The Book of Numbers (The Virginia Bookshelf)

Rating:
Summary: The Book of Numbers: In a class of its own
Review: I can't believe I'm the first person to rate this exceptional work of fiction! This novel is so real it's almost unreadable - it can be breathed. Pharr holds a key to the lifestyle and lingo of a wonderfull black south.
The Book of Numbers describes the coming up of young Dave Greene, who leaves home after his wannabe-lawyer father's death and quickly becomes the king of numbers, leading a fast and lucrative sporting life of the depression-era south. Business begins booming before Dave has a chance to realize he knows little to nothing about maintaining a business, he only had a dream. Now that it has taken off he worries briefly if he can handle it all. He manages well, though, and becomes a hero and a millionare. Dave, with the help from his best friend and sort of mentor Blueboy, try to maintain the numbers operation under the noses of jealous and curious white citizens by dealing only with the negro occupants of the Ward. Gambling,murder, alcoholism, police brutality, sex, and race all play a powerfull role in this book. This is a phenomenal piece of black history. Go get this book! Amazing!