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22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book is a keeper!, February 17, 2005
This review is from: Railroaded! (Hardcover)
Has the following ever happened to you? A book calls out to you, you're hooked from the first page and you hate to see it end. Well, this is exactly what happened to me when I recently read Railroaded by Whitfield Grant. A debut novel in the tradition of legal thrillers, Railroaded was a terrific read from beginning to end. And as I do with any new author I find, I can hardly wait to read Mr. Grant's next novel.
Tony Williams is a star football player. He is also a black man who is highly regarded not only by his teammates but by members of his community. He is also happily married and realizes all well the many temptations put before men in his visible position. One night, though, with a bit too much too drink, Tony winds up with a woman in his bed. In the morning, realizing what has happened and the mistake he made, he spurns the woman's attention and quickly leaves the hotel. The woman, thought, shocked by Tony's attitude seeks revenge against him and claims he raped her during a violent evening. The charge of rape for anybody is bad enough but the woman turns out to be the daughter of the owner of the team Tony plays for and he had no knowledge about this either. Now the owner of the team believing his daughter seeks justice never thinking that his daughter is a liar.
And so begins an adventurous chase and courtroom setting with Tony fighting not only for his life professionally but also literally. First he has severely injured and then he is pursued by less than your average members of a fan club. Helping Tony to fend off any other attacks and to clear his name are three "blood brothers," friends of Tony's from his youth, a defense attorney and a Jamaican soldier of fortune. But when circumstances become worse and worse and the evidence is more and more damaging, Tony can't help but think about another similar incident in his family history which proved tragic.
This is a book which moves headlong and is one spectacular roller coaster ride. Just when you think the plot can't twist or turn anymore, it does. And if you are a reader like myself who enjoys character driven novels, this is the perfect book for you because you will so miss these characters when you close the book.
Whitfield Grant, the author of this well conceived and crafted novel, is a name to remember. His books are the kind, like other beloved authors I read, that once I finish them I can't wait till the next title is published. In the book Railroaded there is mention that Mr. Grant's next book, Derailed, a sequel to Railroaded will be available soon. For sure I will be the first one to pluck it from the bookstore's shelves. But I need to clear my calendar of everything because as soon as I begin reading this book, I won't be doing anything else.
So what are you waiting for? Isn't it time you run out and purchase this book? Believe me when I say you will thank me over and over again.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Ultimate "Can't Put it Down Book" for 2005!, January 20, 2005
This review is from: Railroaded! (Hardcover)
FINALLY! A great legal thriller written for the multi-cultural audience! "Railroaded" is the story of a black football player, Tony Williams (who really loves and is faithful to his wife) who, together with his best friends, fights the insanity of modern "sexual" persecution (many years after having suffered through painful racially-based trauma). Set in 1979, the book immerses you in a fast-paced "movie in your mind" as you ride Whitfield Grant's rollercoaster of unexpected surprises and clever twists. You will try in earnest to identify in what character the "sinister" force really resides that threatens to take this highly sympathetic hero down (it's not obvious!). In the backdrop of this courtroom and mystery thriller (laced with a love story too), it is the unfolding of a story about three naturally bright and gifted athletes, a valient wife and a "dream team" they form in response to a calculated frame-up. The main characters deeply value their relationships with one another, and exude genuine loyalty, warmth and humor. I like the simple human values demonstrated in the book. Grant has a great gift for gab when it comes to natural dialogue and moves you quickly through incredible action scenes --whether it's in the courtroom, on the football field or on a heated car chase. As an attorney, I especially appreciated the credibility of Grant's depiction of the defense lawyers, prosecutors and judges. He even develops an interesting character in the prosecutor relentlessly after Tony Williams. I can't wait for the sequel! Keep writing Whitfield!
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
What an Extraordinary Piece of Reading Entertainment!, March 12, 2005
This review is from: Railroaded! (Hardcover)
As a pilot, I usually try to take a book with me so that on layovers, I will have something to occupy my time. Lately, I've been reading more finance books than I care to admit but had Railroaded recommended to me by a friend who had just finished reading the book. His only comment was, "You gotta read this book." There was a smile on his face which further seemed to justify his recommendation. So I got a copy and took it with me. During a three-day trip, I finished the book because it was impossible to let go of except to grab a meal (or fly a plane!). So is it capitvating? Gripping? Riveting? It is all those things and more.
I am not one to write reviews, however the last reviewer, struck a nerve and I felt compelled to respond. Unlike the previous reviewer who indicated that the book was tedious or even contrived, I would suspect that he leads a rather sedentary and confined life without much exposure to the real world except to venture out for a meal at MacDonald's or sitting in front of a television taking to heart all that is reproduced for our general consumption. Traveling around as much as I have for 30 years, I've seen things that most people would not believe. I wonder if the last reviewer has ever experienced the nightmares of dealing with the justice system and the problems that one can encounter there?
Whitfield Grant has taken difficult material and laced it with a huge dose of believability. Why believable? Consider the rampant allegations of sexual harassment levied at athletes and celebrities. Traveling with such men, I am fully aware of what they have and continue to encounter, and sometimes the picture is not pretty. Consider that despite the fact that we as a society like to believe in a pristine justice system, there have been instances where judges are compromised. One only need look at the venerable Supreme Court voting along political lines to decide the election of a President! Consider the fact that someone who harbors so much hatred and ill will toward his fellow man would go to lengths or engage in unimaginable behavior to destroy another. Did we not see hate crimes in the middle 90's in Texas where an innocent African American male was dragged to his death? All this is far away from the 1979 venue encompassed in Railroaded, however, the same problems are still inherent in our culture today. As to everyone's issues with the three men being too perfect, aren't you sick and tired of seeing African American men portrayed as something less than upstanding? Don't we need great role models to initiate change in this country?
Whitfield Grant should be praised for having the guts to write such a story showcasing African American men in a positive light while addressing the societal enigmas that continue to plague our country. Whitfield Grant is a superb storyteller and has successfully transferred his story into a written form that can provide an enjoyable entertainment experience. I think I saw on the book's website that one reader said that "Railroaded is an outstanding piece of literature that should be shared with the masses, everywhere." I completely agree and I am glad that I spent my $24.95 on Railroaded as opposed to a lot of books that, after reading, have been very disappointing, including many on the bestseller list! For my part, I am going to tell all my colleagues about Railroaded because I would like nothing more than see a great writer positioned at the top of the New York Times Bestseller list!
Bravo, Mr. Grant! Don't let any naysayer deter your spirit or determination to continue writing. Railroaded is not for those with a closed mind or who approach life timidly. This country needs writers of your caliber. Keep up the good work because your newfound and expanding base of fans will be anxiously awaiting your next release.
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