Review

When I say this book made me cry, I mean it made me bawl. I had to stop reading because I couldn't see. Books make me tear up or feel sad. But very few books make me this emotional. And I think that speaks to Brown's ability to make us create a connection with her characters.

This family feels like it could be your family, so when bad things start happening to them it makes it even worse.

There were a couple of things I didn't like but they were completely personal things and it might not bother others. And I wouldn't want that to take away from the book as a whole. There was a specific story to tell here and Brown told it perfectly.

This is a book with a lot of parts but at its heart it is the story of generational trauma and the possible consequences of one person's actions. This is book heavy and graphic so please check warnings before reading if there are things that are hard for you to read.

But I am really looking forward to more discussions about this one.

This story makes you want to scream, cry, and laugh throughout. It is a story of tragedy, grief, coming of age, sibling rivalry and love. I couldn't stop reading once I started, the story just seemed to jump off the pages. The description of the clothes, music, environment, and rising crack epidemic, almost made it seem like I was there experiencing it firsthand. Highly recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me this in ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Love sagas and really appreciated the focus on generational trauma. Loved the NY setting. Felts so real - mercy and Lenox will stick with me a long time.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's for providing a review copy of this book and audiobook. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Sisterhood, Drama, Family Ties and Harlem in the 80s/90s. Hold You Down by Tracy Brown will take you for a ride that will have you in your feels by the end of it. I picked Hold You Down up based on the cover featuring two Black women who looked like two stylish sisters – one flashy and one practical– because I was curious about the story behind the contrast. It was one of my best book decisions this year.

Harlem In The Late Eighties
I’m not going to pout about the fact that the late eighties and early nineties is now considered historical fiction. I promise. Okay, maybe I pouted a little bit. Anyways, Hold You Down is set in Harlem in the late eighties and begins with two sisters who are also single moms. This book had me from the beginning as in Lenox and her crazy self had me both shocked and cracking up during the opening scene. Sis told the preacher to get a move on with her own mama’s funeral because it was cold and if they hadn’t made their peace with her absentee self yet, then it wasn’t gonna happen.

Wild Sis And Sensible Sis
Since I mentioned Lenox first, I will definitely admit to both liking her for her spunk and simultaneously appalled at her dangerous choices. I don’t know what you would call her character — morally grey? I think villain is too strong of a word. She is young, street smart and has a wild streak that supports her lifestyle choices. She definitely overshadows her sister Mercy and too me Lenox is the bright flame of the family. Mercy is the sister you can depend on for anything. Lenox knows this and definitely takes advantage. But Mercy has Lenox’s back because they are both best friends and sisters.

Intergenerational Story
This is an intergenerational story that smoothly transitions from telling the story of the sisters to telling that of their sons. I thought I was going to fall off of finishing the book when it transitioned to the boys, because my usual preference is for female main characters. But I was pleasantly surprised when the point of view change switched to the boys so seamlessly that I was able to stick with the plot without interruption or distraction.

The heartbreak that this family goes through as a result of multiple bad decisions, fear and outside influences will have you in tears. But you will never stop hoping for them and rooting for them all the way to the last page.

Overall Thoughts
This story hooked me from start to end. I was crying, laughing, gasping and pulling my hair through reading this book. I was rooting for EVERY member in this whole family the entire time! It is one of my top reads for the year. I have never read a novel focused on this particular topic during this time period – New York City at the beginning and in the aftermath of the Crack epidemic. I also don’t usually read urban fiction. But this one is Chef’s Kiss!!!

Audiobook
The audiobook is awesome and I definitely recommend it! Loved the narrator’s voice! Her characterization of various characters – male and female – meant that I had no trouble following along with any shifts in the novel.

Trigger Warnings: Sexual Assault, Drugs, Violence

Hold You Down by Tracy Brown is a story about the perils of love and the ties that bind us. Mercy and Lenox Howard have always had each other. Abandoned by their mother, raised by their grandmother, they grew up on the mean streets of Harlem. As single moms with young sons, they are determined to survive and give their sons brighter futures. Mercy is the quiet, straight laced, playing the book and yet struggles to make ends meet. Lenox is the diva, the wild child, always looking for excitement and making it big in life. Their boys, Judah and Deon, are more brothers than cousins, and have forged a bond that seems unbreakable. When Lenox believes that success and power is hers for the taking as she heads down a path that will forever alter the course of her life as well as the life of her loved ones.
I read Ms. Brown’s previous book, Single Black Female and knew I was in for an emotional ride. Hold You Down takes place in New York City during the late 1980s into the 1990s. It is a powerful, heartfelt story of a family trying to better themselves and the challenges they face. There were beautiful moments of celebration and family joys. There were gut wrenching moments of tears and devastation. I admire the strength of the characters as they come to grips with their lots in life and do their best to overcome them. Ms. Brown gives readers a hard-hitting, gritty, no-holds-bar story of life for black single mothers in 1980s New York. She does not hold back from the realities that Mercy and Lenox face and the Catch-22 they live in. Be prepared to laugh and cry with Mercy, Lenox and their sons. I highly recommend Hold You Down.

Hold You Down is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Hold You Down owes me nothing! Initially I was intrigued by the title and cover but the story on the pages really drew me in. It was raw, nostalgic, and heartbreaking at times. Heavy, basically!

The book is broken into two parts and it almost feels like a coming to age story because the first part is about the two sisters, Lennox and Mercy. Part two is more so about their sons, Deon and Judah. I loved the writing and storytelling- it felt like a movie or tv series was playing out on the pages. My heart ached for the boys and Mercy because I think Lennox’s decisions impacted them in so many ways. Lennox was the epitome of glitz and glamor but she got addicted to the fast money and street life- which ultimately became her downfall.

I think the author really showed how each character grieved and the different it impact it had on their story. It was also interesting that one mistake changed the trajectory of the story but that was real life- it happens, for sure. I also really loved that the book takes place in the late 80s but the writing was so well done, so detailed, and meshed well with that era. I loved the ending; it hurt me deeply. I totally understand that sometimes we have to let go of the ones we are holding down. Superb read!

CW: Drugs, DV

I received an ARC from Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Hold You Down
Author: Tracy Brown
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Hold You Down" by Tracy Brown

My Assessment:

"Hold You Down" was quite an intriguing sad urban story that will keep one turning the pages to see what was coming next for this Howard family's journey. On this journey, there were many blows with twists and turn all over the place that kept one shaking their head and saying wow!

The story dealt with 'drugs, crack, drama, abuse, murder, death, loss of a loved one, funerals, sexual assault, rape, incarceration, and gun violence,' and yes, I am sure something has been left out; however, by reading this read, the reader will get it all. The first part of the story deals mainly with the two sisters [Mercy & Lenox], and the second part brings in these women's sons [Judah & Deon] on this wild emotional, gut-wrenching rollercoaster ride.

All that is left to say is this was one story about...one will have to check out and see how well this author brings it out to the reader. It was challenging to see how things turned out at certain times. Wow is all left to say; however, understanding the ending, especially for Judah, was enough for me.

Yes, 'Hold You Down' would be recommended as a good read.


Thank you to NetGalley/Tracy Brown/St. Martin's Press St. Martin's Press.Griffin for this "Amazing" eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Where do I start?! This story was everything! It grabbed me from the very beginning, tugging at my heart strings until it finally broke it into pieces. Talk about growing pains with life, love, and loss…whew. I haven’t read anything that made me this emotional in a while. I’m giving this a 4.75/5 (rounding up to 5) only because I’m greedy and would have really appreciated some type of epilogue. Was it needed, nah not really, but again…it would have been greatly appreciated.

Tracy Brown is a wonderful storyteller, I haven’t been disappointed with anything I’ve read written by her. I’d definitely recommend this book to friends looking for lite urban contemporary fiction, involving family dynamics and coming of age stories.

Tracy Brown captivates in this stunningly realistic look at life for many in the 1980s. The characters and their relationships were relatable and their stories were often heartbreaking. As a retired Social Worker, reading this book was like stepping back in time. Thanks for this great book #NetGalley

A raw, gut wrenching read. Two sisters grew up in the Harlem projects with only each other to rely upon. Mercy takes life on the straight and narrow while Lenox chooses a life fraught with danger and riches. The patterns and emotions between the two sisters affect their sons, Deon and Judah.
I found the novel to be incredibly moving and realistic. Everything was wound so tightly into a snarl and somethings cannot be mended.
The ending was very emotional, but ultimately each of us has to do our own thing.
I found Xavier to be the best character and I liked him the best.

This is a cautionary heartbreaking tale of sisters and sons. Mercy and Lenox are incredibly close, having bonded more strongly as a result of their abandonment by their mother. Lenox is the wild one in some ways but she's deeply committed to her son Deon, When she dies, Mercy, the sister who has been on the straight and narrow takes in Deon but this poses problems for her own son Judah. No spoilers from me but know that the problems of drugs, generational trauma, and living at the margins loom large. Brown is a good storyteller and while this sometimes tends toward drama, that's fair, Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, A very good read,,

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

I have never read Tracy Brown before, but my interest was piqued by Hold You Down, even if it’s not the type of book I usually pick up. It’s an incredibly moving family saga about the wounds of generational trauma, and how the choices one person makes can impact their family members.

It’s easy to become invested in the family and their relationships with each other from the beginning. Mercy and Lenox have a rough upbringing, but at least initially, they lean on each other to survive. However, they’re also coming into the world in the midst of the crack epidemic, which wreaks havoc. I appreciated how it portrayed Lenox’s temptation to take advantage of the world of drugs to find success, exploring her perspective of what she’s gaining in the short-term, along with the long-term impact on herself and her family, especially after she passes on.

And the impact continues to be felt as time passes, and the sisters’ children, Deon and Judah, are navigating the world, sharing the same closeness their mothers had, even amidst all the hardships that come with growing up Black in the inner cities.

This was a deeply moving book, and I’m not opposed to picking up more from Tracy Brown in the future. If you enjoy either family sagas or urban fiction, I recommend checking this out.

Mercy and Lennox grew up on the mean streets of Harlem in 1980’s with an absent mother. They depended on each other. Now as adults, Lennox has been swept up in the drug world as crack cocaine hits the streets. Lennox and Mercy each have a boy. They may be cousins, but they are more like brothers as they learn to depend on each other.

Why haven’t I read more books about inner cities during the crack epidemic? It was an environment I haven’t read about and pretty devastating. About halfway through the book completely flipped. It was very unexpected and I will tell you to avoid spoilers! I did like both directions the book took. It became a generational story and had a lot of cultural background, especially when it comes to masculinity and emotions among African American men.

“Everything that glitters ain’t gold. Sometimes people seem like they’re having a good time when really they’re scared to death.”

Hold You Down comes out 11/1.

So from the beginning this book had action. I could definitely relate to every scene and situation in this book being from a place like NYC 🗽 I LOVEDDDD the chemistry and banter between the characters- it kept me goinggggg. I love the message behind this book. You can love the streets— but they’ll never love you. The message of family & love. The message on how you have always have to watch the company you keep! The relationship between the sisters, touched me. Made me think about my own relationship with my sis. This was a book I’ll never regret reading and will never stop talking about. It was relatable to say the least. If you haven’t read Hold You Down..please add it to your TBR. This one is the one! Thank you @tracybrownwrites & @netgalley for my ARC copy💭

I have been a fan of Tracy Brown since I listened to Whites Lines and other books in the series on CD. You can never go wrong with a Tracy Brown book. Her writing style is awesome; she definitely knows how to hold the readers attention and does not let go even when you have reached the end of the book. “Hold You Down” is an entertaining read that had me reaching for my Kleenex to wipe away tears. This is a heartfelt heartwarming story that kept me captivated from the beginning to the end. The characters are awesome with a very good plot. Two sisters that are single parents Lenox and Mercy each with a son Deon and Judah who were more like brothers than cousins. Mercy and Lenox made different choices in theirs lives. One sister leading the fast lifestyle and the other leading a more subdue lifestyle. The choices in life that the sisters mad were not always the right choice and the rewards that were received were not all good. Cousins Deon and Judah lives were going fine until an incident happens and their lives are never the same again bad choices with consequences with life lessons.

This is an awesome read that I recommend even though it is a tearjerker. I’m sure you will be enjoyed by the readers.

I received an ARC via NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Hold You Down follows a Staten Island family during the crack epidemic.
It’s very well written and very compelling—a definite page turner—but it’s an overall dark and depressing read that may not be for everyone.

This was my first time reading Tracy Brown. I have seen her works but hadn’t gotten around to reading anything. I was contacted by the publisher about her latest book, Hold You Down. After reading the synopsis, I was excited to read it.

The novel revolves around two sisters Mercy and Lenox, their relationship and the relationship of their sons who are raised as brothers. Each sister takes a different path in life and the consequences of those decisions affect their relationship and their sons’ relationship.

The way Brown writes quickly pulls the reader into the streets of New York and the family. There are parts of the book where I laughed at the characters’ dialogue and actions. Other scenes were extremely emotional. I enjoyed the full range of the book. I read the book in two formats: e-book and audio. The audio is wonderful narrated by Patryce Williams.

This book is ideal for readers who enjoy contemporary fiction, family drama, and fiction set in urban settings.

I was sent an electronic copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.

What a page turner!! If you remember the late 1980s and 1990s, this is the book for you. I love that the book centered on a family, their relationships to each other and their relationship to a city. I highly recommend this book.

Hold You Down is the story of two sisters, Mercy and Lennox, who grow up in the projects in the Bronx with their grandmother after their mother leaves them for a man. Mercy is the reliable sister. Lennox is the wild one. They both end up as single teen moms of young boys and relocate to the projects of Staten Island. From there, Mercy stays on the straight and narrow and Lennox gets wrapped up in the crack trade.

The book follows the sisters and then their sons, Deon and Judah. The choices that these boys were faced with as a result of their environment slayed me.

“A little girl falls down and the adults pick her up, comfort her. A little boy falls down and what happens? Everybody says, ‘Don’t cry’; ‘Be a big boy.’ Men never unlearn that shit. We suck it up and keep pushing. But that shit ain’t healthy. Crying doesn’t make you weak. It’s a natural response to all the things you two have been dealing with for years. Grief, guilt, fear, frustration, loneliness, and anger.”

This is a book about family, friendship, poverty, living, dying and everything in between. You may think that “urban fiction” (what Amazon calls it) won’t resonate with you — you should think again. This is vivid storytelling and family drama at its finest.

Hold You Down by Tracy Brown is the story of two sisters and their sons and the complex relationships they have over the course of nearly two decades.

I was not expecting to be completely blown away by this novel, but I was wrapped up in the drama and entanglements that encompassed Mercy and Lenox and their life choices. The portrayal of unconditional love and acceptance, while simultaneously holding those she loved to high standards, made Mercy a character that will stick with me far beyond the pages of this book. I cried along with the characters, and felt their struggles and losses as well as their joy and love. Watching Judah and Deon grow into men from the innocent young boys was heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time.

Hold You Down reminds us that people we love are not perfect, but are still deserving of our love and loyalty and the family bonds are stronger than any others.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the digital ARC of Hold You Down by Tracy Brown. the opinions in this review are my own.