If I Was Your Girl

This sophomore novel by the Young Adult author Nini Simone is much like the first one a BANGER...and this time, Nini Simones takes us along for the second tour of love, laughter,lessons learned with the McKnight family. However, this time choosing to concentrate on the other twin, Toi McKnight. This story line is so compelling that I would encourage all young adults to not only read it but have a discussions about it afterwards, with your peers and parents. Toi McKnight finds out quickly that when a child decides to do adult things that adult responsibility and lessons comes with it. I applaud the mother of this story for stepping up and challenging her daughter to rise to the occasion. Cousin Shake continues to add his wit and humor to this novel and does a great job. . This is really a coming of age story and a must read for our young ladies who fantasize about life and not aware of the consequences that comes with it. I encourage young adults to read this novel and see that there are second chances to do well in life. That through tough love and an education that one's dreams can still survive. This book is full of action, laughter, and lessons for everyone. Kudos Ms. Nini Simone, another job well done. I am anxiously awaiting A Girl Like Me.

If I Was Your Girl picks up where Shortie Like Mine left off. This time Nini focuses on Toi McKnight. Despite her mother and sister's warnings, Toi continues to deal with her no-good boyfriend, Quamir, and ends up pregnant. After her son is born, Toi is forced to grow up overnight and assume adult responsibilities. Since Quamir doesn't give her any assistance, Toi is having to juggle school and motherhood. She then meets Harlem, her knight-in-shining armor, but he has no idea that she has a kid. She is also trying hard to regain her mother's trust. Having to deal with the crazy antics of Uncle Shake, Man-Man, Lil Bootsy and his midget crew on a daily basis doesn't make her life any easier. Nini delivers another great read. There are plenty lessons to be learned in this novel, the characters are easy to relate to and the story, itself, is hilarious. I am anxiously awaiting the release of A Girl Like Me. 5 stars

Ni-Ni continues her story about the McKnight family centered around teen mom Toi as she struggles with motherhood and the endless responsibilities that it entails. Toi is working a part-time job as a waitress, going to school, taking care of Noah, all the while wishing Noah's father, Quamir would man up and love her and their child. On top of dealing with Quamir's cheating, lying, sheisty behind, her mom is dogging her every move, and Uncle Shake and Man-Man are killing her with their daily theatrics. But in the midst of this, a sexy, cool guy named Harlem is pursuing Toi which only complicates her life that much more. If I Was You Girl may be categorized as a teen read, but trust and believe that this is one of the best reads of 2008. Ni-Ni Simone masters an emotionally packed tale as she addresses the issues that women, young and old face and the bold lessons that are revealed is simply magnificent! The scenes are so realistic that with each step Toi takes, you make an extra one for this young woman that perfects a mistake that so many have made, and so many more will make. The characters are hilarious yet they connect with the reader in an intimate manner because we all have some in our families. A soul stirring, heart touching, loving read that is challenging for everyone to want to be better people and less judgmental, more inspirational and loving of one another . I simply can NOT express the true excellence exuded in this book! This is a must read for any and everyone!

"If I Was Your Girl" not only dealt with adversities which (unfortunately) many teenage mothers face, it was also entertaining. I was thoroughly impressed by the manner in which the author shared Toi's tale. Struggling to support her eight-month son, Noah, Toi sadly realizes that her dreams of being a "family" were foolish now that Quamir has moved on. Her new role as a mother isn't' what she predicted. She's no longer able to dress in designer clothes and rarely has a babysitter to look after Noah. Toi once dreamt of attending college but now feels like she'll never be more than a teenage parent. Toi's anxiety regarding welfare, her mother's expectations and Qua's refusal to support his son plagues her. She then meets an attractive college student named Harlem, whom she instantly falls for. As the two begin their journey as a couple, they both learn that maintaining their relationship isn't an effortless task. Introduced in "Shortie Like Mine", Cousin Shake is back with a vengeance! He's even more tacky, infuriating and adoring than ever. He's dating a new tenderoni named, Miss. Minnie, a ride or die chick that has his back no matter what. Lastly, there's Miss. Minnie's son. Percy Elwood Jenkins, a/k/a Lil' Bootsy, a self-appointed playa who has the hots for Toi. They're ALL crazy as hell. LOL Unquestionably worthy of five stars. A great read for both the young and old. Anxiously awaiting "Girl Like Mine" next month.