Review: 16 Years 2 Life
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 12, 2011
Jaydah was born to a single mother who doted on her. She was the second oldest of four. Her father and older brother left the home when she was very young. Her mother worked hard and they lived paycheck to paycheck, but there was an abundance of love. Jaydah had a lot of responsibility at a young age but she didn't mind. Things seemed to get better when Jaydah's mom started dating a local drug dealer named Reggie. Money wasn't so tight anymore and Jaydah's mom was around more. The down side to Reggie being around included Jaydah and her siblings being exposed to drugs, drug trafficking, prostitution and domestic abuse. Eventually, as a result, the family is broken up and Jaydah must struggle through the tough times."16 Years 2 Life" was a great read. I enjoyed the child's perspective of having a parent incarcerated. It made me recognize the things I take for granted because I had my mother growing up. It also causes readers to look at how adult decisions really affect children. When a parent is sentenced, the judge is also sentencing the children. I really enjoyed this book and I give it a 5. The only thing I didn't like was the cover. I know authors have little to no say in the cover art; however this cover doesn't fit this story at all.