Customer Reviews

Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only

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

 

 

African-American author Jurney Swiftwood is riding on the road of success until he releases his latest novel Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only. The title to his book alone is causing a firestorm of controversy in the black community and Jurney finds himself defending the book on various talk shows. On top of all this, Jurney is unknowingly being stalked by a politically connected contract killer and has just found out about a daughter that he didn't know he had. Jurney's girlfriend Selena is right by his side but will her past mistake threaten their future? Will Jurney be able to get his life back on track before it's too late?

Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only is an engaging read by W. Ivan Wright. This story was not just about an author with a controversial book. It was about how African-Americans are viewed and portrayed by the rest of the world. Wright seamlessly mixed social commentary, love, suspense, and even murder into this novel that will keep the reader on their toes. Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only is entertaining and insightful. This is the perfect book if you're looking for more than just a run-of-the-mill novel.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert
for Urban Reviews

In W. Ivan Wright's debut novel, Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only, Jurney Swiftwood's life as an author was not what he expected. The outcry and criticism about his novel left some more than upset about its title and content. The public only saw the implication that Black people were merely entertainment for America. He was constantly reminded of how important it was to continue his struggle in informing them that he meant so much more. As if constantly defending his novel was not enough, he found out he had a nine year-old child that he never knew existed. The icing on the cake seemed to be telling his girlfriend of the matter and hoping she would stay by his side, only to find out she had a secret of her own. Within the hustle and bustle of these events lay the one thing he never thought would happen; someone trying to snuff out his life. Would Jurney be able to handle the celebrity status he obtained with such a controversial novel? Or would a politically-motivated assassin interrupt Jurney's climb to the top of the literary charts?

Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only is definitely a fresh idea. I loved that the main character was passionate about his message and how he eloquently dealt with the ridicule he received, though I was not convinced someone would go to such lengths to kill, over a book, for political gain; even in fiction. The character development was good but could have been more polished. At the end of the novel, I had forgotten what a key character's motive was. I would have liked to see much more dialogue as there were a few chapters where the author simply told us what his characters were doing and how they were feeling or thinking. Oddly enough, when they conversed, the dialogue was unnatural; people do not normally speak poetically. Though this novel did not thoroughly impress me, I can say that I would give the author another chance. Wright's ability to colorfully compose sentences is proof enough of a great author in the works and I am sure he will gain much success as he hones his craft.

Reviewed by Darnetta Frazier
APOOO BookClub

Black People, For Entertainment Purposes Only is a riveting tale about a young writer who chooses to be true to himself and write a novel which angers some. Even in 2007, when one would expect harmony and equality in America, it is not so. This is well written and is a love story, a mystery, and an adventure all rolled up into a fast paced story. I enjoyed this book very much and am looking forward to this author's next work.

Jurney Swiftwood has gone from bestselling to socially conscience author with the release of his controversial new novel, "Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only." His novel has evoked some strong emotions and ruffled more than a few feathers. So much so that someone wants him dead.

The premise of BLACK PEOPLE: FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY is interesting. However, I initially found this book hard to get in to, as the beginning was rather slow. It wasn't until about the halfway mark that it picked up. Even so, it was entertaining. Solid debut effort.

Reviewed by: Toni
3.5 stars

W. Ivan Wright's Black People - For Entertainment Purposes Only is an intriquing novel that will wake up whites and blacks. Whites will enter the world of Jurney, Selena, Roland, Tylea and others and see it through a clearer lens. Blacks will see themselves as a sharper image.

"Me and Roland was talking the other day. You know, that man surprises me sometimes. I never realized that he was so knowing about things. But anyway, 'As messed up as this country is, it's the only country where somebody who came from dirt-poor nothing can put his face deep in the books for six to eight years and forever remove himself from the pauper's door, changing the legacy of his seed.'" In a book filled with dialogue full of insight and with real-life characters and listen-to language, Wright weaves a tale full of drama and suspense. I can't wait for his next book.

June 2006, thirty-two-year-old Jurney Swiftwood was riding the literary surf as a best selling author. July 2006, just one month later, he is feeling the affects of what he calls 'surfer's wipe out'. His latest book, very different from his previous works, is not being perceived as well as he'd hoped. Reactions to people's perceptions of the book, creates much controversy. Jurney's insinuation that we exist primarily for America's entertainment fuels community dissension, especially among African Americans, places him under media scrutiny, and invokes family angst. He finds himself continually defending his mis-interpreted thoughts.

About the same time Jurney has to defend his book, he is assessing his growing feelings for the woman in his life and is just learning he has a nine-year-old daughter. Somewhere between blissful speculation over his newfound fatherhood and the possibility of taking his relationship to another level, attempts are made on his life. Jurney wonders how, in a mere thirty days, his life has become so complicated.

W. Ivan Wright combines conspiracy, murder, and revelations to produce a suspenseful thriller with touches of humor and a good sense of family. The writing is succinct, the characters are real; with just enough foundation, and the message is reflective. There is no wasted drama, just well written situations that present an entertaining vehicle to remind readers of the importance and awesome power of perception. Peppered with secondary issues that have a primary affect on the magnitude of the book, BLACK PEOPLE: For Entertainment Purposes Only brings the message home. Wright has my attention for his next book.

Reviewed by aNN
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers