Wikipedia defines urban fiction as a literary genre set in a city landscape: however, the genre is as much defined by the socio-economic realities and culture of its characters as the urban setting. The tone for urban fiction is usually dark, focusing on the underside of city living. T'ann Marie took the definition of this genre literally. This book embodied the definition of urban fiction and gave me the nostalgia of when I originally started reading urban fiction books on the Kindle app. A St. Louis Dopeboy Mended My Heart had every element one would expect in an urban fiction read: drugs, murder, betrayal, multiple baby mommas, and its ghetto. "I was nothing short of pleasant with you, you were the one mad because you came in here picking out more items than you can afford. I was trying to compromise with you, but nah, you had to get ratchet. Well guess what? I got a ratchet side too biggie smalls!"
This story introduces us to Fragile (interesting name, right?). Fragile Banks is an around the way girl making a living by working at Family Dollar, her only flaw seems to be she's in love with a dopeboy. Chief seemed to be the man of Fragile's dreams, until he's killed. While attending his funeral she finds out his mom thinks she's his assistant. "'Well, I hope everything works out for you. I hope you find a job that pays you as well as my son did. I'm sure Gwalah informed you that we are shutting all of his businesses down and there will be no need for you.' She told Fragile and it felt as if her heart stopped beating. Teyanna along with Gwalah snapped their necks at Ms. Jefferson, wondering what the hell she was talking about." From that moment forward, Fragile's life seems to be in a downward spiral. More secrets are revealed and she's left wondering if she assessed her relationship with Chief accordingly.
Towards the end of the book Fragile meets Fatz, an unsuspecting rainbow after her storm. Fatz isn't her ideal man, but he's tied to the streets and Fragile can't resist a dopeboy. He's willing to step in and be the man that she needs. There's just one catch, he's tied to her past and she doesn't know it yet. When this story starts to unfold, we're left needing to read part two, but no worries, it's already out. Not only was this book good, but it was also funny as well. "'So, you gon keep playing with me bitch?' Myron snarled. 'Besides, my girl don't like titties, she got her own.' He reached out to a shirtless Chubbz, and fondled his man breasts. Chubbz swiftly smacked his hand away." If you're in need of a true urban fiction book, look no further. This book will do it for you!!
