Fish and Grits

by Tina Smith-Brown

Narrated in the voice of her younger sister, Fish and Grits chronicles the life of Kala Johnson, an African American girl who finds redemption from abuse by eating a forbidden meal. After the death of her father, fourteen year old Kala, an exceptional student who dreams about the future before it happens, takes on the responsibility of raising three younger brothers and a sister while struggling to survive the "concrete jungle" they call home.

Kala, who will do anything to save her siblings from suffering, comes up with a plan to keep them together amidst the challenges of poverty, government interference, and a drug addicted mother. When one of the eight years old twin boys begins to set deadly fires and is saved from the police by their bank robbing neighbor, Kala finds in him a friend and confidante.

Their lives continue to unravel after their mother is killed, but Aunt Charlie, their gay, ex-marine corps uncle, arrives just in time to rescue the family and to show Kala that true parental love really does exist.

Kevin Hart (comedian, actor, writer), Charles Fuller (Pulitzer Prize winning playwright), and Leslie Esdaile Banks (author of the Vampire Huntress Series), all love – “Fish and Grits” – the first novel by independent publisher and author, Tina Smith-Brown.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 23, 2010

Reviews

[Mattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an outstanding read and deserves more than the max 5-star rating that goodreads allows! I can't believe that I've had this in my possession since March '11 and only decided to read it at this point in time because a goodreads friend of mine suggested that we read it together (thanks CeCe). This book made me angry, it made me laugh and cry (sometimes all at once). The childhoods of Kala, Kelly, Sonny, Brother and Baby can only be described as hell on earth. Kala, being the oldest at age 14 is forced to take on the role of an adult and manages to take care of her brothers and sister the best she can while dealing with a traumatic experience of her on. I adore Aunt Charlie, who turns out to be a saving grace. This is a true story of triumph which at times broke my heart to pieces more so than Push by Sapphire. I commend and thank Ms. Tina Smith-Brown for writing such an unforgettable book. I am so looking foward to release of the sequel Brother, especially after reading the snippet of chapter one that was provided at the end of Fish and Grits. I strongly recommend that all of my goodreads friends read this book if you haven't already. This book is truly a steal at $2.99 for the Kindle Edition.

[Nakia Laushaul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover made me a bit skeptical of this book, but Amazon in its persisitance to market this book as one I should read next to the one I've written won me over. I started in the morning before church and was finished later that evening, pretty much one sitting.

I absolutely fell in love with Kala and her siblings. It was quite interesting how the younger sister/narrator remained nameless throughout the book. Uncle Charlie's arrival brought a much needed breath of fresh air, comical relief and closure. Finally!! Okay, only one question remained with me from beginning to end and it surrounded the father's death... I'm still confused, but not too lost, I guess. All in all, I really liked this book & have already started suggesting it to my peeps!

4/20/12 - I came back to change this review to a 5! I haven't stopped thinking about this book, even when I picked up another one! What does that tell you!!!

[OOSA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard Times


Tina Smith-Brown’s “Fish and Grits” is the story of Kala Johnson, her younger sister and three younger brothers. Kala is only fourteen years old but she’s the only one responsible for her siblings after her father dies. Their mother is always on the grind for the next hit and does nothing for them. Kala will do anything for her siblings. She makes sure that they have what they need while she is still trying to go to school. The task of childhood poverty, a drug addict for a mother and keeping social services off their backs are just a few of the encounters that are a constant burden for them. The life they live takes a turn for the worse and it isn’t looking good. What will be next?

“Fish and Grits” is told from the prospective of Kala’s younger sister’s eyes. These children go through a lot to keep their family together. The characters are hilarious and the setting gives the feeling that you are there with them.

Reviewed by: Sophia

[Kimberly Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great read and I enjoyed this story so much. There are so many children, unfortunately, that have to grow up this way, especially in the minority communities. I was blown away by the strength that Kala, our leading teen, had in taking care of her four siblings, while still managing to go to school--making straight A's, and having a job to pay bills and put food on the table. There are some adults that can't manage to do all those things and this 14-year-old heroin did just that.

The tragedies that take place during the course of their lives were awful, but it made them better people for it. These characters were richly brought forth to light on each page, as I could not put it down to find out what the hell was going to happen next. I fell in love with this family and cheered for their overcoming so many horrible obstacles thrown within their path. Aunt Charlie was an angel sent from the Heavens, and I must say I love the use of the fish dreams to set the reader up with what may happen.

This was a very enriching story and I found it quite enjoyable, despite some of the sad overtones at time. I'm looking forward to reading more books from Tina. Great job!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never judge a book by its cover...this is oh so true with this book. Horrible cover, but the contents are organized and set perfectly for a quick summer read. This is not my typical book, and it's not your typical urban tale. The story is centered around a young girl who unveils the struggles of her family, as she sees it through her eyes, while trying to make sense of all the grown up situations her neglectful parents have bestowed upon the family. Laugh, cry, and cheer for the young characters of this book. Enjoy

[Michellejoy36 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Mattie I've gotten back into reading. This was an excellent book to start with. Very realistic, sad, funny and uplifting.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

while this was an interesting book I found myself bored by some of the parts. I also didn't think the kids was ever going to catch a break.

[Marlene Banks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story with some realistic images of the times and the place.

[Kendase’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well…I have added another book to my top 5 favorites of all time. This book explores the tragedy and triumph of a family living in the “concrete jungle”. It’s so beautiful and tragic to see their lives unfold. Kayla is truly a rose that grew from concrete. This story is told with so much honesty, humor, and complex simplicity. I absolutely loved this story 😭🥰

[Beverlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing that comes to mind hearing Fish & Grits (for me) is soul food. Soul food being food that nourishes the body and spirit, not expensive in terms of cost usually but priceless for the feelings evoked. I started the book with no real expectation of events; I just knew it was a dramatic account of children dodging authority to remain united. The Johnson kids grew up impoverished, but the one thing that held them together was their bond. Their father was an evil, abusive man and their mother an uncaring heroin addict. Their freedom began with the death of their father although it didn't make their lives any easier. The children experience repeated heartache throughout the course of the novel, but they find guidance and love in two men that change their lives for the better. I think Fish and Grits is more than a story of overcoming hardships related to being poor, it's a commentary on how children are treated by negligent parents and how adults are complicit by their lack of concern. The government's role in ensuring the kids receive proper care is non existent, which should be a surprise and unacceptable, but really isn't considering the government is portrayed as corrupt and unconcerned. Fish and Grits can also be seen as commentary on the importance of family unity. The "concrete jungle" was harsh but the community came together in times of trouble-sort of- to protect the kids. This ideal was in the process of disintegrating with the crack epidemic. More importantly, the two characters who are most responsible for the positive turnaround are black men . The family unit did not begin to heal until Aunt Charlie took responsibility, so I think the author made a statement in making this character not a mother or a father, but the one who loved the kids the most.

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decided to buy this book because it had so many good reviews, most of which said it was funny. I started reading it one morning on my commute, but after reading the first couple of chapters, I had to put it down; the story was just too sad and I felt so sorry for those kids. I read a couple of other books and then decided that I needed to finish this one. I'm so glad I came back to it! While it was sad in many places, it was also hilarious! I found myself fighting to hold back tears in some spots, and then fighting not to laugh out loud in others. A REALLY good story with many memorable characters. I loved it. Hard to believe this is from a first-time author.

[Khadhyja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book. The writing style was so vivid, that you truly felt you were there and you can FEEL the emotion of the characters from her writing. The story is positive and uplifting about overcoming when the odds are stacked against you. I highly recommend for a short entertaining read. One flaw, there is one part that is describing the neighborhood boys in the early/mid 80's by saying they had " Bell Biv DeVoe haircuts"..... Bell Biv DeVoe didn't come out until the early 90's. Maybe the author meant to say New Edition??

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superior writing, excellent imagery....I've never been to Philly but I know where they lived as it could have easily been Oakland or Baltimore or Little Rock.

This book made me laugh, cry and pray...all at once. Similar topics are touched upon in Push, but this one didn't leave me feeling as bereft. Kala is amazing & willing to do whatever it takes to keep her family alive & together.


Excellent reminder that you are NOT your circumstances and that freedom begins in the mind...just ask Noodle. Oh, Everybody needs an Aunt Charlie! Yes they do!

[Jerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a while to warm up to this book, yet another story about abuse and neglect, but in the end I fell in love with the characters Tara, Miss Charlie and Noodle. At first I found its cover off-putting but based upon a friend's recommendation I decided to give it another chance. I am glad that I did. The book is narrated Tara's sister who remains nameless throughout the book, and tells the story of 5 siblings trying to make it in the "concrete jungle".

[Pamela Thorpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read. The author is descriptive and it was easy to visualize each scene. The characters were identifiable and relatable. The story moved quickly and was engaging. For some reason, Good Times, the television show, kept coming to mind as I read the story. The characters are also colorful and won't be easily forgotten. The story is by no means a fairy tale but there are highs and lows which very much reflect the real complexities of every day life.

[Chelsey Brosier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started off slow to me. I was confused for the first chapters of who was talking and where the story was going. After putting the book down several times out of frustration I finally understood what the author was trying to do. Though I don't think it was wordy it was also informative of the characters in the story. I liked the book a lot. It was different. And you'll find yourself with several emotions by the end of the book.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The setting, the characters, the narrator--loved all of it! Tina Smith-Brown made me feel like I grew up in the concrete jungle of Philly. I felt like if I walked out my door, I would run Into Ms. Ida or the one-legged vet or the half-blind barber. I loved that none of the kids actually had a name except Kala. Loved Charlie. Loved the voice of the narrator. My only regret is I don't see that she has written anymore to date.

[Verlean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely. The way the words flowed off of the page made me feel as if I was living in the concrete jungle with these siblings. I cried with them and laughed with them. Even through all of their hardships, these children survived and more importantly, flourished. I am looking forward to reading more from this author

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I looked at the cover I didn't think this book was going to be good. However Kala and her 3 brothers & little sister will make understand "don't judge a book by its cover" because you never know what what someone is going through. This book is will have you crying, laughing and praying. I say take the time to read this

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good debut novel by Tina Smith-Brown. The author tackles the issues of child abuse and neglect, incest, drug abuse and dependency, and the impact that these issues have on families. I highly recommend this read.

[Keisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I forced myself to finish this book. It was just ok. It's a story of one family's stuggle to break free of the "concrete jungle". I wish it was a bit longer with more plot development. Overall, it's a quick read.

[Danielle Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing is amazing and the author tells a great story. It was gritty and realistic yet romantic and inspiring. The characters were unique, well developed, and perfectly flawed. I can't wait to read more by this author.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. True story of a family living in the inner city, poverty, endurance, family strength, drug addiction: all in there. Written as a diary from the perspective of the second oldest child in a family abused and abandoned by their parents. Worthwhile.

[Dosha (Bluestocking7) Beard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was Funny Funny Funny!!! I loved it. I haven't read a book this good in a long time. I was surprised at the amount of humor Tina Smith-Brown was able to squeeze into such sorrow. It is a favorite.

[Fenae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fish and Grits was a different kind of reading for me. Its not to be considered as ghetto drama but it very much gives great details to life growing up in the projects. It touches on familiar ground with the effect of drug use within the black community. Its a good read.. fast read but yet good.

[Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Amazing

Amazingly good read. I couldn't put it down once I started and was finished in a day. This story takes you on an emotional roller coaster that you don't want to get off. Excellent writing and can't wait to read the follow up story - Brother

[Malcaj · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would actually give this 3.75 stars. I really liked the book but the grammatical errors irritated me.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

one word PHENOMENAL!

[Ms_kam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good

[Deitra Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in one day....soooo awesome!! I can't wait until the author's next book!!