Review: Heart and Soul
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 17, 2014
I need to note that this book is not for the light at heart or those that are easily offended. If you are looking for a light read with an uplifting end this is NOT the book for you. Leslie’s novel focuses on drug abuse, violence, sex, and money and there is a great deal of foul language. That being said, each subject has a place and serves a purpose in the story being told.I don’t read the book synopsis prior to actually reading the book so a couple of chapters in I thought I was reading a book about the long-term effects of drug abuse. As I became better acquainted with the storyline I realized that I was being introduced to two young men, Noel and Terrell that grew up in New York and how their lives become intertwined due to life choices and misfortunes.Although my experience with drugs is limited to stories in the news and television shows, Leslie has created realistic characters that I was able to relate to and empathize with and a storyline that drew me in and had me walking through life, every step of the way, with these two young men. If I’m being completely honest, as I read, I was thankful for the life that I have and that I’ve never been subjected to drugs or violence. That I’ve never had to steal or sell drugs to feed my family or carry a gun to ensure I’ll make it home at the end of the night. I felt as though I was visiting the underbelly of the city world and I couldn’t wait to get back home and rinse off the ick.Once I got involved in the book I was hooked and was shocked to realize how much I enjoyed the read; it read it in two sittings. The ending is rather twisted and definitely left me wanting for more. Leslie’s novel is an eye-opener thanks to the vivid pictures that he paints showing the inner workings of the hood, the “system”, and how all powerful drugs can be. This is an intense read from start to finish and one that I think many young adults could benefit from.There were two things about the book that I found rather off putting. First, I believe the book would benefit from going through another round of editing. There are a great many typos throughout the novel and at times it was rather distracting. Second, I don’t like that the end of each chapter is displayed at the beginning of the chapter. For me, this takes away from the storyline and the element of surprise, I don’t like knowing what is going to happen next before it happens.Overall, this is a fantastic read from a promising upcoming author. It is evident that Leslie put his heart and soul into his novel and this reader believes that it has paid off in the end. I can’t wait to read the second book and find out what happens next. Well done Mr. Leslie!