1. Lauren Hill – Ex-Factor
2. Miguel – Adore
3. Frank Ocean – Novocane
4. Roy Ayer – Everybody Loves the Sunshine
5. J. Holiday – Bed
6. System of a Down – Toxicity
7. J. Dilla – Dreamy
8. Eazy E. – Boyz N tha Hood
9. The Carpenters – Close to You
10. Con Funk Shun – Love Train
11. P.M. Dawn – Set Adrift of Memory Bliss of You
12. Rico Richie – Poppin’
13. J. Cole – Wet Dreamz
14. Bread – Make It With You
15. Toni Braxton – Just Be a Man About It
16. Cybotron – Clear
17. Mantronix – Scream
18. Ghost Town DJs – My Boo
19. Ready for the World – Let Me Love You Down
20. Omarion – I’m Up
21. Alessia Cara – Here
22. Kongos – Come With Me Now
23. John Newman – Losing Sleep
24. Calvin Harris – Feels So Close
25. Calvin Harris –Summer
26. Maroon 5 – Sugar
27. Tom Sawyer – Rush
28. ACDCs – Back in Black
29. Snow – informer
30. Ini Kamoze – Here Comes the HotStepper
31. Avant ft. Keke Wyatt – My First Love
32. Judas Priest – Pain Killer
33. Van Halen – Hot For Teacher
34. Miguel – Pussy is Mine
35. Miguel – How Many Drinks
36. Jeremih – Planes
37. Anita Baker – Sweet Love
38. George Clinton and Parliament – Atomic Dog
39. George Clinton and Parliament – One Nation Under a Groove
40. Trey Songz – Ready to make love
41. Trey Songz – I Want You
42. Trey Songz – Sex for your Stereo
43. Stephanie Mills –Home
44. Sheila E. – A Love Bizarre
45. Switch – I Call Your Name
46. El Debarge – I Like It
47. Trey Songz – On Top
48. Trey Songz – More Than That
49. GQ – I Do Love You
50. Minnie Riperton – Back Down Memory Lane
51. Deniece Williams – Black Butterfly
1. The hero, Zenith, experiences a lot of growth in this novel. Compare how he was at the beginning to how he became at the very end. What changes were made?
2. Zenith and Silver have a lot in common. Name three things they have in common which may have assisted them in being able to help one another.
3. When Zenith met Silver, he was awestruck by her physical appearance. Though he didn’t necessarily love her at that point, there was intense chemistry. Do you believe in love at first sight? Why do you or why do you not?
4. Zenith’s upbringing played a pivotal role in the development of his personality and how he saw the world. He was also quite close to his grandparents, particularly his grandfather. What were some of the similarities you saw in regard to Paw and Zenith?
5. The theme of the ‘four seasons’ was illustrated many times in this double novel series, ‘Silver Nitrate.’ In typical Tiana Laveen fashion, symbolism plays a big part in her work. What other forms of symbolism did you notice?
6. Silver didn’t know her father very well and one of the unfortunate but true realities is that many people who come from broken homes lose contact, for whatever reason, with one or both their parents. Do you think her not having a father in her life played a role in who she chose as a mate, and possibly her grief and guilt regarding David?
7. Silver is portrayed as a complicated yet relatable character. What do you personally believe were her best characteristics?
8. Several times in this double series, we witness Zenith talking to his grandfather, Silver, Javier, and a few others where he interjects humor during arguments/disagreements. When you are in an argument with someone you care about, have you ever used this approach and if so, has it been effective?
9. Paw’s heritage is very important to him, yet he appears to embrace others and treat people as people. Do you believe this may have played a part in Zenith’s attraction towards women that were not of his same ethnicity?
10. What was one of your favorite scenes in this double novel series, and why?
11. Silver and her mother have a friendship, not just a mother and daughter relationship. Due to the way her mother raised her and communicates with her, do you believe it helped or hurt Silver, developmentally speaking?
12. There were several scenes in these books that depicted true sources of pain for the characters, i.e., an aging loved one and frustration with a job which may present underlying biases and stunted opportunities based on race. Name an instance or two that is described in the book(s) that you can personally relate to.
13. ‘Grind’ and ‘Grit’ take place in Syracuse, New York. This area of the United States is notorious for having harsh and long winters. Do you believe that the weather/four seasons and over half of the story taking place in colder temperatures relayed a hidden, underlying message or was it merely coincidence?
14. Silver is self-confident and keenly aware of who she is. She is also a woman who forms a connection with a man who, on the surface, knows who he is as well. But, once one delves deeper, we discover that Zenith is searching for the answer to many questions. The two of them are able to mirror and reflect one another, and help each other with their individual grief processes, as well as heal. Why do you believe they had so much chemistry and do you believe their relationship will endure?
I want thank all of my loyal readers, as well as new readers, for purchasing, ‘Grind’ and ‘Grit’ – The Silver Nitrate series. I don’t take you for granted, for your eyes as you read my written words make the book come to life. You are the light, and you are appreciated.
If you wish to help with HIV/AIDS research, donate, or assist in the process of finding a cure and vaccine for this life altering disease, please visit the following links for information:
Tiana Laveen was born in Cincinnati, Ohio though her soul resides in New York. She lives inside of her mind, but her heart is occupied with her family and twisted imagination. She enjoys a fulfilling and enriching life that includes writing books, public speaking, drawing, painting, listening to music, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.