Title: Chasing Destiny
Author: Eric Jerome Dickey
First published April 1, 2006
432 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780525949503 (ISBN10: 052594950X)
Rating: 4.22
Overview
Meet Billie, a woman with an exceptional sense of style and a knack for riding her yellow Ducati motorcycle. She’s well-known on the streets for her breathtaking beauty and her unwavering confidence.
However, this time, her journey might lead her to a collision course. Join Billie as she navigates the twists and turns of life and love in Eric Jerome Dickey’s thrilling novel, Chasing Destiny.
About the Author
Eric Jerome Dickey was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and attended the University of Memphis, where he studied Computer System Technology. In 1983, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in engineering.
Eric Jerome Dickey’s artistic talents surfaced while working as a software developer in the aerospace industry, inspiring him to become an actor and a stand-up comedian. However, he discovered that writing was his true passion after taking creative writing classes and reading the works of his favorite authors.
He wrote several scripts for his comedy act before delving into poetry and short stories.
Eric Jerome Dickey joined the IBWA (International Black Writers and Artists) and participated in their development workshops. He was a recipient of the IBWA SEED Scholarship, which allowed him to attend UCLA’s Creative Writing classes.
In 1994, his first published short story, “Thirteen,” appeared in the IBWA’s River Crossing: Voices of the Diaspora-An Anthology of the International Black Experience. Another short story, “Days Gone By,” was published in the magazine A Place to Enter.
Eric Jerome Dickey fine-tuned some of his earlier work and developed a screenplay called “Cappuccino,” which was directed and produced by Craig Ross, Jr. and appeared in coffee houses around the Los Angeles area. In February 1998, “Cappuccino” made its local debut during the Pan African Film Festival at the Magic Johnson Theater in Los Angeles.
Although short stories were not enough to fulfill his creative yearnings, Eric Jerome Dickey kept writing and reading and sending out query letters for his novels for almost three years until he finally got an agent. This opened the door for him, and he quickly put his foot in before it could close.
This led to the publication of his novels, which established him as one of the best writers of contemporary urban fiction.
Eric Jerome Dickey’s book signing tours for Sister, Sister; Friends and Lovers; Milk in My Coffee; Cheaters; and Liar’s Game took him from coast to coast and helped propel each of these novels to #1 on the “Blackboard Bestsellers List.” Cheaters was named “Blackboard Book of the Year” in 2000. In June 2000, Eric Jerome Dickey celebrated the French publication of Milk in My Coffee (Cafe Noisette) by embarking on a book tour to Paris.
Soon after, Milk in My Coffee became a bestseller in France. Eric Jerome Dickey’s novels have all earned him the success of a spot on The New York Times bestseller list.
Liar’s Game, Thieves’ Paradise, The Other Woman, and Genevieve have also given Dickey the added distinction of being nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Literary Work in 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005. In 2006, he was honored with the awards for Best Contemporary Fiction and Author of the Year (Male) at the 2006 African American Literary Award Show.
In 2008, Eric was nominated for Storyteller of the Year at the 1st annual ESSENCE Literary Awards.
In January 2001, Eric Jerome Dickey was a contributor to New American Library’s anthology Got To Be Real: Four Original Love Stories, also a Blackboard Bestseller. He also had a story entitled “Fish Sanwich” appear in the anthology Mothers and Sons.
In June 2002, Dickey contributed to Black Silk: A Collection of African American Erotica (Warner Books) as well as to Riots Beneath the Baobab (published by Inte
Editoral Review
In Chasing Destiny, Eric Jerome Dickey takes readers on a thrilling ride of love, loss, and self-discovery. Dickey is a New York Times bestselling author who has written over 20 novels, including Milk in My Coffee and Sister, Sister.
Known for his compelling storytelling and multifaceted characters, Dickey delivers once again with Chasing Destiny, a novel that explores the complexities of love and fate. The novel begins with a chance encounter between two strangers, Gideon and Arizona.
Gideon is a successful businessman who has it all, but he feels unfulfilled and yearns for something more. Arizona is a vibrant artist who is struggling to make ends meet, but she refuses to give up on her dreams.
When they meet, they immediately feel a connection, but their respective pasts threaten to keep them apart. As the story unfolds, Dickey weaves a spellbinding tale of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness.
He masterfully blends romance, action, and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The characters are complex and well-developed, each with their own unique backstory and motivations.
Gideon and Arizona are both likable and relatable, and their chemistry is palpable. Dickey also expertly navigates themes of race, class, and destiny.
He examines the ways in which societal expectations and preconceived notions can limit individuals’ potential and affect their relationships. Furthermore, he uses Arizona’s artistic expression as a metaphor for the freedom and self-discovery that we all seek.
One of the book’s strengths is Dickey’s writing style, which is both lyrical and engaging. His descriptions of people and places are vivid and immersive, transporting readers to the world of the novel.
The pacing is also excellent, with just the right balance of action and introspection. However, the novel is not without its flaws.
Some readers may find the plot predictable or formulaic, and there are moments when the dialogue feels a bit contrived. Additionally, some of the secondary characters are not as well-developed as they could be.
That being said, Chasing Destiny is still a highly enjoyable read that will leave readers feeling satisfied and inspired. It is a novel that celebrates the power of love and the importance of following your dreams.
Fans of romance, suspense, and self-discovery will find much to enjoy here. Overall, I would recommend Chasing Destiny to anyone who enjoys compelling storytelling and multifaceted characters.
It is a novel that will appeal to a wide range of readers, from those who simply want to be entertained to those who crave deeper themes and messages. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give this book an 8.5, based on its strong writing, character development, and themes.
