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17 year old Kiara's father, always in and out of jail is dead, her mother in a half way house, and her older brother chasing unrealistic dreams of becoming the next big name in the music industry. She's in charge of their home, and de-facto of her friend and neighbour's 9 year old child, whom she loves unconditionally. Under-educated and with no training, she has no means of paying the rent and eviction looms. Sex-working provides an answer, but soon she falls into the clutches of a ring of sex-seeking cops from whose grip she has little chance of escape. This is her story, that of a feisty young woman making the best of the rotten hand that life has dealt her. Told in her own words, Kiara paints a picture of a world where racism and poverty and lack of choice are normal and where the choices she must make are impossible. It's inspired by a true story of corruption in the police department. Kiara is bold, witty and tough, and Mottley gives her a rhythmic, new and exciting langage. An energising read. ( )

A tour de force of a story that will grab you and shake you and not let you go. Heartbreaking in its subject matter, beautiful in its execution. Ms. Mottley is a gifted storyteller - Kiara and Trevor and Alé will stay with me for a long time. ( )

Wow. This was a heavy book. It takes you places you don't want to go, but really should. Stilettos aren't easy to walk in, and this isn't easy to read. But you should try both at least once. This is going to be required reading in upper level lit courses. ( )

Sad book about a young girl who was essentially forced into prostitution and got involved with local police force ( )