How Can I Be Down? [Paperback]

Brenda Hampton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 18, 2003

Kiley Jacoby Abrams, a twenty-seven year old serious black man has the next several months cut out for him. He's private, full of secrets, and running from a life of crime. If that's not enough, he's got more setbacks than any one man can handle: an arrogant troublesome brother, a sneaky play a-hating friend, a friend who turns to him for everything, and a woman who claims to have his back. After moving from Los Angeles to St. Louis, Kiley soon realizes that trouble follows him anywhere he goes. Fighting to stay on the right track, a secret from his horrifying past evolves and refuses to let him do so. And when Kiley's paranoia and desire for women start to take effect the outcome could very well be costly.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Brenda M. Hampton is the author of How Can I Be Down? and Two's Enough Three's A Crowd.¿She is currently working on her up coming novels: My Way Or No Way, the sequel to Two's Enough Three's A Crowd, and Tomorrow Never Dies, her memoir. Hampton is the president of a locally owned insurance business and the founder of a non-profit organization designed to encourage and empower women. She has twin daughters in college and lives in St. Louis with her son.

Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (September 18, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1410779130
• ISBN-13: 978-1410779137
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,190,144 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm Brenda M. Hampton, author of: Naughty 1, Naughty 2, Naughty 3, Naughty 4:Naughty by Nature, Naughty 5:Too Naughty, Naughty No More, How Can I Be Down?, SLICK, No Justice No Peace, Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right, The Dirty Truth, Full Figured, Don't Even Go There and Who or What is in that Closet?!, a children's book collaboration with my ten year old son, Aaron Littlejohn. Writing is my passion and stay tuned for future page turning novels written by me. When I'm not writing, I love spending time with my son, my significant other, and my twin daughters. I am also the founder of VOICES Books & Publishing, the place where every voice can be heard. Please feel free to visit my website at www.brendamhampton.com or email me at [e-mail]

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HAMPTON HAS MADE A NAME FOR HERSELF AND IT'S ALL GOOOOOOD!!!, November 9, 2003

By 

Hampton's #1 Fan, Sherry (ILLINOIS) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How Can I Be Down? (Paperback)

Just when I thought this author pulled it off with Two's Enough Three's A Crowd, she smacked me in the face with another great novel, How Can I Be Down, and left me wanting more from her. This novel was on a whole different level from the other, which proves her capabilities as a writer are outstanding. The story was well written and very easy to follow. I'm torn between my love for Jaylin, in Two's Enough, and my love for Kiley, in How Can I Be Down. Her characters are lovable and are realistic men who have some of the same issues as everyday men do. Kiley, Karreem, and Quincy were exciting to read about. The ending blew me away, as I cried so hard and threw the book across the room. I won't give it away but like a book should be, this book is filled with laughter, drama, excitement, and sorrow. If you don't own a copy, get one.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Star, star, star, star, star, star, star, star, star, star!, December 13, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: How Can I Be Down? (Paperback)

10 Stars for How Can I Be Down too. I rarely will rate a book five stars, but with the exception of How Can I Be Down and Two's Enough Three's A Crowd, I couldn't help myself for pushing for more. This gangsta style, real life story quickly captured my attention, as Hampton's other novel did. Her writing puts you, the reader, right there. Many other books do the same, but not like these did. I was there all the way and truly enjoyed the ride. My twenty-four hours of lost sleep, because I couldn't pull myself away, was worth it. Kiley, being the strong leader in How Can I Be Down, made you feel for what he was going through even though he made bad decisions. Just as Jaylin did in Two's Enough Three's A Crowd. You'll find that you can't keep yourself from caring for them. Ms. Hampton, I'm hollering out to you like your other fans...I WANT A SEQUEL to HOW CAN I BE DOWN! I won't give the ending away, but it left me in tears. So, tell me...what's going to happen next...we're waiting. Purchase this book and you won't regret it!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book paved the way-Kiley will tell you: How to be down?, June 14, 2004

By 

Brenda M. Hampton "Author" (St. Louis, MO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How Can I Be Down? (Paperback)

How Can I Be Down? brought Brenda M. Hampton to the spotlight. Kiley Jacoby Abrams, a twenty-seven year old Black man has the next several months cut out for him. He's private, full of secrets, and running from a life of crime. If that's not enough, he's got more setbacks than any one man can handle: an arrogant troublesome brother, a sneaky playa-hating friend, a friend who turns to him for everything, and a woman who claims to have his back. After moving from Los Angeles to St. Louis, Kiley soon realizes that trouble follows him anywhere he goes. He's fighting day by day to stay on the right track, but a secret from his horrifying past evolves and refuses to let him do so. He conspires to bring down the person responsible for his father's death, only to soon suffer the consequences. Eventually, Kiley's paranoia, his trust for women, and guilt becomes a costly price to pay.

Reviewers, again, thanks for the overwhelming emails and support regarding this novel. Its message comes through loud and clear and I hope that Kiley was able to reach as many of you as possible. Because many do not want me to put Kiley's character to rest, he's coming back in the near future. "NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE," will make its way to your homes soon. I truly hope you enjoy. God Bless!

Brenda M. Hampton, Author of: Two's Enough Three's A Crowd, My Way Or No Way, How Can I Be Down?, & My Best Friend's Man
www.brendamhampton.com