In There and Now (Volume 1), Eric Reese weaves the heartrending the story of a young man called Lil E and his life growing and changing in inner-city Philadelphia. In the mid-1970s and early 1980s, Philly was an exhilarating, if sometimes dangerous, place for a little African-American boy?and Lil E remembers it all. Starting from his first memories of his time in the crib, There and Now explores every tumultuous turn in Lil E's life, from his father's custodianship to the time he set pillows on fire, his experience in daycare, living through the desegregation program, and ultimately learning to fight back when bullied. Because Lil E, no matter how much he grew, was always the target of teasing and harassment. But bullying was far from the only thing that shaped Lil E in his early years. A childhood formed in the 1980s is built and broken in the fire of crime, hip-hop, the challenges of urban life, and the true nature of boys in the hood. Between the smiles of nostalgia and tears of regret, There and Now is a book that will grab you by the heart and pull you along for a journey full of history and emotion. REVIEWS FOR THERE AND NOW VOL. 1 "Offers hope to young people who despair because of bullies, crime, and the burdens of everyday life." ? Vincent F. A. Golphin (Readers' Favorite) "Well written and touching, this is a real work of passion and Eric really lets you get under his skin." ? Mr. Jones "A charming memoir!" ?Curious Violet (Amazon Reviewer) "Probably the most original indie novel I have read this year?it was hard to put down and made me eager for Volume 2." ? Mr. Cline
