareem Williams is an exceptional writer; his style of writing will have you wanting to purchase and read his other books I highly recommend this book to all readers. Book Clubs make this a book of the month. This book will make a great book club discussion.

Author Keith Williams you just picked up another book fan. Keep writing. Look forward to reading more from you.
Profile Image for MidnightAce.
189 reviews
June 1, 2014
This was the first of many titles that I will be reading from this author. Once I finally begin to read this I couldn't stop, this author has crafted the talent for bringing charters off the pages as if they were in the same room with you. I was on an emotional ride with Tyler, Remy, and Tracy.

I found myself cheering some of the characters, giving advice into my iPad, my heart breaking and crying. The drama between the lives of them kept you on the edge. You witness that how the characters responded to life events, affects all those in their circle and how easily things can spiral out of control.

I was left with wanting it to be more, like what was next for Tyler.

Enjoyed.......enjoyed!!!!!!
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,041 reviews115 followers
August 1, 2020
A Powerful Story

This story was powerful, passionate, metaphorical and very imaginative. I liked the bold way in which the author drew connections in the story with so much drama. Tracy was flawed and child-like in so many ways. Her baby's father Remy was just pure evil. It took a herculean effort to hate Remy's presence a little less. His lackey's were more like robots without a soul. Then there was Tyler, the confused young man who lusted after Tracy. Tyler's issues with his father, and his former girlfriend tainted his thinking. And though he feared Remy and his reputation, Tyler had a new conviction to be with Tracy at any cost. I was a bit sad about the ending as I was left to wonder about what happened with Tracy and Tyler...
Profile Image for F.A..
33 reviews
June 18, 2011
I couldn't understand where the story was leading.Because I thought the main point of the story was Tyler ,and his feelings,thinking,and anger about life,but then it leads off to all these other people,and there thinking,and thought process.In which it lead me to try to follow the flow of the story with all these characters.I don't know if the author was trying to intoduce these characters to us (the reader) to better understand how Tyler was living,but it just took away from the focal point of the story.I'm guessing.....
2 reviews3 followers
August 21, 2011
I read this book for the first time two years ago & it blew me away! It grabbed me from the first paragraph & when I was done, I know I must've just sat there for at least ten minutes. I've read it three times since. You're there through the flashbacks, the pain, fatigue, happiness and even moments of needed peace. I recommend to all but, you can't borrow mine. Sorry.
Profile Image for Cheryl Henson.
28 reviews
November 20, 2014
Wow, this book will leave you speechless.

I didn't know what to expect when I started this book but after starting, I never put it down. The plot moves at a good pace and keeps you on your toes trying to fathom the ending.
Profile Image for K Nikki  Waden.
433 reviews
December 12, 2011
This was a very good read..The message was clear and the details of this book really put you in the mindset of the characters..There were no happily ever afters in this book just total dysfunction
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