Customer Reviews

Three Sides to Every Story: A Novel

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Three people tell this twisted story of love and deceit, taking the reader through this 3D journey of sex, love, lust, lies and no video tape. But who is telling the absolute truth and will anyone come out the winner?

Tonya's version of what happens depicts a young woman doing what she gotta do to get what and where she wants in life. Dancing and stripping at Club Circus to finally realizing her dream and clapping her booty in videos for Rico, the new up and coming rapper in the NO (New Orleans). In spite of the fact that Johnny was doing time for almost beating Tonya's ex-boyfriend to death, her need for the paper and desire to leave her childhood project home caused her to drop Johnny and pursue her career goals. That is, until Rico found someone else to take her place once he became known rapper.

Johnny's heart and eyes reveal a totally different story as he sits in jail trying to stay strong and keep the men off his [...], literally. He was a star football player at his high school when he was sent up to do time at Sierra Lionne, fighting it all the way until one day he gave in to the fact that he would be there, so he sought to educate himself in order to do something with his life when he was finally released. This changing point occurred after he was able to get past the hurt and betrayal that Tonya's leaving him caused. His love, his heart had abandoned him and he had no one.

In steps Amari St. James, Mr. Flamboyant (Flaming) himself. Having been sent to do a stint in Sierra Lionne along with his "Mother" Pandora Craft, who was the mother to a lot of "children" in the NO. She made sure nobody messed with James and was the link who introduced Johnny and James. That is when the very thing Johnny defended hard since he was sent up - his manhood. James finally found someone who would love him unconditionally and deserving while Johnny was coming into knowing and excepting who he is, who he has always been.

Once James was released, he picked up where his mother left off, nurturing and loving the "children" while she waits for Johnny's release. Tonya is waiting on him too since everything was gone with Rico and she was back home with her mother and working at her friend's shop doing nails. But when Johnny gets out, everything hits the fan, families are affected by the decisions made, lives changed by the choices made. Through it all, what has happened may have changed lives forever, but a new level of what is has been reached and everyone can go on from here

Review by Sharel E. Gordon-Love
Apooo Book Club

Everyone defines love in a different way. Our expectations of love are colored by our past. Why is our definition of love so narrow? THREE SIDES TO EVERY STORY looks at a love triangle through the eyes of all involved.

Johnny is the central character. He was head over heels in love with Tonya during high school and he planned to spend the rest of his life with her. Until an ex-boyfriend attacked Tonya, Johnny nearly killed him with his bare hands. This ended Johnny's football career and college prospects landing him in prison. Johnny would soon learn that love is patient.

Tonya wanted to be a superstar with all the money in the world. She is an outgoing, talented beauty with a killer body that could out dance everyone on the block. Johnny would be in prison for years and she could not continue to pine for him all that time. Tonya knows that time is money and she doesn't have much of either. Tonya plans to use her body to pay the bills - first stripping then video vixen. Tonya would learn that love is forgiving.

James is an exceptional man, one who loves to flaunt his feminine side while sporting a tough exterior. He was part of a family of men that dressed in drag and worked the local club once a week. James worked his magic every chance he could while being safe in the love and sex department. Then James gets caught slipping well stealing from his job and was sent to prison. James would learn that love is kind.

THREE SIDES TO EVERY STORY is a love story that stretches the imagination. Nero has written a sexy story rich with lessons of love and life. The reader will learn about the good and bad of being in love and living a life worth writing home about. The details of the story and surprising character development allow the reader to get inside the head of each lover. As the story unfolds, the flashbacks force the reader to pay attention to the progression of this love triangle. There are some racy sex scenes that will make you say WOW - people really do that? THREE SIDES TO EVERY STORY is a page turning novel definitely worth discussing with your book club, co-worker or lover.


M. Bruner, 2005 Marguerite Reviewer of the Year
Reviewing for Real Page Turners

Nero has written a very poignant, well thought out book that flows very well with precision. I enjoyed this book thoroughly, for the drama was so captivating. Well worth a read. Praises most high to Mr. Nero.

When I first starting reading, I liked the way Mr. Nero wrote the book. But in the beginning to me it was too slow. It did pick up in the middle, and it was alittle predictable. However, if you want to escape from the real world and indulge in alittle drama, I say pick this one up!

I purchased this book based upon all of the recommendations. I read up until page 275 and I just had it. I never give up on a book with less than 50 pages to go, but I just didn't see the point of finishing. I didn't care about any of the characters. In fact, the book was just boring. A heterosexual guy falls in love in prison and then tells his girlfriend. I thought the book would be about more than that. For some reason, I thought there would be some exciting parts of the book. I didn't find anything exciting about the storyline at all.

Pros: The book was well written. The only typo I saw was "some" was constantly used in place of "so."

Cons: The writer didn't write the characters in such a way that you felt invested in them. I sort of had an interest in Johnny, but I really didn't care about James, Tonya, Rico, Ebony, Pandora or any of those characters.

Three Sides to Every Story is truly a book that we really enjoyed. The Author showed how three of the main characters had three different perspectives of one event. Clarence Nero touched on issues that involved a homophobic drug dealer, down-low man, domestic violence, drug abuse, drag-queens and most importantly, HIV and how it is not just a "gay disease".

The GBM Book Club was very impressed in how the author showed how each of his characters were strong and positive role models; especially, Pandora, Johnny, James, Tonya, and Ebony. Yes, even Ebony because to be involved with a man like Kojack and endure all of his physical abuse and not tell a soul, you have to be strong.

Out of all the characters, James was the most liked character. Although he was an effeminate gay man who performed in "drag", he was still a man who demanded to be treated with respect. James showed the meaning of "True Love" He would do anything for his Johnny, even if it meant taking a bullet.

So, if you really want to read a good book that tells a story with so many twists, turns and surprises and that will keep you wondering what's next, then check out "Three Sides to Every story" and find out who's really telling the truth. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down

Also, If you want to know more about our thoughts regarding your favorite authors. [...]

I GIVE THIS BOOK 5 STARS, BECAUSE IT WAS A GOOD READ AND IT WAS SO MANY TWISTS TO 3 SIDES. DON'T PROCASTINATE GO OUT AND BUY THIS BOOK, AND YOU WILL BE GLAD U DID. NERO IS DEFINITALEY ON MY BEST AUTHOR LIST.

This was a believable book. It kept me guessing. I enjoyed it. Took me full circle and didn't leave me hanging. I'd give Nero another chance.

This is a great book, and the author is a wonderful person to work with. Thanks so much for your words, and for participating in our Black Book XPlosion during Nashville Black Pride.

What happens to a twisted love triangle knot? The answer can be found in Clarence Nero's uniquely refreshing modern-day drama. THREE SIDES TO EVERY STORY is told from three very distinct points of view with overtones of romance and humor. It has beautifully flowing dialogue that engulfs the reader's attention from the very first sentence.

Johnny and Tonya are high school sweethearts. Their lives in New Orleans, Louisiana reek with tragedy and family committments. Unfortunately, Tonya's past relationship puts Johnny in danger when he has an altercation with her former boyfriend that lands him in the penitentiary. Tonya vows to remain by Johnny's side, that is, until she has an opportunity for riches and the baller lifestyle with one of her customers from the strip club where she performs. Johnny is left in jail heartbroken and defeated until he meets openly gay James. This encounter opens up repressed feelings in Johnny that he has to decide whether or not to act upon.

I was pleasantly surprised when I began this read. THREE SIDES TO EVERY STORY is not your everyday street fiction soap opera that has the down-low brotha twist. It is free-flowing and uniquely pieced together. Nero brings together the lives of three very different characters and shows qualities and flaws from various points of view.

THREE SIDES TO EVERY STORY held my attention throughout. It tantalized without being trashy; it also amused and touched me emotionally. The story depicts pre-Katrina New Orleans in authentic fashion without the voodoo overtones or Mardi Gras theme. The characters are complex and multi-faceted. I didn't know who to cheer for or who to dislike because there are no villains or heros. The characters are uniquely N'Aw'linian--real and authentic to life as I knew it in the Crescent City. It brought to life a side of pre-Katrina New Orleans that most folks have never witnessed. It is a definite recommended read that captures the true flavor of a culture I pray will one day be restored.

Reviewed by Richell Winchester
for The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers