A Pimp's Life

by Treasure Hernandez

In the tradition of Donald Goines and Iceberg Slim comes A Pimp's Life, the story of the rise and fall of Mack Jones. He's at the top of his pimp game in Queens, New York, until he breaks one of the cardinal rules of Pimping 101 and falls in love with one of his girls.

Destiny was once an innocent young girl tricked into selling her body, but now she's as tough as the most seasoned professionals on the street. Then a tragic turn of events causes her to open her heart once again. When Mack is shot, she stays by his side during his recovery, proving herself to be as devoted as any wife would be to her husband.

After she sees that Mack has regained his strength, Destiny finally gathers the courage to leave the life behind her, and Mack is forced to make a decision. He won't stop her from leaving, but he must decide if he will follow her out of the game. Will he stay with what he's always known, or take a chance on love? And even if he does choose to get out, will the streets let him go that easy?

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Paige Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t expect this to start about his crack-addicted mom dying of AIDS though it’s a constant in urban lit. More interesting he loves an incest victim he says “isn’t the best-looking.” Calling them having sex as “milking the cow” is gross but funny. I guess that’s the tone they’re doing since every move is described as a different animal and she passes gas during and he calls his d!ck the “razzle dazzle” or “show stopper.” Not for me. 💀The author’s short story in Girls from Da Hood 8 was serious and cute, so this is especially shocking.

[Andrea]

Dont waste your time this book was all over the place and the ending i was like what a waste of time. for those that gave it four stars......wow

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was all over the place! For one, there was no character named Destiny so the synopsis is all wrong. The scenes switched mid chapter with no closing from the last scene. The end didn’t have a follow up to a major turn of events in the book. I would’ve liked to see the victim’s reaction. There were a lot of vulgar and disturbing scenes as well, which may be triggering to some people. I gave it two stars because there were some plot twists and surprising events. Overall, it was a quick and messy read.

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to start out by saying that I expected more from this. Being that this is Hernansez's latest book I really expected the characters to be better formed, the story to have some unexpected twists, etc. Maybe it did have all that for some but not for me. That being said, it's still a good book which is obvious since I rated it three stars. The characters could have been a little better developed and the twists could have been a little more unpredictable. I couldn't tell if I guessed right away what was going on with Mack and Coke or if maybe it was really that obvious. The very first mention of something hidden though and knew the deal. That kind of took the surprise out of it for me obviously and as that's the biggest surprise in the book, that kind of sucked.
The actual story, of Mack coming up and stepping on everyone in his way, while not unique, is still a good one. The two females, Joi and Sade were a little binus because they had their own things going on, all the time dealing with Mack in some way, shape, or form.
Anton's character was decent but again, could have been a lot more than what it was. It's a good book but don't pick it up looking for something unique.

[Punkin · Rating 1 out of 5]

did not like

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could not say that I read this because I didn't finish it... I could not finish it. Maybe I should not presume to rate it either.

[Glenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually like a good gritty urban fiction story but this one just didn't cut it. Not only did I not care for any of the characters but I also thought the story was a mess and all over the place.

[Courtney]

First of all, there was no character in the book named Destiny so the description is totally wrong. I only finished this book because it was an audiobook and I became invested. The recurrent themes in Ms. Hernandez books are becoming very predictable. This will be the last book I read by this author. The story had a lot of potential but she just missed all of it.

[Alison is probably reading smut · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started off strong at the beginning, but then just got weaker then weaker as I progressed until I couldn't wait to finish it and get it over with. Usually a fan of Treasure Hernandez's other books but this book made her writing weaker in my opinion. Definitely glad there's not a sequel to it but I don't think I'd read it if there was.

[Tasha Broadous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow!

This was a really crazy good read. Very surprising and intense moments throughout the book. Well thought out twist and turns and a lot of grimey real life situations. Valuable lesson of living a lie that the truth can crush your whole reputation.

[Shanae]

Tried to get into this and I just refuse to struggle through it. It couldn't hold my attention...maybe it's me because I like Hernandez's Flint series. Or maybe it's Hernandez - may she's only good at writing about Malek and Halleigh.

[Drew- Pickleball Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every now and then, I experience with different genres. This one is urban fiction, but it's probably better if it's called hood porn.

[Tamika L]

MUST READ

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, this is the first book I have read by this author. I liked it for the most part but did not like the way it ended. Like really. Idk but on to the next book. :)

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't care for the story at all, It was all over the place.

[Courtnei · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't finish reading. Didn't really get into this book

[Letesa Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book!!!!