Genre: Urban | Author(s): Tysha, Mark Anthony, Erick S. Gray | Release Date: 2008
Publisher: Urban Books
Three gritty tales follow Brooklyn women surviving and fighting back in the streets. From pimped daughters seeking freedom, to seductive thieves scamming men, to a fiery leader seeking vengeance—these street-smart women are about to learn hard lessons about loyalty, survival, and sisterhood.
Plot
Around the Way Girls 5 delivers three gritty and emotionally charged stories that each revolve around women surviving in the unforgiving streets of Brooklyn. Each novella taps into different themes of struggle, survival, and sisterhood. In “Keepin’ It in the Family,” Diamond, Essence, and Chanel must break free from the disturbing grip of their father, Dallas, who has pimped them out since they were young. “Pound Cake” follows its fierce titular character as she navigates life with her crew, stepping into dangerous territory when her youngest friend Minnie is abused by a local hustler. The final tale, “So Seductive,” introduces Cinnamon and Simone, two women who rob men using sex as bait while Cinnamon fights for custody of her daughter.
Among the three, “Pound Cake” stands tall as the emotional and narrative centerpiece. Its tension, character focus, and gut-punch of a climax lend it more weight than the others. “Keepin’ It in the Family” is also powerful, especially in how it tracks the gradual resolve of three sisters trying to reclaim their lives. While “So Seductive” is by no means poorly written, it falters in comparison due to how morally unsympathetic its protagonists are—even if Cinnamon’s fight for her child offers some redeeming context. Overall, the stories balance shock, emotion, and grit, though the pacing and tonal shifts may wear on readers who need more nuance in their drama.
The strength of Around the Way Girls 5 is in its characters—flawed, layered, sometimes infuriating, but always memorable. Diamond, Chanel, and Essence in “Keepin’ It in the Family” each serve distinct roles, forming a trio that resembles common archetypes (the leader, the firecracker, the sweetheart) but with enough depth to avoid becoming cliché. Maurice offers a nice contrast, and the evolution of his relationship with Chanel feels earned. Meanwhile, Dallas and Houston are despicable villains who successfully evoke rage, making their ultimate fates satisfying.
“Pound Cake” is filled with abrasive personalities, but they never feel one-dimensional. Pound Cake herself is fascinating—protective, sharp, and loyal—while Minnie becomes the emotional core of the story despite often frustrating readers with her choices. Supporting characters like Joy, Sabrina, and even the assassin Double-tap stand out for their bold presence. Double-tap especially adds surprising depth with his relationship to Pound Cake and quiet complexity.
Cinnamon and Simone, from “So Seductive,” are less sympathetic but no less layered. Cinnamon’s efforts to win back her daughter contrast sharply with the immoral lifestyle she clings to, making her both frustrating and tragic. Simone is a wild card, and their partnership carries weight even as their decisions remain questionable. Minor characters like Midas and Tito bring nuance, but ultimately, this third story suffers from the reader’s inability to root for its leads. Still, across the board, the anthology showcases strong character work—even if those characters aren’t always likable.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Writing
The trio of authors—Tysha, Erick S. Gray, and Mark Anthony—deliver a cohesive yet varied reading experience, each with a distinct narrative voice that suits the story they’re telling. The writing is unapologetically raw, with sharp dialogue and unapologetic depictions of violence, sex, and street life. This isn’t a watered-down version of urban fiction—it’s direct, brutal, and often uncomfortable, which is part of its appeal. The authors understand the importance of pacing, and while some stretches (especially in “Keepin’ It in the Family”) drag, each story builds toward a rewarding conclusion.
Street lingo and slang dominate the dialogue, which may alienate readers unfamiliar with the dialect, but for those with cultural familiarity—or patience—it adds authenticity. There are moments that feel more like dramatic spectacle than grounded storytelling, but that’s part of the genre’s DNA. What stands out the most is the way the authors blend chaos with emotion. Despite all the unlikable traits and dangerous environments, the characters remain emotionally real, their pain and desperation never too far from the surface.
Each writer brings something different to the table—Tysha leans into emotional depth, Gray explores loyalty and trauma, and Anthony offers gritty thrills with a twisted sense of justice. The writing isn’t flawless, but it’s powerful, and it absolutely accomplishes what it sets out to do.
Rating: 3 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Around the Way Girls 5 is a gripping urban fiction anthology with bold characters, intense storytelling, and raw emotional moments. While its unlikable characters and street-heavy dialogue may limit its reach, the book excels in character development and dramatic authenticity. Around the Way Girls 5 gets 3 out of 5.
Comments
Post a Comment