this was unexpectedly different from Coldest Winter Ever. yet, i really enjoyed it; the Islamic, Sudanese, and urban Brooklyn cultural perspectives were fascinating. the love story part, meh. difficult to believe this kind of maturity from a 14-year-old boy. the ending suggests a second part. if soulja doesn't follow up, however, it's a real interesting way to end it. abrupt, but unique. ( )

I absolutely loved this book. It showed the direct clash of cultures and it provided a new perspective on the american culture. I would give this book to all the young men out there trying to figure out life and themselves. They should make this a mandatory book to read in all high schools. Yup, its that good. ( )

Excellent romance, not what I was expecting but this was a really good book. ( )

A great eye opener as to the difference between cultures. Love has no boundaries or one single reason. Definately worth reading, it holds your interest. A page turner that will keep you interested and wish there were more hours in the day(or night) to relax and read. I would reccomend this to all to read. ( )

t has been years since the publication of Sister Souljah's last literary masterpiece The Coldest Winter Ever. Souljah, a gifted storyteller and social commentator, is much wiser than her earthly years. As an educator/advisor to at-risk urban youth, she is an ardent spokesperson. Her latest offering Midnight: a Gangster Love Story represents a fictional account of a handsome Sudanese youth’s complex adjustment to the often brutal life in the slums of New York City.

When just seven years old, Mayonaka and his pregnant mother Uumma are sent to America by his father to avoid the political strife and human devastation in Sudan. Prior to the civil unrest, their family enjoyed a life of wealth and relative tranquility. Mayonaka's father, educated abroad, was a brilliant advisor to Sudan's Prime Minister. His father taught him how to conduct himself with dignity, guard his family at all costs, and practice the Muslim faith.

Once in New York, Mayonaka is responsible for protecting his mother and baby sister, while dealing with the cultural shock of American urban life in (gang violence, disrespect of the elderly, crooked police.) Through all of his trials, Midnight – dubbed this name as he frequently played basketball well into the night -- remains calm, thoughtful, and courageous. While working at a fish market in New York's Chinatown, 14-year-old Midnight meets 16-year-old Akemi, a stylish Japanese student in the U. S. on an art scholarship. The two forge an instant friendship, although Akemi does not speak English.

Midnight will send chills up and down your spine. The more you read, the more you will be shocked and amazed. The author cleverly uses the first person narrative to heighten suspense. Because of the myriad of issues that are covered, this is a wonderful novel for book discussion.

Author Sister Souljah scores another hit right out of the ball park with her latest tour de force. Awesome! Bravo! (Due to its range and expletive language, Midnight is recommended for sophisticated readers.)