Reviews for Using What You Got

The average rating for Using What You Got based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2017-04-12 00:00:00 Ross Mcphail Using What You Got was a quick read. Miller penned a work that depicted the challenges of a young girl coming of age in Harlem. Tiara, the main character, is very intelligent and beautiful on the outside but limited in her abilities to see worth in others. She attends City College with the aspirations of attending law school. She meets up with a young man who has all of the outside charms that she finds attractive (looks, a nice ride and money). He also had a means, whether legal or not, that ensured that the material things could continue to be at his hand. Along with her sister, Tiara, was the apple of her father's eye. There is nothing that he wouldn't do for his girls. He proved that over and over again, so he thought, by never denying them anything. Their mother had walked out on them 12 years ago and he did not want them to ever hurt again. He had support from his sister when it came to the girls. Reggie had never placed limits on the girls. He stated he had raised Tiara to look for a "thoroughbred" and therefore, those with limited or average means were not worthy of her. Her aunt was a phenomenal lady. Prior to an accident she was known to be a beautiful lady. She devoted a great deal of time to ensuring that the girls had a solid female figure in their lives. She would, when necessary, go toe-to-toe with Tiara and remind her that she had a great deal of growing up to do and that nothing was free. She was the epitome of discipline and support...and helped her niece to see with her heart as opposed to with her eyes. Reggie, the father, in encouraging her to seek the very best, neglected to let her know that everything that glittered wasn't gold. Because of her inability to see beyond what was present...she would make a poor choice that would prove to be as devastating for her and possibly for her father. In the end, the very ones that she slighted, "the average ones," with snide remarks and punches, are the ones that were there for her. In the end, the "average ones," as her father would come to know, were more than worthy. Tiara's family of origin and friends (Rashad and Alice) would help her to see that beauty is more than skin deep. Using what you got....may mean that sometimes we have to hear the ugly truth...the ugly truth can be costly...but it can also richly reward. Note: Because of the profanity utilized in the book...it should only be read by mature readers or those with parental permission.

Review # 2 was written on 2010-07-19 00:00:00 Joseph Rolli The quality of the writing makes up for the predictability of the plot. I enjoyed the characters, and the pace of the story was just right. GENRE: Fiction: Urban fiction, realistic fiction, problem solving. SUBJECT/THEMES: Self improvement, greed, narcissism, ethical issues, personal growth, self-discovery. SUMMARY: Tiara wants to nab the best man she can, get out of the projects, and prove to the young females still in the projects that they can be like her. The problem is, for Tiara, a good man is one that has lots of money, looks good, and will spoil her. Throughout the story, Tiara discovers what she really wants, and learns more about herself in the process. EVALUATION: This was the first urban fiction book I've read, and I can understand the appeal. I found the book somewhat predictable, though that did not detract from my enjoyment. Tiara, her father and aunt, her male friends and her girlfriends all comprise very strong character roles, and I especially liked seeing how Tiara changed at the end of the story, for her greed and selfishness were becoming unbearable. This book had some language, some violence, and some alluding to sex (but no descriptions), yet was still shelved in the adult section of my library. WHY I WOULD INCLUDE IT: It was easy to read, and written in such a natural manner that would appeal to urban youth that talk the same way the characters do, and understand the situations the characters deal with. This is a good example of urban fiction that does not need to be excessively graphic in order to have appeal and a message. ITEMS WITH SIMILAR APPEAL: • Bad Girls, by Shannon Holmes. • Satin Nights, by Karen Quiones Miller. • The Coldest Winter Ever: A Novel, by Sister Souljah. • A Do Right Man, by Omar Tyree.