Customer Reviews

Ghetto Re'sume' (Part 1)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Those who say children don't have an agenda haven't met Goldie!

Dequan "Goldie" Walker had a voice way before he entered into this world, and once here, Goldie paid attention to everything and everybody around him. Goldie knew something wasn't right when he bought home excellent report cards, and while his mother was ecstatic his father Albert seemed nonchalant about Goldie's obvious smarts, and this didn't sit well with Goldie.

By age ten Goldie's grades were impeccable but that didn't mean the reality of growing up in the ghetto was going to pass him by. A tragedy forced Goldie to have to step up and become the provider for his family. His extraordinary intellect continued to outshine his peers in school, but he soon found out that excellent grades were not putting bread on the table.

During this time a notorious drug dealer named Snake is at the top of his game, and is basking in all the glory that comes with being "The Man". Goldie and Snake's paths cross and a friendship formed between this unlikely pair.

Snake has been entertaining the idea of leaving the game; Goldie is at the starting gate. It will be a bumpy ride for both but neither of them will be prepared for the shocking outcome to their dreams!

Kudos on how author Freddie Simmons crafted the two main character's personalities. Each possessed something that the other only wishes he had. Goldie's strengths were Snake's weakness and visa versa. Both had the upmost respect for each other regardless of their difference in age. I liked that Goldie still continued with his schooling even while learning how to handle himself on the streets.

A well rounded story with good character development.

A recommended read!

Locksie
ARC Book Club Inc.

Talking about this book is NOT enough. You just have to read it. This book is a page turner that will leave you wanting more after each chapter. Can't wait for the remainder of this trilogy.

Freddie you did your thing with this novel. it had me going for sure. yes this book is a must read. and my main man goldie had me wide open for sure. i know part two is going to be breathe taking for me.

Freddie Simmons did a good job with his debut novel. I've read many coming of age stories and by far this is one I would reccommend. The character Dequan Walker (Goldie) was a very impressive little boy who wanted more than anything was to have a relationship with his father . Like most men Albert lack the skills necessary to connect with his oldest son. Goldie was a mommys boy who adore his mother (Loretta) and loved his sisters and little brother. Snake the neighborhood superstar enters Goldie life when he's 10 years old when a incident happens in the neighborhood. Snakes takes a interest in Goldie and after that the story begins of how Dequan (Goldie) Walker builds his Ghetto Resume'. Freddie (the author)does a great job of holding my interest with the different plots that took place throughout the entire read. Some scences of the story seem a little far fetch but me living in the neighborhood(The Ghetto)I know most unforeseen situations can and do occur in the Ghetto. This author left me with wanting to read the continuation of the Ghetto Resume' II (Back on the Block).

Ghetto Resume is about a young man who took on the responsibility of his family when his father was killed. His methods may seem unconventional to some and absolutely real to others. Its the story of a hustler with the heart of a lion who will stop at nothing to get what he wants or feels that he deserves. Beginning at the young age of 10, Golide was quickly considered to be "the man"! Freddie takes the time to explain every detail giving you a vivid look into the life of young Goldie.



As a person, Author Freddie Simmons has overcome adversities that most would be fallen victim to and given up. His mannerisms and sheer charisma wil have you looking side ways thinking that you are talking to Goldie himself! A down to earth approachable man who will have you yearning for more of the story.



Pick up a copy of Ghetto Resume part 1 and 2 wherever books are sold!

I enjoyed reading Ghetto Resume I must say I was shocked to see that Snake's life ended so soon but I'm sure as I get into this next book it will be just as edgy and exciting as the first. Great job Freddie keep up the good work and for rep'in Da'Burg!

In this debut novel new comer Mr. Freddie Simmons shows us how the slums of Florida get down. Letting us know if we didn't before that there is a ghetto in every state. I for one never thought `ole slow a** Florida was getting it in like this. This novel could have taken place in ANY hood but it takes place in Saint Petersburg, Fl. Being the first of trilogy I zealously await to read part two. This brought back a lot of memories for me personally growing up in the projects (Pj's) from the games we played, to the lines run on the females, to the drug dealers making money and the gun play. If never before I a firm believer in `the "hood folk" can relate no matter what "Hood" you're from' as I grew up in Harlem NYC.

From the first page I was drawn in. While this is "street lit" it has a comic edge to it makes me wonder did the author miss his calling as a comedian. At times I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. The beginning is so raw I wonder if some won't get the whole meaning of it. We are brought into the fold as we meet Daquan "Goldie" Walker and he was born for the street life. We follow him through middle school where is hustling candy and doing test runs before his actual hustling a few years down the line. I loved the interaction he has with the ladies. I was taking strolls down memory lane at the lines he was kicking to them. Even when he put the `mack' game down he had the older ladies ready and waiting. When he witnesses a crime and doesn't snitch the street respects him. Snake, the local hustler, takes him under his wing and schools him on the dos and don'ts of the "Game" I loved the bond the two had. Snake knew Goldie was the new school and acted accordingly. I love the fact the no matter how much money Goldie made in the streets he stayed in school if only to keep his mother off his back. Goldie had it all street smarts and book smarts making him one not to mess with. When tragedy strikes Goldie has to step up and become the man of the house and he fills those shoes quick and efficiently. Goldie's mom does all she can to keep him on the straight and narrow and we follow Goldie up until his freshman year in HS and the drama doesn't stop.

I really enjoyed this first run. While I have never been a drug dealer I could relate to the motives and they were spelled out very clearly. This novel kept my interest from beginning to end and I await the next installment as I hope Goldie comes back with a vengeance. Mr. Simmons does a great job giving a visual and this was easy to keep up and the comic relief makes for some good reading. You will be surprised how Florida is just as hood as the big cities I know I was

SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc.
5 star rating

What can I say, I truly enjoyed this book. I read it in 2 days. The beginning was so unique that I had to keep reading to see where it was going...and it kept me interested all the way through. I found Goldie to be a likeable character. His swag is so sexy. I can't wait for the sequal. Please continue to bless us with your talent Mr. Simmons. I hope to read many more books from you.

From the first sentence, Ghetto Resume by Freddie L. Simmons held me captivated. This was a really fast-paced, highly drama-filled book about the life of DeQuan Walker AKA Goldie. He grew up in the projects on the Southside of St. Petersburg, FL. When his father was murdered, he stepped in to fill his shoes at a young age. He became very close to a notorious drug dealer named Snake. It wasn't long before Goldie was drawn into the drug game. He learned early in life to go for what he wanted and not to let anything stop him.

The character on Goldie was a preteen and then a teenager throughout the book. Even though there were intimate scenes in the book, they were not too graphic or x-rated for my taste. Since St. Petersburg is the city where I grew up and reside now, I think the story is extremely realistic. What goes on in this book DOES and IS happening on a corner or in a hood near me.
I was a tad bit disappointed by the ending, but I know it's just preparing me for part two, so I'll give Mr. Simmons a break. I'm looking forward to reading the next one in line.

Reviewed by Teresa D. Patterson
Spin Cycle

The 1st review was a little more than the typical naive reader trying to imagine life in the streets. Not only was this book realistic of what is going on in society (I know, I work with these kids), but it is also a testimony that all kids turn to selling drugs, aren't your typical uneducated thugs. Alot of kids got into the streets to do just as what Goldie did, help his mom stay afloat financially. Coming from a single-parent home, children are exposed to the struggles and stress that their parent is going through and want to find ways to help out as much as possible. Unfortunately, the streets are easy to fall victim to.

If you read the author's bio, one would wonder exactly how much of this book mirrored his life. Not only did I find the book enjoyable, I believe the author is well on his way to becoming successful. For this to be his 1st book, he has me hooked and I'm looking forward to the next installment!
[...]