| media_kit_2010_to_2011.doc |
Round Trip Barnes & Noble Reviews
Change for Twenty and the sequel Round Trip? Great story!
Uku Mitchell, July 8, 2010 (Amazon)
If you have been, or have kids that are, or curious to find out, how young adults bond through love, hate, pain, and laughter these two books are a great place to start. I can't begin to tell you how awesome this story is, as well as a great public announcement to the prevention and education about HIV and AIDS.
I had mix feeling with the relationship between Jermaine and Cara. The brother has a stout heart that's for sure.
I would love to see Memo break Seleste down even further by getting her to submit to yet another unthinkable act.
I hope the author decides to continue the journey. If not in my mind Seletse will end up marring Memo and he'll knock her-up every year for five years.
To the author, I really appreciate your passion for writing after you explained the tattoo on your arm. If the world didn't have people like you, it would never change. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and imagination with me and so many others.
Great job!!
Round Trip
Wendell Hutson, 1/26/2009 (Amazon)
After reading the book I found it to be a worth while book.
I enjoyed the whole college scene about three friends going through the bumps in life. From their graduation taking place in Atlanta, America's "Black city," to the graduation ending up in Chicago, the trials and tribulation they each shared along with one another, should at times true friendship between college buddies.
Jermaine was my favorite character because he is about marriage. However, I am not sure if Cara was the woman for him.
Memo and Seleste played their "best supporting" roles well too although having a dad who's an ex-con can be a drag when you are trying to get ahead in this world (if you know what I mean).
Great Book by Young Author
Ceph, A reviewer, 01/20/2008 (Barnes & Noble)
Great book about young people trying to become adults in this crazy world. Reading it you come across the same people you see in real life. The guy who doesn't care about anything but himself the young, confused girl who makes horrible decisions and the main character you can't help but like but who has to deal with a horrible father. The author takes on some issues that most people would rather forget about in our MTV society and by the end you're reminded of people you know in the real world.
A powerful message written the right way
Cassandra Daniels, 12/22/2007 (Amazon)
"Round Trip" is powerful piece of work that I was happy to read. I must say that it was hard for me to read because of the hard-hitting main character that everyone including myself try to hide from: HIV and AIDS. Shamontiel was raw about what this disease can do and will do without the right protective measures. I thought that the reintroduction of the characters; Memo, Cara, Seleste, O, Jermaine and Arnez was great. They're grown, getting married and graduating from college. One thing that I loved about this was that it was like watching my friends. The story didn't feel like a story but real life. After reading "Change For A Twenty", I was happy to see what everyone was doing. All in all, I loved the book, the subject matter and the realness. Although I'm more partial to "Change for A Twenty", I'm happy to see the growth of my "friends".
A Great Read
Phillip R. Cavil, Sr. (mwfrecords@hotmail.com), someone that reads life stories., 11/10/2007 (Barnes & Noble)
Round Trip, the follow up to Change For A Twenty, was a great read. It started where the last one left off and in this book you were put in each of the characters minds. You were able to see thru there eyes how each one of them saw things. My favorite character in the book was Memo. He was very high on family values and that is something that this society has strayed away from. There was some things that I didn't see coming and that is what makes this book a great read. If you haven't read the first you should get both so that you can read them back to back because it was, for me, a long wait for the second. Compared to the first book you can see the growth in this young and talented writer. This series should be given to anyone that is going to attend or already attending college. They both have positve messages that should be shared with our youth.
Couldn't put it down
Jolanta, a book lover, 10/30/2007 (Amazon)
'Round Trip' was an excellent book which I could not put down until I had finished it completely... SERIOUSLY! Shamontiel Vaughn delivers a continuation narrative to her first book ('Change for a Twenty') but with climactic events and closure. The author's tale of friendship, which includes numerous plot twists, keeps the reader persistently interested and yearning for more. If you have read 'Change for a Twenty', you have already become familiar with Vaughn's amiable characters. In addition to the interesting aspect of this story, the author brings to light (via the sequence of events) the impactful social crisis of AIDS. As the readers progress through the chapters of this book, they are challenged to reflect on the AIDS epidemic (prevention, transmission, life after acquiring the disease, etc.). I think this book is defiantly a worthwhile reading experience and I TOTALLY recommend it. Ms. Vaughn is a very talented emerging author and I look forward to her future publications.
Also recommended: Change for a Twenty, This is Not Chick Lit
A reviewer
Celina Castillo, the BXS8R, 10/30/2007 (Barnes & Noble)
I read both Change for a Twenty and Round Trip. Round Trip had me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions that wouldn't end until I got to the end of the book. I felt like I was reading about my own friends and family. I was so into the book, I couldn't go to sleep until I finished it! I actually felt like I was watching a movie LOL I laughed, I gasped, I cried, I cheered!! It was a very good read. Can't wait for the next Shamontiel Vaughn classic!! Keep up the good work!
Also recommended: Change for a Twenty
A reviewer
Alyce Rocco, an Associated Content writer, 10/30/2007 (Barnes & Noble)
I love this book! After the main characters meet up at the airport the story takes off. What I liked was each chapter was written through the eyes of one of the players. Author, Shamontiel, was able to sound like a guy when telling the tale through a guy's eyes. Each of the young adult's personalities shined through the writing and I could easily visualize their looks through descriptions. The story did bring tears to me eyes at certain times. I truly hated for it to end, because it was like saying goodbye to new friends. What I did not know was that I would meet them all again in Ms. Vaughn's 'Change for a Twenty'. That part of the college kids lives came first, but 'Round Trip' gave that background info, so that 'Round Trip' could be read independently of 'Change for a Twenty'. It is a tale with a timely social message, but not at all preachy. The tale was so engrossing I could not put it down until I read it to the end.
Also recommended: Change for a Twenty
Change for a Twenty Barnes & Noble Reviews
Great Book. I recommend you add this to your book collection.
Uku Mitchell, 7/3/2010 (Amazon)
Change for a Twenty, was a blast from the past. I felt twenty-two years old again without pulling the old photo albums out. I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It was captivating, exuberant, suspenseful, funny and provocative. I really look forward to reading "Round Trip." Great job!!
One of my favorite scenes? When Memo is trying to show his little brother what a women shouldn't be like. Hilarious, and very clever how you referenced the title of the book in that scene too. Very nice. But the scene that put me in stitches was Big Brother Sweets disciplining one of his frat one-a-bees looking to cross. Knee slapping moment.
Memo, solid brother.
Cara, naive and insecure but found her self-worth after Jermaine showed her some respect.
Seleste is the one I really like. She reminds me of a deer trying to drink water from a pool, but is so afraid she might get eaten and so remains thirsty. I won't spoil it for you but to say the least one righteous brother does have what it takes to quench her thirst.
I can't wait to find out what happens with Seleste and her internship in New York. I should know in just a few days because Round Trip as just been ordered.
Great Read!
Helen Chang, 1/17/2008 (Amazon)
This is an entertaining novel, and one that is also easy to read and believable. It's easy to get caught up in the story with all the great detail (although the movement of the story would have benefited if some details were left to the imagination). It's a great drama, not only of college-aged individuals, but of the dynamics of friendship, regardless of age. I highly recommend this book. You won't regret it!
Real Life
Alyce Rocco, a lover of literature., 09/06/2007 (Barnes & Noble)
Did you ever read a book where you want to skip over details? This is not one of them. The story grabbed my attention and held it till the end. All the characters remind me of someone I know and I see myself in there as well. I could relate to the ups and downs as the tale progressed and hated for the story to end. I felt like I was saying goodbye to new friends. I could visualize the story as a movie that I would love to watch, although it ended a little sad, but hopeful.
Also recommended: 'Round Trip' Shamontiel L. Vaughn
College relationships
Phyllis Ann (APOOO Book Club), 10/9/2007 (Amazon)
Change For a Twenty introduces readers to Seleste and the friends with whom she interacts. Seleste has an off-campus apartment and is studying law. Just when she is comfortable with the way her life is, she starts getting attention from some of the most sought after guys on campus. She must make a decision on what is better for her. She knows what she wants and is willing to tell it like it is. Seleste is faced with having to tell her best friend, Cara, the secret she has been keeping for some time. Will she lose her friend when she tells her the truth?
Then there is Travis, also known as Memo, who is trying his best to get next to Seleste. He is dealing with family issues that just may keep him from starting a relationship. Will he win over Seleste and keep his family together?
Change For A Twenty is a very entertaining novel. It is filled with drama. I would recommend this book to readers looking for a fast-paced read. I look forward to reading Ms. Vaugn's future offerings.
Phyllis Ann
APOOO BookClub
Change for a Twenty....will give you some change and some..........
Yoisha J., somone that appreciates a good book, 08/03/2007 (Barnes & Noble)
The book club that I am apart of decided to pick “Change for a Twenty” up....for our July monthly read. I must say………I was truly impressed! The book definitely took me back to my college days…and was definitely something I could relate to personally! I found myself sucked into the plot of the story and its characters. I laughed, I almost cried (I said almost), I smiled, I frowned, I got angry, and all of the above with this book. The characters definitely struck some emotions while reading……….I found myself talking to the book most of the time as if I was watching a movie or something. Overall, I think that “Change for a Twenty” is a good read and truly recommend picking it up….it doesn’t target one specific age range or a group of people….….but is suitable for the whole family to read. “Change for a Twenty” definitely leaves you wanting more! Please go get your copy today…..believe me……………. you don’t want to miss this! *10 Thumbs UP!
Also recommended: The Red Tent For Color Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf A Piece of Cake The Five People you Meet in Heaven Coldest Winter Ever Etc.
Change for a Twenty
Jolanta, A reviewer, 07/03/2007 (Amazon)
I thought that this book was quite entertaining and easy to read. I REALLY liked how the author described all of the characters (oftentimes the descriptors were very poetic, allowing the reader to conjure up vivid images). I enjoyed the fact that the book is set in Chicago. I could personally identify with all of the areas that were included. Seleste was a very sharp young lady who had her head on straight. The book's dialog was witty and amusing. Memo's family drama added an interesting element to the story and made the reader think about familial impact (especially on Memo's little brother). The author is a very talented writer and I look forward to reading a future book of hers.
LOVED IT!!
Celina, A reviewer, 03/09/2007 (LuLu, Barnes & Noble)
It took me back to my college days! it only took me two days to read it!! it was a definite page turner. I'll recommend this book to everyone i know. Thanks for the good read!
Unpredictable.
Phillip R. Cavil, Sr. (mwfrecords@hotmail.com), someone who doesn't read alot., 03/01/2007 (Barnes & Noble)
The two main characters, Seleste and Memo(Travis) come across as two people that have goals set, and they are not going to let no one drive them off course. Both of them have very serious trust issues and you know why Memo does but it is never explained why Seleste does. This book is writen so well that you don't miss it. If I had to pick just one thing to write about this book it would be how Seleste's morals is not the main subject but it is. In society these days being moral is looked down upon and Seleste brings a new light to the subject. She is not your normal college aged student in that sense. Seleste comes across to me as a beautiful young woman who wants to be in a relationship but that is not her main focus in life and she is not willing to settle. She has a best friend(Cara)that she sees going thru so much drama and guys are in the middle of it all. Now Memo on the other hand has had his fair share of drama. His father, the football team, his brother, his mother, school and his ex Cherese. Thru all this you see him growing up into a man and he has the same attitude about settling. Both of the main charates do some unpredictable things and that is what makes this book a excelent read. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down. This book should be in some classrooms being discussed and reviewed with our youth. Especially with the girls. Both characters have something to offer as a positve role model for both sexes. These are not the only characters in the book and they all bring something to the table to discuss with your kids or friends. This is a Monday water cooler moment book. If you are reading this and have not read this book you are in for an unpredictable, roller coaster ride that doesn't disappoint. One day this is going to be a movie. EXCELLENT JOB!
Also recommended: Coldest Winter Ever.
Round Trip book cover by Luke M. Schierholz | Change for a Twenty book cover by Evan J. Hunt | ©2008 Shamontiel L. Vaughn| All rights reserved
