Masterfully crafted by compelling new author, Agnew Smith, ‘Make a Stand’ challenges readers to explore the moral dilemmas in family, friendship and faith – forces all under the influence of hardcore and gangster rap music.

Marietta, GA -- (SBWire) -- 04/07/2015 --Gangster Rap music means different things to everyone; for some it's an uplifting reminder of any underdog's ability to prosper, to others it is a dangerous lyrical manifesto that inspires thousands to dabble in crime. To the protagonist in Agnew Smith's gripping novel, it's a stark reminder that success often comes at a price.

Everything plays out in 'Make a Stand', which pulls no punches when unravelling one of today's most controversial subjects.

Synopsis:

Terry Freeman is a disgruntled computer salesman and talented musician and songwriter who, along with his best friend, Damon King, is attempting to fulfill his musical dreams through their popular band, Infinite Noise. It appears the sky is the limit for Infinite Noise until tragedy strikes, derailing Terry's and his band members' dreams of fame and success.

Nearly two years later, Terry tries to put the tragedy behind him and rekindle the magic that propelled the band into one of the most well-known and hottest bands in Atlanta and the surrounding area. When Infinite Noise receives an offer to sign with a major record label, Terry thinks things are finally going his way until he discovers that success in the music industry sometimes comes with a very high price.

He is confronted with an agonizing decision that will affect not only his music career, but also his life.

"This novel will open the eyes and minds of all its readers as it explores one man's search for respect, courage, and faith," explains the author. "Few novels dare explore the grassroots impact of hardcore and gangster rap music on society – something I felt was urgent enough to take public."

Continuing, "The narrative is a culmination of my own life experiences, professional career in broadcasting/journalism and diligent study under my college's most notable alumnus, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This story will surely leave my audience with plenty to think about."

Readers agree, leaving a slew of positive reviews. Keisha Porter comments, "I truly enjoyed this book. The author really knows how to captivate his audience...great storyteller. It was also refreshing to read a book that was grammatically pleasing. I hated to see it end, but something tells me there will be a sequel...fingers crossed."

Another reader adds, "The main character was aspiring, showing positivity while dealing with anguish. We are shown how love, forgiveness & healing can conquer all.

Looking forward to the sequel."

'Make a Stand', from iUniverse, is available now: http://amzn.to/1MAQxtU.

About Agnew Smith
Agnew Smith has been writing short stories and poetry for over twenty years. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications from Morehouse College and is a graduate of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. Now retired from advertising and publishing, he currently resides in Marietta, Georgia.