cover image Gorilla Black

Gorilla Black

Seven, . . One World, $14 (361pp) ISBN 978-0-345-50052-6

Gorilla Black, né Bilal Cunningham, is born into the Richmond, Va., projects, but poverty does not stop him from becoming a voracious reader. His mother constantly puts him down, favoring her neglectful boyfriend over her son; Bilal finds love with Starr, the girl next door. Equally at home quoting Shakespeare and selling cocaine, Gorilla Black has a number of crises to face, but none tougher than when a rival gang threatens his girl. Seven makes a splashy debut with this gritty urban drama, the first in the Nikki Turner Presents series, that features plenty of hustle and an explosive climax. (May)