Friday, July 14, 2017

#BookReview: I Used To Cry: The Essence of Essence by E. N. Hardy @ebwrites_

Book Title I Used To Cry: The Essence of Essence

Series I Used To Cry, Book #1

Author E. N. Hardy

Genre(s) African American Fiction; Urban Fiction; Coming of Age

Publication Date July 1, 2017

Publisher Hard Pen Publications; 1st edition

ASIN B06Y4VKX5Y

ISBN-10 0998775401

ISBN-13 978-0998775401

Print Length 245 Pages




Book Blurb

Based on true events, I Used To Cry: The Essence of Essence is an epic coming of age novel that captivates the reader from beginning to end. An emotional tale chronicling the life of Essence, a young girl from the streets of Inkster, Michigan. She had it all. A good home, loving family and friends, beauty, and brains. When a traumatic turn of events changes her life forever, Essence is left emotionally crippled with a jaded perception of self, life, and love. For years her life is in shambles. She finds herself on a path of destruction fueled by pain, struggling to pick up the pieces. All she wants is to be loved, and accepted for who she is, but not even she knows the true answer to that question. Will she ever find what she's looking for? Take this journey with Essence as she discovers the true essence of herself.


My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


My Review

This book was absolutely very well written. Author E.N. Hardy is definitely talented with the pen. This book had me glued to the pages, it was very hard to put down. The more I read, the more I want to continue because I just had to know what was going to happen next. How was she going to deal with this or that? What was she going to be up against next? This book had me thinking about my own past & recent encounters that I’ve had to deal with myself.

Essence endured so much throughout her life, having traumatic events one after another. I felt so bad for her, yet I respected her so much more because every time she got knocked down, she kept right on pushing despite her odds. Being subconscious about her weight and having low self-esteem is so relatable to many females, especially young ladies, in today’s world.

Although this story was heartbreaking, it was also inspiring, motivational and it sent me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I laughed, smiled, cried, got angry & frowned while reading this book. I’m so glad the author was able to tell her story because it will help inspire and motivate young ladies to keep pushing forward, no matter what they go through. To help them see their self-worth & build the confidence that they need to endure anything that comes their way. My 15yr old daughter is actually reading this book!

I highly recommend that everyone should read this book. You will not be disappointed. It's just that great! September is not getting here fast enough! I can’t wait to see what’s to come! Go buy this book, read it & leave your review!


Buy Links



E. N. Hardy

E. N. Hardy was born and raised in Inkster, Michigan. Writing became a passion for her at a very young age, as an outlet, and as a means to deal with trying circumstances. She loves to write poetry, erotica, and in her own words "emotional fiction." The only thing that matters to her is the way you "feel" after reading her work. She enjoys a career in healthcare education, and does lots of reading in her spare time. Her all-time favorite author is V. C. Andrews, with Frank McCourt being a very close second. In 2012, she began working on her debut novel I Used To Cry: The Essence of Essence. She currently resides in the Metro Detroit area with her husband and four children.

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