Customer Reviews

Gather Together in My Name

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Okay, the wait is over! GATHER TOGETHER IN MY NAME is yet another one just like the other one(s). Rare would you find a Tracy Price-Thompson written novel devoid of dramatic poignancy and verve. Based on her previous work relative to my reviews and others that pay homage to good writing, I've come to know this author well in this regard. Each book has its own juices that marinate with the spices that hit the literary palette. If you thought BLACK COFFEE, CHOCOLATE SANGRIA, and A WOMAN'S WORTH were stellar, wait until you witness the trial and tribulation of Shyne Blackwood. Shyne's incredible story is told against the backdrop of a triumvirate that gives the story different shades of coloring where the author exudes every ounce of intrigue to keep you guessing as each scene is dependent on what's destined to happen next. Loyalty, love and a sordid sense of loathing drives this story.

The setting is a crime-ridden Brooklyn that adds a synonymous layer that the author takes advantage of by blending of a set of triplets born into poverty and great consternation. The boys - Gabriel (Shug), Isaiah (Shyne) and Ezekiel (Shadow) are introduced in alternating chapters as the author weaves a fabric rough at times, but with enough traction that it moves along gathering tone and tenor for a climatic, if not surprising end. Is love and loyalty worth dying for where hate is circling in the midst waiting to claim another victim? The author sets the tone when a gristly rape and murder is committed on a young woman and her three year-old daughter. Who dunnit? Two of the three brothers are interwoven into this tale as Shadow meets an early untimely death of his own. Was it Shug, a momma's boy and his mother's favorite, who is an intellect, law-trained and a politically savvy individual bidding to become the second black mayor of New York City; or the snake-bitten Shyne, who is a street-seasoned hustler, thief and seemingly someone only the next door neighbor can love that committed the crime?

I read this story with much trepidation recalling the plight of so many Black men sentenced to lives that are stereotypical of some of them being in the wrong place at the wrong time. As you read this story you will want the author to give it practical familiarity by allowing readers to come to the conclusion that may be obvious, but certain twists keeps the suspense riveting! As such, one of the brothers are accused and convicted of the brutal murders, and everyone demands vengeance as death row becomes his next place of residence. The coda gains momentum on the eve of Shyne's execution, when five people travel to the jail to witness the event. Redemption can be defined only when intrusive meaning is worthy of holding on to an unshakable feeling.

In tick-tock fashion the culprit is good as gone, but the adhesiveness of loyal rears its head to reveal a secret that will test the bonds of familial order, the strength of one man's character, and the all encompassing power of a love worth dying for mentioned earlier. If you manage to gather together for the sake of a good read, then do so by naming and claiming this author as one of the best in guaranteed page-turning delight! Tracy, when is the next one due out?

Tracy Price Thompson never disappoints! This engaging and sad story provokes thought on many levels. Ms. Thompson introduces themes such as the unconditional love of a mother and stinging neglect from that same mother; racial injustice; love between two very flawed individuals and so many other issues. I applaud you once again Ms. Price-Thompson. You've written another profound story, a true page turner. If you haven't read anything by this author yet, please get this novel! If you have read her other books, don't miss this one. You'll be sorry if you do.

This book left me absolutley speechless. The best I have read so far. Definitely worth reading, you will not be disappointed. A definite page turner and tear jerker. Very powerful, the author did an outstanding job.

This book was a fantastic read...by a seasoned author....the timing and pacing was just right to me....always a vivid picture...i think because the author was sooooo instrumental in making a connection with the reader through each chapter...shows how well the writing is crafted...for this book had me living in that moment... and of the edge of my seat...

I could see the picture that the author was painting...i could feel Shyne's pain....I could see how a sociopath operates, for Shug was definitely a sociopath...having no regards for any one person...but managed to manipulate those around him...except for his brother...who was willing to die for him.....

The mother was left to her own understanding and could only give her sons misguided trust and love.....

This book is well crafted from the format of each "tick-tock" chapter to the ending......

This story leaves the reader wanting for more...and hoping to the very end that Shyne could have been loved, treated fairly and given a fair shake at life....however...children often aren't what they think they are .... but what their caretakers tell them they are...and in Shyne's dreary situation....he was the one who had the most love and loyality to give.

This is one of the best reads of the year...a page turner...destined to be a best seller!

Kudos to Tracy Price-Thompson

From the very first page the author held my attention! This book touched my soul and actually bought tears to my eyes. This is the second book in all my readings that touched me as such!

Shyne never had a chance since the time he was born all he was shown was hate....but from whom? His own mother, living life as only he knew it, Through hateful eyes, but there is someone that he loves more than his own life, his identical brother.

I don't want to give too much away...please read and enjoy! You'll be surprised, shocked, and shamed all at the same time!

I love all of Tracy Price Thompson's books, truly believing that she is one of the outstanding writers of today. So even though I was excited that she had a new book, it surely couldn't be better than A Woman's Worth? Wrong! I don't know how she does it, but Gather Together is one of the best books I've ever read. Not only is this a gripping can't-take-your-eyes-off-of-it tale, but the way it's written, the story's construction adds to its power. The characters are so well-developed and the plot will make you think and wonder about the ills of society. You will not be able to put this book down. Bravo, Tracy - I think I can now officially say that you are my favorite contemporary author!

I didn't think Ms. Thompson could top herself after "A Woman's Worth" but she did. This novel was excellent. Each character was unique in his/her own way and the storyline..the storyline!! I love when a novel is thought-provoking and just stays on the brain for days after reading it. I consider this book Ms. Thompson's best work yet.

Tick. Tick.

As time runs out for death-row inmate Isaiah "Shyne" Blackwood, his family, friends, and key people gather together. They travel to Quincy Correctional Facility in upstate New York to witness the execution scheduled for midnight.

Each chapter represents time on the death clock, beginning at 7 o'clock p.m. Every hour, an individual speaks on their way to the facility. They give a compelling account of their involvement or encounter with Shyne. By 9 o'clock, you are gasping! Catch your breath and continue reading for a spellbinding story that you will NEVER forget. The story almost reminded me of my favorite TV show, "24" - with commanding performances by each character. This riveting drama will keep you on the edge of your seat as the tale unravels.

Gather Together in My Name is a gripping tale that holds you from beginning to end, and then some... with an intensity that is almost erotic! Tracey Price-Thompson writes with a voracious pen - eager to tell her story with passion while inciting, exciting, and mesmerizing the reader.

Whew! I loved this book and HIGHLY RECOMMEND it.

Tracy Price-Thompson's Gather Together in My Name is a most riveting and compelling account of a convict's final few hours on death row. From page 1 to the very last page (241), the author does an incredible job of making sure the reader is hooked!

The character development is phenomenal - you get to know, not only the convicted, but the five people who gathered in his name to witness the scheduled execution. Each of the five person's account of their relationship with Shyne Blackwood (the convicted) is very detailed and leaves the reader feeling like you know the people personally.

This story is layered and addresses topics like a mother's love or the lack thereof for her children, the result of a person's foundation being scarred and how it affects their entire life. It also addresses loyalty and love in a most profound way.

Never have I read such a powerful story in 241 pages. It's been said that an author must grab the reader within the first 100 words in order to keep their interest, Tracy certainly exceeds this and you are hooked by page 2 of the story. Don't take my word, get a copy today!

You won't be disappointed. This story will stick with me for a very long time, albeit, a fiction novel with real life truths. It's really true that our parents shape who we become!

Shunda Leigh
Booking Matters Magazine
www.bookingmatters.com

Here is another one of Mrs. Thompson's literary offerings that I couldn't put down. The familial dynamics between a mother and her children are almost always interesting, but in this novel they are downright explosive. Thompson shows us how very important a mother's love and acceptance is to her children, and what can happen when she makes a misguided mess of doling them out. This book made me angry, sad, happy and, most of all, reflective. I thought about it long after I turned the last page. This is a must read for anyone who loves a good story, one full of complexities to wrap the mind around and full of lessons to be learned.

Highly recommended!

Terra Little
Author of "Where There's Smoke"
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