"Am I Really My Brother's Keeper?"
581078
In the beginning when hip hop was getting its swerve on, there were three friends named Vincent, Spoon, and Tyrik growing up in South Jamaica, Queens.  Vincent, being the only one with a father in the household was groomed to succeed through the power of higher education.  Spoon, yearning for the sanctity that Vincent takes for granted, found refuge as a child in the home of the Grey's.  Tyrik seeks validation as he rises on the streets of Queens.

Unforeseen difficulties attack Vince's perfect life and the path laid for him has become crooked causing him to make major life changing choices.  Spoon made a crucial decision and became the sacrificial lamb for his friends at one time, and has been drawn into an act of treason that could possibly end in death.  Ascending to kingpin status, Tyrik is craftily laying out a plan for all and when the cards are laid upon the table, who shall rise and who shall fall?

Mr. Gray has skillfully penned this intriguing novel of the friendship of three men in today's society.  Will they be able to ride the wave or succumb to the tide?  Very good read!!  Upon completing this enjoyable read, I was still left to ponder different aspects of this read, but Mr. Gray gives hope in finding answers in the sequel.  I highly recommend it!  Fabulous job Mr. Gray!  4.5 stars!
2899638
I am Dan's little sister who did not make the book. I love the way he put little things our Mother would say in it. Made me laugh when I read them. When reading this book I found out I was more like her then I thought. I too look for the specials and marked down items in the store. Our Mother has since past away, but her memories are kept forever in Dan's book. I have to say it was very interesting growing up with my 2 brothers. Thanks for reminding me of a life long ago. I'm proud of you My Dear Brother. I agree you should keep writing. Maybe next time about growing up in Escanaba..
2261758
Now that my grandson has become a big brother, I purchased it for him to know what his "duties" will be. Also purchased I am the big sister
759229
As the younger brother of Howard Thornton, in the book, I grew much closer to my eldest brother when I realized that we Marines were/are not the only people fighting wars.

I am a retired Marine, and this book, Target Ploesti, has helped me to understand WWII (before my time) considerably.  And as I said earlier, to understand my brother who was a real fighter, himself.

A most enjoyable work of fact.  Thanks much, Mr. Newby!
2657040
Another great story by this brother! I'm in awe of his writing skills! He has not disappointed me yet!
394244
We were taught that honesty is the best policy, so, well, here it goes: I did not wholeheartedly love the book "The Things a Brother Knows", and for many reasons. Overall, I felt it went by too slowly, I was actually counting down the pages until the end. And listen, I'm a reader. Not a 'oh yea, I only read books assigned to me' reader, but a 'I can't get enough books, hand me some more' reader. So, obviously, I know when a book is good or not, and sorry, but this book was not the best. While there were some parts where I could've put the book down and never picked it up again, there was always the very, very (VERY!!!) small looming thought as to how all the problems Boaz had caused would be resolved, so I grudgingly continued reading (Also the fact that I had to read the book for school definitely played into it, but that doesn't sound very dramatic, now does it?). There was a small mystery aspect to the book, where Boaz and Levi were actually headed, and how everything would work out, but the author didn't put any intensity into it. I never felt the feeling of suspense, and throughout the whole book, I never found myself sitting on the edge of my seat, wondering what each character would do next. I never felt Levi's determination to get things back to normal, because I didn't know who Boaz was before the war. As a reader, I only saw peoples' opinion on him, and what grades he received. I think that if there was a time at the beginning of the book before Boaz went to war, I could really experience everybody's want for a normal household again. If the author had tweaked the book a little bit, and made it more interesting, this review could've been more positive.
 When I walked up to the front of my English classroom and read the description on the inside cover of this book, I decided "The Things a Brother knows" sounded intriguing, interesting and deep. Too bad that when I got to page 242, I no longer thought the book was intriguing, interesting or deep. Basically, the book starts to get good on page 240. But before I go into detail about how many times the book made me fall asleep, let me take you through an agonizing summary. "The Things a Brother Knows" is about an older brother named Boaz returning from war, and his family coping with his mysterious changes. But he isn't the main character. The dorky, awkward, 18 year old younger brother named Levi is, and he's not happy with the way Boaz is shutting himself out from the world. So when Boaz announces that he's hiking the Appalachian Trail, (WALKING the whole way. WALKING) Levi knows that something's up. Levi starts snooping (guiltily, but hey, snooping is still snooping) in Boaz's room and finds maps upon maps, with tick marks and circles in and around Washington DC. This is only making Levi more curious, and myself ever-so-slightly, I mean a really small amount, more interested. So instead of being a respectful brother, and leaving alone his older war-distraught brother, he decides to continue snooping, because you know, it's for Boaz's own good, right? He turns to his own computer that Boaz had borrowed, and looks through the search history on the computer for anything war-related Boaz might be interested in. He finds an event called A Million Strong in DC, immediately jumps to conclusions like any typical teenager, and decides that that is where Boaz must be headed. So he starts walking to DC with Boaz, and that's where things start to change (but my opinion on the book stayed the same)
 Honestly, there are only a few people who I would recommend this book to. I believe this book could be helpful to a family member of a war veteran, or even a war veteran themselves, but I do not have that experience that would let me fully enjoy the book. This book is not directed toward a large number of teens, but rather a smaller group, and it think that is why myself, along with my classmates, disliked the book, "The Things a Brother Knows". Truth is, this book is boring, and definitely not on my list of top books. Sorry Dana Reinhardt, but it's the truth.
1443970
I was literally blown away by this book. I have a brother who tragically passed in similar circumstances. This book gave me confirmation of what I have always believed to be true. Thank you so much for sharing, my brother comes to me in dreams and they are do vivid these dreams. X
2324805
This is my big brother...I have always known that he has a way with his words; however after reading these beautiful and strong poems I know that he will make it far with the pen.  I love you big bro and I am so proud of you!!!!
3993406
To be honest, when I downloaded this book it was because it was a free download. I had no idea that this book would open me up and touch my heart in more ways than one. I am grateful to the author to have shared her story about such a wonderful person, her baby brother. From your words alone, I know he was a truly amazing person and definitely did not deserve the way in which he left you.
I have lost 2 friends in separate car accidents. One involved alcohol and I'm not sure about the other. I never got closure for either deaths and I was angry for a long time but since reading this book I feel a sense of peace that while their physical body is no longer here with me I still know that their spirits are still with me to guide me. Thanks for such a wonderful read and truly sorry for your loss.
1410009
This product belongs to my brother and not me.  He really likes it.
2186906
My brother continues to grow. This just shows you should never give up on anyone. It amazing the people God uses to do His will. It's not too late until it's too late. It will be pleasure worshipping our Creator at home when we done here. Well wishes!
805638
MY FAVORITE BROTHER OF THE BDB!!

I already own a copy of the book - couldn't resist a digital copy either :)
3338660
Honoring my brother's sister's. Less we forget. Keeps on ticking Vary satisfied
4071684
You will love this book - take it from me. I'm the next older brother who use to harass my younger sister daily - the author. I am much older and wiser now. Sarah Jo nailed it. It brought me back to great times. Thanks for refreshing my memories. I love you Sarah.
Walt
1744030
Purchased for my SIL.  She's happy, so my brother is happy, and so am I.
2030454
This book provides a meaningful glimpse at the conditions experienced by my brother. This was the battle in which my, then 20-year-old, brother was mortally wounded by a German hand grenade. To this day I have not been able to learn what unit he was in. All of his records were destroyed in a fire at the Military Records Department. It is like he never existed.
815555
I identify with Nathan though I envy him his cottage by the sea. Nathan values his solitude and obtains more companionship from reading than from real people. His brother Tommy was born with that innate charm and good looks some people possess that seems to make them irresistible to others. Two brothers, both gay, to read in certain literary circles is to believe the whole world is gay.

Whereas Nathan is celibate Tommy is a virtually a sexual predator. Nathan narrates giving us frequent flashbacks to the brothers childhood that include their coming of age sexually and tales of their fathers physical and verbal abuse after his wifes death. Although this is Nathans story to tell neither brother is the picture of mental and emotional stability. Although there are no protracted sex scenes some may find the description of the brothers sexual encounters in bad taste.

Tommys latest visit wreaks havoc in Nathans world and in the end he can only affirm the life force and the will to move on. This is not a feel-good book with a Hollywood ending.