Nigel Hawkins was one of the biggest drug dealers in Baltimore City. However, after years of drug use and resorting to crime to support his habit, he catches a charge that lands him in jail to serve a lengthy prison sentence. When he returns to society, he is drug-free and now a born again Christian. Nigel is also determined to reconnect with his son, JR, who has followed in his footsteps by getting caught up in the drug game. JR is torn between his love for the thug life and the love that he harbors deep inside for his father, who seeks to redeem his soul from his sinful ways. What unfolds in this story is a host of real life events that force both men to make gut wrenching decisions that will forever alter the course of both of their lives. Just Like Daddy gives you a gut wrenching picture of the impact of generational curses on the lives of Black men who are forced to survive in the midst of the tangled web of drugs, crime, and poverty that engulf the inner cities of America. It also touches on the power of spirituality and redemption in breaking down these obstacles. Thomas Long pulls no punches in delivering the realist depiction and insight into the life of a drug addict since Donald Goines' Dopefiend. He brings you his own unique brand of educational urban fiction with a twist that is sure to create an emotional connection between the reader and the main characters as the plot thickens. This book is a must read for any father seeking to undo years of absence from the life of his male child in making an effort to work towards developing a healthy father son relationship in the face of insurmountable odds and social pressure.
About the Author: Thomas Long was born and raised in the rough streets of Baltimore, Maryland. Long initially pursued his passion for writing by self-publishing a collection of his intimate poetry entitled, Reflections of My Soul. He followed that up with a self-help guide entitled, For My Sisters: 7 Relationship Tips that was well received by his female readers. Feeling adventurous, he decided to venture out and try his hand in the genre of urban fiction. He intended to craft stories that reflected a realistic picture of the inner city life he encountered growing up in Baltimore City. Thomas Long completed his first novel, Dayvon's Story: A Thug's Life in 2003 in just two months. He was bold enough to approach best selling author Carl Weber with his manucscript at his Queens, NY based bookstore. Mr. Weber was so impressed with the storyline that he instantly signed Mr. Long to a two book deal with his new imprint, Urban Books, that was distributed by Kensington Publishing. Upon its release in 2004, Long's debut novel was well received by the critics and the streets. The book was also turned into a full length feature film, entitled 4 LIfe, which was distributed by CodeBlack Entertainment and Universal Pictures. Always a go getter and hustler, Long initiated the movie deal in a conversation at the gym with then President of Russell Simmons Music Group, Tony Austin. Austin enlisted the help of former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Adalius Thomas, to bring the movie project to fruition. Released in 2007, the film starred Wood Harris, Page Kennedy, and Elise Neal as the primary characters. He followed his smash debut up with his second novel Cash Rules, a story about a trio of female rappers from Baltimore City which chronicled their rise and fall from grace within the entertainment industry. He also contributed stories to the hit novella series Around the Way Girls 2 and 3. Outside of his published works with Urban Books, Thomas Long has been blessed to contribute short stories to anthologies published by his peers in the field such as Vickie Stringer, Shannon Holmes, Kevin Elliott, and Noire. Desiring to pursue other goals in life, Long took a four year break from writing to obtain his second Masters degree in Human Services Administration from the University of Baltimore. After his hiatus from the game, Long has returned with a vengeance to pursue his passion for writing.