Acclaimed author Marita Golden has a "rare gift for the poetry of language" (San Francisco Chronicle). African-American police officer and family man Carson Blake pulls over a young black man for speeding. When the man reaches for his cell phone, Carson thinks he's going for a weapon and shoots to kill. Now a promising life has been snuffed out, and Carson must begin a painful journey toward redemption. "Marita Golden writes with a fine hand."-Newsday
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"An absolute page turner; had me totally engaged from page 1. Immensely thought provoking and full of punch that I couldn't put it down. References of the local area made it even more enjoyable and relatable for me. Thanks Marita for another great book!"
— Natti (5 out of 5 stars)
“Golden deftly portrays the life-altering consequences of an unfortunate act, the threats to Blake’s family and the victim’s. But she also artfully reflects on police brutality from inside the black middle class, where neither affluence nor good intentions offer sufficient protection.”
— Booklist" This was a book I had to read for my book discussion group. I have to say I couldn't get into the book at all. Although the subject matter would be compelling, the book never held any appeal for me. This author is greatly lauded but her writing style just isn't for me. To each their own. "
— Tara, 11/4/2011" This book took me much longer than normal to read. I agree with some of the other reviewers that it was tedious at times. However once I finished I really enjoyed it. I think that the author could have done a better job at moving the story a long. I did cry at the end because it did touch me. "
— Donna, 8/12/2011" Interesting idea; hard to imagine being a police officer, much less one who kills someone. Still, this wasn't a 4-star "really liked it" book. It has that something I can't name that makes a 237-page novel tedious. "
— Rebecca, 12/31/2010" Excellent! It kept me wondering what was going to happen next, from page 1. It was a very moving story that made the reader understand all sides - thought-provoking. "
— Crystal, 12/7/2010" It took me awhile to get into this book. It is what I call a "dark" book. It was well written but a sad story about loss and forgiveness. "
— Debra, 2/21/2010" Interesting idea; hard to imagine being a police officer, much less one who kills someone. Still, this wasn't a 4-star "really liked it" book. It has that something I can't name that makes a 237-page novel tedious. "
— Rebecca, 2/18/2010" This book took me much longer than normal to read. I agree with some of the other reviewers that it was tedious at times. However once I finished I really enjoyed it. I think that the author could have done a better job at moving the story a long. I did cry at the end because it did touch me. "
— Donna, 2/10/2010" This was a book I had to read for my book discussion group. I have to say I couldn't get into the book at all. Although the subject matter would be compelling, the book never held any appeal for me. This author is greatly lauded but her writing style just isn't for me. To each their own. "
— Tara, 2/6/2010Marita Golden is an award-winning author, professor of writing, and cofounder of the Hurston/Wright Foundation, a national organization that serves as a resource center for African American writers. She has been featured in several magazines and newspapers, including the New York Times, Washington Post, and Essence.
Ezra Knight has appeared in Law & Order and many national commercials, including those for Bank of America and Excedrin. He also has extensive stage experience, which earned him a Helen Hayes Award nomination for his role in Rita Dove’s The Darker Face of the Earth.