Gather Together in My Name

I didn't think Ms. Thompson could top herself after "A Woman's Worth" but she did. This novel was excellent. Each character was unique in his/her own way and the storyline..the storyline!! I love when a novel is thought-provoking and just stays on the brain for days after reading it. I consider this book Ms. Thompson's best work yet.

Tick. Tick. As time runs out for death-row inmate Isaiah "Shyne" Blackwood, his family, friends, and key people gather together. They travel to Quincy Correctional Facility in upstate New York to witness the execution scheduled for midnight. Each chapter represents time on the death clock, beginning at 7 o'clock p.m. Every hour, an individual speaks on their way to the facility. They give a compelling account of their involvement or encounter with Shyne. By 9 o'clock, you are gasping! Catch your breath and continue reading for a spellbinding story that you will NEVER forget. The story almost reminded me of my favorite TV show, "24" - with commanding performances by each character. This riveting drama will keep you on the edge of your seat as the tale unravels. Gather Together in My Name is a gripping tale that holds you from beginning to end, and then some... with an intensity that is almost erotic! Tracey Price-Thompson writes with a voracious pen - eager to tell her story with passion while inciting, exciting, and mesmerizing the reader. Whew! I loved this book and HIGHLY RECOMMEND it.

Okay, the wait is over! GATHER TOGETHER IN MY NAME is yet another one just like the other one(s). Rare would you find a Tracy Price-Thompson written novel devoid of dramatic poignancy and verve. Based on her previous work relative to my reviews and others that pay homage to good writing, I've come to know this author well in this regard. Each book has its own juices that marinate with the spices that hit the literary palette. If you thought BLACK COFFEE, CHOCOLATE SANGRIA, and A WOMAN'S WORTH were stellar, wait until you witness the trial and tribulation of Shyne Blackwood. Shyne's incredible story is told against the backdrop of a triumvirate that gives the story different shades of coloring where the author exudes every ounce of intrigue to keep you guessing as each scene is dependent on what's destined to happen next. Loyalty, love and a sordid sense of loathing drives this story. The setting is a crime-ridden Brooklyn that adds a synonymous layer that the author takes advantage of by blending of a set of triplets born into poverty and great consternation. The boys - Gabriel (Shug), Isaiah (Shyne) and Ezekiel (Shadow) are introduced in alternating chapters as the author weaves a fabric rough at times, but with enough traction that it moves along gathering tone and tenor for a climatic, if not surprising end. Is love and loyalty worth dying for where hate is circling in the midst waiting to claim another victim? The author sets the tone when a gristly rape and murder is committed on a young woman and her three year-old daughter. Who dunnit? Two of the three brothers are interwoven into this tale as Shadow meets an early untimely death of his own. Was it Shug, a momma's boy and his mother's favorite, who is an intellect, law-trained and a politically savvy individual bidding to become the second black mayor of New York City; or the snake-bitten Shyne, who is a street-seasoned hustler, thief and seemingly someone only the next door neighbor can love that committed the crime? I read this story with much trepidation recalling the plight of so many Black men sentenced to lives that are stereotypical of some of them being in the wrong place at the wrong time. As you read this story you will want the author to give it practical familiarity by allowing readers to come to the conclusion that may be obvious, but certain twists keeps the suspense riveting! As such, one of the brothers are accused and convicted of the brutal murders, and everyone demands vengeance as death row becomes his next place of residence. The coda gains momentum on the eve of Shyne's execution, when five people travel to the jail to witness the event. Redemption can be defined only when intrusive meaning is worthy of holding on to an unshakable feeling. In tick-tock fashion the culprit is good as gone, but the adhesiveness of loyal rears its head to reveal a secret that will test the bonds of familial order, the strength of one man's character, and the all encompassing power o

Tracy Price Thompson never disappoints! This engaging and sad story provokes thought on many levels. Ms. Thompson introduces themes such as the unconditional love of a mother and stinging neglect from that same mother; racial injustice; love between two very flawed individuals and so many other issues. I applaud you once again Ms. Price-Thompson. You've written another profound story, a true page turner. If you haven't read anything by this author yet, please get this novel! If you have read her other books, don't miss this one. You'll be sorry if you do.

Tracy Price-Thompson's Gather Together in My Name is a most riveting and compelling account of a convict's final few hours on death row. From page 1 to the very last page (241), the author does an incredible job of making sure the reader is hooked! The character development is phenomenal - you get to know, not only the convicted, but the five people who gathered in his name to witness the scheduled execution. Each of the five person's account of their relationship with Shyne Blackwood (the convicted) is very detailed and leaves the reader feeling like you know the people personally. This story is layered and addresses topics like a mother's love or the lack thereof for her children, the result of a person's foundation being scarred and how it affects their entire life. It also addresses loyalty and love in a most profound way. Never have I read such a powerful story in 241 pages. It's been said that an author must grab the reader within the first 100 words in order to keep their interest, Tracy certainly exceeds this and you are hooked by page 2 of the story. Don't take my word, get a copy today! You won't be disappointed. This story will stick with me for a very long time, albeit, a fiction novel with real life truths. It's really true that our parents shape who we become! Shunda Leigh Booking Matters Magazine www.bookingmatters.com