Tyrell

Tyrell by Coe Booth, was published by PUSH in 2007. This story lets you experience what a life in extreme poverty would be like. The main character is a young African-American boy named Tyrell. Tyrell is living with his Mother and his younger Brother Troy in the Bennett Motel in Bronxwood because there isn't anymore room for their family in the shelter. As Tyrell struggles with trying to stay out of jail, he is faced with many hard decisions of survival.

I read what this book was going to be about and was immediately interested because I can relate to Tyrell. Living in poverty isn't fun for anyone but a lot of people have to do it. I can understand what it feels like to be trapped and have no way out. Tyrell feels the same way throughout the book. Tyrell's mom wants him to start selling weed so he can get their family an apartment. The thing I liked the most about Tyrell is he stood up for his freedom. He saw his Dad go to prison and he didn't want to end up like him.

"I gotta do something. I wanna go somewhere, but I don't got nowhere to go." (23) This quote stood out to me because when I was growing up in a dysfunctional family I felt the same way. I would leave for hours until it got dark and come home and go right to sleep. I knew I had nowhere to go but I would leave anyway walking the streets.

"Then I open the door and we get outta the cab. I stand out there for a couple seconds looking round at them eight buildings and, man, I gotta say, it feel good coming back home to the projects. Where I belong." (310) These are the last three sentences of the book. I don't think there could be a better ending. I can also relate to this quote because I feel most comfortable in my hometown. I can drive by a house and remember going to a crazy party there. Or drive by a liquor store and remember a fight that happened in the parking lot. I think it's all about the memories. Wherever you have the most memories is where you will feel most comfortable.

I would highly recommend buying Tyrell by Coe Booth. No matter what background you come from, rich or poor, you will appreciate this book. I think if you've had to struggle in life, you will appreciate this book even more. I give this book five stars and two thumbs up! Eventually we all have to sit down and immerse ourselves in a really good book. The time is now. Go buy Tyrell and support this brilliant author Coe Booth!