Power & Beauty

In this entertaining debut novel from Grammy Award-winning rapper, producer, and actor, T.I., the lives of 16-year-olds Paul %E2%80%9CPower%E2%80%9D Clay and Tanya %E2%80%9CBeauty%E2%80%9D Long are torn asunder after the sudden death of Power's mother, Charlotte. Power chooses to follow guardian Charles %E2%80%9CSlim%E2%80%9D Simmons%E2%80%99s guidance and learn Atlanta%E2%80%99s street ways, while Beauty, wary of Slim%E2%80%99s hustling, leaves to pursue her dream of becoming a fashion designer. The two ambitious, determined leads must suppress their mutual attraction while they pursue separate paths. Five years in different cities, sustained by mutual love and a hope that their paths will cross again, teach them important lessons of strength and survival. Though the prose is honest and reliable, if lackluster, and the narrative occasionally sags under long-winded, preachy monologues, the characters remain consistent. Despite time apart, the two realize that their fates are undeniably intertwined. Danger will eventually bring them together, but whether they can save each other is left unanswered until the next book. (Oct.) Agent: Vigliano Associates