HOW IT ALL BEGAN:
PK Roman's first novel, A Necessity, Like Laughter was published in the fall of 2023. The title comes from one specific line in the book where the main character contemplates how true happiness must be a part of life as necessary as food or shelter but once recognized, just as important.
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"I just realize that it just ain’t enough. Love only is not enough. Being happy is not a necessity like water, it’s a necessity like laughter." -antagonist
"Women, for all their reverence, have the esteem of fifteen-year-old boys with man boobs...As for our Janey Doe, she's broken. Not even a difficult guess as to how she got this way, either. I'm betting she had bigger tits than the rest of the sixth-grade class, learned damaging habits that carried over into adulthood because she 'had the boys all figured out.' For those reasons, Daniel, I'm betting that Janey Doe's indifference to Average Guy's private parts won't be something a new tailored suit and fancy meals can fix." -Master/pg.96-
When someone is killed, the police rarely look past the spouse or lover to find a culprit. But what if this recent uptick in women murders wasn't a coincidence?
Angston Thurgood always imagined a 'happily ever after' scenario after marrying his college sweetheart, but the rigors of life stole that dream away. Facing a lifetime of unhappy marriage, he reluctantly befriends a man who shows him his own twisted version of "true happiness" as it relates to being a "real" man. Their one-sided friendship becomes marred in fast living, a circumstance of toxic ideologies, and it causes Angston an uneasy mistrust as he begins to grasp how his exciting new life has very noir retribution.
A twisting tale, comprised of compelling characters, whose lives converge right before the reader's eyes. The reviews for "Necessity..." have been promising. Lover's of vivid storytelling become fast fans.
MizOrr
5.0 out of 5 stars Complex Thriller
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2023
This is 528 pages which competed with my hectic life and took longer than normal for me to read. Yet I was drawn in from the beginning and had to keep going. There are multiple characters interwoven, with the main character’s thoughts and experiences the most intriguing, reminiscent of Grisham and Patterson books that I’ve enjoyed. Looking forward to more from this new author.
Venmo or Cash App: Title of book and contact info. or visit Amazon.com
Top reviews from the United States
CHAUNCEYETTA JACKSON
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2024
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I finished this book last month. The 2nd half of the book made it harder to put down. The author did a very good job of tying in past and present together. It was an interesting and good novel with an unusual plot, something different! 😎
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Michelle K
Having grown up as a kid in Kansas City, I was super excited to read this book. It not only mentions local spots around the city but keeps you wanting more when following the characters as they develop through the story. There are a few grammatical errors towards the early part of the book that I found distracting but if you’re looking for a great thrilling read that has twists and turns, I’d highly recommend this book!! I really enjoyed it
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MizOrr
This is 528 pages which competed with my hectic life and took longer than normal for me to read. Yet I was drawn in from the beginning and had to keep going. There are multiple characters interwoven, with the main character’s thoughts and experiences the most intriguing, reminiscent of Grisham and Patterson books that I’ve enjoyed. Looking forward to more from this new author.
Helpful
LESLIE LAVENDER-WHITE
This is not your, "Oh, I'll read it this weekend (or month🤣) type of book", it has 528 pages! I'm nearly 100 pages in and take it everywhere to steal even 5 minutes of reading. Taking a trip? Take it with you like me, grab your ear buds and knock out some chapters. So, grab your book, blanket, snack and a drink and settle in for a good story!
Lori/Maya
A Necessity Like Laughter is a great thrilling read. The twists and turns keep you wondering what’s next. The author does a great job telling the story weaving through the past and present. The characters in the story are very relatable. Some you will love, others not so much. This book will make you question who you trust!! I highly recommend this book! You won’t be disappointed!!
Kelly Jo
PK has the ability to spin multiple storylines into one cohesive tale of intrigue, excitement and mystery. He’s a talented writer with a true gift and ability to spin a wonderfully entertaining and gripping story set in various locations in and around Kansas City, KS. Would highly recommend to all thriller/mystery lovers!
Ms. Nikki
Amazing story set in KCK. The familiarities make for an easy read. Definitely a page-turner. Will not disappoint! Highly recommended.
Amazon Customer
The writer goes into great detail to lead you on a journey of life experiences.
One person found this helpful
"THE CHARACTERS COME TO LIFE! PK ROMAN MAKES A READER FEEL THE INTENSITY OF THE MOMENT."
H.W. -Tennessee
Necessity pg. 200... Addison hesitated, his hand lingering on the needle in the attendant's hand for an imperceptible moment, his smile fades before they break eye contact with one another.
After looking him over for some time, Carol shifted her body away from Addison and rolled over. Carol was suspicious. Addison was different these last few months. He's changing from his passive self, asserting himself in ways she hadn't seen in decades. At first it was refreshing, but she'd seen enough of the new Addison Calderon.
"You're going somewhere," she said with her back to him.
"What do you mean?" Nervous smiling.
"You're wearing your good hairpiece, dear. You're going somewhere. You only wear it when you have important business... or something formal," Carol chuckled, dryly. "Though I can't imagine where you might be off to at such an hour. Likely, you're coming FROM somewhere, more like it. Wouldn't you say?" She turned back toward him when an answer wasn't forthcoming. "You forgot you were wearing it, didn't you?"
Addison, reddened, pulled away and walked toward the window overlooking the city. From the mirrored reflection of the dark windows, Addison pretended to look out at the traffic lights below. Instead, he searched his resources for a good lie to tell. --pk
I support you cuz your book is truly good… and I've seen your passion when you were in the writing process, I’m sincerely proud of you Mr. Cook! N.Y. --KCMetro
"A Necessity Like Laughter is a great thrilling read. The twists and turns keep you wondering what’s next. The author does a great job telling the story weaving through the past and present. The characters in the story are very relatable. Some you will love, others not so much. This book will make you question who you trust!! I highly recommend this book! You won’t be disappointed!!" M.B. -Kansas
To the special people in these pictures and those not pictured here. I could not have done any of this without you. But we're not done.
