Born and raised in south St. Louis. Lover of the written word. Filled with a passion to help others. Walking in the dream. Toriano Porter. Author. Speaker. Mentor. Journalist.

"I'm a white kid that grew up in white suburbia - mere miles from Park Ave, yet a world away. Toriano skillfully weaves many stories of triumph and tragedy in his heartfelt collection of childhood memories. The Pride of Park Avenue gave me a great appreciation for the ease of the path I was given, but more so a glimpse into the courage and fortitude it takes to stay away from the traps of the city. Park Avenue should be proud."

- Dave Templeton, Amazon.com review

 

"The Pride of Park Avenue, a complex, yet remarkable tribute to a community and the individuals that compose it."

- R.M. Kinder, author, An Absolute Gentleman

 

"I give The Pride of Park Avenue four stars for the plot, character development, and the author's supreme ability to keep me interested. Porter paints the grittiness of the streets and defines what the community needs to sustain itself. His wording was eloquent that I curtsied with my head as I totally related with The Pride of Park Avenue."

- Londa B., inBox Magazine and DVD

 

"The images of street life that are contained in this book transported me to those streets. The Pride of Park Avenue is the first of its kind in the Urban/Street Lit society. Porter is very clear, concise and creative at pulling the reader into every scene he crafts. The book actually has a storyline and a well-presented flow that won't disappoint."

- inBox Mag. and DVD

 

"The Pride of Park Avenue is a book I wish I would have read before any other urban books came out because it would have been hard to follow."

- inBox Mag. and DVD

 

"This was a wonderful story written by a gifted storyteller! I'm looking forward to embarking on the next journey with him."

review of the novel James Cool

 

"Great book for young audiences and those that grew up in the 80s. Nice reflection on the past and great way to reveal life for blacks in the inner city. If you are a baseball fan, you'll enjoy the commentary on the STL Cardinals!"

review of the novel James Cool

 

"This book touched me. I felt exasperation at times, wondering how these kids could be so reckless. But there is also humor and love throughout. My favorite part was when he faced a fork in the road decision, where Toriano was one bad move from a life of crime, and a piece of advice from an unlikely source steered him back."

- review The Five People You Meet in the Hood ebook

 

"The author exposed his soul on paper as he took us along on his journey of lost.

Yet allowed us to cheer him on as he found the will to survive and succeed. This book is a must read for every father and young man, looking to find their way in this world of negativity that has been distilled in the black man."

- review The Five People You Meet in the Hood ebook

 

"In his unique voice, Toriano Porter narrates candid stories of five real characters from his life and how they impacted him. Porter brings each human to life, attractive and flawed, from his friend 'Nose' to his generous and cursing step-mother. He pays unique tribute to each friend & loved one by describing how they made him a better person. May my fellow readers and I also be better for knowing their stories and from Porter's honest experience with grief and loss."

-review of The Five People You Meet in the Hood audiobook