The Shirt Off His Back

by Parry A. Brown

Book Overview

After a brief relationship in college, Catherine and Terry found themselves the parents of twin baby girls; Catherine, a reluctant mother from the start, abandoned the children for a successful career overseas. With the help of family and friends, Terry has raised the twins by himself, and now, eleven years later, is about to expand his family again by marrying Jackie, herself a single parent. Suddenly, realizing she needs a better family image to...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345491246
• ISBN13: 9780345491244
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: One World
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.0" x 6.7"

Customer Reviews

So refreshing

I think this is my 2nd read by this author. I was so happy to read about everyday people who have similar lives that I can identify with wholeheartly. This was a good family drama that uplifted the male identity and showed a strong bond between male friends which is rare. I love the twist on the courtroom drama. I'm still waiting for an everyday story about folks who either struggle or just living comfortably. There is an over flood of stories with the same story line of rich or folks trying to get rich and stabbing each other in the back that I am burned out with these novellas. I welcome another read from this author.

A story about real love and true friendship!

"Many brothers are good . . . Some are even great . . . Only a few will give you . . . The shirt off his back."The passage above taken from the beginning of Parry "Ebony Satin" Brown's latest novel, THE SHIRT OFF HIS BACK, pretty much sums up what readers will come to love and appreciate about the main character, Terrence Winston. Terry is a handsome man with some serious "skills and benefits" that makes him an ideal catch for any sister looking for Mr. Right. Besides being kind and generous to a fault, what adds to his appeal is the fact that he stepped up to the plate and took full responsibility of raising his twin daughters, Ariana and Alisa, as a single parent during his third year in college. No, he wasn't forced to do this, but wanted very much to raise the girls when their mother Catherine Hawkins deserted them for a glamourous and lucrative career out of the country. With the help of his mother, Teresa, his sister, Veronica, and best friend, Roland Carpenter, Terry has been able to raise his daughters for eleven years in peace without any interference from Catherine. Now that he is about to marry the love of his life, Jackie, who is also a single parent to twins, Catherine shows up from Spain demading custody of the girls and respect for her role as their mother. Refusing to let her take his girls and disrupt their lives, Terry and bestfriend Roland, who happens to be a powerful and respected attorney, put their heads together and come up with a plan that will keep Catherine out their lives forever!THE SHIRT OFF HIS BACK is an engaging book filled with humor, true friendship, love and feel-good romance. I commend author Parry Brown not only for writing an awesome story about a man who is obviously a good son, a wonderful brother, and true best friend; but for writing a story about a black man who is a loving dedicated single parent. This was a fun book to read . . . and one that I would gladly read again and again!

Giving Birth Doesn't Make You A Mother

^5 for Parry Brown, I just loved this book. Parry "Ebony Satin" Brown's purpose for writing this book and I quote was "For all the brothas who do the right thing even when no one is watching." This was a fantastic book..... Terry Winston, father of twin girls finds himself in a horrible custody battle with their mother, Catherine who gave birth to the twins 10 yrs earlier and called Terry from her hospital bed telling him if he wanted the twins he needed to get there quickly or she would be signing the adoption papers. Terry, head over heels for Catherine, rushes to the hospital to stake a claim on his girls.Now, after 10 years, he cannot understand why Catherine wants joint custody of the twins. He knows she doesn't love them or want them, so he thinks she's doing it to get even with him. Catherine Hawkins decides she needs a larger piece of the corporate pie. She thinks that in order to get it, she needs to look like an All American Mom. Doing what she has to to ensure she wins the custoday battle, she tries digging a wedge between the twins. If I had to choose my favorite characters it would be the twins, Ariana and Alisa. Their characters are so like many children today. Small but with a lot of voice and opinions. This book was not only about a father's fight to keep his daughters, it was also about the genuine love amongst friends who have grown into a family. Excellent characters and story....I cannot wait to read Sexy Doesn't Have A Dress Size.Missy

REFRESHING

It's refreshing to read a novel about a man (Terry) doing right by his children and loving a "thick" sister, while doing right by her children also. Being a "thick" sister myself, I was able to relate to Jackie's feelings and emotions. The characters are real. Momma C is everyone's mother and/or grandmother. This story is full of love--family, friends, etc. You will live this story as your own. You will cheer, laugh and cry. You will be involved in the family dinners and celebrations. This is real love!This is a break from all the other relationship books. I recommend you read it when you need a pick-me-up from the everyday drama. God Bless you, Parry Brown.APOOO Reviewer

No Male Bashing in this novel.

"The Shirt Off His Back" is a true to life story with some strong African American men. Wonderfully and well written novel. It touched my heart. I laughed, cried and cheered thoughout the novel.Catherine was very selfish. She had her priorities mixed up. I admired Ronald and loved me some Terry. Jackie and Terry were heaven sent to each other. Cedes was a laugh mouth down to heart sista.I feel very satisfied after reading this novel. The love of friends, family and trusting in God is the key when facing dilemmas. Parry "Ebony Satin" Brown I want to Thank you for writing this heartwarming tale. It shows that the world still have some good African American men even if this is the work of fiction. Be Blessed.

A positive must read

With all the negative print images of African American males, it is nice to pick up a book focusing on the positive print image. Terry is a good hardwarking man providing for his children, while falling in love with a BIG Beautiful Woman. Ms. Brown, uses very little profanity, which I find refreshing. KEEP UP THE WORK EBONY SATIN!