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"I just wanted to say congrats on a well-written novel on various issues concerning my home town, Boston.  Your book addressed several issues both personally and professionally for me.  It was very interesting and most definitely a page-turner.  I admire your work tremendously and you are truly an artist and a talented one I might add.  I actually cried during a moment or two when reading your book.  I also enjoyed the familiar destinations, religion/spirituality, family, various social issues (in regards to regentrification, poverty, trauma, lifestyles, racism & sexism, etc.) and of course SEX.  Truly, your book is one I will add to my gift-list!!!" By Destiny Okiwe
 
 
"Amazing! I felt like I was within these people's lives. This hit close to home because I went to school with a Nina and Jimmy and have known a single mother who has been asleep most of the day while her kids were at school because of late-night "partying" and too drunk or high to be alert.
 
This book made me cry, laugh and think about how Lucky I have been my whole life. You made me actually feel really sorrow for the mother, Nina, Jimmy, Tony and even Leon.
 
I felt an immense connection with the two main characters and it really touches me because of my closeness to own brothers, especially to the youngest.
 
GREAT JOB!!" By Eva Joseph
 
 
"I started "Neglected Souls" on Thursday and could not put it down....I finished it just now, at the end of Jay Leno.....I was really surprised to find out that Pastor Jacobs was Jimmy's father!!....I was also surprised to not read anything else about Katrina's immediate family.
 
Kudos to you for delving into the lives of neglected, abused children and putting it to print...it is such a sad and common truth, the experiences that many young girls go through....."  By Natasha
 
"I just wanted to let you know that I just finished the book and what I thought of it.  It was very engrossing and it was certainly a page-turner.  I've been reading it every free moment that I've had.
You come to care about the welfare of the characters very quickly and
easily and can't help but sympathize with the dilemmas, trials, and
tribulations they face.  And although your surprise ending was ultimately a happy
one - which is what you hope for - it wasn't wrapped with a neat bow so it
had more of a ring of truth to it.
As a native born Bostonian, I have to say that one of the aspects of
the book I really enjoyed was being able to identify with the
neighborhoods, landmarks and parts of the city.  For me, being able to put myself on
Norfolk Street, for example, while I read the story added a unique bit
of realism.  That was pretty cool." By Carla Victum
"I attended your book signing hosted by Kyle and Shellee.  I want to congratulate you on a fine job writing this book.
 
I have always been drawn toward stories about human struggles and victories. In your book, you really captured the essence, I surmise, of what Katrina had to live through - her hopes, her high points, and her plummet into hopelessness. 
 
The last book that I couldn't put down was the DaVinci Code.  Yours has now fallen into that category.  I was riveted by it and emotional about what I was reading - realizing that this is a very true story happening every day.
 
I don't know if this was your intention but the intermittent references to graphic sex throughout the book caused me to accept it as a survival need, not as a sexual encounter.  Then when stepping back from it - I began to understand how sad it all is.  Especially when framed in the later discussion of sex by Pastor Jacob to Jimmy and Nina.  
 
Two ends of the emotional spectrum.
 
My normal course of reading a book is to take it to bed, read a few pages and fall asleep.  Needless to say it can take me some time to get through a book.  Not so with Neglected Souls.  Opened it up when I got home later on Sunday evening and finished when I got home on Monday evening.
 
I encourage you write more of these types of stories. And some day I hope to say, "Gee I remember him when..."  By Andrew Russo

After reading a book, I've never felt compelled to contact the author with comments. I received your book from my sister Ersela. She works at a post office in Atlanta. We are both avid readers and exchange books often. She kept telling me, "This is one of the best books I've ever read". After reading Neglected Souls, I would have to agree. I was so enthralled with your story, I read the book in about 4 hours. In your introduction, you spoke of encouraging and inspiring others. Well, you have definitely accomplished that with this book. Most African American authors never touch on the resilience of our people. Stay true to yourself and keep writing like this. You definitely have found 2 new fans in Atlanta!!!! Good Luck with any future books.
Paris Evans