LOS ANGELES, Jan. 13, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Troy Reed believes there are not enough positive portrayals of young black males in the media. His new novel, Troy's Summer (now available through AuthorHouse), contradicts many of the images seen on television and attempts to change society's views.
Set in Los Angeles, the novel follows the exploits of Troy, a teenager navigating his way through a world of negativity who hopes to make a positive influence on society. The novel opens at the start of the summer before Troy begins college at UCLA. When his deadbeat father, Allen, who has spent his life drinking, drugging and womanizing, fails to show up at Troy's high school graduation, Donna, Troy's mother, finally decides to leave him. Troy, his three brothers, Derrick, Chris and A.J., and sister, Dedra, are spilt between their parents. Troy decides to stay in Los Angeles with his father, Chris and A.J.
With no place to live, Allen moves with the boys to his mother's house. The small, old house is already overflowing with wayward relatives, including Troy's Uncle Leroy and cousins Jaron and Snappy. In this new environment, Troy tries to stay on the path toward greatness even as his father tries to bring him down. The summer is filled with discovery, heartache, joy and adventure as Troy embarks on several trips to different cities throughout the United States. Despite the negativity that surrounds him, he tries to keep his head up.
A testament to perseverance, Troy's Summer offers a look inside the mind and life of a young black male and the positive consequences his actions can have on the world.
A native of Los Angeles, Troy is a born again Christian who is active within the church and enjoys football, baseball and traveling. His future plans involve real estate ventures, pursuing a call to minister and starting a counseling practice. He hopes Troy's Summer, his first book, inspires readers to continue to reach for their dreams.
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