Welcome TO

ABMR

the greatest reader alive

About me

Meet Jerid P. Woods aka Akili Nzuri

The Greatest Reader Alive…

Jerid P. Woods is a writer, educator, PhD Candidate, and literary influencer. He was born and raised in Natchez, Ms, and survives on an unwavering passion to ignite a passion for reading in the youth. He exists as a living testimony to the power of shared stories and knowing one’s self. He is the owner and creator of Ablackmanreading.com and the Instagram blog: @ablackmanreading.

services

How can I help you create your literary moment?

Content Collaboration

Author Interviews

Consultation

As seen at…

the work…

“When I return to the places I sacrificed blood, sweat, and tears I find gardens”

— unknown

HEADQUARTERS!!!

ablackmanreading

Ahhhhh yessss!!! It’s that time of the year agai

Ahhhhh yessss!!! It’s that time of the year again! Join me in wishing my wife the absolute happiest of birthdays! Shuckey and I love you more than all of the stars and the planets in the universe and we are so so so super proud of the way you’ve prioritized not only your birthday, but yourself in preparation for it.

38 is definitely all about you and pushing yourself out into the stratosphere and I’m committed to doing my part to ensure that you don’t have to worry about anything else but blasting off! I can’t thank you enough for not only being on this Earth, but CONTINUOUSLY being a medicine that, at times, I wasn’t aware I needed and a healing that I know I am not worthy of, but am so glad you’ve decided to share with me—AND THE WORLD. May this spin be only filled with all of your wishes and desires hot potato! Love you! Now let’s turn up!

I’m super excited to announce that I have the pl

I’m super excited to announce that I have the pleasure to be in conversation with the brilliant brother Cebo Campbell one mo’ gin at Baldwin & Co. on October 24th at 6:00 PM! We’ll be diving deep into his debut novel, 𝑺𝒌𝒚 𝑭𝒖𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝑬𝒍𝒆𝒑𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔, and having a meaningful conversation about life, family, sankofa, community, healing and everything in between. This is an event you won’t want to miss!

Tap the link in @baldwinandcompany’s bio to RSVP and secure your spot. Let’s make it a night full of insightful dialogue and inspiration!

#CeboCampbell #InConversation #SkyFullOfElephants #BaldwinAndCo #BookTalk #ABlackManReading #NewOrleansEvents #BookLovers #Inspiration #LetsBuild

*insert caption about invisible forces 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 to the Mississippi Book Festival*

I made this reel. So you gone get this reel. You gone enjoy these teeth. These smiles. These images. And you’re not going to say one thing about it. After the week I had, I’m gone watch it too. Enjoy‼️
•
•
•
#mississippibookfestival #ablackmanreading #bookstagram #abmr #reels #bookworm

Here’s some #BTS footage from the super dope day

Here’s some #BTS footage from the super dope day I had yesterday! I connected with the good folk over at @inspirenola and got to enjoy some time back stage time where I watched them masterfully pull off their AMAZING Nola Love Rally. They had SO many amazing folks and there was a battle of the bands as well!

After that, I tapped in with my second home @baldwinandcompany and started helping prep for what was an amazing time with both @rickeysmileyofficial who spoke about his latest book “Sideshow: Living with Loss and Moving Forward with Faith” and @cthagod ‘s “Get Honest or Die Lying: Why Small Talk Sucks.” I was so busy I didn’t get a chance to build with Rickey, but I did get a chance to see him work! I did however, finally got to meet and build with the homie @cthagod in person! I’ve had the chance to chat with him about almost all of his books but it was dope to enjoy him talk his latest “Get Honest or Die Lying” with Charisse Gibson! It was also super cool to meet him in person and talk books, music, and other cool stuff!

Yesterday was a good day. 😌

#Bookstagram #ablackmanreading #NolaLoveRally #baldwinandco #InspireNola #XULA #xavieruniversity #Nola

Y’all, it’s always a good day when I get to ch

Y’all, it’s always a good day when I get to chop it up with friends, but this one hits different! I’m beyond excited to have my sis, Casey Kelley, join me on IG Live to talk about the launch of her new venture, the Casey Kelley Media Agency. 👏🏾📚

Casey has been putting in WORK, y’all. From amplifying marginalized voices to building bridges between influencers, authors, and publishers, she’s out here making real change in the book world. I couldn’t be prouder of all that she’s done and all she’s about to do. 💪🏾🔥

We’re tapping in tomorrow, September 18th at 7:30 CST on @ablackmanreading to talk about her journey, the agency, and how she’s paving the way for more diverse stories to reach readers everywhere. You’re not gonna wanna miss this one! Let’s give her all the love and support she deserves! 🫱🏾‍🫲🏿

#ablackmanreading #CaseyKelleyMediaAgency #SupportBlackExcellence #BookishBossMoves #bookstagram #blackbookstagram #booktok #blackbooktok

This one stays pinned to the top forever. I’ve m

This one stays pinned to the top forever. I’ve met a lot of people. But I have never been as star struck as I was when I finally got the opportunity to meet @levar.burton . I was stuck just like @donaldglover on that episode of Community, ask @tonjareadstoo 😅.

Growing up, watching LeVar Burton host Reading Rainbow was more than just entertainment—it was an education in the power of storytelling and literacy. Seeing someone who looked like me, curating stories and inspiring a generation of young readers like myself, left a lasting mark on my life. It’s no coincidence that @ablackmanreading exists today as a continuation of that legacy. I made sure to tell him that too. Through my continuation of the work, I strive to uplift and empower the youth to pick up books, expand their worlds, and dream beyond the pages—just like LeVar did for me. 📚✨ #ABlackManReading #ReadingRainbowLegacy #EmpowerThroughReading #LaVarBurton #KeepReading #Bookstagram

Everybody once again came back to the center of th

Everybody once again came back to the center of the universe… Mississippi for the #msbookfestival ‼️

1. Me, my family + my sister @kaitlyn_danielle_mommy + @tonjareadstoo = Family.
2. The greatest show on earth featuring @cebocampbell @phillipbw_author @king_nk @nicolayoon and The Greatest Reader Alive: Me.
3. @cebocampbell poured into me all weekend.
4. No really. All weekend. And I’m all the better for it.
5. @melanatedreader and the good brother @phillipbw_author … #Trillionaires
6. My old college roommate and homie for life @kagoldeneagle pulled up on me.🤞🏾🥹
7. My old Ph.D cohort member @sarahrmangrum poured into me some extremely encouraging words that I’ll hold onto during my dissertation defense at the end of the month… Probably forever. 🫶🏾
8. I FINALLY met the homie @thestackspod ‼️ Glee‼️👉🏾😬
9. One of the realest out @celestially_yours ‼️
10. @ellenrdaniels always do work together and never take photos during it. We be heads down getting to it. This year I said to my wife, “I’ve got to make sure we take one this time…” and she appeared out of thin air‼️ a true homie indeed who always speaks favor into my life. 🙏🏾

I had hella fun as usual! The BTS footage is coming later today in a reel! See ya’ll next year‼️

#Bookstagram #ablackmanreading #TheGreatestReaderAlive

🎒 Hey, y’all! Welcome to another episode of #

🎒 Hey, y’all! Welcome to another episode of #LiveFromTheBag! Today, I’m diving into “Sky Full of Elephants” by Cebo Campbell, and the premise alone has me hooked. Imagine waking up in a world without white people—yeah, you heard that right. One day, all the white folks just walk into the nearest body of water and vanish, leaving behind a world that’s flipped upside down.

Our main character, Charlie Brunton, is a Black man trying to piece his life together after a wrongful conviction, now working as a professor at Howard University. Then comes the call that changes everything: his estranged daughter Sidney reaches out. Together, they hit the road in this new “post-racial” America, heading south to the Kingdom of Alabama—yes, that’s what it’s called now.

This book promises a wild ride through a world where everything Charlie and Sidney thought they knew about themselves is put to the test. I’m all in for this journey of self-discovery, community, and what it truly means to be Black in a world that’s changed overnight.

Happy #PubDay to Cebo Campbell and Sky Full of Elephants! Who’s reading it with me? Let’s talk about it! Also, I’ll be talking to him this Saturday at the Mississippi Book Festival, so stay tuned for that. And don’t forget, the Greatest Reader Alive shirts are available now at ablackmanreading.com—go cop yours! 📚👕
#ablackmanreading #bookrecommendations #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #bookcommunity #ABMR

🎉 Hey, fam! Welcome to the very first episode o

🎉 Hey, fam! Welcome to the very first episode of #LiveFromTheBag 🎒 where I tell ya what I’m carrying into the week! I’m kicking things off with a book that’s already got the streets buzzing—One of Our Kind by Nicola Yoon. I haven’t cracked it open yet, but let me tell you what I’ve heard. This dystopian horror is set in an all-Black gated community, and Yoon is coming through with some razor-sharp social commentary.

The story follows Jasmyn and King Williams as they move into what’s supposed to be a Black utopia in Liberty, California. King’s all about that wellness life, but Jasmyn senses something’s not quite right. This place isn’t the social justice haven she imagined—it’s more like spa days and dodging reality. But when Jasmyn digs into some dark truths about Liberty’s founders, the tension starts to build.

Word is, there’s a twist at the end that’s gonna have us all shook. I’m excited to dive into this one and see what it’s all about. Who’s already read it? And who’s reading it with me to get ready for the Mississippi Book Festival? Let’s get into it! 📚
#ablackmanreading #bookrecommendations #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #bookcommunity #ABMR

#FundTheMentals is back with some absolute must-re

#FundTheMentals is back with some absolute must-reads! 📚 Not only am I thrilled to dive into these new gems, but they’re also books that resonate deeply with our history, our struggles, and our triumphs.

1. The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates - Coates is always a must-read. Originally aimed at exploring the craft of writing, this book transforms into a powerful reflection on how our narratives shape our realities. From Dakar to South Carolina to Palestine, Coates takes us on a journey of discovery and truth-telling that I’m sure will be profound.
2. The Spirit of Justice by Jemar Tisby - If you’ve been following Tisby, you already know the depth he brings to conversations about race, religion, and social justice. This book is all about drawing inspiration from those who came before us, standing firm in their fight for justice. It’s definitely going to be a transformative read.
3. Yonder Come Day by Jasmine L. Holmes - Just released and already a hit! Holmes weaves together first-person accounts of the formerly enslaved, shedding light on their enduring hope and resilience. These stories are the heart and soul of our collective memory, and I can’t wait to immerse myself in them.

Let’s keep the convo going—how are you going to #FundTheMentals this weekend? Drop your latest finds below!

#ablackmanreading #bookrecommendations #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #bookcommunity #ABMR

I had been seeing this box on Tik Tok and I ain’

I had been seeing this box on Tik Tok and I ain’t the Tokkiest Tikker but I was like ayeeeee I need that! Thankfully the good folks over at @vintageanchorbooks came through for a G! So I took it out for an unboxing with a cigar and some BBQ for Labor Day!

Feast your eyes on the boxed set, featuring three of Baldwin’s most iconic novels and new intros that had me like, “Wow!” And that cover art with Beaufort Delaney’s portraits? Chef’s kiss 🫰🏾Next level. 📚🔥

It also has the @everymanslibrary omnibus hardcover of JB’s non-fiction… A true gem. I might’ve missed the centennial, but every day’s a good day to celebrate Baldwin mane.

Let’s keep the Baldwin spirit alive – y’all already know what to do!

#bookstagram #abaldwinyear #Baldwin100 #jamesbaldwin #ablackmanreading #ABMR #Laborday #Reels

Had some time to kill after getting the whip servi

Had some time to kill after getting the whip serviced, so I made a pit stop at Lemuria Bookstore in the Jack for a quick #FundTheMentals sesh! 📚 Came out with these three gems:

1. 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙮𝙧! by Kaveh Akbar. Akbar’s poetry hits different every time and his first novel promises a deep dive into faith, identity, and the human condition—everything you want to get lost in after a long day. Word on the street is his work always challenges the reader’s perspectives, and I’ve seen nothing but good things, so I had to grab it.

2. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 by Kaliane Bradley. Time travel, memory, and the mystery of existence all wrapped into one? I’m all in.

3. 𝘾𝙧𝙖𝙛𝙩: 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙄 𝙒𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙡 by Ananda Lima. I’m a sucker for dark, twisted tales, and Lima’s storytelling is known to blur the lines between the real and the surreal. This collection is going to be a ride through the depths of imagination and I’ve got my seatbelt on!

Have ya’ll read any of these three? I heard they’re all bangers. What did ya’ll think???

Cebo Campbell’s 𝑺𝒌𝒚 𝑭𝒖𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝑬𝒍𝒆𝒑𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 made an appearance too. Hype to get a chance to dive into it for the MS Book Festival this year!

#Reels #bookstagram #ablackmanreading #ABMR #blackbookstagram #blackbibliophile #blackandbookish #blackbookbloggers #blackmenread #bookstagram #booklover #bookworm #books #booksofinstagram #instabook #igreads #bookblog #bookrecommendations

A week or two ago I got some work back from a majo

A week or two ago I got some work back from a major project I’ve been working on for the first half of ‘24 and the producer asked for some photos of me and my son to bring him into the project. I thought it was so cool because everyone knows my son is someone I don’t spend no time without. Today Shuckey as we affectionately call him is an entire 13 years old and I couldn’t be any more proud of him for reaching this milestone. I see folks say a lot of things like “time slow down” and I’ve watched people suggest that there are certain stages parents should expect. I don’t share any of those. I don’t want time to slow down and I don’t want time away from him. If anything I’ve always tried to steal time away from the world to give to him. I’ve cherished each and every moment of each and every day of the 4,748 days he’s been alive. He has risen to meet every challenge and exceeded every expectation my wife and I have had for him. He has amazing aspirations and dreams and he thinks he’s stronger than me, smarter than me, and better than me at everything and I hope he’s absolutely correct (some day). So if you know Shuckey go ahead and wish the duck a happy Solar return and I’ll share it with him so he can see the love! #FearTheDuck ‼️

🎥: #BehindTheScenes with 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓻 𝓐𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓮 ‼️‼️‼️

It’s always a blessing to share dope stuff with you all and I recently had to get some updated photos for the young media kit due to some AMAZING projects that are coming up for me late 2024 early 2025.

Ive been holding onto this footage for a little while and decided to share the behind the scenes footage of me and my phenomenal student @4eva.deno @pharez.photography . We’ve collaborated on the Jeezy commercial, the Cedric the Entertainer commercial and so much more. You can’t go wrong shopping with my Sun.

#bookstagram #ablackmanreading #blackbookstagram #mediakit #explorepage

Life’s been moving at breakneck speed lately, an

Life’s been moving at breakneck speed lately, and sometimes you just need to take a step back and savor the moment. So, I decided to escape to a cigar lounge for a bit—time slows down in there, and it gives me the space to unwind and reflect. I also decided to drop off a 3 pack #FundTheMentals 🕰️‼️

Here’s what I’ve brought along:

1. 𝑪𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑨𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒚 by Tomi Adeyemi! This book continues Adeyemi’s powerful saga with themes of resistance and rebellion. The stakes are high, the emotions are intense, and I’m eager to see how the characters navigate the chaos of their world. I’m so in love with this series. I didn’t get a chance to start it this week but it’s on the nightstand maneeeeee! This weekend it’s up! I heard it was a little disappointing though, which I hope is absolutely wrong.

2. 𝑴𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒊: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝑭𝒆𝒂𝒓 by Patrick Boucheron‼️Hov said “Fear is your only god… to get ya’ll to fear me is my only job.” That boy be spittin, and folks really be scared outchea lol! A deep dive into the mind of Machiavelli, exploring how he mastered the art of power and fear. This isn’t just a historical read; it’s a lesson in strategy and influence that feels relevant even today. I enjoyed the Prince so looking at somebody else’s take on Machiavelli is welcome and the cover art is insaneeeee!!!

3. 𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒅 𝑺𝒆𝒆𝒅 by Octavia Butler. I actually started this one finally and Octavia still wild and brilliant as ever. I’ve been wanting to get lost in another world and this is right on time. Wild Seed is a fascinating exploration of power, immortality, and the human condition. It’s a gripping narrative that challenges the boundaries of identity and survival. I’m excited to lose myself in her intricate storytelling.

Whether it’s challenging narratives, historical insights, or epic tales, these books are perfect companions for a moment of peace amidst the rush of daily life.

What’s on your reading list? How do you find time to slow down?

• • •
#FundTheMentals #TomiAdeyemi #Machiavelli #OctaviaButler #BookRecommendations #UnwindAndRead #Bookstagram #Pssita

I had a lil’ free time today after a very busy T

I had a lil’ free time today after a very busy Thursday, so I went by the book store and had a quick #FundTheMentals seshhhh! 📚Here’s what I copped!!!

1. 𝙉𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙁𝙡𝙮𝙚𝙧: 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙩 𝙏𝙪𝙗𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙖𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝘿𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙁𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙋𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 by Tiya Miles. C’mon ya’ll. We know Tiya don’t miss… Harriet Tubman’s legacy is already legendary, but word on the street is Tiya Miles offers a deeper look into her spiritual journey and the faith that fueled her fight for freedom. As a fan of narratives that intertwine history and faith, I had to pick this one up. Miles never disappoints!

2. 𝙎𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙢: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝘿𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙬𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙃𝙖𝙡𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 by Jeff Sutherland and J.J. Sutherland. My homie put me on this sucka! Ya’ll know u pivoted into the tech world 2 years ago and so I’m all about efficiency these days, and my homie said this book is a must for its promise to streamline work and maximize productivity. With the co-creator of Scrum himself at the helm, I’m intrigued to see how I can apply these principles in my own life as a program manager.

3. 𝘽𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙀𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙘𝙨: 𝙎𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙀𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 (2𝙣𝙙 𝙀𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣) by Jawanza Kunjufu. My mentor asked me if I’d read anything by Kunjufu and I said man I ALWAYS see this one book when I go in the store to the blackity black black section that I always spend some time in but I’ve never picked it up. The interwebs said in it Kunjufu lays down the blueprint for economic empowerment within our communities and I’ve been on a mission to better understand the financial forces that shape our world ever since way way way back when I used to be a banker in my past past past life, and this book is supposed to be a must-read for anyone looking to do the same.

What ya’ll impulse buy this week? Let’s talk reads! Put me on!

#Reels #bookstagram #ablackmanreading #ABMR #blackbookstagram #blackbibliophile #blackandbookish #blackbookbloggers #blackmenread #bookstagram #booklover #bookworm #books #booksofinstagram #instabook #igreads #bookblog #bookrecommendations

Came home to the homie @jayrellis ‘s finished co

Came home to the homie @jayrellis ‘s finished copy of
𝑫𝒊𝒅 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝑯𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏 𝑰𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅 (𝒐𝒓 𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑴𝒆)? 𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑩𝒐𝒚𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅 and the promo box is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING‼️So I had to send a happy #pubday to my guy as only me and Shuckey can!

We gone make sure we: 1. Play using the dough, 2. Read the book, 3. Rest while listening to the audio book, 4. Try a new activity, 5. Doodle with the markers, and lastly 6. Visualize what we want, which is everybody to run to the store to grab their copy ASAPTUALLY‼️ ✊🏾😌
•
•
•
#bookstagram #booktok #ablackmanreading #bookrecommendations #jayellis #youngadultbooks

You know once I saw @drdanielblack + @nikolehannah

You know once I saw @drdanielblack + @nikolehannahjones was gone be in NOLA I was most certainly gone be in the place to be! My home away from home @baldwinandcompany linked up with @dillarduniversity to put on this amazing conversation centered around 𝙏𝙝𝙚 1619 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩 and so much more.

Ya’ll let me know if ya’ll agree about how Nola affects my hands in the comments. Peace, light + love! ❤️

#ablackmanreading #NikoleHannahJones #DanielBlack #The1619project #NOLA #baldwinandco #DillardUniversity #Reels #HBCUs

Ya’ll know I owe you footage from this week so h

Ya’ll know I owe you footage from this week so here it go! Earlier this week I pulled up to host 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙞𝙩 put on by my good friend from school @1life1future in conjunction with others and it was nothing short of amazing. I’m so super proud of the work he’s been doing in his community and this was a no-brainer for me, because I held Teen Summits in my classroom back when I was still teaching high school. To be able to rock it with him was mad dope and to finally get a chance to meet the homie @lareezymusic as well was mad dope because he’s been telling me how amazing this young brother is.

Not only that, but I got an opportunity to build with the AMAZING @paradisegray from the X Clan, @brucejacksonofficial , a good brother of KAΨ who is a real stand up member of the NOPD, and more. I thank God every day that I get to do stuff like this man. Love + Light!!!!

#Ablackmanreading #1life1future #TeenSummit #HipHop #Xclan #lareezy #mentoring #blackmen #bookstagram #reels

I just spent the ENTIRE day at the car dealership

I just spent the ENTIRE day at the car dealership getting my baby tended to and I kind of knew to expect that so I decided to bring me something light and fun to breeze through…

In comes this nice lil’ joint “𝙀𝙖𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙘𝙠: 𝘼𝙣 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙮𝙣𝙚 𝙉𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡” by Ian K. Smith and it did just the trick! 🫰🏾

Is it cool to still do reviews? Let me see if I still got it!

Smith has crafted a tale that pulls you into the gritty underbelly of Chicago, making you feel like you’re walking the streets with Ashe Cayne himself. The tension is palpable, and the twists are relentless. Smith’s knack for detail immerses you in the city’s vibrancy and chaos, making Chicago as much a character as any of the people in the story.

While I appreciated the intense plot and the strong sense of place, there were moments where the pacing felt a bit uneven. Some chapters raced by, while others lingered a bit too long on less crucial points. Nevertheless, Ashe Cayne is a compelling character—complex, flawed, and undeniably human. His journey kept me hooked, even when the plot wavered.

If you’re into detective stories with a solid dose of social commentary and rich, atmospheric settings, this one’s worth a read. 📚

This is book 4 of this series and I might have to go cop the other Ashe Cayne drops cause he was definitely the homie today while I was at the shop. This one drops August 6th 🗣️‼️

#BookReview #EagleRock #AsheCayne #IanKSmith #ChicagoThriller #Bookstagram #ABlackManReading #CrimeFiction #DetectiveNovel #BookLovers #MustRead #HearOurVoices #HOV

Load More Follow on Instagram

Navigate

Socialize

Instagram
Facebook
TikTok

Contact

I’m based in Mississippi but work with clients around the globe.

E:jerid.woods@ablackmanreading.com

Get on the email list

I’m dropping some dope content and this is how you stay hip to what I’m doing and where!