Begonia's carefree world has been turned upside down. Forced to become the head of her household she has to trade her paintbrush in for a switchblade, and her love of art into a love affair with the hood. Lying, stealing, and turning tricks, Begonia will do any and everything she can to protect her sisters from the ugliness of the world. However, it just isn't enough... When her younger sister Violet, desperate to escape the hell her life has become is seduced by an up and coming Corner boy, and their baby sister Daisy is riddled with disease that could be fatal if not cared for, Begonia is caught between the hard knocks of the streets and the nightmare of her home life. From the critically acclaimed author of Strawberry Mansion comes the tale of Begonia Brown. Raised in the unforgiving streets of North Philadelphia, Begonia Brown is undoubtedly a product of her environment, young, ruthless, and criminally minded.
Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story
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We were named for the flowers in Grandma's Garden. Begonias, Violets and Daisies, and much like those flowers, we were showered with a love that rivaled sun-rays. We knew nothing of pain, or sorrow, or just how cruel the world could be until the day God saw fit to call Grandma on home. Her heart stopped two weeks after Daisy was born. My mother smoked us homeless two weeks after that. Now with Grandma gone and mommy on a constant crack high, it's up to me to keep our little family together, and you best believe I'll stop at nothing to do just that. My name is Begonia Brown. I am a 17-year-old hustler and this is my story. --JP Simmons
About the Author
Julia is an award winning Playwright and Spoken Word Artist. She was born and raised in Philadelphia and currently lives there with her son. Julia is currently working on her third novel Strawberry Mansion 3: Violet
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More About the Author
I love the written word more than cooked food and that's saying a lot. I write because I have to(It's the only way to silence the voices). There is always a story going on in my head so if you see me in public I'll probably be scribbling furiously in a notebook.
Strawberry Mansion, my first novel, is semi autobiographical(I am Tabitha in the story). It was a very painful part of my life that I felt an overwhelming need to give voice to. I've changed a few things to protect the guilty, and add a bit of distance from myself to the story. I love that book. It's a sort of snapshot of my journey into adulthood. Although the characters are young, It's filled with adult content, bad language, sex drugs and rock and roll, you're gonna love it.
Begonia Brown, my sophomore novel, is street fiction at it's finest. I am very proud of this book. It is the hood as I recognize it, minus the glitz and glam... I pushed the envelope with this book. I felt free to tell ugly truths because the book isn't about me, It's about where I come from. Begonia Brown, although it was hard to write, is one helluva ride!
What else is there to say about me? I am a mom, a poet, a nurse, a playwright, a scifi geek, a lover of all things fantasy, a junk food junkie, and a facebook addict.
until next time
Julia
Strawberry Mansion, my first novel, is semi autobiographical(I am Tabitha in the story). It was a very painful part of my life that I felt an overwhelming need to give voice to. I've changed a few things to protect the guilty, and add a bit of distance from myself to the story. I love that book. It's a sort of snapshot of my journey into adulthood. Although the characters are young, It's filled with adult content, bad language, sex drugs and rock and roll, you're gonna love it.
Begonia Brown, my sophomore novel, is street fiction at it's finest. I am very proud of this book. It is the hood as I recognize it, minus the glitz and glam... I pushed the envelope with this book. I felt free to tell ugly truths because the book isn't about me, It's about where I come from. Begonia Brown, although it was hard to write, is one helluva ride!
What else is there to say about me? I am a mom, a poet, a nurse, a playwright, a scifi geek, a lover of all things fantasy, a junk food junkie, and a facebook addict.
until next time
Julia
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Begonia Brown,
By C. M. Spence (STEELTON, PA, US) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story (Paperback)
Julia Press Simmons has done it again. In her follow up to Strawberry Mansion: A Philadelphia Story, she tugs at your heartstrings by crafting the saga of Begonia Brown, who doesn't seem to have a heart of her own. But, as the story unfolds, the reader realizes that her cold, calculated movements through life are merely survival mechanisms and a cover up of the fact that she cares more than anyone will ever know.
Just like Strawberry Mansion, Begonia Brown is an absolute page turner that fully develops one story and leaves you panting for the next. Will Violet make it out alive? I can't wait to find out!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Broken Flowers~,
By
This review is from: Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story (Paperback)
Begonia Brown by Julia Press Simmons is a no-holds barred, drama-in-your face story about 17 year-old Begonia. Begonia faces family tragedy at a young age and her desire to take care of her family takes her to the streets. Though she has a love for art, she knows that in order to care for her sisters she must do all things to provide for them. Those things include lying, stealing and selling her very soul. Begonia becomes a street hustler. I was amazed at how far Begonia would go to take care of those she loved. It was also heart wrenching to read how torn she was by the street life and her home life.
Ms. Press-Simmons writes in an unaffected, straight from the gut style that keeps the reader caught up in the story. The language is raw and real, but, the story would not have had the same impact if different words had been used. The author also does not offer any fairytale ending to the story. She makes it as real as possible to the very end. I recommend Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story to older teens and any reader who is interested in knowing exactly what is going on in the lives of young folks today. Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story was provided by the author for review purposes only. Angelia Vernon Menchan APOOO BookClub
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Begonia Brown,
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This review is from: Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story (Kindle Edition)
Begonia Brown is a heart wrenching story about 3 sisters Begonia, Violet, & Daisy, who are the daughters of a crack addict named Doreen. With a mom addicted to drugs, life is far from easy. Begonia does everything in her power to keep her sisters together and safe. By hook or crook Begonia is doing everything she can to keep her sister's fed and sheltered. Their life becomes too much for young Violet who is now spending time with her crush Kyle. He gives Violet the world without judging her. But he wants something in return. Love or family? Which will Violet choose?
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