Williams, T.J.
(Timothy J. Williams)

PERSONAL:

Born in OH. Education: Attended Princeton University.

CAREER:

Writer.

WRITINGS:

5 Minutes and 42 Seconds (novel), Amistad (New York, NY), 2006.

SIDELIGHTS:

T.J. Williams was a student at Princeton University when he published his debut novel, 5 Minutes and 42 Seconds, the story of Fashad Douglass, a Detroit businessman who appears in television ads promoting the sale of cars. But despite his front as a car dealer, Fashad is really dealing cocaine. His house can be cleared of all drugs and drug money, should the law initiate a raid, in the five minutes and forty-two seconds of the book's title. Fashad's wife, Cameisha, must stay at home in the event of such an occurrence, and she is tired of being trapped there and of her husband's possible relationship with another woman. She decides that when the next police raid occurs, she will take off with the money and leave the drugs as punishment for her husband's behavior. Meanwhile, Fashad's stepdaughter, Dream, is in a relationship with his runner, Smokey, who wants his own revenge against Fashad for past grievances. A reviewer for the Herald Standard Online wrote: "Author T.J. Williams kept me on the edge of my seat with the twists and turns and character-ties that he so carefully weaved." "Exciting and gritty, this debut is an original thriller," commented a Kirkus Reviews contributor.

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

PERIODICALS

Kirkus Reviews, May 1, 2006, review of 5 Minutes and 42 Seconds, p. 438.

ONLINE

Herald Standard Online,http://www.heraldstandard.com/ (June 19, 2006), review of 5 Minutes and 42 Seconds. *