This book was so slow I almost didn't finish it. I finished two other books while reading this. I understood Esperanza's inner conflict and even though I was bored to death I believe this is very real. I could easily see someone going through this and being just as naive and conflicted as Esperanza. I think that this book is for someone in their 20s. Since I'm in mid-30s this book was not that engaging.

This book is definately something that every 'hip-hop' fan should pick up and read. I could really relate to Esperanza AKA Espe and her struggles to find her true identity. Like her I often would listen to Tupac's music and self reflect. Finally a Latino is represented as an average American and not just as a immigrant.
Espe has to deal with her controlling boyfriend Jesus (pronouced Hey-Sus)who thinks only of himself and doesn't really love her. When she comes back from prison she is forced to deal with his other women and the temptation to fall back into the street life instead of living an honest life. She is conflicted about her loyality to her sister and to those who will get her into trouble. Espe realizes it's hard to live in two worlds at the same time,throughout the book she never completely chooses one over the other. She focuses on her GED with the help of her teacher, Maite ( a ex- Puerto Rican activist back in the day). Mr. Puente, her parole officer is tough trying to get Espe to do right and always uses the threat of sending her back to jail, making her feel like someone is always spying on her.
In the book, poetry by female poets are presented, history is given on the evolution of mujeres in today's modern times.

PICTURE ME ROLLIN' is a candid snapshot into the gritty tale of Esperanza Cepeda, an ex-con who goes down for the sake of having her boyfriend Jesus' back. As luck would have it, although she's only been gone a year, Jesus has been doing other things with other women, as well as spending the same money she got busted for. Sometimes, we have to learn the hard way.

With a probation officer scrutinizing her every move and a sister who has given up the street life, Esperanza realizes she needs to find truth in herself and live life the honest way. Deciding to get her high school diploma, she meets Maite Rodriguez, a teacher who not only understands what she has been through, but also helps her define the potential she holds to do something better. Things get a little sticky when Esperanza can't get away from Jesus, as he wants her to do one "last" job with him. Finally realizing that the only person she owes loyalty to is herself, Esperanza reclaims the life that was once taken.

Black Artemis does an excellent job with this story, providing a picturesque view of street life and the effects it has on young people. The characters are fresh, intense and provide a hauntingly close reality of an environment all too familiar to some. With constant references to Tupac Shakur, a lyrical genius, PICTURE ME ROLLIN' is filled with poetry that parallels life. A deep, thought-provoking novel, this story is sure to keep you wanting more.

Reviewed by Belinda
of The RAWSISTAZ™Reviewers

Much like "Explicit Content," the first book from Black Artemis, "Picture Me Rollin'" is an extremely entertaining yet thought-provoking read. Well-written, it's way better, more literary than most hip-hop lit, so it's challenging in a good way for the many hip-hop intellects out there. I appreciate that Black Artemis is writing for the self-esteem of young women, but it's never preachy, patronizing or dumbed-down. She clearly respects her audience. Defintely highly recommended.

With her sophomore release, Black Artemis proves that she has staying power, as she comes back strong with her latest novel, Picture Me Rollin' (PMR). Artemis stays true to her mission as a hip hop artist and activist as she delivers a poignant and riveting story that relays the power of hip hop as a tool of transformative expression. Set against the backdrop of New York City and interspersed with the teachings/writings of feminist poet, Audre Lorde, Black Artemis introduces the reader to Tupac's number one fictional hip-hop fan, Esperanza Cepeda.

Esperanza Cepeda --aka Espe-- is a recently released felon who took the arrest rap for her hood rat, drug dealing, and hustler boyfriend, Jesus. Espe is representative of so many young women who lack the structure and discipline of a functional home environment and the love/guidance of a mother and a father so they often mistake negative attention as love. Especially if that attention includes a fat wallet, nice ride, and fly clothes at the expense of someone else. So it is easy to understand why Espe mistook Jesus' interest in her as love. Reared in a culture where machismo trumps and women are pawns, Espe is a product of her environment. Unfortunately, more and more young women are becoming criminal statistics as they take the rap for crimes committed by 'their man,' while the main culprit goes on with business as usual while continuing to pollute the community. For boys like Jesus, girls like Espe, are nothing but just another piece of tail and once the Espes of the world are out of sight they are often truly out of mind to their male partners. Jesus clearly demonstrates this mindset as he continues to live life by his rules and conducts business as usual while Espe serves prison time.

With Jesus missing in action as she serves 'his' jail time, Espe had a lot of time to think about her life and with the help of an older inmate named Isoke; she is encouraged to make changes so that she can fulfill her vow of never being imprisoned again. We watch Espe enter prison as a rebellious, free-spirited, around the way girl who emerges from jail months later as a young woman to be reckoned with. Privy to Espe's thoughts, we watch as she hesitantly comes to the realization that her idol, Tupac is not flawless. Just maybe some of his lyrics are offensive and demeaning to women and he is just another man pimping young, naïve women. As she removes the shackles of Tupac's influence, and begins to embrace the teachings of Audre Lorde, we watch Espe transform into a young woman who desires to be in control of her destiny. Lorde's teachings force her to think about who she is and encourage empowerment, confidence and self-esteem as well as love for self. While morphing into the empowered sister she can be, Espe has assistance along the way from her She-roes: older sister-Dulce (who raised her when her mom went to jail); GED teacher-Maite Rodriquez (a former militant); and her still incarnated friend, Isoke (an older woman/mother figure and former Black Panther member). Even with the support and encouragement of these strong She-roe figures, the day-to-day living is not easy for, an ex-felon like, Espe as without education, skills, or funds she believes she is reduced to the lowest common denominator. As needs and wants go unfulfilled, it is hard for Espe to continue on the straight and narrow path. It is still the shallow, materialistic things that matter to a young adult like Espe, who lives for the moment rather than tomorrow, so wearing last year's fashions and performing menial labor at a fast food restaurant is not an acceptable alternative.

As Espe tries to do right and stay legit, there is still an electrical charge that is ignited when she is around Jesus; she realizes that Jesus still has a hold on her body, soul, mind and heart. Longing for the luxuries of the past, she considers doing "one last job" for Jesus to earn some quick cash and roll out of dodge. But can she do it? Will she forget about the lessons of the three women she respects the most, who care about her and want her to succeed against all odds? Will she once again become another statistic, just another chicken head that sacrifices her freedom because she confuses a man's control/abuse as love?

PMR is a coming of age story set against a hip-hop environment. The storyline captures the language and feel of the current hip-hop generation while also delivering a powerful social message. Black Artemis is all about young women reaching their full potential by stretching themselves to the fullest. Espe is a woman of color, but more importantly, she represents every woman who has sought to move beyond the abusive clutches of a boyfriend and an oppressive environment by any means necessary. Artemis demonstrates that women must learn to love themselves if they are to stop the domestic abuse, hurt, pain caused by the little boys in their life parading as men. As Espe's hunger for knowledge is stimulated by the works of Lorde, she discovers the confidence she needs to plot her fate and destiny. Question is will she picture herself rollin' with Jesus-the boy who equates love with abuse or will she join the ranks of the strong sisters who have gone before her-the sisters who have decided they have the inner strength and desire to change their own lives--and if Espe is willing she can. Artemis has written a powerful and poignant story with believable characters that will resonate well with today's youth while also enlightening parents and adults. For those who enjoy books with an urban feel-and that are well written--PMR should become part of your library today.

Reviewed by Yasmin
APOOO BookClub