Rating: 
Summary: This is it!
Review: A guy ran up to me on the train and asked me "Is that Miles Davis?" He was talking about the cover of this book. What I thought he'd ask me was "Why were you laughing so much?" The dry humor in this book was hysterical; some intellectual, some barbershop-poke-fun. I spent half of the book trying to play off laughing so loud and understanding why Mat Johnson had this slick grin on his handsome face. He is an outstanding writer and I was entertained. The plot was around three ex-cons who were sent on assignment to a real estate agency to better their lives. Johnson made stereotypes not only extremely hilarious people (i.e. Horus in the green suit), but extremely dull people seem like people I want to meet (i.e. Piper's brother-in-law). I was thoroughly impressed and will definitely be buying ALL of his books. By the way, his dialogue was realistic, a trait that most writers can't seem to acquire. He also knew how to tastefully plug in his favorite authors and give advice, something many rookies and some vets still don't know how to do!
Rating:
Summary: By any means necessary!
Review: A Mystery Thriller about Horizon Realty, a fictional Harlem real estate company that plans to restore the land mark neighborhood. "By any means necessary!" they kill the people who don't fit into their little plan. The book leaves you thinking about the current renovations taking place in Harlem now and sparks some issues about Gentrification,Black on Black crime, the pishing out of the poor who can't afford the new and improved prices.
A nosy reporter who looks a little to hard at the "accidents" that seem to keep happening. Three ex con's recruited to the Horizon Realty each trying to out do the other for the " ultimate prise". A failed novelist who can't get anyone to read his book, until his death. A thug who lives by any means necessary. And a regular guy who struggles with the good vs. evil of what Horizon is doing. This was a modern mystery that taps into the here and now, A thought provoking novel that will leave many questions running through your mind.
Rating:
Summary: Mat Johnson, boo yah!
Review: Hunting in Harlem is a book that offers brilliant insight into the simplistically complex world of Harlem. His prose is concise and perplexing, his style is always fluid, never allowing the reader a second to question this thought-provoking story. The use of Dark Humor is top notch, unsurpassed in the modern era. I am anxiously awaiting Mat's next novel.
Rating: 
Summary: The Great Work
Review: I had never heard of Mat Johnson prior to reading this book. But I must say, I enjoyed Mat's dark humor and his breakdown of black folk (could be any race) and their varied perspectives on life, posessions and our obsessions with being of a certain caliber or "stock".
But that is not what the book is about. It's a mystery with a little dark humor thrown in. And no happy endings here but stark realism!!! I appreciate Mat's descriptive and exhaustive narration. I like a book that makes me feel as if I am right there. And the odd situations that the main character finds himself in are just plain funny.
I recommend this book to anyone who reads something other than Eric Jerome Dickey. This is the thinking man's novel and not a cheap dimestore love story...YEAH I said it.
Rating: 
Summary: Funny, dark feast of a read
Review: I had never heard of Mat Johnson prior to reading this book. But I must say, I enjoyed Mat's dark humor and his breakdown of black folk (could be any race) and their varied perspectives on life, posessions and our obsessions with being of a certain caliber or "stock".
But that is not what the book is about. It's a mystery with a little dark humor thrown in. And no happy endings here but stark realism!!! I appreciate Mat's descriptive and exhaustive narration. I like a book that makes me feel as if I am right there. And the odd situations that the main character finds himself in are just plain funny.
I recommend this book to anyone who reads something other than Eric Jerome Dickey. This is the thinking man's novel and not a cheap dimestore love story...YEAH I said it.
Rating:
Summary: By Any Means Necessary
Review: I must say I was impressed with Mat Johnson's latest novel, Hunting In Harlem. I had not read his debut novel, Drop, or any of the press releases surrounding his latest work, so I blindly opened the book and began reading. I soon found myself laughing aloud and engrossed by the author's clever imagination, mature writing style, and original characters. Johnson builds a story that is both interesting and thought provoking - a true challenge for a tough and controversial topic such as gentrification.Hunting In Harlem is the story of Horizon Realty's vision to revitalize Harlem one brownstone at a time; hoping to eventually return it to the booming community it once was during the Renaissance. The realty company is also a sponsor of the Second Chance Program and subsequently employs three ex-convicts as part of a real estate training program. Snowden (convicted of manslaughter for killing his father), Bobby (an arsonist), and Horus (a former gangbanger) are handpicked to participate in this prestigious, cutting edge, year-long program. As they study the ins-and-outs of real estate, they also perform extra assignments, such as clearing out Horizon apartments of tenants who happen to perish in freak accidents. The suspense begins when Snowden mentions the number of accidental deaths to his love interest who happens to be a reporter. She investigates and discovers a pattern which leads Snowden to confront his mentor. He soon learns that it is Horizon Realty's plan to dispose of "undesirables" (people who discredit Harlem) and is blackmailed into supporting their plot to meticulously remove the offenders (prostitutes, pick pockets, child abusers, drug dealers, etc). Conflict arises as the three convicts must determine how to handle the truth, come to terms with their direct involvement in the murders, and think of a way to escape blackmail. This book challenges the intellectual to revisit the classic debates surrounding "sacrifices for the greater good of society" and infamous "by any means necessary." Johnson also educates by sharing the history of Harlem and provides an explanation of how and why it is in its present condition. Throughout the book were subtle lessons in gentrification, discussion of the African-American socio-economic condition, and even a discussion of DuBois's Talented Tenth theory. These topics and other ethical dilemmas were skillfully crafted in the dialogue and thoughts of the colorful, strong, wacky characters. It can also be said that this novel is an examination on human nature as we follow the central characters' development and watch them wrestle with moral issues. This is an intriguing, suspenseful, well-written novel. The author's writing style, social messages, and storytelling ability makes this a book worth picking up. In the hands of others, this book would have been a disaster, but Johnson has mastered his own technique and it works really well. Be warned, this book is only for the serious reader. Phyllis
APOOO BookClub, The Nubian Circle Book Club
Rating:
Summary: Some of the Best Fiction in Years
Review: I've never been a fan of the mystery/thriller genre and this book encompases neither genre. What 'Hunting in Harlem' is is one of the strongest pieces of fiction writing/literature in the last 30 years. Johnson's novel is strong on characters who keep you pulleld into the book and you're very happy to stay there. What makes this novel so good is Johnson's ability to weave words with the ease of the Modernists and the grace of post-modern writers. Never one to hold himself above language, Johnson's second novel is nothing short of brilliant, and I say this after reading it 3 times. Can't wait for his next novel to come out...Get a move-on, Johnson!
Rating:
Summary: Some of the Best Fiction in Years
Review: I've never been a fan of the mystery/thriller genre and this book encompases neither genre. What 'Hunting in Harlem' is is one of the strongest pieces of fiction writing/literature in the last 30 years. Johnson's novel is strong on characters who keep you pulleld into the book and you're very happy to stay there. What makes this novel so good is Johnson's ability to weave words with the ease of the Modernists and the grace of post-modern writers. Never one to hold himself above language, Johnson's second novel is nothing short of brilliant, and I say this after reading it 3 times. Can't wait for his next novel to come out...Get a move-on, Johnson!
Rating:
Summary: Marvelous!
Review: Loved it! This book will keep you enthralled. Never a dull moment here. Mat Johnson is a master of plot, character and humor.
Rating:
Summary: A Good Read
Review: Mat Johnson does a great job character description and plot development. I normally don't even read suspense novels but this one had me from the beginning. There are some hialrious scenes and also some great insight into the mind of male species. I too felt the ending was a bit vague, but journey made it worth it.
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