Section 8: A Hood Rat Novel [Paperback]

K'wan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 29, 2009

Since she was a little girl, Tionna's on and off addicted mother taught her to get hers by any means necessary. Tionna's heart is as cold as a December chill, but she holds a warm place in it for Duhan, the father of her two sons, and her on-again-off-again boyfriend since they were teenagers. Duhan becomes her knight in shining armor until the government turns their dream into a nightmare. With Duhan behind bars and everything she loves seized she finds herself starting over in the same neighborhood she swore she'd never come back to.

With two kids, a man in prison and no back up plan, Tionna is once again living by her wits in order to maintain the lifestyle she'd become so accustomed to. Back in the thick of things with her best friends Gucci, Boots and Tracy, she finds herself rediscovering her old life and suddenly begins to wonder if she's really cut out to be a prisoner's wife.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In his ninth novel, K'Wan (Gangsta; Road Dawgz) continues his popular Hood Rat series, with yet more of what his readers expect: action, murder, betrayal, sex, more action, familiar faces and a few surprises. Readers are first introduced to Tionna, a single mom of two, desperate to recover her footing after her man gets arrested for his involvement in drug and gun dealing. Moving back to her old neighborhood in shame, Tionna devises a plan with her girlfriends—Gucci, Boots and Tracy—to con local record label mogul Don B. Meanwhile, Gucci meets and falls for Animal, a notorious criminal who's on the fence about going legitimate as a rapper. As their pursuits intertwine, Tionna and friends find much to learn about unintended consequences. Quick and entertaining, K'wan's latest captures a small slice of modern urban life with a great degree of credibility and finds in Animal his most conflicted, memorable and likable character yet. Unfortunately, the plot hinges on some implausible (and cheesy) developments, which may try readers' patience. (Oct.)
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Review

 Praise for K'wan:

“The big draw here is the electric prose, which is imbued with profane, comic lyricism."

--Publishers Weekly on HOOD RAT

"One of hip-hop fiction's hottest authors. . .fans will appreciate many of the qualities that make K'wan a writer to check for: gritty settings, memorable dialogue and authentic action."

--KING magazine on Street Dreams

“This gangsta romp is indisputably a page-turner.”

--Library Journal on Eve

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; First Edition edition (September 29, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312536968
• ISBN-13: 978-0312536961
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #228,009 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

K'wan is the author of Gangsta, Road Dawgz, Street Dreams, Hoodlum, Eve, Gutter, Blow, as well as the widely popular Hood Rat Series: Hood Rat, Still Hood, Section 8

His is also a contributing author in The Game, Flexin & Sexin, and Flirt

For more info visit www.kwanfoye.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars K'wan Reigns Supreme, September 30, 2009

By 

AndreaDenise (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Section 8: A Hood Rat Novel (Paperback)

Section 8, the latest and greatest by K'wan, boasts similar elements found in his previous "hood" tales. He effortlessly addresses many of the issues faced by many living in the inner cities today: drug abuse, promiscuity and violence.

Tionna is presently stuck between a rock and a hard place. The man of her dreams is currently doing time. Duhan expects Tionna to hold him down, while he attempts to beat his case, all the while knowing that Tionna is penniless and barely able to care for their two children.

She's prepared to "ride" for her man until she meets Don B., CEO of Big Dawg Entertainment. Assuming he's the answer to her prayers, Tionna swiftly discovers he's her worst nightmare.

Gucci, Tionna's best friend, knows she's a dime piece and dares anyone, male or female, to think otherwise. This likable character has been down for Tionna through thick and thin. When Gucci finally meets someone whom she finds fascinating, she fears she may lose him before they have the chance to become acquainted.

Multifaceted, Tayshawn a/k/a Animal can't seem to leave the pandemonium of the streets behind. This gifted storyteller is granted an opportunity to become the newest and hottest rapper on the scene. Will his loyalty to Tech, his partner in crime, hinder Animal from exiting the streets indefinitely?

Along with a spectacular plot and plausible characters, K'wan unveils his comedic side with the introduction of Ronnie, Gucci's mother. She's a no-nonsense, blunt smoking woman who's been around the block ... several times. She dishes out advice, much to the dismay of Gucci and her friends, yet she does so in a humorous way.

I genuinely enjoyed reading this novel. Section 8 merits a perfect rating of five stars. I believe it's his finest work thus far.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Too Many Characters, October 27, 2009

By 

Romello $ "Romello $" (Queens, NY) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Section 8: A Hood Rat Novel (Paperback)

Well the book started off slow and then all these characters from his past novels started popping up. Took me awhile to remember most of them. Shai Clark i definitely know from Hoodlum my favorite K'Wan book. I personally feel there were too many characters. I liked it but was expecting so much more. Now i have to wait what another year before K'wan comes out with another joint. I hope his next work is a page turner.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Kwan Delivers Again, October 29, 2009

By 

Glittergurl a bookworm (Cali) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Section 8: A Hood Rat Novel (Paperback)

With Kwan's books you have to be in the mood to take your time and let the story play out, you can't rush it. Once you finish you feel satisfied because he always delivers a good read and this book was no exception. I would definitely recommend Section 8!