Stripping Asjiah

by Sa'Rese Thompson

I wish someone could've told me by seventeen I would get raped by my uncle. That no one would believe me. Maybe then I could've prepared myself. No one was there to protect me. Instead I was thrown to the wolves. I had to find a way out, to escape all this madness. Before you judge me, what would you have done if you were in my position?

Genres: African American, Urban, Fiction, Abuse

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[DKristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was surprisingly gripping and complicated. I did feel some of the sexual situations were not very realistic for people that young of age. If you can handle the murder, rape, violence, and emotional abuse of this one it is well worth the read. However, if you are unable to connect with urban characters and understand a thug or hustler mentality... this may not be the book for you. I think I am interested in continuing this series but due to the depth of depravity it's one of those series where I will have to space them out. I will say if you're a fan of the grittier black movies of the early 90s or shows like The Wire this should be of interest to you. Also, those of you who enjoy the gritty MC books/shows may enjoy this as well. I think I need a drink & a rainbows & giggles read!!!

[JaHy☝Hold the Fairy Dust · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOO-YAH!!!!!


DAMMMMNNNNNNNN THIS ISH WAS CRAZY GOOD ......

...I LOVED IT.!..........onto book 2. Review to come some later ;-)

[Alexis *Reality Bites* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Minor Spoilers in this Review

5 out of 5STARS

This book was nothing like i thought it would be. It was very RAW,pain filled and emotionally brutal. The Author did a very good job with the weaving of this story, she did not drag out a single plotline. There was a select few times when i was unsure of who's POV i was reading but my guessing did not last long. All i can say is WOW... This story is soooo crazy. If you can not stomach rape, incest and family loathing then this book is not for you. It's a hard read. I give Very Minor spoilers about the begining of this bk.

This Book is about a seventeen yr old girl Asjiah(pronounced Asia) she is a high school senior. Asjiah lives with her maternal grandmother who hates Asjiah. You see unlike Angel(Asjiah's big brother) Asjiah looks like their Italian father with her curly black hair light skin and blue eyes, his eyes. She has a brother Angel who is 3 yrs older than her. When Asjiah was 8 and Angel 10 their mother was attacked and killed by their father. At 17 Asjiah is a virgin but one pain filled day that right to choose is takin away from her in a brutal attack by a sick,twisted,drug addicted prick with no morals. After the attack Asjiah bravely pulls herself together and cleans/removes all traces of being raped on her Grandma's living room floor. Asjiah is sooo upset b/cause her Boyfriend CJ(18YRS OLD) was supposed to pick her up so they could go have dinner but he arrives late. She believes that if he would have arrived on time he could have stopped her attacker. Unbeknowst to Asjiah CJ was to busy cheating on her to be on time. Eventually he arrives and she tells him what happened. Together they plot to kill her attacker and so begins a story of hate, jealousy, addiction, sex, lies and video tapes.

Reader Warning this book contains rape and incest. May not fit all reading taste.

My Ratings
Characters- Likable
Wrting Style- Good and Raw
Plot/Storyline- Raw,Intense and Calculated
Overall- Good Urban Fiction

[Carla ☺Did I Say That☺ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a Half *Thats Whats Up* Stars!!!
Wow!!!..What a page-turner!!

[Andbme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come...

[Kimani Aylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Stripping Asjiah is about a girl trying who went through a traumatic experience as a child that created a domino effect. She and her brother got sent to live with her mothers family who hated her because she was mixed and looked like her father, She was raped by her uncle, and her boyfriend's mistress killed her baby. Despite her obstacles she always seemed to bounce back even though her provider and protector, her brother, was in jail.

When Asjiah was 8 her father stabbed her mother to death in a fit of rage. Asjiah and her brother Angel was sent to their mother's side of the family where they were constantly abused. They hated Asijah because she looked just like her white father. "I'm a constant reminder of my father, a mirror image, a reflection of the man who killed her daughter and she hates me for it," They verbally abused her and made her do everything. Angel looked more like them so they treated him a little better but he was still beat up by his uncle. Angel started selling drugs to provide for him and Asjiah because their family never got them anything and they would starve otherwise.

Asjiah came home one day to find her uncle waiting for her. He said he was going to use the phone but instead followed her into her room where he raped her for 30mins-1hr. He convinced himself that Asjiah secretly wanted him but just couldn't open up to him, saying "He thought deep inside she felt the same way about him but needed him to show her that he felt the same way," She told her aunt Samantha who called her an ungrateful liar looking for attention. She told her brother who didn't believe her at first. To get revenge Asjiah got her uncle to come back to the house where she slit his throat, after her boyfriends friends cleaned up the mess they left. She didn't know her brother was coming to get him for her. He shot the barely breathing uncle and dumped him at the hospital thinking he would die before anyone saw him.

Asjiah got pregnant about a month before she was supposed to go to college. At first her boyfriend, CJ, wanted her to get an abortion. She was at the clinic when she walked out in the middle of the process because she realized she was only doing this because he told her to "This is supposed to be my choice yet I allowed him to bully me into doing this," It turns out that CJ was planning to dump Asjiah after the abortion and go to his mistress. When ASjiah didn't go through with the procedure CJ was upset.However as she got further into her pregnancy CJ started to warm up to the idea. He started spending more time with ASjiah and buying the baby things. When he made it clear to his mistress that they couldn't be together she beat up Asjiah so bad that she miscarried.

I would recommend this story to a friend because it's very inspiring.No matter how many obstacles were thrown Asjiah's way she always managed to pull through. The only time she really got depressed was after her baby but even after that she managed to get out on top. Another moral of the story is to always think for yourself. When Asjiah was getting an abortion she wasn't doing it for herself but for CJ and when she made her own decision to leave,she ended up happier. Another moral is to always stay loyal to your friends because everybody who expressed disloyalty to Asjiah and Angel ended up dead and everyone who was loyal got rewarded. For example Angel's cheating girlfriend, Stacey, was killed after she received her lover's heart in the mail. However Money, who completed a mission for Angel, was given a lot of money and got a promotion.

[Analeese Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the other urban novels on my list I had yet to write a review on any of them, that is until I picked up Stripping Asjiah. This book is fire from beginning to the end. Sa'Rese has figured out a way to craft a story that flawlessly flows from character to character, scene to scene. Stripping Asjiah doesn't read like other urban fiction to the point you almost feel like it's real. The situations in the story can actually happen, if they have not happened already to yourself or people you know. Unlike other stories where its just the usual drug selling boyfriend and prostitute turned hustler girlfriend.

Sa'Rese has shown raw talent in what I believe is her debut novel and I can't wait for her next book.

[Michael Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't really read or had the interest to read anything since The Coldest Winter Ever; I'm glad I picked up Stripping Asjiah. After reading the back cover I was immediately drawn into the story and I haven't put it down since. My boys and I have talked about all the characters and how they relate to us or people we know. Good Job shorty; hope there's a sequel!

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grabbed me from the very first page. Sa'Rese has truly captured the essence of "keeping it real". She pulls you in with every character and never loosens the grip. I found myself crying, I couldn't stop. Can't wait for the sequel.

[Dame Sunday · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good story, at times I wasn't sure who's POV I was reading but I figured it out quickly. It's an urban story and I find those not my favorite but this one was pretty good/sad full of wtf moments. It's a quick read. For that I was appreciative.

[Tina Manuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review added to book #2. Or see my blog: http://tinasbookblog.booklikes.com/po...

[Kittykorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and really want to read the 2nd so bad

[La'Crima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad they (seems like they killed him..) killed that nasty mf Cash. Good riddance! This was a good book.
Also I believe Asjiah deserved a better guy. CJ can rarely reciprocate loyalty to Asjiah. It'd only get worse if she marries him.

[OOSA · Rating 4 out of 5]

From a Good Life to Turmoil...

Asjiah and Angel Cappelli were raised by their mom, Jai, in California. They had a good life and their mom loved them to death. Since she had separated from their dad, Sean, she was a little afraid, thinking he would show up and start trouble for them. He does! In a flash the girls’ world is turned upside down and they are sent to live with their mother's mother, Marie, in Ohio and there their lives are forever altered.

Sa'Rese’s “Stripping Asjiah" caught me from the first page! There was so much going on and the children really suffered as a result of what happened in California. I felt the author did a good job developing this story.

There were a lot of name brands mentioned throughout the book which I didn't find necessary. Also, it was a little farfetched to imagine some things that happened in the story and no one really investigated them. It was like things were happening and I was asking myself where are the police? Outside of that, I really did enjoy this novel.

I believe this story is really true to life when kids end up with family members that only take them in as a sense of obligation and not out of a genuine love. I felt the hurt from the siblings. Readers will enjoy this book, and I am looking forward to the sequel as I am curious to know what happens next.

Great job, Sa'Rese!

Reviewed by: Lisa M.

[Anitra Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent from start to finish. I recognized the name of the editor from the name on one of the other books I read. I was a little scarred from the previous book I read under this Editor's name and thought I would be in for the same slow, boring pace of an poorly told story but after reading the back of the book I realized that this one would be different.

Stripping Asjiah compares to NOTHING else I've read and it's not often you can say that an author stands out in a industry that is so overly saturated by the same story being told over and over again. Sa'Rese weaved a story of complete brilliance through the pages of this book and it almost seems effortless. Her characters are witty and well crafted and I found myself cheering for them throughout the novel. I cant wait for the sequel!!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

" Stripping Asjiah 2" by Author Sa'Rese picks up right where part one left off. Asjiah is forced to make the decision between life and death. During this time,her brother, Angel, sits in jail plotting revenge and freedom. The characters from part one are all back in this tale of deceit, lies, and love. I loved the flashback and details the author provided about Angel and Asjiah's childhood.
This story was a 5 star read. It stayed true to part one. The fast paced action started on page one and didn't let up at all! I definitely had a chance to see each character's depth and growth from part one and that is something that I truly enjoyed.Keep up the great work, Sa'rese! Can't wait for part 3 of this amazing series.

[Christina Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you can see I didnt really write reviews for any of the other books that I read but I felt something HAD to be said about this one! Stripping Asjiah is an urban classic! From the first page you are thrown into the lives of two siblings who are struggling to make their way out of the streets and away from a family who treats them like shit. I felt like Asjiah was my little sister, like Angel was my brother and I was going through all of these things with them. Sa'Rese holds no punches as she vividly describes each scene, painting a picture so clear you feel as if you are watching a movie. Is there going to be a movie???? Is there a sequel?????

[Journey Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was amazing. utterly captivating. I couldnt put it down! Sa'Rese has found a way to evoke raw emotions from her readers in an urban tale of survival. her characters are raw and uncut and the story is true to life. A lot of urban novels have plots that are too far fetched or too saturated with the normalacy of what we think urban fiction is. Take notes, Stripping Asjiah is in a class of its own!

[Keith Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

to compare this to coldest winter ever or g-spot would be an understatement. stripping asjiah is in a class of its own. the story flows ruthlessly from beginning to end and the relationship between the brother and sister reminds me of my own friendship and bond with my sibling. Sa'Rese didnt glorify street life like most authors, if not all authors, she made it more about the struggle and what they had to do to survive. I cant wait for the sequel. I'll read anything she touches.

[Heather Bogner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dont read urban books but I saw this sitting on the my friends desk in the dorm so I picked it up. I missed my 3:00 psych class!!! lol. This book is amazing! It isnt written in a way thats hard to understand or drenched with slang that most ethnic writers use. Sa'Rese is a great talent, I searched for other books on here by her but couldn't find any. I hope she is working on something currently because this was a great debut!

[Charisse Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an excellent read from start to finish. Featured it at my book club last month and everyone loved it. My meeting started at 7:00 and lasted well into midnight. Everyone had their own take on the characters and what they wouldve done if they were Asjiah. I searched for other books by Sa'Rese and couldnt find any. If this is her debut, you are off to a great start. Can't wait for more.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good read. I will say that the formatting of the book was driving me a little crazy. It was hard to understand in some areas because it was not properly formatted for my kindle. The book did keep my attention and had me yearning for more. I loved Angel and the love he had for his sister Asjiah. He truly made sure that she was well taken care of and wanted for nothing. I will be looking forward to starting the next installment in this series and I would recommend this book to others.

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love hate relationship

So... I like the book but there so much going on, I literally got sick to my stomach with the whole uncle thing. I knew what was to come but I did not know it would go into detail like that, eeeewww. But over all I did like the book. Can't wait to read part 2. I hope Cj is gone and Money steps up to the plate. I hope A gets everything she deserves after all she has been through.

[Victoria Dagget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stripping Asjiah is an alluring tale of two siblings as they struggle to find their way in the world. I'm at work reading this book right now and I cant put it down!!! The story reads as if it is a movie and you are sitting front row while all the drama unfolds. I'm not done but I hope there is a sequel!

[Jessica Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the blue print for what urban fiction should be!!! The poem in the beginning of the book sets the tone for what's getting ready to happen. From page 1 to 196 this book is FIRE!!!! Masterfully written, the author's pen seems to flow through the pages effortlessly! Can't wait for the sequel!!!

[Anthony Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know its a little unusual for a dude to be talking about a book but I must say being from Cleveland, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Sa'Rese is the truth and her style of writing is unlike anyone elses. Her characters are very true and easy to identify with. Is there a sequel? I wish her many blessings in the future which I'm sure will be bright as long as she has a pen in her hand

[Andre Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book for my girl and she kept popping off about how good it was, she was reading me pages from the book while I was trying to watch the game. Some particular scenes really hit home and I had to read the book for myself. Very raw and in your face. Uncut and clear with her words. i would recomend this to my boys for sure.

[Ericka Twiggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm on page 77 and all I can say is WOW!!! The story is cleverly written and I feel like I am in the midst of everything that is going on! I'm going to stay up until I finish this book! Literally on the edge of my seat!

[Grace Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually don't have time to read but my daughter had this book sitting on her bed, so I picked it up. I DIDNT PUT IT DOWN UNTIL I FINISHED IT!!! Sa'Rese is a brilliant author, her wordplay is like nothing else I have read before. Can't wait to see what happens to Angel and Asjiah in the future!

[Marcus Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im not big on reading but this book was hot! I grew up in the streets and to have this based out of my home city rang too true to my heart! Angel and his crew remind me so much of my boys. And I wish I knew Asjiah for real!!! Bottom line, good work. Sa'Rese is a genius