The Coldest Winter Ever

by Sister Souljah
The Coldest Winter Ever cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Contemporary Fiction
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  • ID: 5956
  • Added: 2025-10-27
  • Updated: 2025-10-27
  • ISBN: 9780743270106
  • Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books
  • Published: 2005-09-20
  • Reviews: 3

Winter Santiaga is born during a fierce snowstorm, a fitting metaphor for the tumultuous life that awaits her. As the daughter of a prominent drug-dealing family in Brooklyn, Winter is both privileged and street-savvy, using her intelligence and allure to maintain her family's empire. However, when her world is turned upside down, she must rely on her cunning and resilience to survive. The Coldest Winter Ever is a powerful and unforgettable novel that brings the raw energy of New York's streets to life, exploring themes of power, loyalty, and the struggle for survival. Over a million copies sold, this classic has become a national treasure, passed down through generations.

Reviews
Equal Opportunity Reader · 2021-08-04
realistic 3.50

The protagonist is portrayed as selfish and spoiled, which drives the narrative but also makes her a challenging character to root for.

In this review, the protagonist Winter Santiaga is described as selfish, spoiled, mean, vain, and materialistic. These traits make her a complex and often unlikable character, which adds a layer of realism to the story. The reviewer acknowledges that while Winter's actions and decisions are frustrating, they also drive the narrative forward in a compelling way. The book's ability to portray such a flawed character in a realistic light is noted as one of its strengths. The reviewer appreciates the book's honesty in portraying the consequences of Winter's actions, making it a thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    The eponymous teenage protagonist of Sister Souljah's hit urban lit novel is selfish, spoiled, mean, vain and materialistic.

    Winter lost her virginity at 12 and now focuses unwaveringly on varieties of adolescent self-indulgence: sex and sugar-daddies, clothes, and getting her own way.

    The book is gripping from start to finish.

Grab the Lapels · 2021-04-13
engaging 4.00

The book is a gripping and realistic portrayal of a troubled protagonist, with a dark undertone that lingers throughout. The character's lack of growth is a significant point of reflection.

The reviewer found 'The Coldest Winter Ever' to be a compelling read, highlighting its realistic and intriguing nature. The protagonist, Winter, is portrayed as a complex and often frustrating character, whose actions and decisions drive the narrative. The reviewer particularly noted the darkest part of the book as Winter's failure to truly understand and change her ways, even by the end. This aspect adds a layer of depth and realism to the story, making it a thought-provoking read. The reviewer appreciated the book's ability to keep them engaged, despite the challenging nature of the protagonist.

Quick quotes

    The darkest part of the book was the fact that Winter never really 'got it', even at the end.

    Amazing review Melanie!!

    I still feel like darkest part of the book was the fact that Winter never really 'got it', even at the end.

Goodreads · 1999-04-01
compelling 4.50

The book is praised for its gripping narrative and cliffhanger endings, making it a compelling read from start to finish.

This review highlights the book's ability to keep readers engaged with its gripping narrative and cliffhanger endings at the end of each chapter. The reviewer notes that the book is compelling from start to finish, making it a page-turner. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to maintain tension and interest throughout, which is a testament to Sister Souljah's storytelling skills. The reviewer also mentions that the book's realistic portrayal of its characters and their actions adds to its overall impact, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    The book is gripping from start to finish.

    And the end of every chapter leaves you with a small cliff hanger, which will tempt you to read on.

    I don't read much but this book is a must read.

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