Customer Reviews

Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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

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?

This was a pretty good book. Begonia has a sad life and should not have to do what she did. But it was nice that she was trying to look out for her sisters.

This was another awesome book by the author. It was a great page-turner. You won't want to put it down. As soon as you finish, you'll be itching to find out what happens next so I suggest that you go ahead and buy Violet: Strawberry Mansion 3.

Great writing, Ms. Julia Press Simmons!

Author of Project Queen.

Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story was such a good read! From the first page, I was intrigued. My heart hurt for Begonia and sisters because of what they had to endure. The sad part is stories like these are alot more common then one would expect. Yet and still Begonia rose to be a strong independent woman in a child's body. Yes her ways of survival were wrong but her intentions were good; so I guess it's the lesser of the two evils. Begonia Brown made me want to explore more books written by this author. Strawberry Mansion: A Philadelphia Story and Voilet: A Philadelphia Story were discovered. I am not sure what the order of the books are but I don't really think it matters much because each book focuses on the lives of different characters. I say definitely get this book and the other two, you will not be disappointed and it doesn't hurt that they are so cheap!!

There is no need for me to write a lengthy review all the other review has stated how good this book is , just wished i had read this amazing story before now this book kept my attention thru out the entire book,this is a story that shouldn't be missed out on.kUDOS.JPS moving on to the next book Violet.

Let me start by saying that I loved the first installment of this series and this one did not disappoint! A fast read that kept my attention all the way. This story is sure to make you feel some emotions.

Begonia Brown really is one tough cookie because she has to be... For her sisters. Violet is looking for an easy escape route but I'm pretty sure she's going to be learning some tough lessons in the next book. I can't wait to see what happens next and I have to know what happens with little Daisy.

I was pissed about the cops at first but was glad that Begonia and Daisy finally got some kind of stability in their lives even if it wasn't accepted at first.

Author Julia Press Simmons, you did your thing! Can't wait to read the next one!

S. Tarrer

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Julia Press Simmons is defiantly an author to know. If you love something that is real, something that you can envision, something that you can grip with passion this book is it. Absolutely one of the best books I have read for the year 2009. Her skill for writing is one that many should get to know. Begonia Brown has the modern day Coldest Winter Ever written all over it. When you read the story of Begonia you see a girl who had to raise her family as a child. From a father who never existed to her mother whom was in love with crack it was Begonia who had to take care of her fifth teen year old sister Violet and her two year sister Daisy. But when things get hard Violet figures its time to find an escape goat. When she meets a man who she thinks is her prince charmer Begonia must do what she can to get her sisters back under her wing. This story did not have a dull moment and I fell in love with these girls hoping that they would come out of the hell they were in. I guess I'll have to find out in Part 2 in Violet Brown's side of the story. Five stars for Ms. Simmons.

Tamika Newhouse

AAMBC Reviewer

To me, the story was very predictable, and not original. Its your typical story of girls growing up with a junkie mother, no father, and the struggle of it all. I read it pretty quick, thinking it would turn around, but it didn't. Overall, it was just okay. I wont be reading the sequel, I feel like it'll be more of the same.