Who Took The Last Shot?

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Summary: Brother Douglas
Review: Destin Soul's "Who Took The Last Shot?"
A Review and Commentary by Brother Douglas

This novel vexed (old vocabulary) me. It would have done so, certainly, by its sheer AUDACITY. Written in such an in-yo'-face style and vernacular, I would have found its pure honesty, troubling. However, having had the rare pleasure of meeting its author and getting to attend his classy book-signing at swanky Justin's in mid-town Manhattan, I must confess, I had some preconceived notions as to the style and tenor I expected from such an impressive young man and his equally impressive offering. But, this novel vexed me.

Who Took The Last Shot? is an old-fashioned whodunit in a simultaneous urban and urbane setting, filled with colorful characters that inspire emotions in the reader that sometimes (oftentimes) reveal deeper truths about themselves. It reads simply, yet is far from a simple read. Soul's novel introduces you to long forgotten (suppressed) first memories of childhood traumas. It reminds you of painful lessons learned and yet, neglected. It fills your soul with a protective love for its youthful main character Emanuel Walker, affectionately and prophetically referred to as "Man." "'Shot" offers you rare insight into the game of street basketball. It juxtaposes the communities and characters that nurture those gifted players against the harsh realities faced on and off the courts.

In spite of all that, the novel teaches and what vexed me most was that I, the reader, felt a sense of betrayal. Perhaps it's equally insane to feel betrayed by a novel that tells you straight away its main character is murdered and begins, in truth, at his funeral. Equally insane is to read on expecting a different ending as you began to feel for Man Walker, wishing (praying) for him, a good life. As well as me to feel such a sense of involvement in this young fictional character's journey in that I felt inclined enough to even share with its author my personal desire for an alternate ending! But, as I've said, I was VEXED!

What this novel is, at its core, is an awakening. It awakens each reader, differently. Those young adults, who've never read, will read this book, in one sitting, I dare say. It speaks especially to a most neglected group of readers, in particular, that seldom see themselves written about, except in eulogies. It awakens the adult or refined reader most uncomfortably. This is what vexed me so. Subtly, this novel really got to me, at the core of my beliefs. It challenges our failures, especially as African Americans (new vocabulary) to responsibly mentor more effectively. It awakens the old mantra, Each One, Teach One, in us all. We are our brother's keeper, it kept reminding me, at each page turn.

What ultimately vexed me was the betrayal of it's author, this young urbane fellow, whose charming and intelligent, gracious and attentive and who beguiles you into thinking that he's just another educated story-teller, only to discover that this young soul is destined to change the way we think of our youth and ourselves. He's destined to open up avenues of conversations between those who've felt they've never had much in common. Fathers and sons will discuss this book over a game of horse on many a playground, I suspect. Mothers and daughters will share a secret or two about themselves as a result of the female spectrum and perspectives represented in this novel. Although many cynics may dismiss this novel for its simplicity, beneath that premature contempt may actually lie a deeper truth about the reader.

In my humble opinion, Destin Soul has lived up to his moniker in this riveting thriller of a novel about betrayal, greed, envy and murder. Prepare to be vexed in a good way.

Who Took The Last Shot? is a prophetic phenomenon from a truly distinguished voice, that's finally awakened!

New York City
January 2002

Rating:
Summary: Who Took the Last Shot
Review: This book is amazing Man walker goes through so much anyone who needs a story for inspiration or loves basketball will not be able to put this book down i read the whole thing in a week trust me its worth the read!