Going Broke

The author of this book had me on her mailing list for quite sometimes, I think as long as three months prior to the books release. I knew I was going to purchase the book and support this sister, but this book sat on my book shelf for awhile because I felt that "Going Broke" was going to be predictable. I thought I had it all figured out, yeah girl that has it all, loses it all, turns to debauchery, but I was oh so wrong. This is such a well written book and in the scenes with Sarai and Damian, heck the whole book I felt like I was watching a movie. The character development is awesome, plot and storyline points are unique and this is quite an engaging story and you can related to the main character very well. From the difficulties Sarai and her brother face with her fathers debilitating condition, Sarai's challenges in her broadcasting career, and her girlfriend that was not quite right, Sarai goes through an awfully lot in this book. I know I will be reading more from this author in the future.

Excellent book!! The title does not give the book justice. I was not expecting a page turner from the title. Wonderful story line...FULL OF DRAMA...from page one to the end! Had to read ahead...just so I could find out what was going to happen in advance. Can't wait until the next book! UnTchablGAAL G.A.A.L. Book Club

Trista Russell writes with a fresh new voice and style. She breaks all the rules. Trista simply tells the story from true instinct and wit to share Sarai's compelling story. More surprising twists and high drama than the average novel, I found myself not wanting to put this book down. I tried to drive my SUV and read the next few pages at the same time. It's just that good. If you sympathized with Zoe (Addicted) and wanted to beat Winter's a** (Coldest Winter Ever), then Sarai is the next best thing. I can't wait to read Fly On the Wall, because Trista Russell is now one of my favorites.

We've all heard the saying "money makes the world go `round." But what about lack of money? You know, when you're down on your luck and you don't have a dime to your name. Does that make the world stop? For Sarai Emery, the protagonist in Going Broke, insufficient funds are about to make her world come crashing down unless she comes up with a plan. Initially, twenty-seven year old Sarai has it all together...a solid job as a radio personality, a great boyfriend, Damian, who is very giving sexually and financially. In fact, he keeps enough money in her bank account for her to live comfortably and to support her father who suffers from Alzheimer's and lives in a nursing home. To Sarai "insufficient funds" are words she and her best friend use to describe men who are lacking in terms of inches down below. Certainly, insufficient could never describe the funds she has. That is until she and Damian break up publicly (during a phone conversation while she was unknowingly on the air at work), and things change for the worst. Of course she is fired from the radio station, and because of the incident, other stations will not even entertain the idea of hiring her. Damian withdraws all of the money he had deposited into her account. Now, her $1400 rent is due, as well as other numerous bills and student loans. Suddenly she has to face the harsh reality that she is "going broke. She goes to the Bahamas on a trip she had planned and paid for a month prior. By chance, she meets an older gentleman and some of his business partners. When a night out with one of the partners yields her big cash, her moral values come into question. Could this be the end of all her financial woes? What will her friends think? She certainly can't tell her twin, Savion, about this "job." Going Broke, the debut novel by Trista Russell, is excellent. Although I wanted to learn more about Sarai's twin and see the subplot surrounding him developed a little more, the story was hot. The author masterfully combined a chick lit storyline with a "street" edge. By adding explicit sex scenes and a few unexpected twists, Russell has really penned a top-rate tale. Never have I read a book with three alternative endings, but I think Russell pulled it off with ease. She brings a creative new voice to the urban fiction scene and I simply cannot wait to see what she will deliver next. Reviewed by Joan Burke Stanford for Loose Leaves Book Review

I read the first chapter of Going Broke on Trista's website, www.TristaBooks.com, and became addicted. I had to buy the book. In chapter one the girls seem real, almost like when my friends and I get together, they discussed "dimensions" as most women do, but in a laugh until your side hurts manner. The first sentence of this book will make women say "that's right," and have men silently wonder if Trista could be talking about his little itty-bitty "ditty." The first sentence is enough to keep you reading, reading, smiling, laughing, and reading. I've never heard of Trista Russell, but judging by the first chapter of Going Broke she is on her way to the top.