dare accolades

"Abiola Abrams' debut is like a breath of fresh air for young fiction and the depiction of women in hip hop. Finally, the world will see the conflicted struggles of ladies in the rap biz in a way that women in hip hop have known and understood for years." -RAQIYAH MAYS, Writer/Radio Personality on Hot 97 & 98.7 Kiss FM

"Dare is an intriguing debut novel by Abiola Abrams. Abrams brought us a new twist on how a young woman tries to break into the music industry. The rich character development adds to the unique flavor to this story. Dare is a fun, socially conscious novel with a good dose of humor. Hopefully this is just the start of Abiola Abrams' novel writing career." Radiah Hubbert, URBAN REVIEWS

I've read Dare, enjoyed it and am telling everyone about it and you. I'm from an older generation. I'm fascinated by hip-hop's appeal (how can I not be?), but, don't pretend that I understand it or that all of it speaks to me. But, I saw some middle-aged mothers doing hip-hop dance routine during Olympic coverage! If they can get with the program, we'd all better pay some attention! Your book was a great help, and not just because the protagonist thought that she had 'outgrown' hip-hip. It was just good to read a thoughtful, well-written work with an intelligent African-American protagonist that entertained and enlightened me. - Patricia Welch, Portland Library System

Official Black Expressions Selection for January 2008

"DARE takes chick lit to another level. Without a doubt, all the fun and fantasy is still there, but Abiola Abrams serves them up with a healthy serving of smarts and spirituality. Her debut novel, at once, gives us what we love about this genre, yet breaks new -- and deeper -- ground." - SOFIA QUINTERO AKA BLACK ARTEMIS, author of Divas Don't Yield and the Black Artemis hip-hop novels

"I've been a fan of Abiola's since her podcasting days. When I heard she had a novel out, I wasn't surprised - her creativity sprouts in so many directions! Just the cover alone is empowering! I bought the book, read it in one day, and loved it. The story has hip hop as a backdrop, and it was exciting to step into that world and see the rise of a superstar in the character of Maya. It makes me wonder how much of her experience really happens in true life with these young stars. My favorite aspect is that Abiola adds in affirmations throughout the book, as told by Maya. They are words to live by. I can hardly wait for a sequel to this story!" Lifetime TV's Crafty Chica, Kathy Cano Murillo

"Abrams has written a great, thought-provoking debut novel. Her writing is fresh and witty and her characters are lively and engaging. Dare's plot is strong and without question, realistic. I enjoyed following the characters' angst in taking on roles that unsettled their souls and witnessing the strength it took to practice tough love. The back cover labels Dare as urban fiction, but it seemed to be more chick-litish. Urban fiction fans may feel cheated since it does not follow the traditional formula of the genre. Chick-lit and contemporary fiction fans will surely enjoy this read. I look forward to reading Abrams' future works." Darnetta Frazier, APOOO BookClub

"The Barnes and Noble audience was amazed. Reading several chapters from her love story Dare, Abiola Abrams captivated the audience with a lively expression filled performance. From the chapters read, it is simply a must read." -Renee Minus White, The Amsterdam News

"Dare is a beautifully written book by a woman whose soul is full of light and who obviously wants to brighten up her reader's lives, too. You not only get a heart-rending tale of a strong woman's life, you get life lessons as well. Abiola Abrams has filled Dare with personal dares that will change your life if you open yourself up to them--one of these is a "Beauty Day". No, this isn't pampering at the spa, it's noticing and acknowledging beauty everywhere. "Ms. Abrams writes with the rhythmic beauty of both a musician and a poet. Her imagery is strong with color and sensory impressions. Sceneswill bring tears to your eyes and leave you laughing and cheering. You don't have to love rap or hip hop to love this book. You do need poetry in your soul and be willing to open up and learn--because Maya does have some amazing insights into life in general." -Rebecca Kyle, Amazon Top 500 Reviewer

"The debut novel Dare from Abiola Abrams is sleek. Her expose of the hip hop world is entertaining and intriguing. Each character is interesting and colorful, making the reader to learn more about them.Abrams’s book is a fantastic first attempt. Readers are not going to be able to put it down. They will become lost in the behind-the-scenes world of hip hop and will never want to leave." - Leigh O'Donovan, Authors on the Rise

"Abiola Abrams does a wonderful job of portraying the behind the scenes world of hip-hop between the pages of Dare. With unforgettable characters and non-stop drama, Dare is an easy and fun read." SHELIA GOSS, Entertainment Writer and Essence Bestselling Author of My Invisible Husband

"From the very first page this was a wonderfully unique read. Maya and Athena, and the world they inhabit, jump off the page. I loved the details Ms. Abrams used in describing the making of a star and the publicity spins involved. I enjoyed the multi- dimensional portrayal of gangsta rapper Thug. Ms. Abrams puts a very human face on a world that is frequently seen as only glitz, glamor and violence." -COFFEE TIME ROMANCE

"DARE is the first novel by Abiola Abrams, who is also a filmmaker and a pretty dynamic sister. The book is a hip-hop retelling of Faust, but as Abrams acutely describes, it's about "finding love and finding yourself." I thought this book was dope for several reasons. Including: 1) It represents what great hip-hop fiction can be: smart, edgy, hip-hop inspired, but not just hip-hop, empowering, and provocative. 2) It's a great story about living life, not just existing, and makes you think about your own journey thus far. 3) It's fun and entertaining." -FELICIA PRIDE, AOL Black Voices, Backlist & Author of The Message

"Maya clashes with superficial celebrities, deceitful insiders, the media machine and her own self-esteem on a sordid Hip Hop tour of self-discovery from the female perspective. The truths among the lies in the Rap game have never been disclosed so insightfully--with thought-provoking portrayals and captivating narrative. Abrams' breakaway debut novel is a chart-topping, champagne popping, heel-clicking adventure you wouldn't Dare ignore!" - MILES MAKER, Alex Magazine

"Abiola Abrams is best known as the host of BET's The Best Shorts. Her first novel, Dare, is a Faustian tale set in the world of hip hop. Abrams has a keen ear for dialog, and though almost outrageous at times, her characters are believable and often fascinating. Dare may end up in several nooks of your bookstore, filed under "chick lit," "African American literature," or even in the burgeoning "street lit" genre. Don't be fooled by the labels, this is a promising and enjoyable debut." - DAVID GUTOWSKI, Large Hearted Boy

"Abrams uses the mystery, bling and oft times violence of the hip-hop world, the rapper's delight, if you will, as a backdrop for a strangely twisted coming of age story. Sometimes lovers, both old and new, don't know what to make of a caterpillar's transformation into a butterfly. Neither do friends, for that matter. But what happens when a woman looks around, finds herself hiding in a corner, and coaxes herself out to play? Now that's the stuff good books are made of. Taking a DARE doesn't get any more enlightening than this." - T. Shelly B., THE RAWSISTAZ REVIEWERS

"ABIOLA ABRAMS puts it down in her new novel DARE. Full of flavor, a fast-paced mix of wit, drama and scandal. You did your thing, lady." -TN BAKER, Essence Best Selling author of Sheisty and Dice

"DARE is a good read all the way around from the title chapters that take you back to memorable female lyrics to the fascinating plot. Different, adventurous, and just plain fun, this debut adds much needed spice to the literary arena." --MIASHA, Essence Best Selling Author of Mommy's Angel, Sistah for Sale and Never Enough: No Secret's Safe