Ben Burgess, Jr.

The story shows that all things, no matter how cut and dry they might be or might seem, are not as black and white as we might assume. It tackles the truths, that people face every day, through the stories of two young attorneys. Fighting for a partnership in their law firm, the two are put on cases that seem impossible to win. Meet Ben. Ben is a man who has found his skin to be too black to find equality in his prominently white firm and too white for the black community. He is in charge of defending an infamous black rapper who is excused of killing a white gay couple and two police officers. He struggles with his own morals and prejudices while investigating this case, along with his own scars from his past. On top of all that, the evidence is overwhelming, clearly showing a racial hate crime. Yet even with his own prejudices and the pile of evidence he still can't rid this nagging feeling that his client may be innocent. Now we meet Bill...a white man who grew up poverty stricken, and faced his own prejudices because of the color of his skin. But in this firm of bigots his skin color gives him the upper hand. He is in charge of defending a white NBA star who has been charged with the rape of a black stripper. He knows in order to win this case he has to paint this woman as a gold digger looking to make a quick buck, using sex as a tool. But the evidence doesn't show that. This goes against everything in his moral code. He would be lying and stereotyping a woman because of her skin and job. He could never do this and face his girlfriend, who is a black police officer, and ask her to ever respect him again. This would be something Bill could never live with. The story can be scaled down to two facts. 1. When we let ourselves weigh all that we know or assume about any event, we may find that there are situations that can either make or break us...and 2....that there are really more things that unite us than divide us.… (more)

Author Ben Burgess Jr., tells a gritty, dark, sexy, and dramatic story in Monster. The main character Ken, is tormented for being dark-skinned, lives through his father's cheating, and abandonment, and also watches how his father's actions breaks his mother down. He vows not to fall into that category, but once heartbroken, he feels it's easier to "love 'em & leave 'em", than "house 'em & wife 'em". Even though you may not like what he does, you will certainly find yourself understanding his feelings, and even sympathizing with him at some point.

This book was thoroughly enjoyable, relate-able, and thought-provoking. It's filled with just the right amount of drama, angst, betrayal, and action. Once you start reading, it's hard to put down, and when you're finished, it lingers with you for awhile. Monster is a great look into the dynamics of human love and relationships, and a better understanding of human behavior.

I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.… (more)

This was my very first read by author Ben Burgess Jr., and I must truly say, I was eager to get started, because I'd heard lots of good things in passing about the author and this book.

Wounded very quickly draws your attention, and you find yourself immediately sympathizing with Samantha Miller, the main character in the book. Sam, as her friends call her, has a very horrible childhood, and goes through all kinds of hell. You quickly want to fight for her, protect her, and shelter her. She grows up hardened and bitter, not caring too much about anyone other than her two best friends. She's hard pressed to insure that her surroundings, childhood, and circumstances turn into a stepping-stone of opportunity for her.

Throughout this book, I found myself going through several cycles of emotions; I cried, I cussed, I cheered, and I learned a little something. Without giving away the book or the ending, I will say that it reminded me that you can't just go through life, you have to grow through it. This book was very well written, the characters are well developed, and you can identify with them, and it has a twist towards the end that you don't see coming. I was truly in tears towards the end, and when I closed the book.

I am now a fan of Ben Burgess' work, and eagerly look forward to reading his other books. I would definitely recommend this book to others who are looking for a great read!… (more)

I have read the author's previous two books, Monster and Wounded, and to be honest, I was curious to find out how he would top those two. Well, I was very pleasantly surprised when the book far exceeded my expectations. You ever read a book where you want to reach out and strangle one of the characters? This is THAT book! I read this book in one setting; great plot, twists, and very believeable characters! Trust me when I tell you, I didn't want to put this book DOWN! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a drama-filled, action-packed book who will have you in your feelings, and make you feel some type of way!… (more)