Mama Black Widow

Not for the weak at heart. Beck is much more graphic than he was in "Pimp..." in this tale of the tragic fall of a black family in the Chicago ghetto of the 30's as told by the youngest child who is fighting a losing battle against his own homosexuality. This one gave me a few sleepless nights but I couldn't resist coming back for more.

THIS BOOK CAUGHT ME BY SURPRIZED. I SAW ICEBERG SLIM AND THOUGHT A ANOTHER, GREAT BOOK ABOUT PIMP HUSTLER'S. I WAS SHOCKED TO FIND IT TAKES PLACE IN A CHICAGO, IL. IN A NIEGHBORHOOD, I CURRENTLY LIVE IN. A SAD AND TEAR JERKING BOOK. FOR MAN THAT REFUSED TO EVER CRY. SADLY THIS BOOK IS SAID, TO BE A BOOK ABOUT HOMOSEXUALS. I STRONGLY DISAGREE. THIS BOOK IS ABOUT THE DESTRUCTION OF THE BLACK FAMILY. A MOTHER WILLING TO SELL HER OWN CHILDS SOLE FOR FANCY CLOTHES AND LATEST GOOD'S. THIS BOOK HAS MADE ME LOOK AT THE WAY I TREAT PEOPLE I DONT KNOW. FORCE ME TO LOOK AT MY COMMUNITY WITH NEW EYE'S. THANK YOU ICEBERG SLIM. - PARIS. CHICAGO.

Its 2006 and I just suggested this book to someone because I can never forget this book. In fact, everyone that I have recommended this book to, still comes to me for book suggestions. However, anything that I've suggested doesn't compare to this page-turner. Let's just put it out there - its grimey, plain and simple. You keep reading because you can't actually believe this has happened to someone. When my bookclub read this book, one of the participants suggested we read a happier book next time. This book is not for someone looking for a "happy" book.

"Mama Black Widow" poignantly relates the tragic story of a poor black family that moves from Mississippi to Chicago. The tragedy actually begins before their arrival because they are the victims of extreme suppression, exploitation, and cruelty in the Deep South. Iceberg Slim, pen name for Robert Beck, writes with an unmatched authenticity. Readers will be gripped by the humanity and tragedy of people whose story is seldom told. Be warned that the book is, at times, difficult to get through because of the painful experiences and the hopelessness of the situations that the characters find themselves in as they struggle against titanic social forces that overwhelm and leave them crushed and often without dignity. But this is a tragedy. It is based upon the history of an actual family. The author does admit to dramatization. However even if the story is not literally true, it does artistically and genuinely express profound human emotions and expose horrific social ills present in American society during that time. Although the book relates problems specific to racism directed towards blacks, there is also much that can be generalized to apply to all people who suffer from injustice, poverty, and prejudice. Readers in all segments of society might learn many valuable lessons from this family's decent into destruction. The greatest truths are taught in parables and stories. I highly recommend this book. It should inspire greater interest and compassion for all marginalized members of society.

I find it truly inspiring that Mr. Beck (Iceberg Slim) was able to transform himself from a low-life thug, pimp, drug dealer into a best selling writer. I have mad respect for ANYONE with the strength and courage to make a major change in his or her life for the better. (Malcolm X is another instance.)From my understanding, all of Iceberg Slim's books were based on characters and people with whom he had been acquainted during his hustling days. This story is no exception. All I can say is that this story is SO tragic, I'd hate to think that it was actually true. I knew the characters were doomed judging by his other books, but I was was not prepared to what extent. I even felt sorry for the mother slightly because she was only dealing with situations the only way she know how; unfortunately her actions were destructive to her family.A highly recommeded read.