When I started reading Forever My Lady, I was taken by Rivera's simple--though not simplistic--and breezy style. He easily creates so much with so little, he almost makes writing a touching, provocative love story seem easy. Almost. From the terse, spot-on dialogue, to the striking, at times very funny, descriptions, you get hooked.
I have to admit I didn't like Dio, the main character, at first. He was brash, self-centered, and obnoxious. At the same time, Rivera created in him a certain dopey innocence which led me wanting to see Dio grow.
I'm glad I hung in there with Dio. His journey, daunting, painful, hilarious, and, ultimately, heart-breaking, had me racing through the pages, eager to see Dio find himself.
Anton A. Hill
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Forever My Lady is a story of perseverance, growth in mentality, and the coming of age of a boy as he matures into a man.
The story is centralized around Dio Rodriguez and his lover Jennifer. Dio gets a second chance at life at the beginning of the story in a prison boot camp. Dio grew up with an abusive, alcoholic mom, which was instrumental in his becoming enveloped in the gang life. He encounters his love interest on the mean streets as she has also run from an abusive life with her family and has resorted to prostitution with dreams of fame and fortune via her gift as a singer. Their love and loyalty to each other is strong but due to his destructive lifestyle, tragedy strikes and the games really begin.
Forever My Lady paints a sordid picture of young love with the dysfunctional mentality and how despite Dio's background, and the numerous obstacles that he encounters on his journey, how he's able to overcome each and every trial. He becomes a better person because of all that he has endured.
I commend Mr. Rivera for the completion of his debut novel. Forever My Lady is full of subliminal messages aimed to inspire as the tale unfolds of one troubled youth in today's cruel and uncaring society. I liked Rivera's consistency in the unveiling of his characters and how he developed their personalities. However, this story needed more spice. There wasn't any real excitement, just a narration of a story. All in all, Forever My Lady is still a decent novel by Jeff Rivera.
Reviewed by Tazzytbossye for Urban Reviews
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Forever My Lady Jeff Rivera Genre: Urban Fiction APOOO rating: 4 Amazon.com rating: 4
A Hard Knock Life
Forever My Lady is a book that vividly tells the influence the street life can have on a person's mind, body and soul. Jeff Rivera shows the constant struggle an individual can have within themselves to survive on a daily basis and in life when they are dealt a bad hand. Rivera proves through his eloquent use of words that the path one chooses in their life comes with many twists and turns.
Dio "Playboy" Rodriguez grows up with many strikes against him. The family that he shares a home with causes mental anguish and abuse in what should be a nurturing environment. It is the family on the streets that welcomes him into the fold and will serve as the force that raises him. The rules of the street life will prove to be conflicting to Dio's heart as he finds love in another lost soul, his middle school sweetheart, Jennifer. The walls that surround the heart of this thug come tumbling down when he falls deeply for Jennifer and the glistening of hope of the life that they could share together. But the future of these two young lovers will hit a brick wall with such force when a tragic event occurs in their life and Dio is sent to boot camp. Will Dio clean up his act while in boot camp? Will love truly prevail for Dio and Jennifer?
Jeff Rivera tells an extraordinary tale of struggle, abuse, perseverance and transformation. In doing all of this, Rivera was able to acquaint the readers with a love story from the streets. Rivera is a talented author with the ability to breathe life into the characters on the pages. Rivera has pieced together a well-crafted book that I would recommend to lovers of urban fiction and young adults.
Reviewed by Sharon Russ APOOO BookClub
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Jeff even emails you back with his suggestions. I've been passing this wonderful novel around to younger friends. I'll buy any book written by Jeff Rivera.
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Dio Rodriguez knows the side of Las Vegas that the high rollers and tourists never see. He has grown up in a rough neighborhood far from the glitter of the neon lights of the Strip or the Downtown. At thirteen, he joined a gang because that was the only way to survive, but understands that he must always act tough.
However, now seventeen, Dio hides his soft side from the world because if his peers learn of any trait they consider a weakness, they will use and abuse it to get at him. Only his girlfriend Jennifer knows the inner Dio. However, his life spins out of control when his beloved Jennifer is hospitalized following a drive by shooting and Dio is sent to prison boot camp. He worries about her and when he learns she is carrying his offspring, Dio vows to turn his life around and make a family with her although his options to leave the mean streets seem limited.
Jeff Rivera provides a terrific character driven redemption tale starring an interesting protagonist who much of the audience will not initially like and anticipate his lying dead in the streets. When the audience meets Jennifer they see the inner soft side of Dio that he hides from everyone else as a protective mechanism. At the boot camp, with a goal for the future, he detests authority figures, especially his drill instructor yet at the same time gains a deep understanding of the need for self- discipline if he is to make it. Mr. Rivera provides a powerful relationship tale focusing on the concept of caring for someone else proves a strong motivator to get off the streets and make it.
Harriet Klausner
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A powerful love story that is not pure soft. Jeff Rivera does a great job in taking the reader throug a ride of Dio Rodrigez caught in a hold while fighting his inner battle of holding back his acts of pride and violence to better his life out of pure love. I absolutely loved it and I look foward to the next read!
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"Forever My Lady," by Jeff Rivera, is written from Dio's point of view. You can understand how his mind works. He does not have much going for him. He lives in a world of violence. Dio is filled with anger. He has a reason to be angry. A single mother in Las Vegas raised him and, by age 13, he was in a gang and carried a gun tucked in his clothing. A drive-by shooting injures Jennifer and leads Dio to a prison boot camp.
Dio and Jennifer pledged their love to each other as children. She was the only one that ever understood him. Writing letters to Jennifer kept Dio going through his time in the harsh prison boot camp. Both teens begin to grow, mature. Dio grows from a brute to a mature young man. Jennifer moved on with her life. While Dio was serving his sentence, Jennifer met someone else. She is in the midst of her wedding when Dio shows up at the church to attempt to win her love again.
"Forever My Lady," by Jeff Rivera, is not a book I would purchase. I had never heard the term Urban Lit, literature written for street kids. I did not care for this book, but it was not written for me. Despite whether I liked the book or not, in my judgment, Jeff Rivera is a very talented author. Mr. Rivera' characters came alive on the pages. Dio's emotions were raw. He was so filled with anger that he could not think logically. While most people will not relate to this story, urban young adults will. Reading this book is like watching urban life through safety glass. I feel protected and yet horrified. We will be hearing much more from Jeff Rivera. I recommend this book to Young Urban Adults.
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Jeff did a phenomenal job of capturing the truest essence of young love when all you have in this world is that one person to hold onto.
This book took me back to my own struggle with young love, the unanswerable question of, "is this my soul mate," and how you react when you are in the process of losing them as you grow apart.
Forever My Lady is an honest representation of growing up in the hood and growing up in your heart!
~ Ivan Sanchez, Author of Next Stop: Growing up Wild Style in The Bronx
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Forever My Lady is a story about young Dio Rodriguez who was a tough guy raised in the streets. He grew up wit a drunk and abusive mother and was also discriminated against by the teachers in his school. The only bright spot he had in his life was is one and only love, Jennifer. It all goes wrong when he gets locked up and Jennifer gets hurt. Now Dio who is on the inside has 2 try to keep his relationship with Jennifer in tact, but how can he do so by just writing letters. Will Jennifer find another love and forget about Dio? If she does will Dio let that happen even if it means hurting Jennifer? I really enjoyed Forever My Lady. It was a great love story with a twist. Usually in a love story the two lovers actually saw each other. In this book they only communicated via letters. It was very interesting to view and notice the changes in their writing. Jeff Rivera did a great job and i cant wait till he makes another book.
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A wonderful story that I just couldnt put down! It truely reads like real life. I know many people who's lives were lived just like this book. Can't wait for his next writing.
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"Forever My Lady" is a very touching book. It has brought alot of positive energy into my life. I bealieve that they should make a movie ot of it. I really enjoyed reading this book, that i read over 5 times already. For the people who havent read it, i highly recommend it.
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This is an excellent book! I read it in three days! Jeff did a great job of presenting characters that you could see and feel. Jeff cares about his craft and it showed on each and every page. This is a must buy/must read!!
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This book is AWESOME. I read the entire book in one sitting. I could NOT put it down. As I was reading the book it was like the author was sitting across from me, telling me a story. And with my eyes closed I could picture the characters and actually hear and visualize them in my head and how/what they would say and react. It was GREAT!!!! BETTER than John Grisham, Tom Clancy, and Michael Crichton these are all my favorite authors, and Jeff Rivera is BETTER, because for me it more about writing style and Jeff has a style that is more visual and emotional, and I prefer that. I am looking forward to reading more books from him. He has what it take to be a world class author. No that's not right HE IS A WORLD CLASS AUTHOR. Not all books should be a movie, but this one should be. I can't wait for Jeff to come out with more books. I also hope he puts up a meet the writer page so we can read and maybe hear more about how he develop these characters. I highly recommend this book!!!!
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Looking at the cover I thought this was going to be a typical "chick" book. I was happily surprised to find an extremely well written story that developed the characters so thoroughly I felt as though I knew them, their culture, and pulled for them at each twist and turn. I would highly recommend this book. It was hard to put down.
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Jeff Rivera is doing it up for the Latino Community! Forever My Lady is definitely a book that once you start reading it you can't put it down. The main character Dio has had a hard, lonely life that leads him down the wrong path. As he pays for his mistakes, he shows a passionate side for that one person who gives him the motivation and strength to change and become the man he should be.
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Forever My Lady is remarkable love story. Dio is sent to boot camp and later finds out his lady is pregnant. The only thing he can think of is getting back home to her. While at camp you see Dio grow from a thug into a man. You root for him and you hope that he and Jennifer can stand the winds of time. The supporting characters are well developed. This was an oustanding story. I hate the fact that Rivera left me hanging for the next book. I'm left with so many questions as to what will happen next. come on with book 2. Voted Best Urban Fiction 2005 Voted Best New Author 2005
Mahogany Media Review Albany, N.Y.
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"Forever My Lady" by Jeff Rivera is a moving love story about Dio and his girlfriend Jennifer and the bad deals they had in life. "Forever My Lady" was an easy read containing strong every day language, while at the same time avoiding too much profanity or sexual content. Throughout the book, Rivera offers interesting details, not only about the relationship between Dio and Jennifer, but also about other important factors that affected each of their lives. Rivera keeps the reader's interest by detailing the everyday situations where the aforementioned individuals come across other interesting real life characters who were dealing with their own situations. One such character was a boy named Simon whom Dio befriended while in boot camp and who had the potential to become famous.
Overall, "Forever My Lady" offers valuable lessons to all readers, whether they identify with those same situations or not. Prior to boot camp, Dio was a victim of the streets. But, once he went through boot camp, he saw life differently, being he was no longer hindered by the pressures and lifestyle from his old neighborhood. That change that occurred in his life serves well as a turning point in the story.
While Rivera offers much detail about how Dio got into the gang, he fails to elaborate more on certain other important factors such as his relationship with his mom, how his girlfriend became a prostitute and what became of the drummer boy. This leaves the reader wanting to find out more as the reading goes on with this page turner. Hence, the former if left with no choice but to wait with anticipation for the sequel to a very interesting and nicely written novel.
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This is such a great book. I couldn't put it down and read it in one and a half days. Being a playwright myself, I am very sensitive to dialogue and the dialogue of the characters in this book is honest and real and true. The writer also doesn't waste time giving us unimportant info to set up scenes ...he goes straight to the heart of the story and keeps you there until the end. You actually feel the character's emotions immediately. Excellent book. I highly recommend it.
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This is definately one of the best books I've ever read. I was hooked from beginning to end. The story has a much more deeper meaning than meets the eye. A must read for those who enjoy reading or like to read a book every now and then. You won't regret it. Keep your eye on Jeff Rivera. Now I have to wait for the sequel. :-)
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Watch out for this author. There is so much talent in this book and the characters are so real, I feel like I would recognize them as I walked down the street. That takes true to life talent.
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Obviously a good book, based on the star review. But what you have to know is that the story line takes you on a very realistic journey through the protagonist's mind, and in such a way that... well... just try it.
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This book is worth reading and sharing with others. GO & GET THIS BOOK.... I've learned a little bit more about people, life, and love while reading Forever My Lady by Jeff Rivera. CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN...
-Author/Song Writer/Poet & Local Best Seller of "Undiscovered Emotions" EUSTACE M. BELLILLE
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If first impressions are a prerequisite for success, then Jeff Rivera is on his way. This book is well written, well paced and very emotional. For a first-time writer, Rivera presses forward with the style and prose of a master wordsmith.
Keep an eye on this writer. I'm sure we'll all be seeing much more of him and his literary works.
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There are a lot of people who can write, but not many can live up to the old addage of "turn a phrase". I have always been hit hardest by the authors who could not only write, but could turn a phrase and that's what I liked about "Forever my lady". With expert writing and raw emotional content, this is a must read for anyone.
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There is nothing more powerful in this world then the power of LOVE! I can't wait for the sequel! It seems to me that this author, Jeff Rivera is on his way to being one of our best, if not the best authors of our time! Let's keep an eye on him! :)
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Forever My Lady by Jeff Rivera is a touching story that takes place in the barrio and reads almost like a modern day Romeo and Juliet. Mr. Rivera has roots in the rough setting in which this story takes place. Although one need not have real world experience to justfy art, in the case of Forever My Lady, Rivera's background helps lend a sense of realism to the story. I highly reccomend this book to anyone who enjoys this type of real-world, romantic fiction. Why only four stars? Because to praise any first outing that highly is a disservice to the artist and leaves them with no other place to go. This is still however an exceptional work by a gifted author who will only get better with age.
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This book was the most exciting book I have read this year. The turns it took were perfect and kept me coming back for more. The characters were deep and full. I really felt for them. What a great story. I read it in one day, you couldn't keep it away form me. I also love the ending. I'm dying for the sequel. I wish there were more books out there like Forever My Lady.
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Jeffrey Rivera in "Forever My Lady" tells a wonderful story of a young man who has to pay a high price, jail and the permanent loss of his soul mate, to discover who he is and where he is going. The dialogue is so true to the characters that you seem to be standing in the room with them when they speak. I loved this book. I started it late one night and couldn't put it down until the end.
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Life is all about lessons. We do bad things. We do good things. It's hard to be good. I think taking the hard road is what this young man's journey is all about. He learned compassion. What a beautiful message to send, Jeff!
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If you have blood running through your veins and a beating heart, you will LOVE Rivera's work, Forever My Lady! I was hooked on the first page and I couldn't put it down! Rivera had me like putty in his hands through the entire roller- coaster ride, reading his book! Definitely a must-read! I guarantee anyone who reads this book will find people they know in it, including themselves. What a work of art! I can't wait until his next book!!!!!!!
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Forever My Lady by Jeff Rivera is wonderful. Nothin will come close to how great this book is. It talks about the truth with how life is. I didn't want to put the book down. I stopped doing everything else just to read.
It's one of very few novels I can relate to. Jeff Rivera is an insperation to all Hispanics/Mexicans/Latinos to strive to become better people. To realise that this gang life we live isnt what we should be doing.
Just like Dio struggled through life, so did we. Rivera is starting a new generation of writing. The descriptions are so clear you can be able to picture everything thats going on. We can all learn from what is happening in this book.
Recomended to all. This book makes me speachless, thats how good it is.
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When seventeen-year-old Dio Rodriguez first arrives in prison boot camp, all he wants is to do his time and get out as soon as possible. But his training officer, Jackson, won't let him slide. Unable to see his girlfriend, who is in the hospital severely injured from a drive-by shooting, Dio is frantic, but helpless. He manages to correspond with her in letters, but can feel her becoming more and more distant. Then they find out she's pregnant and he knows things will be okay. He'll get out, turn his life around and make a home for himself and his family. But will he? She's heard his promises before and has dreams of her own. She has a life and he's stuck in boot camp until he graduates. Can he turn his life around and achieve his own dreams?
Forever My Lady is a fast-paced coming of age novel set in the barrio and in prison boot camp. Jeff Rivera has done a wonderful job bringing his teenagers to life. From Dio to the cruel Grossaint, to the skinny rich-kid loner, Simon, each has a story. Parental guidance is advised, but I think it should be a must read for any teen, especially those exposed to gang activity.
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This is one of the few novels that i really like. I am really able to relate to this book in my own way. And the fact taht he is one of the few latin writers out there it will be able to inspire other latinos to reach for there goals and never let anyone bring them down no matter what people say about achieving something in life.
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I recently read Jeff Rivera's book "Forever My Lady." A few paragraphs into the novel and I was hooked. Once you start to read you won't want to put the book down. But just what makes this novel so powerful? Realism...
The characters, Dio and Jennifer, and very real. Any brown person can relate the characters to somebody who is in their own lives; possibly themselves. I know how it feels for people to take one look at you and think they know who you are. That is the problem that has plagued Dio his whole life.
No matter how Dio looks or what he has done in his life, he is a human being with real emotion and ambition. He is only a product of his environment. Jeff Rivera portrays a man who would be called a "gang member" or "terrorist" by the American media as a man...not an animal. BUY THIS BOOK! You won't be disappointed.
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Well written. Strong phenomenal author. His writting encourages the typical hispanic/latino/mexican to strive for a better tomorrow. Great literature to add next to my collection of hispanic literature. Thank you Mr Rivera.
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This book is no doubt one to read.They context and the way the author writes,makes the reader relate to any of the events although they themselves may not be experiencing the same problems. "Forever My Lady", is very easy to read and makes you not want to put the book down.Having read many other books based on street and gang life, this is one of the best ones that I have read. Its a great book full of life and romance. Great book! I highly highly reccommend this book by Jeff Rivera.
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MAN I TOUGHT THIS NOVEL WAS CRAZY. THIS STORY IS EXCITING AND IT KEEPS YOU IN SUSPENCE. I LIKED HOW THIS DOWN AZZ VATO (DIO) CRY'S FOR HIS LOVE (JENNIFER) CAUSE SHE ENDS UP BEING WITH SOME OTHER FOO!! MAN EVERYTIME I FINISHED READING A SENTENCE I COULDNT WAIT TO READ WHAT WAS GONNA HAPPEND NEXT. TO ALL YOU WHO HAVENT READ THE BOOK YOU SHOULD.
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4 stars only for the fact I didn't read the whole book I read the sample and it left me hanging wanting more. I suggest this book to anyone who's had a relationship or looking to find one(in a book). The Author really emerses you into the story it's almost as if you are there witnessing the story as it takes place. When I pick up the novel and finish it, I'll be back to give Jeff Rivera the other star that I'm sure this novel desirves.
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For his first novel Mr. Rivera has outdone himself. It is a captivating story of love that any helpless romantic would love. The hispanic population can also connect with many of the characters. I greatly enjoyed this book and can't wait for more outstanding work from Mr. Rivera.
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This book is very powerful and sends a positive message. Once you start reading it, you don't want to put it down. It really lets the reader see life from a different perspective. It teaches us not to judge people and that, no matter how bad life may seem, there is always a way to make it better for yourself. The storyline is captivating and imaginative. I would recommend it to everyone!
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This book is filled with vivid imagery that will catch your interest from the Prologue and captivate your imagination till the end. And the fact that this book is based on a real life account makes it all that more intriguing. I look forward to reading more of this author's books.
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Forever My Lady: A novel This book is a wonderful depiction of what happens to latino youth, when not given the chances in life they deserve. This story tells about a boy/man trying to get his life together for his lady on the outside. I felt every bit of what the main character Dio felt, and I pulled for him the entire way. The ending is not what you would expect, but it is beautiful. I can't say enough abo0ut this novel. Pick it up......It will hit home especially if you are a west coaster and familiar with the latino culture out here.
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When I started reading Forever My Lady, I was taken by Rivera's simple--though not simplistic--and breezy style. He easily creates so much with so little, he almost makes writing a touching, provocative love story seem easy. Almost. From the terse, spot-on dialogue, to the striking, at times very funny, descriptions, you get hooked.
I have to admit I didn't like Dio, the main character, at first. He was brash, self-centered, and obnoxious. At the same time, Rivera created in him a certain dopey innocence which led me wanting to see Dio grow.
I'm glad I hung in there with Dio. His journey, daunting, painful, hilarious, and, ultimately, heart-breaking, had me racing through the pages, eager to see Dio find himself.
Anton A. Hill
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Forever My Lady is a story of perseverance, growth in mentality, and the coming of age of a boy as he matures into a man.
The story is centralized around Dio Rodriguez and his lover Jennifer. Dio gets a second chance at life at the beginning of the story in a prison boot camp. Dio grew up with an abusive, alcoholic mom, which was instrumental in his becoming enveloped in the gang life. He encounters his love interest on the mean streets as she has also run from an abusive life with her family and has resorted to prostitution with dreams of fame and fortune via her gift as a singer. Their love and loyalty to each other is strong but due to his destructive lifestyle, tragedy strikes and the games really begin.
Forever My Lady paints a sordid picture of young love with the dysfunctional mentality and how despite Dio's background, and the numerous obstacles that he encounters on his journey, how he's able to overcome each and every trial. He becomes a better person because of all that he has endured.
I commend Mr. Rivera for the completion of his debut novel. Forever My Lady is full of subliminal messages aimed to inspire as the tale unfolds of one troubled youth in today's cruel and uncaring society. I liked Rivera's consistency in the unveiling of his characters and how he developed their personalities. However, this story needed more spice. There wasn't any real excitement, just a narration of a story. All in all, Forever My Lady is still a decent novel by Jeff Rivera.
Reviewed by Tazzytbossye for Urban Reviews
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Forever My Lady Jeff Rivera Genre: Urban Fiction APOOO rating: 4 Amazon.com rating: 4
A Hard Knock Life
Forever My Lady is a book that vividly tells the influence the street life can have on a person's mind, body and soul. Jeff Rivera shows the constant struggle an individual can have within themselves to survive on a daily basis and in life when they are dealt a bad hand. Rivera proves through his eloquent use of words that the path one chooses in their life comes with many twists and turns.
Dio "Playboy" Rodriguez grows up with many strikes against him. The family that he shares a home with causes mental anguish and abuse in what should be a nurturing environment. It is the family on the streets that welcomes him into the fold and will serve as the force that raises him. The rules of the street life will prove to be conflicting to Dio's heart as he finds love in another lost soul, his middle school sweetheart, Jennifer. The walls that surround the heart of this thug come tumbling down when he falls deeply for Jennifer and the glistening of hope of the life that they could share together. But the future of these two young lovers will hit a brick wall with such force when a tragic event occurs in their life and Dio is sent to boot camp. Will Dio clean up his act while in boot camp? Will love truly prevail for Dio and Jennifer?
Jeff Rivera tells an extraordinary tale of struggle, abuse, perseverance and transformation. In doing all of this, Rivera was able to acquaint the readers with a love story from the streets. Rivera is a talented author with the ability to breathe life into the characters on the pages. Rivera has pieced together a well-crafted book that I would recommend to lovers of urban fiction and young adults.
Reviewed by Sharon Russ APOOO BookClub
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Jeff even emails you back with his suggestions. I've been passing this wonderful novel around to younger friends. I'll buy any book written by Jeff Rivera.
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Dio Rodriguez knows the side of Las Vegas that the high rollers and tourists never see. He has grown up in a rough neighborhood far from the glitter of the neon lights of the Strip or the Downtown. At thirteen, he joined a gang because that was the only way to survive, but understands that he must always act tough.
However, now seventeen, Dio hides his soft side from the world because if his peers learn of any trait they consider a weakness, they will use and abuse it to get at him. Only his girlfriend Jennifer knows the inner Dio. However, his life spins out of control when his beloved Jennifer is hospitalized following a drive by shooting and Dio is sent to prison boot camp. He worries about her and when he learns she is carrying his offspring, Dio vows to turn his life around and make a family with her although his options to leave the mean streets seem limited.
Jeff Rivera provides a terrific character driven redemption tale starring an interesting protagonist who much of the audience will not initially like and anticipate his lying dead in the streets. When the audience meets Jennifer they see the inner soft side of Dio that he hides from everyone else as a protective mechanism. At the boot camp, with a goal for the future, he detests authority figures, especially his drill instructor yet at the same time gains a deep understanding of the need for self- discipline if he is to make it. Mr. Rivera provides a powerful relationship tale focusing on the concept of caring for someone else proves a strong motivator to get off the streets and make it.
Harriet Klausner
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A powerful love story that is not pure soft. Jeff Rivera does a great job in taking the reader throug a ride of Dio Rodrigez caught in a hold while fighting his inner battle of holding back his acts of pride and violence to better his life out of pure love. I absolutely loved it and I look foward to the next read!
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"Forever My Lady," by Jeff Rivera, is written from Dio's point of view. You can understand how his mind works. He does not have much going for him. He lives in a world of violence. Dio is filled with anger. He has a reason to be angry. A single mother in Las Vegas raised him and, by age 13, he was in a gang and carried a gun tucked in his clothing. A drive-by shooting injures Jennifer and leads Dio to a prison boot camp.
Dio and Jennifer pledged their love to each other as children. She was the only one that ever understood him. Writing letters to Jennifer kept Dio going through his time in the harsh prison boot camp. Both teens begin to grow, mature. Dio grows from a brute to a mature young man. Jennifer moved on with her life. While Dio was serving his sentence, Jennifer met someone else. She is in the midst of her wedding when Dio shows up at the church to attempt to win her love again.
"Forever My Lady," by Jeff Rivera, is not a book I would purchase. I had never heard the term Urban Lit, literature written for street kids. I did not care for this book, but it was not written for me. Despite whether I liked the book or not, in my judgment, Jeff Rivera is a very talented author. Mr. Rivera' characters came alive on the pages. Dio's emotions were raw. He was so filled with anger that he could not think logically. While most people will not relate to this story, urban young adults will. Reading this book is like watching urban life through safety glass. I feel protected and yet horrified. We will be hearing much more from Jeff Rivera. I recommend this book to Young Urban Adults.
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Jeff did a phenomenal job of capturing the truest essence of young love when all you have in this world is that one person to hold onto.
This book took me back to my own struggle with young love, the unanswerable question of, "is this my soul mate," and how you react when you are in the process of losing them as you grow apart.
Forever My Lady is an honest representation of growing up in the hood and growing up in your heart!
~ Ivan Sanchez, Author of Next Stop: Growing up Wild Style in The Bronx
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Forever My Lady is a story about young Dio Rodriguez who was a tough guy raised in the streets. He grew up wit a drunk and abusive mother and was also discriminated against by the teachers in his school. The only bright spot he had in his life was is one and only love, Jennifer. It all goes wrong when he gets locked up and Jennifer gets hurt. Now Dio who is on the inside has 2 try to keep his relationship with Jennifer in tact, but how can he do so by just writing letters. Will Jennifer find another love and forget about Dio? If she does will Dio let that happen even if it means hurting Jennifer? I really enjoyed Forever My Lady. It was a great love story with a twist. Usually in a love story the two lovers actually saw each other. In this book they only communicated via letters. It was very interesting to view and notice the changes in their writing. Jeff Rivera did a great job and i cant wait till he makes another book.
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A wonderful story that I just couldnt put down! It truely reads like real life. I know many people who's lives were lived just like this book. Can't wait for his next writing.
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"Forever My Lady" is a very touching book. It has brought alot of positive energy into my life. I bealieve that they should make a movie ot of it. I really enjoyed reading this book, that i read over 5 times already. For the people who havent read it, i highly recommend it.
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This is an excellent book! I read it in three days! Jeff did a great job of presenting characters that you could see and feel. Jeff cares about his craft and it showed on each and every page. This is a must buy/must read!!
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This book is AWESOME. I read the entire book in one sitting. I could NOT put it down. As I was reading the book it was like the author was sitting across from me, telling me a story. And with my eyes closed I could picture the characters and actually hear and visualize them in my head and how/what they would say and react. It was GREAT!!!! BETTER than John Grisham, Tom Clancy, and Michael Crichton these are all my favorite authors, and Jeff Rivera is BETTER, because for me it more about writing style and Jeff has a style that is more visual and emotional, and I prefer that. I am looking forward to reading more books from him. He has what it take to be a world class author. No that's not right HE IS A WORLD CLASS AUTHOR. Not all books should be a movie, but this one should be. I can't wait for Jeff to come out with more books. I also hope he puts up a meet the writer page so we can read and maybe hear more about how he develop these characters. I highly recommend this book!!!!
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Looking at the cover I thought this was going to be a typical "chick" book. I was happily surprised to find an extremely well written story that developed the characters so thoroughly I felt as though I knew them, their culture, and pulled for them at each twist and turn. I would highly recommend this book. It was hard to put down.
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Jeff Rivera is doing it up for the Latino Community! Forever My Lady is definitely a book that once you start reading it you can't put it down. The main character Dio has had a hard, lonely life that leads him down the wrong path. As he pays for his mistakes, he shows a passionate side for that one person who gives him the motivation and strength to change and become the man he should be.
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Forever My Lady is remarkable love story. Dio is sent to boot camp and later finds out his lady is pregnant. The only thing he can think of is getting back home to her. While at camp you see Dio grow from a thug into a man. You root for him and you hope that he and Jennifer can stand the winds of time. The supporting characters are well developed. This was an oustanding story. I hate the fact that Rivera left me hanging for the next book. I'm left with so many questions as to what will happen next. come on with book 2. Voted Best Urban Fiction 2005 Voted Best New Author 2005
Mahogany Media Review Albany, N.Y.
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"Forever My Lady" by Jeff Rivera is a moving love story about Dio and his girlfriend Jennifer and the bad deals they had in life. "Forever My Lady" was an easy read containing strong every day language, while at the same time avoiding too much profanity or sexual content. Throughout the book, Rivera offers interesting details, not only about the relationship between Dio and Jennifer, but also about other important factors that affected each of their lives. Rivera keeps the reader's interest by detailing the everyday situations where the aforementioned individuals come across other interesting real life characters who were dealing with their own situations. One such character was a boy named Simon whom Dio befriended while in boot camp and who had the potential to become famous.
Overall, "Forever My Lady" offers valuable lessons to all readers, whether they identify with those same situations or not. Prior to boot camp, Dio was a victim of the streets. But, once he went through boot camp, he saw life differently, being he was no longer hindered by the pressures and lifestyle from his old neighborhood. That change that occurred in his life serves well as a turning point in the story.
While Rivera offers much detail about how Dio got into the gang, he fails to elaborate more on certain other important factors such as his relationship with his mom, how his girlfriend became a prostitute and what became of the drummer boy. This leaves the reader wanting to find out more as the reading goes on with this page turner. Hence, the former if left with no choice but to wait with anticipation for the sequel to a very interesting and nicely written novel.
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This is such a great book. I couldn't put it down and read it in one and a half days. Being a playwright myself, I am very sensitive to dialogue and the dialogue of the characters in this book is honest and real and true. The writer also doesn't waste time giving us unimportant info to set up scenes ...he goes straight to the heart of the story and keeps you there until the end. You actually feel the character's emotions immediately. Excellent book. I highly recommend it.
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This is definately one of the best books I've ever read. I was hooked from beginning to end. The story has a much more deeper meaning than meets the eye. A must read for those who enjoy reading or like to read a book every now and then. You won't regret it. Keep your eye on Jeff Rivera. Now I have to wait for the sequel. :-)
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Watch out for this author. There is so much talent in this book and the characters are so real, I feel like I would recognize them as I walked down the street. That takes true to life talent.
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Obviously a good book, based on the star review. But what you have to know is that the story line takes you on a very realistic journey through the protagonist's mind, and in such a way that... well... just try it.
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This book is worth reading and sharing with others. GO & GET THIS BOOK.... I've learned a little bit more about people, life, and love while reading Forever My Lady by Jeff Rivera. CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN...
-Author/Song Writer/Poet & Local Best Seller of "Undiscovered Emotions" EUSTACE M. BELLILLE
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If first impressions are a prerequisite for success, then Jeff Rivera is on his way. This book is well written, well paced and very emotional. For a first-time writer, Rivera presses forward with the style and prose of a master wordsmith.
Keep an eye on this writer. I'm sure we'll all be seeing much more of him and his literary works.
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There are a lot of people who can write, but not many can live up to the old addage of "turn a phrase". I have always been hit hardest by the authors who could not only write, but could turn a phrase and that's what I liked about "Forever my lady". With expert writing and raw emotional content, this is a must read for anyone.
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There is nothing more powerful in this world then the power of LOVE! I can't wait for the sequel! It seems to me that this author, Jeff Rivera is on his way to being one of our best, if not the best authors of our time! Let's keep an eye on him! :)
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Forever My Lady by Jeff Rivera is a touching story that takes place in the barrio and reads almost like a modern day Romeo and Juliet. Mr. Rivera has roots in the rough setting in which this story takes place. Although one need not have real world experience to justfy art, in the case of Forever My Lady, Rivera's background helps lend a sense of realism to the story. I highly reccomend this book to anyone who enjoys this type of real-world, romantic fiction. Why only four stars? Because to praise any first outing that highly is a disservice to the artist and leaves them with no other place to go. This is still however an exceptional work by a gifted author who will only get better with age.
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This book was the most exciting book I have read this year. The turns it took were perfect and kept me coming back for more. The characters were deep and full. I really felt for them. What a great story. I read it in one day, you couldn't keep it away form me. I also love the ending. I'm dying for the sequel. I wish there were more books out there like Forever My Lady.
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Jeffrey Rivera in "Forever My Lady" tells a wonderful story of a young man who has to pay a high price, jail and the permanent loss of his soul mate, to discover who he is and where he is going. The dialogue is so true to the characters that you seem to be standing in the room with them when they speak. I loved this book. I started it late one night and couldn't put it down until the end.
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Life is all about lessons. We do bad things. We do good things. It's hard to be good. I think taking the hard road is what this young man's journey is all about. He learned compassion. What a beautiful message to send, Jeff!
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If you have blood running through your veins and a beating heart, you will LOVE Rivera's work, Forever My Lady! I was hooked on the first page and I couldn't put it down! Rivera had me like putty in his hands through the entire roller- coaster ride, reading his book! Definitely a must-read! I guarantee anyone who reads this book will find people they know in it, including themselves. What a work of art! I can't wait until his next book!!!!!!!
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Forever My Lady by Jeff Rivera is wonderful. Nothin will come close to how great this book is. It talks about the truth with how life is. I didn't want to put the book down. I stopped doing everything else just to read.
It's one of very few novels I can relate to. Jeff Rivera is an insperation to all Hispanics/Mexicans/Latinos to strive to become better people. To realise that this gang life we live isnt what we should be doing.
Just like Dio struggled through life, so did we. Rivera is starting a new generation of writing. The descriptions are so clear you can be able to picture everything thats going on. We can all learn from what is happening in this book.
Recomended to all. This book makes me speachless, thats how good it is.
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When seventeen-year-old Dio Rodriguez first arrives in prison boot camp, all he wants is to do his time and get out as soon as possible. But his training officer, Jackson, won't let him slide. Unable to see his girlfriend, who is in the hospital severely injured from a drive-by shooting, Dio is frantic, but helpless. He manages to correspond with her in letters, but can feel her becoming more and more distant. Then they find out she's pregnant and he knows things will be okay. He'll get out, turn his life around and make a home for himself and his family. But will he? She's heard his promises before and has dreams of her own. She has a life and he's stuck in boot camp until he graduates. Can he turn his life around and achieve his own dreams?
Forever My Lady is a fast-paced coming of age novel set in the barrio and in prison boot camp. Jeff Rivera has done a wonderful job bringing his teenagers to life. From Dio to the cruel Grossaint, to the skinny rich-kid loner, Simon, each has a story. Parental guidance is advised, but I think it should be a must read for any teen, especially those exposed to gang activity.
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This is one of the few novels that i really like. I am really able to relate to this book in my own way. And the fact taht he is one of the few latin writers out there it will be able to inspire other latinos to reach for there goals and never let anyone bring them down no matter what people say about achieving something in life.
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I recently read Jeff Rivera's book "Forever My Lady." A few paragraphs into the novel and I was hooked. Once you start to read you won't want to put the book down. But just what makes this novel so powerful? Realism...
The characters, Dio and Jennifer, and very real. Any brown person can relate the characters to somebody who is in their own lives; possibly themselves. I know how it feels for people to take one look at you and think they know who you are. That is the problem that has plagued Dio his whole life.
No matter how Dio looks or what he has done in his life, he is a human being with real emotion and ambition. He is only a product of his environment. Jeff Rivera portrays a man who would be called a "gang member" or "terrorist" by the American media as a man...not an animal. BUY THIS BOOK! You won't be disappointed.
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Well written. Strong phenomenal author. His writting encourages the typical hispanic/latino/mexican to strive for a better tomorrow. Great literature to add next to my collection of hispanic literature. Thank you Mr Rivera.
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This book is no doubt one to read.They context and the way the author writes,makes the reader relate to any of the events although they themselves may not be experiencing the same problems. "Forever My Lady", is very easy to read and makes you not want to put the book down.Having read many other books based on street and gang life, this is one of the best ones that I have read. Its a great book full of life and romance. Great book! I highly highly reccommend this book by Jeff Rivera.
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MAN I TOUGHT THIS NOVEL WAS CRAZY. THIS STORY IS EXCITING AND IT KEEPS YOU IN SUSPENCE. I LIKED HOW THIS DOWN AZZ VATO (DIO) CRY'S FOR HIS LOVE (JENNIFER) CAUSE SHE ENDS UP BEING WITH SOME OTHER FOO!! MAN EVERYTIME I FINISHED READING A SENTENCE I COULDNT WAIT TO READ WHAT WAS GONNA HAPPEND NEXT. TO ALL YOU WHO HAVENT READ THE BOOK YOU SHOULD.
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4 stars only for the fact I didn't read the whole book I read the sample and it left me hanging wanting more. I suggest this book to anyone who's had a relationship or looking to find one(in a book). The Author really emerses you into the story it's almost as if you are there witnessing the story as it takes place. When I pick up the novel and finish it, I'll be back to give Jeff Rivera the other star that I'm sure this novel desirves.
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For his first novel Mr. Rivera has outdone himself. It is a captivating story of love that any helpless romantic would love. The hispanic population can also connect with many of the characters. I greatly enjoyed this book and can't wait for more outstanding work from Mr. Rivera.
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This book is very powerful and sends a positive message. Once you start reading it, you don't want to put it down. It really lets the reader see life from a different perspective. It teaches us not to judge people and that, no matter how bad life may seem, there is always a way to make it better for yourself. The storyline is captivating and imaginative. I would recommend it to everyone!
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This book is filled with vivid imagery that will catch your interest from the Prologue and captivate your imagination till the end. And the fact that this book is based on a real life account makes it all that more intriguing. I look forward to reading more of this author's books.
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Forever My Lady: A novel This book is a wonderful depiction of what happens to latino youth, when not given the chances in life they deserve. This story tells about a boy/man trying to get his life together for his lady on the outside. I felt every bit of what the main character Dio felt, and I pulled for him the entire way. The ending is not what you would expect, but it is beautiful. I can't say enough abo0ut this novel. Pick it up......It will hit home especially if you are a west coaster and familiar with the latino culture out here.
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For a first novel Jeff Rivera did a pretty good job. The story started off great and it held my attention til the end. I felt so sorry for Dio, all he had to look forward to was the letters from Jennifer. Jennifer on the other hand did not seem to get the importance of the letters, or she just didn't care. Jennifer, I hope learns that if you are no longer interested in a person, you should be up front with them and not lead them on. Dio recovers at the end of the book. It was an enjoyable read.
This book is great. i was first intrigued by the cover. i know they say dont judge a book by its cover but this one has a great cover and is a great novel. I couldnt put the book down. You feel like you are living the life of the main character Dio, like you are just as anxious to get the letters that Jennifer sends him. What i like most about this book is that its realistic, life is not always a fairytale and sometimes things happen for a reason.
Dio Rodriguez knows the side of Las Vegas that the high rollers and tourists never see. He has grown up in a rough neighborhood far from the glitter of the neon lights of the Strip or the Downtown. At thirteen, he joined a gang because that was the only way to survive, but understands that he must always act tough.--------------- However, now seventeen, Dio hides his soft side from the world because if his peers learn of any trait they consider a weakness, they will use and abuse it to get at him. Only his girlfriend Jennifer knows the inner Dio. However, his life spins out of control when his beloved Jennifer is hospitalized following a drive by shooting and Dio is sent to prison boot camp. He worries about her and when he learns she is carrying his offspring, Dio vows to turn his life around and make a family with her although his options to leave the mean streets seem limited.---------------- Jeff Rivera provides a terrific character driven redemption tale starring an interesting protagonist who much of the audience will not initially like and anticipate his lying dead in the streets. When the audience meets Jennifer they see the inner soft side of Dio that he hides from everyone else as a protective mechanism. At the boot camp, with a goal for the future, he detests authority figures, especially his drill instructor yet at the same time gains a deep understanding of the need for self- discipline if he is to make it. Mr. Rivera provides a powerful relationship tale focusing on the concept of caring for someone else proves a strong motivator to get off the streets and make it.--------------- Harriet Klausner
Intriguing, compelling, and compassionate. Forever My Lady portrays an honest look into the life of an urban street kid overcoming the devastations of life, prison, and love.
I was very excited and wanted to read this book ever since the author Jeff Rivera visited my school to offer a presentation about his writing career. I have been waiting for this book and I was more than pleased once I was able to read it. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone ages 13 and up. Suspenseful and something human, qualities not many pieces of writing have been able to obtain. Well done.
If they sat Rivera's talent on top of my head I'd probably pass out from the over whelming volume and mass of God given gifts that it contains. At first I was a little skeptical, mostly because I am not an avid reader. But I read it any way. Hooked! I was immediately captivated. I was drawn into a world that I didnt know I wanted know, and when I got there I didnt want to leave. This is not a book for Latin Americans, this book is for everyone. Forever My Lady doesnt care what color your skin is , nor your background as it engages you, making us care for a cast of characters that in real life we might villify. This is not just a good read but an eye opening experience into brown skin, making us realize that we are all not so different on the inside. It's a must read! The Buzz is well deserved!
i love this book!esta bien chingon foreals. once you pick it up you cant put it down plus gives me pride that latino writers are gettin out there y todo.
What a read! Very exciting, on the edge suspense, mixed with raw emotional pull that carries you throughout the book. Characters are captivating. The story line is great! A well written, entertaining read.
This book is AWESOME. I read the entire book in one sitting. I could NOT put it down. As I was reading the book it was like the author was sitting across from me, telling me a story. And with my eyes closed I could picture the characters and actually hear and visualize them in my head and how/what they would say and react. It was GREAT!!!! BETTER than John Grisham, Dean Koontz, and Michael Crichton these are all my favorite authors, and Jeff Rivera is BETTER, because for me it more about writing style and Jeff has a style that is more visual and emotional, and I prefer that. I am looking forward to reading more books from him. He has what it take to be a world class author. No that¿s not right HE IS A WORLD CLASS AUTHOR. Not all books should be a movie, but this one should be. I can¿t wait for Jeff to come out with more books. I also hope he puts up a meet the writer page so we can read and maybe hear more about how he develop these characters. I highly recommend this book!!!!
OMG This is one of my favorite books...when I started reading I couldnt put it down, such a great book. Even if you dont like reading this book will change that because it makes you feel like your there watching everything happen..GREAT BOOK..I reccomend it to everyone
I love this book its one of my favorite books of all time it feels like your there watching everything happen you actually feel the emotions they speak of. its really a GREAT BOOK.
All those words and more describe this novel. When you read you realy getinto to the charcters. Feel how they feel see as they see. Not to meny novels I have read have impacted me as much as 'Forever my lady'. Deffinatly read this book. And dont worry its ok to cry we wont tell anyone. -Ryan Elliott
Forever my lady was a awesome book. I like the way he has captured the latin world in the book. Not too much spainsh, just enough. Although I personally would have liked a little more spanish. I just cant believe how he ended the story. That was so upsetting! Jeff needs to hurry up and bring out the 2nd part. Overall the book was really good. It was worth the money and wait. Alrato Homies!
Forever My Lady was one of the best books that I have read this year. You get so into the story that you feel the emotions in the story. I recommend this book to everyone .
This is by far the best book I've ever read. I hate reading most of the time because books don't grab me but this book was GREAT!! It made me believe that it's possible to actually be entertained by a book and made me want to read more books like it. I hope the guy who wrote this writes a lot more books cause he's really good and everyone should definitely go out and read it for sure.
I love Return of The Rvolutionaries by Walter Semkiw. He is a physician who postulates a dna connection that will one day be available for verifying current individules past lifetimes. He has many side by side photos of living individules and their past lifetime portraits or photos. Dorothy Danridge and Halle Berry as one example. Many politicians including Ben Franklin and George Bush Jr. are shown. Facinating reading. I savored every chapter, and enjoyed them like a great meal. Lots of food for thought and inspiration for the present and future.
I throughly enjoyed getting lost in this classic that could become a perrenial favorite for young adults and folks wondering what's this world coming to. I shows the journey of a young gang member through his lock up and then to his redmption. I await the authors next book with great anticipation!
I could not put this book down. I read it on a plane to Orlando, got there before I had finished it. Got to the hotel and dat down and finished it before I unpacked or went to the meetings I in Orlando for. I loved the book.
This book was a great surprise. The characters had much more depth then I expected them to have. You really felt yourself pulling for the main character Dio. A great painting of life for a young Hispanic man in todays society. Very encouraging. I look forward to reading more from this author.
This book is by far the best book I've ever read and I've read a lot. The author knows how to create an emotional roller coaster that everyone can enjoy. Those that want to see this as just street-fiction will see that, those that realize there's so much more to it than that will see that. It tells the story of Dio Rodriguez a Chicano rebel kid who falls in love with his childhood sweetheart Jennifer. They're re-united years later both have pretty messed up lives but when Dio ends up in prison boot camp they write each other back and forth, both trying to improve there lives. Only thing is Dio doesn't realize Jennifer is also starting to date someone else so when he gets out of boot camp and he finds out about it he decides to go to her church on her wedding day to convince her they're meant to be together. This book is an incredible page turner, every single character is 3 dimensional and full of colors and flavors and textures. This would make a great movie by the way and it won't surprise me when this hits the New York Times Bestsellers list. This book is not just for Chicanos, it's for everybody. I didn't know I'd like it this much but both girls and guys will like it too. If this is Jeff Rivera's first novel, the world is in for a treat when he puts out his next one. I hope there's a sequel to this, I heard that there will be.
After a drive-by shooting puts his longtime girlfriend, Jennifer, in the hospital with serious injuries, Dio begins to re-evaluate his situation and his life-from inside a prison boot camp. At first, Jennifer is unwilling to talk or write to him, but she softens over time and the two communicate through letters during her recovery and his sentence. What readers can see in those letters that Dio cannot is that Jennifer has begun to move on-she wants to distance herself from Dio's former life full of gangs and drugs. But to do so, she also must distance herself from Dio. With a few setbacks, Dio is making progress in the camp and has decided that things will be different when he gets out. But he has no idea how everything on the outside has already changed. This first effort from a new author shows his inexperience, but the story is compelling and honest, and teens-especially those in urban areas-will find it utterly relatable and realistic. This story is reminiscent of Kalisha Buckhannon's Upstate (St. Martin's, 2005) in many ways, although this book features Latino characters in Las Vegas instead of Buckhannon's African American characters in New York. Although Rivera's book is not as polished and it is somewhat more predictable, both books have a place on the shelves in urban libraries or libraries with large Latino populations.
VOYA
Forever My Lady is a wonderful book. It describes in vivid words about the main character, Dio, and the problems he goes through for his girl. Just by the prologue anyone could tell that it was going to be a gripping page-turner. It's about love and doing what's right for yourself and others.
Dio "Playboy" Rodríguez grows up poor with a drunk single mother in gritty Las Vegas, leading him into gang life at 13. Now 17, Dio hides a softer side beneath a fierce exterior that's known only to his middle school sweetheart, Jennifer. But when a drive-by leaves Jennifer wounded and sends Dio to prison boot camp, their soul mate relationship is put to the test. Rivera, who originally self-published this debut, traces a classic redemptive arc: perpetually scowling Dio resists the authority of drill instructor Jackson and clashes with fellow inmates, but he pours out his heart in letters to Jennifer, forms meaningful peer relationships and gains an appreciation for discipline. A genuine care for dynamic Dio allows Rivera to deliver a sincere story of transformation.
When seventeen-year-old Dio Rodriguez first arrives in prison boot camp, all he wants is to do his time and get out as soon as possible. But his training officer, Jackson, won’t let him slide. Unable to see his girlfriend, who is in the hospital severely injured from a drive-by shooting, Dio is frantic, but helpless. He manages to correspond with her in letters, but can feel her becoming more and more distant. Then they find out she’s pregnant and he knows things will be okay. He’ll get out, turn his life around and make a home for himself and his family. But will he? She’s heard his promises before and has dreams of her own. She has a life and he’s stuck in boot camp until he graduates. Can he turn his life around and achieve his own dreams?
Forever My Lady is a fast-paced coming of age novel set in the barrio and in prison boot camp. Jeff Rivera has done a wonderful job bringing his teenagers to life. From Dio to the cruel Grossaint, to the skinny rich-kid loner, Simon, each has a story. Parental guidance is advised, but I think it should be a must read for any teen, especially those exposed to gang activity. We give it five hearts.
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