Part 4, Chapter 39 Summary

Jamel has always loved to rap with his friends in and out of prison. He would write songs and sing them to the inmates. Elaine encouraged him. Anything other than drugs and hanging out on the streets is good and might keep him out of jail. One night Lora invites Jamel to perform at a local club she frequents. It is open microphone and she announces Jamel after a poetry act. He gets up on stage, takes the microphone and thanks Lora and his mother and introduces his newest girlfriend, Joanne, as his wife. Out pours a lyric about his niece who passed away at four months old. The crowd claps loudly when he is finished and Elaine is in awe. She has never heard this one before.

Part 4, Chapter 39 Analysis

Sometimes the smallest talent, nurtured and encouraged, can bring extraordinary...