Urban novels are one of the last true black enterprises left. Some writers of the genre embellish and glorify the violence and the negative attitudes in the urban communities, which distorts the urban reality beyond recognition. That’s cool for some, it’s their aim or style, a payday to help them climb out of their financial state. However, there are some writers who produce true gems! They capture the urban experience with an authenticity that the reader can feel right down to their bones. The gifted writer describes our communities in nuanced ways / using characters we feel we know. They put these characters in circumstances and predicaments that are more than just familiar to us. They test our hearing, courage, and even our morality. There is a sage old saying which expresses what these special writers do through their novels: “Where else but in our common ground can we find such a mirror.” The Prisoner’s Exchange has established this book publication review section to show our respect to the talented writers in this urban novel genre. Many urban novels are reviewed by various sources to get that street cred certification. Well, now P E. ‘s about to change the game! We’re going to be the official urban novel book review source, giving deserving books the stamp of approval, straight from the joint. If you want real hood reviews on your favorite novel from real hood dudes, P.E. is your certifier We’re not out to knock nobody’s hustle either. We simply want to give props and authentic insight on true to vest urban novels versus the fantasy “Every character in the book are drug kingpins and mass murderers” novels. So, if you aren’t checking with P.E. ‘s Urban Novel publication review section for our ” ‘s Preferred Reading List”, then you’re lacking’! P.E. has done its due diligence and we have found the most qualified street credible commissar of urban novels to represent us. Introducing “Big Cash”
My name is Shidale “Big Cash” Evans and I’ve been reading urban novels for the last twenty-five (25) years. I love critiquing books and I’m always looking for writers who represent the streets. So, when P.E. invited me to share my passion and knowledge of this genre with the supporters of the website I had to step up and give you all that real insight from the Inside.
This all-time list is elite and because there are a lot of talented writers working hard to gain fame I’ll expand the list when warranted.
But right now, I got my eye on five authors. Whenever I open one of their novels I’m taken on a journey throughout the urban communities of America through their eyes and I like the vision.
Five (5) Authors
1 ) . Gangsta Shyt; Ryde, Kill or Die Trying, By: Cato
2). The King Cartel By: Frank Gresham
3). Guns and Roses By: Keisha Ervin
4). Brooklyn on Lock By: Sonovia Alexander
5). Harlem on Lock By: Karen Williams
I also have two up and coming authors whom I feel represent the streets very well. Trae and Tasha Macklin. Here’s what’s up! During my incarceration I’ve read over fifteen hundred (1500) novels, the good ones transport me back to that life I lived. Although I no longer live or condone that lifestyle, a good urban novel is like visiting some place I use to live.
Top Ten Urban Novel List
1) True to the Game By: Terri Woods
2) Block Party (series) By: Al’ Saddiq Banks
3) The Dutch (series) By: Terri Woods
4) Cartel (series) By: Ashley & Jaquavis
5) Deadly Reigns By: Saleb Alexander
6) Murderville (series) By: Ashley & Jaquavis
7) Road Dawgz By: K’wan
8) Caught’em Slippin By: Al’Saddiq Banks
9) Crime Paz’ By: Tha Twinz
10) Trust No Bitch By: Ca$h and Nene Capri
I look forward to taking that trip with all the new corners putting out good books.
If you got an urban novel and you want to get put on, holla at me.