Street Lit: It’s habit forming

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Updated: March 17, 2012 8:12AM

Urban lit, or street lit, is a very popular genre of fiction. What is it? Well, the better question is, what isn’t it? Street lit is mystery, drama, crime, passion, action and adventure. So what makes this genre different from any other? The difference is the perspective. Street lit is predominately from the view point of an African American or Hispanic urban experience.

It’s easy to become a devoted reader of street lit. At Oak Park Public Library, street lit titles are often checked out and copies still on the on the shelf are well-worn. I first became hooked on street lit when I read The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah. That was the first book and I have read many more over the years.

I find that street lit characters are dynamic and real. As a reader, you become concerned about the characters and want to know what’s going to happen next. Once you put a book down you can’t wait to get back to it to see how it ends.

The books are fast-paced, gritty and filled with twist and turns. You are taken into a world with which you either are somewhat familiar or have no experience at all. Often the characters learn a lesson but do not necessarily follow through with what they have learned.

Happy endings are not a recurring theme in street lit. I believe this is appreciated by the lovers of this genre. The books ability to “keep it real” is part of the attraction. Problems are not always resolved. Lessons are learned, things improve, but there is no magical fairytale ending.

If you’ve never read street lit — you should. Reading outside of your comfort zone can be a great experience and you may discover a new author that you like. So the next time you’re in the library, check out a book written by Wahida Clark, Vikki M. Stringer, Terri Woods or Nikki Turner. Once you read one you will definitely want to read another … and another … and another …

Come join us to discuss street lit. Oak Park Public Library’s Phat Fiction Book Club has started back up for the New Year. Book discussions are on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Our next book up for discussion is Keyshia and Clyde by Treasure Blue at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at Bar Louie, 1122 Lake St., Oak Park. Copies are available at the main library at 834 Lake St. Everyone is welcome!

Juanita T. Fisher is a librarian in Adult and Teen Services at the Oak Park Public Library.