Only The Strong Survive

Part sports star, part antihero, part hip-hop icon, Allen Iverson has managed to cross over into the mainstream of American culture -- without compromise. Defiantly tattooed, with his hair in cornrows, the six-foot Philadelphia 76ers point guard is one of the most recognizable and controversial stars of the sports world. His meteoric rise from a troubled childhood in the ghetto to NBA superstardom has been marked by five straight playoff appearances, including a finals berth in 2001 and an MVP award. From his rap sheet to his rap album, fans and journalists alike hound his every move. But never before has a biographer presented a full portrait of this complicated and intensely private star -- a man whose loyalty to his family, the streets, and his friends trumps any other concern. Filled with exclusive interview material and unprecedented access to many of Iverson's inner circle, Only the Strong Survive is the first in-depth look at the truth behind this newly minted legend.

"... Butler's recollections of the racially segregated 'chitlin circuit, ' the early days of the civil rights movement and fellow performers like Dinah Washington, Little Willie John and Dionne Warwick are fascinating and insightful.... Only the Strong Survive makes one wish it came with a soundtrack." --The New York Times Book Review " Only the Strong Survive] presents a portrait of a remarkable performer, as well as an up-close and personal look at the world of rhythm and blues from the perspective of an insider.... A moving chronicle of one of America's music pioneers." --Chicago Tribune "More than an autobiography, Only the Strong Survive is also a glimpse at the political and social climate of the times which shaped the life of one man." --Ebony

Summary Only the Strong Survive introduces Kelly, a sugar baby from the Midwest who moves to the South for fast cash. Her services come with a price—an expensive one. Kelly will strip, prostitute, and steal to get that paper! Pay her pimp and stay on top of her game. Will Kelly give up the fast life, or is it too late?

What makes me able to write this book? At nine years old I was sexually abused and forced to live my life as if nothing ever happened. I was afraid, ashamed, and confused. I thought a mother's job was to protect her children, but my mother took part in the abuse. Through it I learned how to pray. I asked God for help. Then I began writing about the abuse and I promised myself that when I became a mother that my children would never know such sickness. I vowed to make a difference in every life that I came in contact with. Personal statement: Four years ago I took a look at myself. I wanted to be a better person, I was known as being mean. I had no patience for much of anything. I know now that it was due to all that I went through as a child. I wasn't happy. I was use to doing what needed to be done like a mother taking care of her children, homework, cooking, keeping the kids safe and showing them that life has many things to offer. Never allowing Sabrina to be Sabrina. I was lost I didn't know who Sabrina was. I took care of my three younger siblings as if I was their mother, then at sixteen years old I had my own child the first of my five children. I just wanted to be whole and true to myself and be able to help anyone I could. I knew I had something to give but I needed to be complete from within and I've reached that point. Writing Only the Strong Survive has helped me in many ways and I want to help as many people as I can to understand that they are not alone.

For many of us, the dream of starting a family is the hope we hold most dear. Sometimes, though, things don’t go as easy as we planned. There are few who will admit the hardship this brings—from struggling with infertility to the daunting process of adoption—and we end up suffering in silence and solitude. In this candid and thoughtful memoir, author Ashley Biddiscombe takes an unflinching look at the struggle she and her wife faced in starting their family—something that might be especially familiar to LGBTQ couples like them—and their eventual decision to adopt children with special needs. Biddiscombe’s story gives voice to countless difficulties that often go unspoken along journeys like hers. Beginning with the secret traumas of fertility treatments and the heartbreak of having the “baby door” close, she examines the strain this can put on one’s relationship both to one’s partner and to one’s very self. Moving into the intimidating world of adoption, she probes the difficulties of raising children with unique and difficult traumas of their own, of establishing and maintaining a relationship with birth parents, and of the isolation one can feel as a LGBTQ couple in a world generally catered toward the straight. Finally, she relays the unique and often very private struggles of raising children with disabilities—from the social alienation one might feel from the “outside” world to the difficult process of finding the right diagnosis and support system. Ultimately, Only the Strong Survive is a story of resilience in the face of great pain and the indomitable power of unconditional love. No matter where you are in starting or raising a family, you are sure to find compassion and understanding herein.

Preston Pickett is the Co-author of Success Starts today with Jack Canfield; author of Best Selling Series-"Chicken Soup for the Soul". Preston has received letters from the Congress of the United States to help with our homeless veterans who suffer from PTSD. And has been personally acknowledged for his work with the Vets by local Non-Profits in the area such as The Veterans group. Preston attended the Pennsylvania State University Main Campus. His freshman year he was President of M.E.C.A (multi ethnical cultural association) and received an award from the Pennsylvania Conference on Higher Education, was secretary of SGA, member of the PSU power cougar club, member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity Inc., award recipient for Outstanding Boxer of the Penn State Boxing Open tournament, Orleans Tech student of the Month and The Community Advocates for Children and Youth 1st place Team winner at their golf fundraiser tournament. Who's Who labeled Mr. Pickett someone to watch. Delta Theta Alumni awarded Mr. Pickett a Custom Only Fraternity jacket for helping the organization purchase a Fraternity house for the younger brothers and donating $120,000 for the cause and served on the committee....He is someone who helped the younger college kids achieve and supported the cause." Preston volunteered at Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta and received the Best Team Member badge for his fun personality and going above and beyond to make everyone laugh and enjoy the experience. Preston has spoke at Light of the World Christian Academy in Atlanta to the youth and left the kids with one Mission. To change the Narrative. Preston was also a member of the Dicks & Nanton Celebrity Branding Agency. Before the pandemic was asked to join the promotional tour in New York's Time Square and be interviewed by ABC, CBS, NBC, WSJ, USA Today and FOX News. Preston grew up on welfare in the projects of North Philadelphia "Abbotsford Projects", where he witnessed those around him being murdered and imprisoned. Mr. Pickett moved to SouthWest Philadelphia where his Mother was murdered due to a break in. After going to live with his Father in Norristown. College became his only way out; he took advantage of his opportunity there that forever changed his life. He was the President of M.E.C.A a student organization, Penn State Boxing Team and joined a Fraternity amongst other things that involved Leadership. He started his first business out of college flipping houses. After helping the Alumni secure a Fraternity House. Things took off and he soon became the Vice President of a HomeVestor's Franchise. After doing over 100 deals and going thru the great recession of 2005. Mr. Pickett lost it all and went bankrupt. But God had a plan for his life. He packed up and moved to Atlanta, got a fresh new start. As a professional speaker and author Mr. Pickett got back up after being knocked down, learned some hard lessons and now has Purpose and gained his stride. Founder of 3P Legacy Partners Inc. Mr. Pickett likes to donate money to students without Mothers, a Non Profit here in Atlanta and give back as much wisdom as he possibly can to the next generation. For fun, Preston likes to travel, hit the beach, listen to music, and read magazines.