A Deep Dark Secret - Kimberla Lawson Roby

Book summary:

The New York Times bestselling author returns with the moving story of a family who learns to overcome betrayal and secrets with courage and love

On the outside, twelve-year-old Jillian Maxwell is the perfect child. She's helpful with chores around the house, gets straight As in school, has plans for college, and stays out of trouble. She seems to have everything a girl could want: a big, beautiful new home, an adoring little sister, a mother who cares about her, and an attentive stepfather.

But inside, Jillian harbors a terrible secret.

Too frightened to tell, convinced that her friends and loved ones, especially her mother, won't understand—and worse, will blame her—Jillian endures her pain in silence, believing that things will get better. However, as time passes and her dilemma intensifies, the bright, hardworking girl becomes sullen and disinterested in her studies. Then, just when it seems she's on the verge of losing everything, Jillian discovers she has more strength than she ever imagined…and the power to change her fate.

With sensitivity and grace, Kimberla Lawson Roby addresses a very real and serious issue, while delivering the inspiring tale of one family's mission to shed light into the darkest corner of their lives.

My thoughts:
A Deep Dark Secret is a disturbing novel about a young girl who is being molested by her step-father. The molestation begins when she is seven on the night her baby sister is born. Now Jillian is twelve and the abuse has escalated between her father.

Jillian's father has threatened her if she breaks her silence. Jillian is quite convinced his threats will come true so she remains quiet and continues to live her life as normal as she can. Jillian's facade starts to slip when she begins a relationship with a boy at her school, Kyle. Also her best friend Nikki is dating a popular boy at school and will do just about anything to remain his girlfriend.

A Deep Dark Secret is a short novel, with 179 pages, but is difficult to read. The abusive scenes are quite graphic and the reader's heart breaks as Jillian is forced to perform these acts with her step-father. My only issue was it was hard to know the author's target audience. The main character is a twelve-year-old girl, however the book is listed as adult contemporary African-American Fiction.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0-06-144309-1
Pages: 179
Year Published: 2009
Genre: African-American Fiction
Format: Audio Book
Source: Library

Basketball Jones by E. Lynn Harris

Title: Basketball Jones
Author: E. Lynn Harris
ISBN-13: 9780767926270
Pages: 246
Year Published: 2009
Genre: African-American Fiction
Date Finished: February 26

From the dust jacket: Aldridge James "AJ" Richardson is living the good life. He has a gorgeous town house in always flavorful New Orleans, plenty of frequent-flier miles from jet-setting around the country on a whim, and an MBA—but he's never had to work a regular job. He owes it all to his longtime lover, Dray Jones. Dray Jones the rich and famous NBA star. They fell in love in college when AJ was hired to tutor Dray, a freshman on the basketball team. But Dray knew if he wanted to make it to the big time, he must juggle his public image and his private desires Built on a deep, abiding love, their hidden relationship sustains them both, but when Dray's teammates begin to ask insinuating questions about AJ, Dray puts their doubts to rest by marrying Judi, a beautiful and ambitious woman. Judi knows nothing about Dray's "other life." Or does she?

In Basketball Jones, E. Lynn Harris explores the consequences of loving someone who is forced to conform to the rules society demands of its public heroes. Filled with nonstop twists and turns, it will keep readers riveted from the first page to the last.

My thoughts: I've read all of Mr. Harris's fiction works and was excited to hear he has two set to release in 2009. Basketball Jones is about the relationship between a famous athlete and his boyfriend. A lot is expected of AJ to be in this relationship with Dray: move whenever Dray says to, cancel plans at the last minute if Dray can get away from his wife or the team, pretty much be at Dray's disposal. However, for AJ, there are perks to being with Dray as well: new, furnished paid-for homes, expensive cars, clothes, pretty much the best of everything. For AJ, is this enough, having these perks, or would he give it all up if he could publicly be with Dray?

Soon, Dray and AJ receive threatening notes and calls to "out" their relationship if they do not respond to the blackmailer's demands. The questions become: who is blackmailing them and who how does this person know the intimate details of their relationship? A relationship that both men have gone to great lengths to keep secret.

Thoughts about the ending: Early in the novel, I figured out the blackmailer's identity and the motive behind it. The plot was predictable, however I still enjoyed it. After finishing the novel, my immediate thought was: wow that's it? Surely, there has to be a sequel. Without giving away the ending, I would like for Mr. Harris to do a "where are they now" novel, as I'm curious to know more about their lives 2 or 3 years from now.

Random thoughts about the author: I first discover E. Lynn Harris in high school. I was going on vacation with my parents and needed a book for the long drive. I was looking for something different and decided to read Invisible Life. Little did I know this book would lead me to a new author. Each year, Mr. Harris is interviewed by the morning show I listen to on the radio. I love his energy, his enthusiasm and that he sounds down to earth. I hope to one day attend a book signing, as I would love to meet him in person.

Another book I reviewed by him: Just Too Good to Be True

Just Too Good to Be True

Brady Bledsoe is the star athlete on Central Georgia University's football team. He's a senior, gorgeous, up for the Heisman trophy and is saving himself for marriage. Barrett Elizabeth Manning is the new gorgeous cheerleader that has caught Brady's eye. She plays hard to get, but eventually starts dating Brady. Is she really into him or up to something?

Carmyn is Brady's mother. She has raised him to be "the perfect gentleman" and expects him to stay focused, work hard and remain a virgin until marriage. Little does Brady know, his mother has secrets of her own.

This novel addresses how secrets and lies can torment our lives and forces us to take an honest look at who we are, what motivates us to make the choices we do and to realize it's never too late to become who we really want to be. Highly recommended. (4.5/5)

One in a Million

Kennedi Mason has everything going for her: a loving husband, a good job, supporting friends and family. What else can she ask for? On a whim, she steps out of character and the result quickly turns her life upside down. The night she decides to tell her husband, Blake, about her good news, he also has some news of his own to share. After hearing what he has to say, Kennedi is speechless and doesn't reveal anything to Blake.

One in a Million is a story about what you do when learning the life you have spent time building is based on lies and deceit. Kennedi is given the opportunity to start fresh and she quickly learns what true happiness is all about.

One in a Million is a short read - easily can be read in a few hours. Although, I thought some of the drama was a little over the top, it showed what other people are willing to do to get a piece of one's good fortune. The Reverend Curtis Black makes a guest appearance. I recommend this book if you're looking for something short and light. (3.5/5)