Featured Book Review - An Oldie But Goodie

Okay, so I normally wouldn’t dare think to post a book review of a book this dated. But during one of my recent visits to the library, I browsed the library bookstore (Novel Endings), and was drawn to a book entitled, The Shirt Off His Back. I wasn’t going to buy it at first, but the book cover image of an African American male smiling happily up at the young child positioned securely on his shoulder called for me to go ahead and shell out the $0.50 the library was asking.

The Shirt Off His Back by Parry "EbonySatin" Brown

Rating: (4 out of 5)

Well, here’s my review:

After a brief relationship in college, Catherine Hawkins and Terrance “Terry” Winston find themselves the parents of twin baby girls, Alisa and Ariana. The intolerable Catherine abandons the girls for a career overseas, and Terry is left to raise them. Eleven years later, just as Terry is about to expand his family by marrying the true love of his life, Jackie (herself a single parent raising twins), Catherine returns. She suddenly realizes that she needs a better family image to advance her career, and demands custody. A nasty battle ensues.

Terry, who has the support of family and friends, teams up with his best friend, Roland, a powerful attorney, to fight for his children. As Catherine pits the twins against each other, Terry struggles to keep his cool…and his family together.

At first I was confused by the swelling cast of characters (could be due to my own fog), but quickly found myself familiar, and feeling like...family. To the point of being protective of twins, "Lisa" and "Ari." I absolutely loved Terry! Some may view him as an unrealistic super dad. Great father to Lisa and Ari. Great son to Teresa. Great soon-to-be husband to Jackie. Great brother to Veronica. Great friend to Roland and Mercedes. But I viewed him as a breath of fresh air. His willingness to take the shirt off his back for his friends and family makes him my favorite male character thus far.

The Shirt Off His Back was a delight to read and true tribute to loving, responsible fathers everywhere. I would recommend this book to any and everyone looking for a great family story to warm the heart.