|
Whether you agree or disagree with the
suggested ban of the "N" word by Reverend Jesse Jackson, Author
Kevin M. Weeks made a conscience decision not to use the "N" word
in his Urban Fiction novels in 2002, before he put pen to paper.
His novel is a vivid representation of what the street life is
about without the negative connotation of the "N" word, which has
caused so much controversy since the Michael Richards' comedy
routine at the Laugh Factory nightclub in West Hollywood on
November 17, 2006. Many people will be surprised at how Kevin M.
Weeks keeps readers engaged in the story, yet gives them the
undiluted reality of urban life.
Mr. Weeks states, "I want all readers of
fiction to enjoy reading my books." For sure, Mr. Weeks is covering
all angles. He was recently told by a journalist that he is the
first Urban Fiction author to include a parental advisory statement
in his novels. Also, Mr. Weeks commits that his book covers will
never portray women in a negative manner compared to so many urban
fiction novels. He decided that each of his book covers will be
designed around the theme of the story. One of the main characters
will always be pictured center with components of the story drawn
underneath the character. As an example: On the debut book cover,
there is Teco, the main character, with the car, blood, and a dead
body, which gives the reader an idea about the key elements of the
story. When Paul Mitchell, the artist of the book cover, was asked
why Teco's face is swollen, Mr. Mitchell replied, "Teco's face is
distorted because his world is distorted." In other words, Mr.
Weeks wants to make the point that the street life is not all
glamour.
Though it's unclear if Mr. Weeks'
approach to Urban Fiction will reach the masses because he is a
self-published author, it is clear that his unique style aims to
bridge the gap between traditional fiction and urban fiction
readers. Regardless, many of his readers applaud him for not using
the "N" word.
Book Description from the Publisher:
Kevin M. Weeks introduces a new series of
steamy, suspenseful, and realistic drama from the streets. In the
novel, Teco Jackson joins the Strictly Business (SB) Crew and gets
the alias Homicide from the SB Crew boss, Mujaheed Bashi Fiten.
When Bashi promotes Homicide to be his right hand man, Homicide
gets into a major power struggle with the only female and toughest
SB Crew member, Gail Indigo Que, a.k.a. GQ. Living an eventful life
from cars, women, and money seemed promising for Homicide until
there is a major take down. After getting out of jail, Homicide's
mission is to find out where Bashi disappeared. Back on the streets
of Philly, Homicide hears lots of talk about Bashi's whereabouts
and the names of those who are involved. Will Homicide and GQ set
aside their differences to discover the truth? Now Homicide is on a
binge to find who snatched up his boss and to pay them back in a
way that no one would ever think. The street life, is it suicide or
murder?
|
