Black Artemis

The Drive to Survive

Esperanza Cepeda, reformed ride-or-die chick, sees love doesn't concur all while she struggles to tow the line after her recent incarceration. As she sees herself moving ahead step-by-step, the pull of her ex, Jesus, lures her two steps back into the life that landed her in prison from jump street.

Dulce wants to show her sister, Espe, that they can rise above the environment in which they live, but past actions continue to haunt her future. Ending the cycle of abuse that women in her family attract by avoiding Xavier, her abusive ex-boyfriend strengthens her resolve.

The bond of sisterhood holds Esperanza and Dulce strong against the obstacles the controlling men from their past use to attempt to keep them humble. Knowing tomorrow can be better than yesterday, Espe and Dulce work together to escape the shackles of their past.

Don't judge the book by its cover. Picture Me Rolling is more than you expect if you are only looking for only the Bling-Bling drama. You will face the reality around you and see the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow. Black Artemis did an excellent job showing that the rise above adversity is possible. The emotions felt while you're reading will make you hate the fact that the last page came so soon.

Stephanie Wilkerson-Hester, Founder/Reviewer
Literary Essence Views… (meer)

Set in the Bronx of the 1980s at the height of hip-hop and b-boys, Smiles and Nike are teenage boys just trying to survive and get by in the 'hood where crime and crackheads are prevalent. There's not a strong plot; the boys deal with family issues, girl trouble, their changing friendship, dodging the local thugs, and finding their places in the world. The b-boy slang flies fast and furious and the dramas of the 'hood are loud and lively--no upper middle-class hand-wringing here. Teens who prefer an urban edge to their reading will reach for this.… (meer)