A review by beergeekgirl
Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri

5.0

This was a wonderful book from beginning to end. Of course, I'm always a sucker for a book set in Philly. And when you offer me a slice of Philly that I have completely missed, even better. (And throw in a little line of, "Philly girls is hot!" and you've got me completely!)

Cole's voice was so well written. I will admit to being so much of a grammar geek that I often have trouble reading books that are written in any kind of local voice. This is where JD Jackson's narration hits his first home run. What would have been difficult for me to read, was very easy to listen to. Jackson is spot on with his delivery of all characters.

The adults are flawed, but well rounded. I truly appreciated the fact that Harper wasn't a deadbeat dad, but rather, just a guy who had trouble balancing the different parts of his life.

For a shorter book, even the supporting players were well drawn and fleshed out.

About the only criticism I have is that Cole's turnaround happened rather quickly...

only two days in and he's so committed to the horses, he's hanging up on his mom

. But the story was so well written, that it feels like a quibble.

It was particularly interesting to listen to this right after listening to Scorpio Races. Harper as the Sean Kendrick of North Philly?