Books

RAW: Stripped Naked with Only the Truth for Cover is a compelling memoir that dives deep into the life of Karin Hopkins, offering an unflinching look at her journey from childhood trauma to personal triumph. The book chronicles her experiences growing up in a chaotic environment, grappling with the absence of a father and navigating the complexities of ghetto life surrounded by the drug culture. Through vivid storytelling, Karin reveals how she transformed her pain into purpose, embracing her flaws and using them as stepping-stones for growth. With a powerful voice that resonates with authenticity, she confronts her past and shares the lessons learned along the way. RAW is a testament to resilience and self-discovery, illustrating how one woman’s journey can inspire others to reclaim their own narratives. This memoir not only highlights the struggles faced but also celebrates the strength found in vulnerability, making it a poignant exploration of identity and transformation. But revelations concerning identity are a double dose of truth in this story, as the least likely person in Karin’s life steps out of the shadows and into her true essence.
The NEXUS Days tells the captivating story of NEXUS, an iconic nightclub that thrived in New Orleans during the 1980s, becoming both a business triumph and a cultural landmark. Co-owned by the ambitious Noah Hopkins, NEXUS wasn’t just a venue for music, dance and celebration—it was the backdrop to a deeply moving love story. Noah’s life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Karin Grant, a TV news anchor who instantly captured his heart. While chronicling the rise of NEXUS as a reflection of Black social advancements that flourished alongside Black political empowerment, the book weaves in the intense romance between Noah and Karin. Their love blooms amid the thriving pulse of New Orleans, as they navigate personal dreams, business challenges and professional hurdles. Against the backdrop of the era’s vibrant social and political movements, the couple’s relationship develops its own rhythm—steady, soulful and in perfect harmony, so much so, Noah and Karin quickly recognize they are true soul mates, destined to be together forever. Through its dual focus on the nightclub’s significance and the love story that unfolds as a concurrent storyline The NEXUS Days paints a dynamic portrait of passion, struggle and resilience during The Golden Age of Black Nightlife in New Orleans.