Customer Reviews

Regression

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

 

 

`Racial Restructuring' and the breaking down of one culture are brought to life in this stimulating read by Rickey Teems II. A ban on hip hop music, ethnically segregated classrooms, the loss of welfare and the lockdown of ALL African Americans cause pure chaos between the pages of "Regression". The actions are harsh and the repercussions the victims face are downright deadly, but the aforementioned are approved and enforced by U.S. government...

Readers surely get some food for thought as they follow main character Aeneas as he tries to protect his family and friends throughout the turmoil. There's not a moment of rest and Aeneas and his friends have to make some life altering decisions in split seconds so drama was unfolding with the turn of each page.

This story takes on a particular interest point with the fact that Barak Obama was elected 44th president within months of its release. The timing couldn't have been better for us to contemplate some "what if's" regarding racism and segregation. What would you do to protect yourself and loved ones as your life spun out of control (legally) at the hands of lawmakers? Regression is no doubt a must-read.

Imagine getting ready to go to school/work one morning and while listening to the news you hear some disturbing information: The American Government has outlawed Hip Hop music, ceased welfare distribution and are putting into effect "Culture Specific Classrooms!!!!!!
Well you know this does not go over well with the African American community, so there is a backlash...and how does the American Government deal with this? By rounding up ALL African Americans and imprisoning them. The penalty for not complying with these new laws is death!

This is exactly what happened in this novel "Regression". A title well suited for this fast paced drama sprinkled with civil rights/racism overtones.
Aeneas Mayes is the man faced with gathering his family and friends quickly so they can flee the wrath of the powers that be. But as the story unfolds this gets harder to do and questions along with life or death decisions plague Aeneas' every move.

It was very interesting to read as the new government rules started affecting the characters lives. As Leah, Aeneas son's mother, waits in line this economic impact sends a shocking jolt through the welfare office. Being segregated on the school bus was confusing for elementary students Nasshon and his friends.

This read is a sure eye opener for all.
Author Rickey Teems II serves up a fantastic "what if?" tale that touches on all angles of a situation like this. What would your white friends do? Would they risk their lives to help you or join forces with the government?

Rickey this is excellent work!

Locksie
ARC Book Club Inc.

Martial Law meaning a state in which all civil laws, rights and liberties are suspended and the military has direct rule is the concept of Regression by Rickey Teems II. This is one well-written, history lesson for our people today. I was pulled in so many directions that I had to remember it was a book I was reading and not living it.

Rickey Teems II introduces us to a few main characters that are faced with their worst dreams, losing freedom to express desire and communicate. Starting a new day can be challenging as there is very little to the imagination when you are faced with the ban on rap music across the world. Welfare is drastically cut off and black students are displaced and put out of colleges. These are just a few of the instances that are introduced in "Regression." How will you cope if you wake up tomorrow and are faced with these harsh realities?

The year is 2008 but there is open racism, beatings and entrapment of African Americans across the world. Kids are shuttled onto buses where they are separated from their families, men are facing prison, and women are lost and scared. But keep in mind this is only happening to the black people of the United States. How would this affect you? Where would you go? What would you do? How would you live?

I recommend this eye-opener to everyone across the world; this book dealt me a powerful blow that I still cannot seem to let go. The graphic descriptions and timeline sequence made this a very good and educational read. My hat goes off to Mr. Teems. This is a book for all races; people need to know what can happen to us as people at any time.

Reviewed by: Cheryl H
APOOO BookClub

Aeneas Mayes is trying to get his life together so that he can be a better father to his son. But things spiral out of control when Aeneas wakes up late for his African-American mid-term. It seems that the country has literally changed overnight. The American dream turns into the American nightmare as hip-hop is banned, welfare is cut off, and children are separated into classrooms based on ethnicity. Aeneas is trying to come to grips with all of these changes. But he is soon in a race against time as the American government is also trying to round up and lock up all African-Americans. Aeneas and his family soon find themselves on the run, but will they make it out of America alive?

Regression is a thought-provoking novel by Rickey Teems. Teems expertly brings us a classic story of "what if". This story is set in present day, which makes the storyline all the more haunting. There are many social and political issues in this novel that will really make the reader think. You will feel the passion of Aeneas as he tries to make sense of what's going on while trying to protect his family and friends. The atrocities in this story are so realistic that readers will want to continue reading just to find out what happens next. Regression is an awe-inspiring novel that is for those that are looking to read something different from the norm.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert
for Urban Reviews

Concentration camps. Generally when you hear those words you think of Nazi Germany, maybe a few other faraway lands. But what about right here, today, in the U.S. of A.? Author Rickey Teems II probes that very idea. One morning all African Americans awake to find that the world has been changed, as if the hands of time have been turned back. African Americans no longer have any rights.

Kudos to Rickey Teems II for thinking outside of the box. His concept was unique, interesting and intriguing. Teems writes, "From this point on, anyone of African American decent or heritage must immediately turn themselves in, or they will be arrested...It is my belief that the proud people of this nation want this to be a country of order and prosperity...until we can determine further action to restore peace, this order will entail confinement of all Blacks in America."

Coming face to face with one's own loss of freedom can put life in a different perspective, and readers share the characters' fears. I couldn't help but wonder what I would do in such a situation. The author broached many facts often thought but not spoken but are very much relevant.

"Regression" would make for a great book club read as it is a seed for many discussions.

Reviewed by: Toni

Aeneas wakes up like he does every other morning, preparing for the long day ahead. Out of habit he turns on the television only to hear some unprecedented news; the President has banned all hip hop and rap music throughout America . At that moment, Aeneas knows things will never be the same, he just doesn't know how bad they will become. He soon finds out there are more changes to come; his college classes are now being separated by race. College students aren't the only one's affected and his son, who attends elementary school, faces his own challenges as he makes his way to school. And as if those changes aren't enough, the government has just cut off welfare from his son's mother. In less than twenty four hours everything has changed, racial groups who once got along are now fighting each other, all African Americans are to be locked in jails, and most of America is in a state of chaos. Aeneas, along with his son, his girlfriend and his son's mother, must fight for both his life and his freedom, as well as for those he loves. Some will be lost along the way, but will all of his efforts be in vain?
This creative and fast-paced plot makes REGRESSION by Rickey Teems II an easy and entertaining read. Teems does a good job developing his plot and characters and moving the novel along so it can be read in one setting. When I picked up this book I was not prepared to put it down until I was done. I truly enjoyed that Teems used his imagination and came up with a plot I hadn't read before. While I thought the book was well-written and enjoyable, some readers may not like the ending. Still, if you're looking for a quick read that will hold your attention from beginning to end, pick up REGRESSION and give it a try.

Reviewed by Criss Coles
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

If Martial Law were enacted, what would we do? How would we react? How would we feel? Regression by Rickey Teems II definitely answers those thought provoking questions when characters awaken to find that Hip Hop has been banned throughout the country, welfare has been cut-off, and that Blacks have been locked up like caged animals and guarded by the National Guard! I, for one, couldn't fathom the thought that the world we live in could ever become so barbaric. This was a definite page turner, with its crazy and wild story line! The story really made you sit back and think "what if?". Regression was definitely way on the other side in terms of A.A. fiction. It was a treat to read something different. I enjoyed it, and recommend that if you are in the mood for variety in terms of African-American fiction, you should pick up Regression!

4 Pink Diamonds
Sistah Shawn of the SistahFriend Book Club

Rickey Teems has delivered once again with another stay up all night page turner nailbiting book titled "Regression". Regression fast forwards the reader into a world ignited with many political and social issues regarding race,freedom of speech, choices etc...Has Teems given us a glimpse into the future and a new Constitution/"Bill of Rights"??

In his third novel, Rickey Teems delivers a powerfully jarring tale of martial law in modern America. Imagine waking up one morning to find that the government has issued martial law against people who look like you -- and for no valid reason. With the Civil Rights Movement just fifty short years behind us, Teems reminds us that anything can still happen...

Expect to be chilled to the bone with this page-turner!

Regression is one of the most entertaining books you will ever pick up. From street to social to political aspects, this novel posses so much thought provoking material, you will not be able to turn the pages fast enough!!

This is not your traditional fiction. This modern classic trancends all races and economic backgrounds. You will not be disappointed!!