Author Kevin Weeks, though incarcerated in Georgia during 2006 and 2007 has managed to weave and release a literary tale that has reached all over the world through his debut novel "THE STREET LIFE SERIES: Is It Suicide or Murder?"
The book which chronicles the journey of Teco Jackson (aka Homicide) allows you to walk the streets of Philly with him and know the characters that become his closest friends and worse enemies. From page one, Weeks shows a natural ability to create characters that seem as real those in our own lives, which makes you feel as though he is writing from his own experience moreso than a fictional world. He takes you through the dialect and slang of the times, as well as allows you to get into the minds of the characters that are sure to stay with you long after the story ends.
Apart from being an entertaining read with everything from fast women, fast money and betrayals, "Is It Suicide or Murder" also offers lessons that resonate with you on many levels. When Teco loses a friend to a drug overdose (p.21), we see a more "human" side of the suave street hustler. There are also the moments when Teco's conscience eats at him over choices that he has made---and he wrestles with his personal demons in hopes of doing what he knows to be the right thing.
The book also reminds us about the extent that some will go to in order to get what they want. One quote that will stick with me is this: "Either you become what they are or you die from being in the way."
Though only in the industry for one year, Kevin has solidified himself as a force to be reckoned with. The YOUnity Guild of Ameria recognized him as the "Best New Urban Author of the Year 2006". His awards in 2007 include "2007 New York Book Festival Award", "2007 Hollywood Book Festival Honorable Mention" and being recognized as one of Conversations Book Club's "Best Kept Literary Secrets 2007".
Congrats to Kevin Weeks for a job well done. He has already raised the bar for good writing and has written a debut that makes us eager for the next installment in "The Street Life Series."
For more information about Weeks and his next novel "Is It Passion or Revenge?", visit http://www.thestreetlifeseries.com.
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