Hold You Down- A Novel by Tracy Brown
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Web ID: 16778259Emotional read!
Tracy Brown made this reader feel like a “fly on the wall” observer while reading her new book, HOLD YOU DOWN. Set in the Harlem slums and the housing projects on Staten Island. Mercy and Lennox were raised by their grandmother as their mom was off galavanting with men. Mercy works hard to make a living while raising her son, Judah. Her dream is to own a restaurant some day. Lennox gets involved in making crack cocaine while raising her son Deon. I flew through the pages to see what would happen next. I found myself talking to the characters, while sometimes screaming, crying, or laughing with them. There are some wonderful minor characters and there are many that make the reader so mad. A warning to readers that there is a graphic rape that had me put down the book for a couple of days. I know that I will come back to read this book for a second time. Brown does leave the reader with hope. I could see a sequel set ten years later. I think this could make a good book club choice. My thanks to St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
consuming and emotional read
HOLD YOU DOWN is a consuming and riveting family drama. The story begins with sisters, Mercy and Lenox in 1984. They are close and both trying to do their best with young sons. As Lenox becomes entangled in something dangerous, she changes the course of their lives irrevocably. The story then travels to 1991, switching focus to their sons, Deon and Judah, who are also nearing a major turning point. The final part is about a decade later when the characters are confronting the fall out from the early time periods. This was a really raw and emotional read that takes the reader through the power of family and all the ways that they can influence and change you. From the beginning, the reader is brought into the world of these two sisters, who are compelling and genuinely themselves while also so different from each other. Mercy is determined to keep her head down and do what she can for her family, while Lenox is willing to go big and make the most of what she can. They are both smart - and while risks come with potentially big rewards, they also have the chance of a big fallout. The power of their relationship and their love shines through the story, and this is also imparted to their sons, cousins who are raised like brothers. The later sections which focused on the boys was also really heartfelt and gut-wrenching as they deal with their own challenges and conflicts. Ultimately, family is the thing that carries the most weight in this story about chance decisions, heartbreak, and giving your all. The story takes some big turns that I did not see coming, and so I don't want to give too many details and accidentally spoil anything, but this was such a riveting and emotional read - highly recommend picking it up with some tissues handy. HOLD YOU DOWN is a beautiful and wholehearted read about family and all the unexpected turns life throws your way. Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Gripping Tale of Family and Drama
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's for providing a review copy of this book and audiobook. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Sisterhood, Drama, Family Ties and Harlem in the 80s/90s. Hold You Down by Tracy Brown will take you for a ride that will have you in your feels by the end of it. I picked Hold You Down up based on the cover featuring two Black women who looked like two stylish sisters – one flashy and one practical– because I was curious about the story behind the contrast. It was one of my best book decisions this year. Harlem In The Late Eighties I’m not going to pout about the fact that the late eighties and early nineties is now considered historical fiction. I promise. Okay, maybe I pouted a little bit. Anyways, Hold You Down is set in Harlem in the late eighties and begins with two sisters who are also single moms. This book had me from the beginning as in Lenox and her crazy self had me both shocked and cracking up during the opening scene. Sis told the preacher to get a move on with her own mama’s funeral because it was cold and if they hadn’t made their peace with her absentee self yet, then it wasn’t gonna happen. Wild Sis And Sensible Sis Since I mentioned Lenox first, I will definitely admit to both liking her for her spunk and simultaneously appalled at her dangerous choices. I don’t know what you would call her character — morally grey? I think villain is too strong of a word. She is young, street smart and has a wild streak that supports her lifestyle choices. She definitely overshadows her sister Mercy and too me Lenox is the bright flame of the family. Mercy is the sister you can depend on for anything. Lenox knows this and definitely takes advantage. But Mercy has Lenox’s back because they are both best friends and sisters. Intergenerational Story This is an intergenerational story that smoothly transitions from telling the story of the sisters to telling that of their sons. I thought I was going to fall off of finishing the book when it transitioned to the boys, because my usual preference is for female main characters. But I was pleasantly surprised when the point of view change switched to the boys so seamlessly that I was able to stick with the plot without interruption or distraction. The heartbreak that this family goes through as a result of multiple bad decisions, fear and outside influences will have you in tears. But you will never stop hoping for them and rooting for them all the way to the last page. Overall Thoughts This story hooked me from start to end. I was crying, laughing, gasping and pulling my hair through reading this book. I was rooting for EVERY member in this whole family the entire time! It is one of my top reads for the year. I have never read a novel focused on this particular topic during this time period – New York City at the beginning and in the aftermath of the Crack epidemic. I also don’t usually read urban fiction. But this one is Chef’s Kiss!!! Trigger Warnings: Sexual Assault, Drugs, Violence
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
5 Big, Bright Stars!
Hold You Down is edgy urban fiction from upcoming author Tracy Brown. 5 out of 5 big, bright stars. The story opens in Harlem in 1984 and follows sisters Mercy and Lenox Howard and their sons, Judah and Deon, respectively, through the following decades. They each have the opportunity, at different times, to “hold each other down”. I had never before read anything by this author and was pleasantly surprised by this first captivating read. She accurately depicts the time period. Taking us back to the 80’s and 90’s through sight and sound. Ms. Brown made me feel the gamut of emotions. She reaches inside you and wrenches them free. The plot, narrative, and dialogue are raw, emotional, touching. Explores the price of loving, supporting, and holding down the ones you love, the cost of mistakes and missed opportunities, and how we adapt to what the world gives us. You’re left with only the aroma of dreams. I loved the ending; it was highly satisfying and appropriate. I recommend Hold You Down to all readers of multicultural interest and anyone looking for truly exceptional fiction. My thanks to St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Griffin, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com