“Hold You Down” Held Me Captive

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A Book Review

Hold You Down by Tracy Brown. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

A co-worker recommended this book several months back, and I told my best friend (when asked) to please get it for my birthday. She did exactly that, along with two more books the author wrote.

It took me about a week and two days to read this one. That is because I had to sit with some scenes for a while and allow them to run through me, to take their course, so to speak. It is a heavy read.

However, I truly did not want to turn away from it, I simply had to in order to preserve my peace.

Below is the Amazon review:

“An Ending I Did Not Envision for the Book

“Hold You Down” reminds me of my summers spent in The Bronx or on Long Island, and my time growing up on the east side of Savannah, Georgia.

I cried. I got upset. I shook my head in disgust. There were so many chapters that rendered me speechless and appalled in this book. And not in a bad way, but more like a reflection of the teenage boys I knew up north and the slightly older young men I knew from around the way.

Lenox reminds me of one of my aunts. I smiled thinking about how alive and untameable she always has been, but also how she brings so much joy to others around her.

This book is not only breathtaking, it will have you feeling devastated about the trials life throws our way, aggravated about the many labels we toss at Black boys and men, and yearning for family you miss and will never see again.

The author was calculated in her language selection and writes in a way that is relatable and connects with the reader. I found myself not wanting to put the book down many nights.

Although it was such a great read, the ending left me feeling like something is amiss; it seems unfinished–unsettled.

But overall, I look forward to reading it again. I am sure there is much more to be dissected the second time around.”

I have already started reading one of the other books written by Tracy Brown, and I’m toes deep into the plot. I think this is another page-turner. Stay tuned.

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