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Pipe Dream

solomon jones

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The lawyer turned on the tape recorder, handed his client a cigarette, and lit it for him. Black drew hard, squinting as the smoke rushed into his lungs.
"Where do you want to start?"the lawyer said, lighting a cigarette of his own.
"I guess there’s only one place to start; at Broad and Erie."

Johnny Podres, a politician whose record against corruption had been propelling him straight to the mayor’s office, is found murdered in a North Philly crack house.

Enter Samuel Jackson, a.k.a. Black, a drug addict who knows better, a man embittered by the fact that he can’t seem to escape from his addiction to crack cocaine or, for that matter, from himself. Though he was once a family man with a wife and son, Black’s only concern these days is getting his next high, that is, until he stumbles across a friend and fellow addict, Leroy, and both become prime suspects in the Podres murder. Black and Leroy hook up with two female pipers: Clarisse, a registered nurse who is slowly losing to crack any semblance of a respectable life, and Pookie, who already has lost it. Soon the hunt is on for all four as they try to stay one step ahead of a police department under tremendous pressure to solve the case—because if a killer isn’t found soon, this could blow up into one of the biggest scandals in Philadelphia history.

Solomon Jones weaves a suspenseful story against the backdrop of corruption in the Philadelphia police department and centers it on a group of drug addicts who, in the process of fleeing the law, come to terms with their own addiction, leading to some devastating consequences.

341 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,2001

This edition

Format
341 pages, Paperback
Published
July 31, 2001 by Villard
ISBN
9780375756603
ASIN
0375756604
Language
English

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About the author

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solomon jones

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Rating(4.3 / 5.0, 20 votes)
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20 reviews All reviews
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Ninja_Burrito
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I read this book a long time ago.

I read it because I was working in the same company as Solomon Jones.

I found the book completely engrossing. It didn't feel like a debut novel at all.

I was very glad that I read it. Then, I lent it to a friend and unfortunately, I never saw it again.

Now, I would love to re-read it and see how it holds up after another 10+ years that I've had in Philly.

I think I'll pick up another one of his books and observe how he has progressed as a writer.

I can truly say that he really has a great voice in his writing, which makes his works very captivating and engaging.

I'm looking forward to exploring more of his literary creations and experiencing the unique charm that his writing brings.
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Skeith_AR
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I first read this book back in 2001.

At that time, I was already deeply attracted by it.

This time around, I found it even better.

Solomon Jones is truly a phenomenal writer.

His words have a magical power that can draw readers in and make them unable to put the book down.

From the prologue of this book, I was on the edge of my seat.

The plot was so exciting and full of twists and turns that I couldn't wait to turn the page to see what would happen next.

And until the very last page of the book, I was still沉浸在 the wonderful story.

This book is definitely a must-read for all lovers of good literature.

It will take you on a thrilling journey and leave you with a deep impression.
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An-tA
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I truly liked this book.

It's not your typical street fiction. Most times when you read about drugs in street fiction, it's typically about the drug dealer. You don't get to hear the voice of the addict. That's what I liked about this book. Although Solomon Jones may not be the first to do it, it's still a rarity.

It's so easy to see the drug addicted bum on the street corner begging for change at your annoyance and treat them as if they are a lesser people. Jones makes even the most shallow, judgemental person realize that crack addicts are people too. That's what I respect about this book.

It has been quite some years since I've read this book. I plan to reread it and then give a better review. This time, I hope to delve deeper into the characters and the story, to understand the author's intentions more fully. I'm looking forward to seeing if my initial impressions still hold true and if I can discover new aspects of the book that I may have missed the first time around.

I believe that this book has the potential to open people's eyes and change their perspectives on drug addicts. It's a powerful and important work that deserves to be read and discussed. I can't wait to embark on this rereading journey and share my new insights with others.
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amano2203
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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The book club is excited to announce that Mr. Jones will be our guest on Tuesday, the 28th of June. We are really looking forward to his presence and the insights he will bring. It's going to be a great opportunity to engage in interesting discussions and share our love for books.


We hope to see all of you at the Barns and Nobel in Willow Grove. This is a wonderful venue where we can gather and enjoy the company of fellow book lovers.


Don't miss out on this event. Mark your calendars and come along to meet Mr. Jones and have a great time with us at the book club.

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Coolmanstan
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This is a really good book.

It presents an interesting crime drama that is told from the point of view of four crack addicts who are involved in the murder of a high-profile City Official.

The story is fast-paced, which keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. It is also gritty, painting a vivid and realistic picture of the seedy underworld of drug addiction and crime.

However, at times, the plot can be a bit predictable. But this does not take away from the overall enjoyment of the book.

Overall, it is a very good read that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys crime dramas or stories that explore the darker side of human nature.

It offers a unique perspective on a familiar genre and is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
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bazazilio
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This is a very good book indeed.

I have always been deeply fascinated by the inner workings of how junkies think and live their lives.

The question of what drives them to embark on a life of hard drugs has always intrigued me.

This book has been extremely informative in addressing those very questions.

It provides valuable insights into the complex world of drug addiction, exploring the psychological, social, and environmental factors that contribute to this destructive lifestyle.

By reading this book, I have gained a better understanding of the challenges that junkies face and the difficult choices they make.

It has also made me more aware of the importance of prevention and treatment programs in helping those who are struggling with addiction.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about the topic of drug addiction.
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Jushis
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I read this book subsequent to Philly author Solomon Jones giving a speech at Career Day in my school. His words regarding how his life experiences in North Philly, grappling with drug addiction and homelessness, influenced the writing of several of his novels truly intrigued me. I was completely engrossed in this novel; it was a real page-turner.


The story is set at the infamous intersection of Broad and Olney. It delves into the unlikely overlapping lives of some highly believable Philly characters. The vivid descriptions and the way the plot unfolds make it impossible to put the book down.


Solomon Jones, who now teaches writing at Temple University, has a remarkable talent for bringing the city of Philadelphia to life through his words. His personal experiences add a layer of authenticity to his novels that is truly captivating. I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.

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mexicans1d
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Intense!

Here is an interesting account of the relationships between people we may not regularly interface with - drug users.

Drug users often exist in a world that is hidden from the mainstream. Their relationships are complex and multifaceted. Some drug users form bonds with others who share the same addiction, creating a sense of community within their group. These relationships can be both supportive and enabling.

On the other hand, drug users also have relationships with those who are trying to help them overcome their addiction, such as family members, friends, and healthcare professionals. These relationships can be filled with challenges and frustrations, as the user may resist treatment or relapse.

Understanding the relationships of drug users is important for developing effective treatment strategies and for helping them to reintegrate into society. By exploring these relationships, we can gain a deeper understanding of the human experience and the power of connection.
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