Since the release of his first novel, Clarence Nero has become a superstar of the literary world. His words pulse with the energy of life on the street, and his stories brim with conflict and emotion. Now we're proud to reintroduce his first urban classic, which explores a young man's experience living in and eventually freeing himself from one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in America. At one time, Desire in New Orleans was the pride of public housing, and generations of teenage Cheekie's family had lived there happily and safely. But by the 1970s, the project has seriously deteriorated into violence, drugs and poverty. Despite its downfalls, Desire remained a neighborhood fueled by the people, and their vibrant energy and love of fun transcending their oppressive surroundings. But it's still no place for a young boy, and all Cheekie wants is to get out. Described through his young voice, the neglect and the nurturing, the violence and the inspiration of Desire come alive as Cheekie grows into manhood, finally escapes and forges ahead on an inspiring journey toward personal and professional success. We think you'll love Clarence Nero's critically acclaimed first novel.

Growing up in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans, Johnny and Tonya meet in high school and fall for each other. Yet their romance falls apart when Johnny seriously injures Tonya's ex-boyfriend in an altercation. Johnny is imprisoned, and Tonya starts dating a rapper who fulfills her dreams of dancing in videos.
Depressed and deflated in jail, Johnny comes back to life thanks to the help of Pandora, the prison's "den mother," and James, who helps Johnny study for his GED. What starts as a platonic friendship between the sexually repressed Johnny and the openly gay James soon develops into a tender love that's put on hold when James is released on parole. A year later, Johnny is freed as well, haunted by his feelings.
Meanwhile, Tonya, no longer with the rapper, has a new dream of reuniting with Johnny. And James, who wows crowds as a legendary drag queen performer, is furious that Johnny hasn't reached out to him.
Their lives soon become a twisting roller coaster--secrets are revealed and assumptions are shattered in ways never imagined. Inviting comparison to E. Lynn Harris, Clarence Nero has created a compelling story about the social and sexual challenges black people face today.