That Life: Prophecy of a Hustler (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780615216102)

We are all products of our environment; shaped and molded by experiences, acquaintances and circumstances. Fresh and unprecedented director, writer, and author, A.R.Hilton certainly exemplifies that. He was born in a place many people call a paradox, Mount Vernon, New York. It boasts both tree lined, family-oriented streets as well as the beautifully dilapidated, urban atmosphere that many New York City dwellers are accustomed to. This was the environment that inspired A.R.Hilton to become a writer, author and film director; an expressionist of life's experiences and lessons. In 2008 Hilton's debut novel, That Life (Prophecy of a Hustler), introduced us to characters that walk a parallel path-a path that Hilton's traveled in his own life-which led him to Federal and State prisons for over 18 years of his adult life. A.R.Hilton sought direct guidance and motivation of black literary giants such as Ralph Ellison and James Baldwin with his intensely expressive masterpiece. In That Life, Hilton weaves together a tapestry of childhood friends that are polar opposites, but choose the same dangerous and fast-paced lifestyle packed with drugs and violence. Throughout their journey together, their friendship is tested and a lives are lost. Hilton was never a sultan of script, but he continues to prove that when you're talented and driven, there's no limit to what you can accomplish. Writing was something he tried in his early teens during a summer youth job program, reporting and writing newsletters for the local Urban League in Mount Vernon. During Hilton's time in prison, he rediscovered his skills in writing and started playing with concepts for novels and screenplays. The last eight years Hilton spent behind bars, he turned those ideas into several literary works. In 2012 Hilton took some time to complete his second novel "Prophecy of a Hustler II (A War of Souls)" and released it digitally online. In that same year he went into film production with Amirah Films and began production on the company's first project "The Death of a Prince," a short film dedicated to the memory of Hilton's younger brother who was murdered at eighteen years of age. A gritty urban tale like no other, it tells the story of one boy's journey through life and a riveting discovery of self. "The Death of a Prince" is currently available to the public online. Hilton's become an example for those who stumble in life's pitfalls to know that they to can turn negatives to positives.