From A Hard Rock To A Gem

From A Hard Rock To A Gem     
Pamela A. Johnson
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From A Hard Rock To A Gem can be defined as a coy euphemism to describe what attitude one is likely to own whilst coming from and out of the ghetto.  Thus is Johnson’s topic with the aptly titled novel that has the subtitle “a memoir of a lost soul.”  And while this is indeed a noble subject to embrace with pen, Pamela A. Johnson’s effort (unfortunately) falls short of being a stellar voice within the “moving-on-up” genre of today’s literature.

The novel begins with a quote from the main character’s grandmother, Nana Downstairs:

If you keep going in the direction you’re going
You’re going to end up where you’re headed.

With this somewhat ambiguous oxymoron in mind, the tedium of Johnson’s tale begins.  The introduction spews forth with the telling of Diamond Faith Sterling’s early childhood in the inner-city, then blossoms – and with not much subtlety – into how she makes “major moves”, becoming the first female Kingpin (also-referred to as Queenpin) in the dope game of  East Oakland, California.

Though Johnson weaves a tiresome story, the detail in her memoir is vivid with actual detail that reads true.  But her story offers little (if any at all) humor.  Some may argue that merely surviving the harsh environs of the ghetto is in and of itself the proverbial last-laugh.  I, however, felt there was that inevitable bit of humor within Diamond’s character missing – especially considering she does indeed survive the onslaught of being shot at, beatup and abandoned to live with reluctant family members.  This is the story of a tough young lady who – against all odds – does thrive in her environment, but towards the middle and especially the ending of the novel it began to read more like a parody without the laughs.  

Very important thing that humor could have rescued this book from the depths of ultimate tedium.  Johnson neglects to mention any sort of trait that would show me how Diamond was able to sustain her life long enough to become the multimillionaires Queenpin.  Sure she speaks about Diamond’s prowess on the streets for “keeping it real” and having the right connections to obtain the crackrock to sling in the hood.  That’s all fine and good, but anybody could tell you that being THE Boss in the dope game is more than “keeping it real.”  And from this standpoint From A Hard Rock To A Gem no longer rings of truth, but rather dismally knocks of big exploits and tired clichés.

There is, however one memorable scene where Diamond, who was once hooked on snorting lines of cocaine, gives a piece of sage advice to her addict friends White Girl and Lakeisha:

[pg. 190]
        “What, what made you quit Diamond,” White Girl want to know.
       “I started havin’ cash flow problems and y’all know how much I like money.  When it started interferin’ with my money and my business, I stopped.”
        “What program did you go to?” Lakeisha asked.
        “Program…  I didn’t go to no fuckin’ program.  I stopped on my own.  Y’all can stop on yo own too if you wanted.  All it takes is for yo desire to stop usin’ to be stronger than yo desire to use, and you can stop.”
        “So you sayin’ you never even slipped?”  White Girl asked.
        “No I didn’t.  Not once I made up my mind I didn’t.”
        White Girl asked another question.  “So you sayin’ you never crave for coke?”
        “There was times when I wanted it, but that’s when I get my Bible or call somebody I know who use to use but stopped and talk to ‘em about my urge….   When you get those urges they don’t last long, but they be strong.  You gotta stay focused on yo desire to quit usin’ and you have to remember that depression you suffered in the past when you came down from that high.  It’s been a struggle but I been clean eighteen months.  And I didn’t go to no program.  I just stopped usin’….  If yo desire to stop usin’ is stronger than yo desire to use, yes I think you can stop,” I said looking her straight in the eye.
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Admirable words and lovely advice.  Novel words?  Unique advice?  No.  It tends to read like a line straight from the Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous handbook.  And thus is the writing of Johnson.  The premise of the novel is indeed a noble one.  The clunky and cliché writing of the subject matter is not.

3 Stars – Tedious Reading


Reviewed for Mahogany Media of Hudson & Albany NY
Mahogany Media Review