Customer Reviews

Nookie (Volume 1)

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The synopsis that is given on the back of this book and on Amazon is a little misleading and had me wondering why they chose to go with that description. This is more of a "cautionary tale of a woman on the street" and not a woman who uses the power of nookie to get what she wants. Yes, there is a pretty good amount of sex in this book but it's because Joy wants to have sex (aside, of course, from the times she was being raped), NOT because she's using the power of it.

She doesn't really learn the power of nookie or get really grimy until the end of the novel. Unfortunately, the end of the novel is the best part because she finally DOES get grimy! This was a "good" book. I say "good" because I did finish it (book I don't like I do not finish) and the end made up for a lot, as did the promise of a sequel. The story did feel a little rushed, especially at the beginning, and left me feeling a little detached from the characters.

Do I think you'll like this book? Maybe. `Nookie' has the violence, sex, grimy-ness, and the dirt that I like to read about but it is missing that all-important "it". That missing "it" did made a small cameo near the end and I, for one, hope it continues in `Nookie's Secret'.

Nookie tells the story of Joy, an 18-year-old high school senior who finds herself in a new school in a new town. Amidst this change in venue, she finds that some things have remained the same such as her parents' constant bickering and neglect. Furthermore, she finds out that her boyfriend of four years has already begun seeing another girl behind her back. Meanwhile, she meets a kindly photographer named Kevin whom she meets when she runs away from one of her parents' violent arguments. And this is only the beginning. Unfortunately, there is not much more to this story about Joy and the struggles of her life with inattentive and dysfunctional parents. Author Anieshea Dansby does not provide enough of a story here to make the reader care about Joy or anyone else in this book that is sorely lacking in plot. The editing mistakes at least give the reader something to do while reading this story. Otherwise, Nookie is utterly uninteresting and appears to have no point beyond a few explicit sex scenes. Perhaps the strictest devotee to urban or street lit may find something redeeming in this story. However, those who have higher expectations in their reading materials will be sorely disappointed.

TaKeshia Brooks
AAMBC Reviewer

In Anieshea Dansby's NOOKIE, life is presented as an unstable storm of neglect, abuse and greedy use.

Joy is trapped in a loveless home with her mentally ill mother and neglectful father. She uses her feminine wiles to manipulate Kevin as she withstands the attack of an ex-boyfriend and insidious treachery between her parents. But Kevin finally comes to his senses, leaving Joy to once again rely on femme fatale ways for shelter and care. When that situation explodes, Joy's powerful "nookie" renders her unharmed and even pampered, until she is able to manipulate everybody and escape with a mini fortune.

Aniesha Dansby creatively incorporates innumerable twists and turns in the plot, ensuring that this novel will hold your attention, even if you cringe while reading it. But the story seems to lose its purpose somewhere during the relationship with Kevin. Joy has proven herself a bit malicious and manipulative, but could be forgiven her ways considering the parental strife she suffers. Toward the end of her relationship with Kevin, however, she becomes a blank emotional slate and perpetual victim, just taking life's ride.

Joy never matures from the countless tragedies she suffers or inflicts. She exhibits no remorse or intimate reflection, other than scheming on what material gain she can net.

Maybe that was Dansby's point: perhaps Joy wasn't supposed develop, but was intended to exhibit continual selfishness and mutual use. In the end, it's clear that Joy is no victim. Instead, she coldly destroys the lives of every person she uses, morphing into the one person she despises: her mother.

Reviewed by a. Kai
for The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Nookie by Anieshea Dansby is an account of a misunderstood teenager, who is looking for love in all the wrong places. Living through abandonment, abuse and devastation; what is a girl to do to turn her life around?

Joy has a picture perfect life to those on the outside looking in, but in reality, this is far from the truth. Joy's father is never home and her mother is a functioning nut case. While trying to put on a brave face and finish high school, the family moves and she loses the little comfort and security she had. Making new friends and relocating is hard on everyone, but Joy feels the pain more when her high school sweetheart moves on with someone else. Heartbroken and alone, Joy is trying to pick up the pieces of her life when she meets Kevin.

Kevin is an older guy who owns his own photography store and befriends Joy, but when she puts Kevin in a bad situation all hell breaks loose as he tries to defend himself. With no where to go, Joy is left to roam the streets, hungry and homeless. She calls her friend, Tanya in hopes of finding somewhere to live for the time being.

Tanya is running with the wrong crowd, and gladly invites her friend to stay with her and her drug dealer boyfriend, Shawn. Could Joy's life get any worst? With endless nights of drinking and smoking, Joy has lost all focus on finishing school and getting a job.

This book is filled with drama, graphic descriptions and young girls who make you want to grab them and shake some sense into them. I recommend this book to all the young teens out here who feel that their parents are too strict, cause believe it, it could happen to you. Stay tuned for part II; I cannot wait for the sequel.

Reviewed by: Cheryl H
APOOO BookClub

Unlike many of the other Urban Novels I have read dealing with the harsh realities of sex, money and drugs this story does little for the imagination. The main character Joy is never described so I guess one is supposed to assume she is attractive. Characters come and go so quickly in the book that you never get any background information on them so its hard to believe Joy could have become so close to the few random characters. The book had the potetial to be something great but it lack "fire". I wouldnt recommend the book to anyone.