Street Dreams [Library Binding]

K'Wan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2004

Love, Betrayal and Loyalty on the Streets of Harlem

Daruis, a.k.a. Rio, the only child of a singer turned alcoholic, feels he has nothing to hold on to except the idea of escaping the ghetto. Years ago, he took a gun charge for a friend and did some prison time. Unable to find a job when he gets out, Rio turns to hustling as a way out. In the meantime, Rio finds escape in the arms of his soulmate, Trinity.

When Trinity's mother died, her abusive father looks to her to play the role of house wife and bedmate. Trinity finds strength to endure in Rio's arms. Together they vow to do whatever it takes to make it out of the ghetto. But soon they find their backs against the wall when the streets come to claim their due.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"K'wan has really out done himself on this one. Street Dreams is a must read for any fan of urban fiction."
-Shannon Holmes, national bestselling author of Bad Girlz and B-More Careful

"K'wan delivers another classic with Street Dreams. . .You won't be disappointed!"
-Mark Anthony, Essence bestselling author of Paper Chasers

"Gangsta was hot and Road Dawgz hushed any and all who thought K'wan was just a passing thing. But Street Dreams is a classic. The kid has got a story to tell."
-Darren Coleman, Essence bestselling author of Before I Let Go

"K'wan has done it again with another bangin' tale of the streets. . .This is by far K'wan's best work. The game is over!"
-Joy, Essence bestselling author of Dollar Bill

"K'wan promises to bring the good ol' days back to literature. . .when authors existed that wrote such gripping tales that you never had to question whether or not you should cop their books. K'wan's stories are always satisfaction guaranteed, with characters that you can see and feel. With Street Dreams he is set to take over the griot of a new generation. Make way for the Donald Goines/Iceberg Slim of our era."
-Tracy Brown, author Black

"If you thought Gangsta and Road Dawgz were bestsellers. . .wait until you read this! K'wan is raising the stakes for all of us. He's a triple threat to the industry."
-KaShamba Williams, author of Blinded and Grimey

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

K'WAN is the #1 Essence bestselling author of Welfare Wifeys, Section 8, Gutter, Still Hood, Hood Rat, and others. He wrote his first novel, Gangsta, as a therapeutic release, and it went on to become an Essence bestseller and a part of urban-lit history. In 2008 he received the Black Author of the Year Award from Black Press Radio. He has been featured in Time, KING, The New York Press, and on MTV and BET. Besides an author, K’wan is also a motivational speaker, a mentor to at-risk children and the C.E.O. of Black Dawn, Inc. He lives in New Jersey.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Library Binding: 310 pages
• Publisher: San Val; 1 edition (October 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1417661380
• ISBN-13: 978-1417661381
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (71 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,588,773 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not His Best Work, March 10, 2005

By 

Taylor W. "Taylor" (Bronx, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Street Dreams (Paperback)

I really didn't enjoy this book. There was too many characters and too much going on. I was drawn to the book in the beginning, b/c I am from Douglass projects in NYC to. But after reading the book, it was exaggerated alittle to much for me. Trust me save your money. Although Trinity and Rico was a ghetto romeo and juliet. Their love story was great. But the other gangsta stuff that was going on was wack.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Street Dreams, September 19, 2008

By 

Tangerine (IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Street Dreams (Paperback)

You know its hard here in these streets for Rio. Turning to a street pharmacist is the only way to keep money in his pockets and food on the table. Very ambitious and intelligent with a degree behind him, he's tried countless times to find legitimate employment with no luck.

Then there is Trinity, every man's dream, the love of Rio's life, his soul mate. Like any other couple they have there disagreements, break ups to make ups. She's had a troubled life. Ever since the death of her mother, she has been taken care of the household like a wife should in every way, if you know what I mean. Being with Rio is her only sense of peace and he has vowed to be her protector until the bitter end.

Street Dreams really tells it like it is in the streets. There was never a dull moment. Very detailed and graphic. I've read other works of K'wan and he is a very gifted writer and on point with the pen.

Tangerine, Reviewer
Reader's Paradise Book Club

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love in da hood, May 6, 2005

By 

LOCKSIE "ARC Book Club Inc" (Mt. Vernon, N.Y./Coram, N.Y.) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Street Dreams (Paperback)

It is evident that K'wan has has major talent, he writes with a street flair spiked with a twist of passion. "Street Dreams" is a love story set within the streets of the hood. This is an excellent book starring Rio, a loveable character who dreams of holding down a decent job and a quiet life away from the ghetto. Well...I should'nt say "dreams" because Rio actually goes out and looks for employment. This cat is smart, and along with his girlfriend Trinity, they try to take the right steps to make their move. But alas...road blocks...grimey characters.
Go out and get a copy of this book you'll find it is worth your dollars.