ISBN-13: 9780985330309
Publisher: Step Ya Game Up
Publication date: 4/20/2012
Pages: 264
Price: $15.00
Purchase: Amazon | BN

Description

Tasia and Jeff are in a monogamous relationship and they share a bond befitting that of a fairy tale. Misfortune befalls them when two things happen. First, Jeff is seduced by a stripper named Tropical, and what begins as a protected sexual escapade ends as a harsh reality when Jeff learns that the condom broke during intercourse.

Next, Jeff is accused of murder, and he finds himself trapped in an unforgiving system, figuratively and sometimes literally, fighting for his life.
The drama unfolds when Jeff is diagnosed with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and he’s forced to break this life changing news to the love of his life. Unfortunately, Tasia has no understanding. Instead of getting tested, she automatically assumes that she’s infected with the deadly disease. Out of hatred and anger, Tasia concludes that all men are dogs…and she vows to share her newly acquired fortune with as many men as possible.

Review

It’s been a while since I have reviewed a book, but Tropical Illusions by John Bowens was one I could not pass up. I have to be honest and say, that I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book. I read the description and was on the fence about wanting to read anything about HIV or AIDs. However, I’m so glad I did, because Tropical Illusions taught me a lot.

I believe this story is vital and needs to get into hands of the youth. Tropical Illusions articulated a variety of life lessons, the greatest one being, the dire and fatal consequence of engaging in unprotected sex.

Let me tell you, if you or anyone you know is having unprotected sex, this book will scare the living daylights out of you. I can assure that after you read Tropical Illusions, you won’t have unprotected sex again.

Tropical Illusions was written as fiction, however, it felt real to me. It is the type of book that you can’t put down. You want to keep reading to find out what will happen next. The characters were palatable, the story was raw and explosive. Bowens did an excellent job as I was able to visualize and feel everything as if I was there.

I highly recommend Tropical Illusions, as it has an important and life saving message. I believe it needs to be read by as many people as possible, especially the youth.

After being sentenced to 19 years to be served in federal prison, John Bowens utilized his time by furthering his education. During his incarceration he lost a friend to HIV/AIDS which prompted him to begin writing. He was born and raised in NYC but currently resides in Charlotte, NC where he is an advocate encouraging others to join the fight against HIV and AIDS as well as the fight against illiteracy.