YVONNE BROWN
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Jason Reynolds' Book Talk at UMCP

5/22/2014

11 Comments

 
Jason Reynolds and I graduated from University of Maryland College Park around the same time, but it wouldn’t be until years later that I would meet him at an UMCP English Department Alumni Luncheon in 2012.  It was exciting to meet a fellow Terp who was not only on the road to publication success, but generous in sharing his publishing experience. And now in 2014, to attend the beginning of his book tour for his latest book, When I was the Greatest, I am filled with happiness and hope.

So what’s the book about?

In Bed Stuy, New York, a small misunderstanding can escalate into having a price on your head—even if you’re totally clean. This gritty, triumphant debut captures the heart and the hardship of life for an urban teen.

A lot of the stuff that gives my neighborhood a bad name, I don’t really mess with. The guns and drugs and all that, not really my thing.

Nah, not his thing. Ali’s got enough going on, between school and boxing and helping out at home. His best friend Noodles, though. Now there’s a dude looking for trouble—and, somehow, it’s always Ali around to pick up the pieces. But, hey, a guy’s gotta look out for his boys, right? Besides, it’s all small potatoes; it’s not like anyone’s getting hurt.

And then there’s Needles. Needles is Noodles’s brother. He’s got a syndrome, and gets these ticks and blurts out the wildest, craziest things. It’s cool, though: everyone on their street knows he doesn’t mean anything by it.

Yeah, it’s cool…until Ali and Noodles and Needles find themselves somewhere they never expected to be…somewhere they never should've been—where the people aren't so friendly, and even less forgiving.


I’m still reading it and will give my review soon.  In the meantime, enjoy the pics from Reynolds' Book Talk at the UMCP bookstore.

11 Comments
Deanna Heiliger link
5/27/2014 05:35:43 am

This book sounds really great! I have always been intrigued by people who grow up in a rough area and make it out to help improve others' lives!

Reply
Dov Shapira
5/27/2014 10:53:09 am

It's nice of you to expose your friend book.
It would be interesting to read his comment here

Reply
kungphoo link
5/27/2014 11:22:59 am

Seems like a great story and im sure its a great read! Thanks for sharing!

Reply
Veronica link
5/27/2014 11:32:29 am

This is a great story to shed light on. It is amazing that this is the real life of urban teens. I am sure his book will do great. It is wonderful that you got a chance to talk with a fellow alumni that has walked the journey that you are embarking on yourself. Best wishes to you both

Reply
Lisa Hodges
5/27/2014 12:27:03 pm

Can't wait to see what you think of his book!

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Jim Striegel
5/27/2014 12:27:48 pm

Nice that you got a chance to meet in and share your interests.

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Marjory Johnson
5/27/2014 12:28:28 pm

I love reading and how amazing that you both got to meet and share.

Reply
Traci Henegar
5/27/2014 12:29:16 pm

Sounds like a great inspiring story and you got to meet a fellow Terp!

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Daniele Holmberg link
5/27/2014 02:08:26 pm

This sounds like a great book! Fabulous pictures:)

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Imelda Guanzon link
5/27/2014 02:22:53 pm

Brilliant guy! The plot of the story sounds interesting, This must be a fun to read.

Reply
Tom H link
5/27/2014 02:45:02 pm

A very inspired book, the personal truth of the author shares a common story of resilience.

Reply



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  • Home
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