The Shirt off His Back

September 1, 2000
In this debut, originally self-published and one of the first works in the new Striver's Row imprint, a devoted single father must fight to keep his daughters when his ex-wife breezes in and demands custody.

Copyright 2000 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2001
Terry Winston exemplifies all the attributes of a "real African American man--the good husband, good father, good son, good friend." Brown leaves nothing to the imagination about the richness of his life. His mother, sister, girlfriend, daughters, and best friend all recognize and appreciate his dedication and sincerity. His willingness to "take the shirt off of his back" for his friends and family make him an extraordinary character living an ordinary life. When his girl twins' absentee mother returns to seek custody for selfish reasons, the story truly begins to unfold. His unselfish resolve to rise to the challenge in the face of enormous odds powerfully demonstrates his determination to provide a safe future for his girls and the woman he loves. As the author states in her epilogue, "this work is dedicated to all the brothas who do the right thing, even when no one is watching!" Brown has done a superb job in her debut novel of portraying a strong man doing exactly what he is supposed to do. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2001, American Library Association.)