Uptown: A Novel

by Virginia DeBerry

Book Overview

ENTER THE WORLD OF UPTOWN Uptown . . . where money rules Uptown . . . where ambition trumps tradition Uptown . . . where politics come before everything Uptown . . . where a family's secrets will... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1439137765
• Release Date: March 2010
• Publisher: Touchstone
• Length: 331 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.9" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

Ms. Deberry and Mrs. Grant have done it again!!!

Ok, so I am a fan of the authors. I pre-order and purchase their books before any reviews. The reason that I do this is because they are great authors that tell wonderful stories, also I have always enjoyed their work and know that I won't be disappointed. So as the title of this review states they have done it again!! This is such a wonderful story with multi layered characters. The story takes you on a journey. If you have not read this book take my word go purchase it now! You will not be disappointed and I am sure you will be a fan for life just like me.

Uptown is an excellent story!

Uptown's a story that speaks to the heart of the current economic challenges and rewards. The main characters have similar backgrounds and familial ties but very different ideas about success, love and happiness. I was really impressed with the way the writers were able to take some of the past few year's most sensational headlines from sex scandals to corporate fraud to political greed and wove them into a tale that gave us a fictitious insight to what motivates some to greatness and others to ruin. As I was reading Uptown I had several, "oh no they did not" moments! There was a lot of drama and I loved every bit of it! This was an excellent read and a really sensual story about some of life's toughest choices, how we make them and the consequences and rewards that go along with those decisions.

Uptown review by Notorious Spinks Talks

BFF's for more than 25 years and New York Times bestselling author Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant have graciously brought us another authentic and heart-wrenching novel filled with truth, lies, demons, secrets and family. Uptown, their seventh novel will be available for purchase March 2nd and is sure to be a New York Times bestseller and at the top of many wish lists. Uptown tells the story of Dwight Dixon, the perfect man for any woman or so she thinks. On first look, Dwight fits the bill. He has an Ivy League education, a beautiful wife and daughter, is a former city councilman and U.S. Congressman and is now making a name for himself in the real estate realm as a power broker and heir of The Dixon Group. What many won't see at first sight is his constant battle to Trump his father's legacy, the self-named King, or his struggle to discontinue living in his father's shadow. Unfortunately, Dwight will do anything to get where he deserves to be, at the top, looking down on the Trumps, the Kennedys and King. Then there is Dwight's cousin, Ms. Avery Lyons and his former BFF. For those on the outside looking in, Avery appears to have it all together and is living the life. She has no children, no husband and her boyfriend Van plays on her terms. Traveling from continent to continent tending to world peace, Avery also thinks she has it all together but when she returns to New York after 20 years she is forced to face the demons and juggle around with truth, forgiveness and love. After reading this novel all I can say is, "Ladies (Deberry & Grant) take a bow because you have done it again!" The author never fails to bring "real" issues that "real" people can relate to. They also introduce the world to the "new-Harlem." I appreciate how the author strategically uses Harlem and Manhattan as the setting for Uptown, but unfortunately, they address issues facing so many Americans around the country. Again and again, media outlets cover the stories of so many people that have been hit hard by the recession resulting in foreclosures that force many to bring up the g-word, gentrification. Gentrification usually takes place in downtown and uptown areas in cities throughout the country that were once homes of African Americans and other economically disadvantaged people that can no longer afford to live in their homes. This conversation is continually leading to debates in cities all around the country including Harlem, which is known for its rich African American culture and history that opened doors for authors, musicians and artists. My favorite character: My favorite character is Dwight. Yea I know what you are going to think and say after you read this novel, "Why Dwight?" Well I will tell you now. In most cases, I always cheer for the underdog. I like Dwight because like so many of us we are our parent's children. No matter whether we love or hate them we want them to acknowledge and love us and most of all be proud of us.

The New Harlem

Uptown by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant takes readers to the new Harlem and it also makes us look at family dynamics and relationships in a fresh, new light. Avery Lyons left Harlem years ago. Since then, she has spent all that time globe-trotting for her job and traveling light. Her mother visits her in lovely places, such as Paris, France and her love life occurs on her own terms. Everything seems good, on the surface, but, a tragedy forces Avery to return home and to open up wounds from a well-buried past. Dwight Dixon is very successful; however, he has never been able to get from under the thumb of his tyrannical father, the self-named King. King is a walking stereotype of the old-school Harlemite who has done well and always wants things his way. Dwight has never been able to please his father or gain his approval. There is a real estate deal that could make or break the Dixon family's business and Avery Lyons return will determine whether the Dixon Kingdom thrives or fails. The relationship between Avery and the Lyons, especially Dwight, is filled with bad history and she might not be as willing a participant as they would like. The question becomes will she play by their rules or will she upset the whole game? DeBerry and Grant have written a timely novel that allows readers to become enmeshed in the lives of the main characters. Though, at times, I absolutely knew where the authors were taking me, there were other times when I was in for a surprise and I enjoyed the experience. The story is entertaining and told in a leisurely manner to allow the reader time to get caught up in the dynamics of the story. I recommend Uptown to all readers who enjoy, mature, well-told stories, filled with the culture of a community and what goes on in the lives of its inhabitants. The novel was provided by the publisher for review purposes. Angelia Menchan APOOO BookClub

Across 110th Street

Across 110th Street--Harlem is changing, in this latest novel by Virginia Deberry and Donna Grant. A familiar character, former fiancée of Jewel Prescott from "Better Than I Know Myself", Dwight Dixon emerges at the center of controversy. With good intentions, but ulterior motives Dwight decides to make his own mark on the landscape of Harlem by building Dixon Plaza--a multi-million dollar commercial/residential skyrise. As in "Better Than I Know Myself", Dwight's actions and those of his family members threaten to destroy his dream. Again, Deberry and Grant have written a page-turner that kept me up late nights with a tissue box beside me as I became engrossed in the lives of Avery Lyons, Dwight Dixon, Jazz Christmas and characters I already knew from "Better Than I Know Myself". Uptown has all the ingredients that offer ardent readers a satisfying read: relatable characters we either love, or love to hate; contemporary issues that are pertinent to those of us who care about our people and our heritage; and a strong believable plot infused with passionate conflict---ALL set in Harlem, a place which still holds the aroma of Langston Hughes' dreams: "What happens to a Dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun . . . or does it explode?" Perhaps "Uptown: A Novel" is also a tribute to the place where so many Black people realized their dreams during the Harlem Renaissance, to encourage more of us to do the same today. Angela Reid--President of Imani Literary Grp-Metro Atlanta