Category: Book Post

Lightseekers book cover; yellow frayed sections with an african american man's face in the center

Lightseekers by Femi Kayode | Book Review

Lightseekers book cover; yellow frayed sections with an african american man's face in the center

Loveable characters? No
Strong character development? No
Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Lightseekers by Femi Kayode

1.0⭐😣| challenging - dark - slow-paced
Book Quote:
‘Surely people can’t believe so much nonsense without at least trying to know where it’s coming from?’ Folake asks with exasperation.

‘People are generally more likely to go with popular opinion than dissent. It’s not unique to Okriki, I answer drily.

Chika kisses his teeth with irritation. ‘But this town takes the cake. Everyone’s on edge. Always ready to believe the worst of each other.’

________________________________________________________________________

Book Review:

Immediately, I had my doubts about this book. Like from the first page. Readers, Phil was not a likeable character in my opinion. And by the end, I still didn’t like him. But that’s just one of my issues with Lightseekers.

The premise is that a crime psychologist(?) is asked to go and get answers the horrific and public killing of three university boys in Lagos community. Phil remains active and committed to his tasks of getting answers but the blatant disregard for the truth, lack of cooperation, stalling techniques and intimidation he faces in this town will make your blood boil.

I would not fully categorize this book as a crime/mystery. Mystery gives the impression that something is being turned over and investigated but Lightseekers felt like a DOA case for 80% of this book. Phil is actively going around looking for answers, yes. But every road block imaginable gets in his way. At a certain point I felt he was sent there on a fools errand when the person who hired him shows up, set on his own plan to deal with those involved with his son’s death by taking matter’s into his own hands.

Because even with the questions and pushing for information Phil does, it never actually gets him anywhere. Through him we and his inquires we learn that there is building religious tension between the Christians and the Muslims in the community. But we also learn that the community has been dealing with a lot of thefts in the area due to the rise of “cults” which really means gangs made up of university students. And all of this is on the back of years of political and civil unrest following the decolonization by the UK in the 60s.

All the players/characters besides Phil know more than they’re saying about this case. And I questioned Phil’s true investigation ability. He put blind trust into a lawyer who was not only related to people threatening him but also defending individuals being charged for the case. He spent most of his time analyzing people’s movements and demeanor but overlooked and was played by two people directly connected to the events that lead up to the boy’s death. Yes, he’s an investigative psychologist but psychologist is in the title. And he wasn’t a good one.

I realized that the author took the real life events of those young male victims as a psychological catalyst point to try to explain the actions of a community what did something horrible. And I didn’t like it.  I was perplex with why we aren’t really getting reasonable answers, conclusions or motives and then I realized that there weren’t any; only speculation. Both in this book and in real life. If studying the socioeconomic, psychological and religious influences of a people so emotionally charged to commit to doing something so heinous, I feel the author should have focused on making a scientific articles rather than this book. 

I feel my words are becoming harsh and cynical with this review. However, my intent is only to express creating an invisible mysterious and omniscient scapegoat who was the mastermind behind the cultural, religious and civil unrest in this story with psychosis the villain in the book was a poor and unethical decision.  The elusive John Paul was a protective barrier created by a young boy being abused and that manifestation continues to exist after he was abandon by his mother and abused in a religious institution. His motives and actions were all stereotyped. And he was used to explain away all the rising tension within this community and the reason the boys were killed. 

With the number of quotes in this book that Phil’s character has regarding his observation of the community and people in Lagos and even in the united States, on manipulation, intimidation and corruption I think even a cult or religious ceremony for those boys deaths would have been a better outcome.  But by making this mentally ill individual–who takes his own life and those of the abusive monk–felt like a write off. And I really didn’t like that the police chief had a character switch in the last 15% of the book with no real reason. Nor the sudden victimization angle of the towns people who were “manipulated” and “influenced” by the fake social media post by John Paul. And I haven’t even touched on the anti-gay law details in this book. That could or could not have had an impact on John Paul who was sexually abused as a child and motivated some of his actions.

But I am not a psychiatrist , just a very passionate reader.  

Review of Ella Gets the D by Tanvier Peart: A Heartfelt and Hilarious Romance Novel

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Synopsis: The end of my marriage was the beginning of my happily ever after.
What happens when you hear your husband putting dents in your mattress with another woman?
Leave and never look back!
Easier said than done when you’re a stay-at-home mom, share two kids with the no-good cheater, and have a savings account that laughs in your face on the daily.

I want out and agree to an outrageous separation agreement to avoid a showdown in court with a man standing on his wallet, waiting for me to fall. The mission is next to impossible, but I would rather attempt a full split on a hibachi grill after a Brazilian wax than stay in a marriage I should’ve ended years ago.
Morgan, my best friend, offers a gorgeous townhouse her family owns to get me back on my feet. Eight months rent-free equals one step closer to Divorced AF.
I didn’t expect moms gone wild at my divorce party, but one fruity cocktail led to me staying out past my bedtime and the steamiest dream with a man straight from fantasies.
Every kiss, every caress, made me feel worshipped. Adored.
When Morgan offered this Georgetown home, she failed to mention it belongs to her younger brother, one of DC’s most eligible bachelors. He’s very fine, not a dream, and back early from time away in London.
Now, we’re staring at each other, dumbfounded and turned on.
Ella Gets the D is a standalone divorce romantic comedy perfect for lovers of cinnamon roll heroes, a tired mom getting her groove back, tacos, and lots of spice (we kick the door wide open). This isn’t your fluffy rom-com. Somebody might catch a case.

Book Review:

Now out in the world, Ella Gets the D by Tanvier Peart is a funny, fresh, emotional, heart-felt, realistic, engrossing story of a 30-something wife and mother who is forced to uproot her and her children’s lives after discovering her husband cheating on her in their home. The narrative captures the struggles and triumphs of Ella Greene, who represents countless women dedicated to their families, often at the expense of their own needs and aspirations. This book is a refreshing dive into the journey of self-rediscovery and empowerment, resonating deeply with readers through its relatable characters and scenarios.

Ella’s character is a testament to many women who prioritize their families above all else, neglecting their own needs, goals, and feelings. Her journey begins with the painful yet liberating separation from her egotistic, rude, and misogynistic soon-to-be-ex-husband Charles. As Ella navigates the turbulent waters of separation and single motherhood, she embodies the strength and resilience that many women can identify with, despite their personal circumstances.

Although I am not a mother of human children, I am familiar with the pressure of having to provide, manage, and take care of family members, often losing myself in the process. Being younger than Ella’s character and closer in age to the male lead in this book, Julian, I found myself relating to different aspects of their lives. However, it is Ella who stands out as the character that readers will connect with the most. Her authenticity, vulnerability, and strength are portrayed so vividly that it’s hard not to root for her at every turn.

Continue reading →

Unraveling the Layers of “Missing White Woman” by Kellye Garrett: A Mystery Thriller & Call for Support for Operation Olive Branch

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Synopsis: The truth is never skin deep.
 
It was supposed to be a romantic getaway weekend in New York City. Breanna’s new boyfriend, Ty, took care of everything—the train tickets, the dinner reservations, the rented four-story luxury rowhouse in Jersey City with a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline.
 
But when Bree comes downstairs their final morning, Ty is nowhere to be found and there’s a stranger dead in the foyer—the missing woman the entire Internet has become obsessed Janelle Beckett. Soon, both the police and an army of Internet sleuths are asking questions Bree doesn’t know how to answer. Desperate to find Ty and to keep her own secrets buried, Bree realizes there’s only one person she can turn her ex-best friend, a lawyer with whom she shares a very complicated past. 

Fierce, smart, and thrilling to the end, Missing White Woman not only explores “Missing White Woman” syndrome and traveling while Black, but deftly inverts the hallmarks of the domestic suspense genre to How well can we truly know the people we love? And what happens to these stories when seen through the eyes of a Black woman?

Book Review

Diving into the pages of “Missing White Woman” by Kellye Garrett, I found myself immersed in a tale that straddles the line between cozy mystery and suspense thriller, offering readers a unique perspective on crime, race, and social dynamics.

As someone well-versed in mystery novels, I couldn’t help but notice the cozy undertones woven throughout the narrative. However, what sets this book apart is its exploration of race and identity, as seen through the eyes of its African-American protagonist, Breanna. Her experiences navigating a predominantly white and affluent neighborhood add depth to the story, highlighting the complexities of race relations in modern society.

One aspect I appreciated was the seamless integration of social media’s influence on public perception and collective consciousness. Garrett deftly explores how the spread of news and information via digital platforms can shape narratives and impact real-world outcomes, adding a layer of relevance to the storyline.

Continue reading →

We Could Have Been Friends, My Father and I: A Palestinian Memoir by Raja Shehadeh

My Book Thoughts:

Diving into My Father and I Could Have Been Friends: A Palestinian Memoir by Raja Shehadeh reveals a narrative that intricately intertwines the lives of the author and his father, Aziz. This memoir serves not only as a heartfelt homage to paternal bonds but also as an unraveling of the rich tapestry of Palestinian history.

Raja’s evocative storytelling draws poignant parallels between himself and his father, Aziz. The vivid descriptions of Aziz’s life, motivations, and unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause paint a compelling portrait of an underdog who emerges as a hero. Despite Aziz’s unyielding efforts, his unresolved assassination and the Israeli government’s reluctance to investigate cast a lingering shadow of injustice over the narrative.

The denial of access to the case file, justified under the guise of “privacy and information secrecy,” hints at a more disturbing truth—the possibility that those in power know the killer’s identity, potentially implicating high-ranking officials. This revelation fuels a sense of frustration, echoing the broader theme of oppression faced by Aziz and his human rights activism, particularly post-Nakba.

Raja adeptly navigates the complexities of his father’s life, portraying him not only as a dedicated human rights advocate but also as a mentor and guide in law. The exploration of the stark generational differences between Raja and Aziz, initially perceived as indifference, gradually transforms into a bittersweet connection as Raja delves deeper into his father’s legacy.

The book unfolds the internal struggles within the Shehadeh family, reflecting broader societal shifts in Palestine. Raja’s depiction of his father’s stoic demeanor and unyielding pursuit of justice becomes a lens through which the political landscape and the challenges faced by Palestinians are viewed.

As the narrative progresses, Raja’s commitment to preserving his father’s legacy becomes increasingly apparent. The exploration of Aziz’s notes and unpublished articles provides profound insights into the Nakba and the tragic decisions that led to the illegal occupation of Palestine. The involvement of countries like the United States, Britain, and France, coupled with the betrayal of Arab states, adds a layer of political intrigue and anger that intensifies the gravity of the situation.

The memoir fearlessly exposes the unsettling truth about international complicity in the atrocities committed against the Palestinian people. Learning about the United States supplying weapons to Israeli colonizers and seeking Arab assistance in suppressing Palestinian resistance is a gut-wrenching revelation that elicits disgust and raises questions about the ongoing consequences of such actions.

While recounting Aziz’s life, from his upbringing to his career, the memoir offers glimpses of normalcy amid the turmoil. However, it is not without its criticisms, particularly regarding the depiction of women in Aziz’s life and Raja’s family. Acknowledging these women may not have been directly involved in the legal system, it seems unfair that their opinions and political views are overlooked, highlighting the broader issue of sexism.

Moreover, the tragedy of displacement and the loss of homes, wealth, citizenship, and generational history resonate deeply. The Nakba, a catastrophic event that forcibly uprooted Palestinians, becomes an unthinkable reality, underscoring the harsh consequences of political maneuvering and power struggles.

One of the most powerful aspects of the memoir is the parallel drawn between Raja and Aziz’s commitment to human rights. The title, “We could have been friends, my father and I,” takes on profound meaning as the narrative unfolds. Despite differing perspectives and generations, the shared values and goals emerge as a testament to the enduring legacy of Aziz.

While reflecting on the past, Raja grapples with the political machinations that have marred Palestinian history. Furthermore, the memoir sheds light on the plotting of powerful nations and their role in destabilizing Palestine, perpetuating a cycle of suffering that continues to this day.

Raja wrestles with the hindsight of these events, acknowledging the difficulty of foreseeing such monumental challenges. The Palestinian people, left in the dark, were blindsided by political schemes and land grabs that altered the course of their history.

In conclusion, My Father and I Could Have Been Friends is a compelling exploration of familial bonds, political upheaval, and the enduring quest for justice. Raja Shehadeh’s masterful storytelling not only pays homage to his father but serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the Palestinian people. As readers traverse the pages of this memoir, they are confronted with the harsh realities of injustice, political betrayal, and the resilient spirit that persists even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

About the Author: Raja Shehadeh is the author of A Rift in Time, When the Bulbul Stopped Singing, Strangers in the House, described by the Economist as “distinctive and truly impressive,” and Palestinian Walks, for which he won the 2008 Orwell Prize. Shehadeh trained as a barrister in London and is a founder of the human rights organization Al-Haq. He blogs regularly for the International Herald Tribune/New York Times and lives in Ramallah, on the West Bank.

To quote Plestia from an Aljazeera interview: https://www.tiktok.com/@aljazeeraenglish/video/7315156081012002091

“We are not numbers; we are people. We have dreams…I just hope people will see us as humans. [And] I hope that they will understand that we’re resilient and we are patient because we don’t have any other option. But it’s not like Palestinians are built for wars and aggression. No, we’re humans. We love life and we want to live in peace as well just like any other human.”

My goal has been to share these nonfiction books with as much detail and clarity as possible. Slightly bereft of my normal commentary and in the moment thoughts and opinions. However, I find with content such as with this book it is still a challenge but sharing my thoughts and stance on these issues are important as well.

Thank you for stopping by and checking out my post.

Until the next one,

Gia.

Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear: Poems from Gaza by Mosab Abu Toha

My Book Thoughts:

“Things You May Find Hidden In My Ear” unfolds as a soul-stirring debut poetry novel, inviting readers into the rich tapestry of Mosab Abu Toha’s life—from the innocence of childhood to the profound moments of fatherhood. Each poem is a testament to purity, honesty, and a vivid portrayal of life, creating a surreal experience, especially when viewed through the lens of his younger self.

Abu Toha’s verses play with lightness and curiosity, seamlessly intertwining with the weight of life’s challenges within his family and the broader community. The poems act as windows into the struggles faced by loved ones and even strangers, depicting the stark realities of death, close encounters with mortality, and the chilling memories of four violent militant attacks in Gaza. Through these words, the resilience of the Palestinian people resonates, capturing hearts with its enduring strength.

Engaging with this emotionally charged and reflective book, readers embark on a journey of profound intensity. Abu Toha’s powerful verses, rich with detail and information, create an immersive experience. Personally, navigating through the book became a deeply moving and challenging expedition. Over the past two months, we’ve been amplifying the voices and stories of the illegal occupation of Palestine, shedding light on the suffering in Gaza and the West Bank. Witnessing the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and places of worship, alongside the lives of innocent civilians, has left an indelible mark on our collective conscience.

In the pages of “Things You May Find Hidden In My Ear,” the poet not only captures the historical resilience of the Palestinian people but also brings the reader into a poignant conversation within the present. Published in April 2022, the book gains a haunting timeliness as many of the places mentioned in the selected poems and the interview (with the author at the end of the book) have been destroyed in the last sixty days. Abu Toha’s past experiences come alive, resonating with the current state of affairs in Gaza, adding an extra layer of emotional weight to the reader’s experience.

Reading the vivid accounts of past devastation while simultaneously witnessing the ongoing destruction is a heart-wrenching paradox. It’s as if time itself is caught in a cruel loop, a recurring nightmare that refuses to end. The author’s portrayal of events becomes even more powerful, transcending the pages of the book and resonating with the urgent reality of the present moment. The reader is left grappling with the profound question of how such atrocities persist without substantial intervention.

In “Things You May Find Hidden In My Ear,” Mosab Abu Toha doesn’t just share his personal journey; he invites readers to bear witness to the ongoing struggles of a people and a region entangled in a relentless cycle of hardship. The book serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unrelenting adversity, urging us to confront uncomfortable truths and prompting a call to action that transcends the confines of its pages.

About the author:

Mosab Abu Toha is the winner of a 2022 Palestine Book Award and a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award in Poetry.
He is a Palestinian poet, scholar, and librarian who was born in Gaza and has spent his life there. He is the founder of the Edward Said Library, Gaza’s first English-language library. Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear is his debut book of poems. It won a 2022 Palestine Book Award and was named a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award in Poetry.
In 2019-2020, Abu Toha was a Visiting Poet in the Department of Comparative Literature at Harvard University. Abu Toha is a columnist for Arrowsmith Press, and his writings from Gaza have also appeared in The Nation and Literary Hub. His poems have been published in Poetry, The Nation, The New York Review of Books, the Academy of American Poets’ Poem-a-Day, and Poetry Daily, among others.

Wrapping up this reflection on “Things You May Find Hidden In My Ear,” I sincerely hope that amidst the emotional journey these words have taken you on, you’ve found something uplifting and thought-provoking. Literature has a unique power to bridge gaps, fostering understanding and empathy.

Let’s carry with us the importance of continuing to read, share, and amplify the voices and stories of the Palestinian people. It is through these narratives that we can truly grasp the gravity of the injustices and challenges they face daily. By staying informed and engaged, we contribute to a collective dialogue that transcends borders and brings attention to the urgent need for change.

Thank you for taking the time to explore these reflections with me. Your commitment to learning and understanding plays a vital role in fostering awareness and compassion.

Until the next post,

Gia.

#ReadPalestine Week

Join us for an international #ReadPalestine week, starting Wednesday, November 29, on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Here, you can find more than 35 free ebooks in nine languages from publishers around the world.—Publishers for Palestine

Hiya,

With my focus turned to the Middle East in recent weeks, a personal curiosity has been ignited, prompting me to actively seek out more stories and authors from the region. The last few weeks have been difficult seeing and reading about the conditions the Palestinians have been facing not only the last fifty-six days seven decades. Regardless, I know it is important to bare witness, share their stories, voices and help in the cause to bring awareness.

My initial encounter with the Palestinian conflict occurred over a decade ago during an Anthropology class where the movie “Munich” depicted the events of the early 1970s. The narrative began predictably, with a strong militant objective of retaliation and espionage. However, it was only at a pivotal point halfway through the film that the true plight and hardships faced by the Palestinians were revealed. This revelation led the lead character, Avner, to question his actions, his assignment, and his morals.

Over the years, this movie has lingered in my thoughts, leaving me curious to delve deeper. While my reading habits have embraced diverse books and authors, my nonfiction collection has not evolved as much as other genres.

Enter #ReadPalestineWeek—an opportunity for me to read in solidarity for Palestine and expand my knowledge of its people, culture, history, stories, and struggles.

Amidst various humanitarian crises, deplorable treatment, forced occupation, displacement, and ethnic cleansing occurring not only in Gaza and the West Bank but also in Sudan, Congo, Haiti, and many other places worldwide, I invite you to not only join the #ReadPalestineWeek challenge but to explore, share, and continue reading books by Palestinian authors, as well as those from Sudan, Congo, and Haiti.

To track my nonfiction reading goal for the next year, I’ve created my own Non-Fiction Reading Challenge on TheStoryGraph. While I’ll share updates on this journey here, you’re welcome to check it out for yourself here.

Here are a few titles I’ve picked up from the Publisher for Palestine website. It offers a wealth of great book options in multiple languages, and I highly recommend exploring them. The website also features several events this month with Palestinian authors, activists, educators, and a historical timeline.

  • In this poetry debut, Mosab Abu Toha writes about his life under siege in Gaza, first as a child, and then as a young father. A survivor of four brutal military attacks, he bears witness to a grinding cycle of destruction and assault, and yet, his poetry is inspired by a profound humanity. These poems emerge directly from the experience of growing up and living in constant lockdown, and often under direct attack. Like Gaza itself, they are filled with rubble and the ever-present menace of surveillance drones policing a people unwelcome in their own land, and they are also suffused with the smell of tea, roses in bloom, and the view of the sea at sunset. Children are born, families continue traditions, students attend university, and libraries rise from the ruins as Palestinians go on about their lives, creating beauty and finding new ways to survive. Accompanied by an in-depth interview (conducted by Ammiel Alcalay) in which Abu Toha discusses life in Gaza, his family origins, and how he came to poetry
  • ***Winner of an English PEN Award 2021*** During the 1948 war more than 750,000 Palestinian Arabs fled or were violently expelled from their homes by Zionist militias. The legacy of the Nakba – which translates to ‘disaster’ or ‘catastrophe’ – lays bare the violence of the ongoing Palestinian plight. Voices of the Nakba collects the stories of first-generation Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, documenting a watershed moment in the history of the modern Middle East through the voices of the people who lived through it. The interviews, with commentary from leading scholars of Palestine and the Middle East, offer a vivid journey into the history, politics and culture of Palestine, defining Palestinian popular memory on its own terms in all its plurality and complexity.
  • In Hamas, journalist and historian Paola Caridi covers the history of Gaza, from its golden age as a port city, to the Nakba, to the present day. A clear-eyed account of Hamas’ birth and slow militarization, Hamas offers an unbiased look at the complex feelings that Palestinians have toward getting behind a government that also supports violent resistance. In doing so, Caridi tells the story of an anti-imperialist movement caught between the desire to resist its oppressor and the need to provide support for a refugee people. Hamas paints a picture, with empathy, intelligence, dexterity, and heart, of a people trapped in the most historic of political battles, revealing all of the complexities of this key player in the global struggle against imperialism.
  • Finalist for the 2023 National Book Award, this is subtle psychological portrait of the author’s relationship with his father during the twentieth-century battle for Palestinian human rights.
  • A young Palestinian named Usama returns to his homeland after several years working in the Gulf. Now an operative in the resistance movement, his mission is to blow up buses transporting Palestinian workers into Israel. But Palestine and its people are not as Usama remembered them. He is shocked to discover that many of his fellow countrymen have adjusted to life under military control. Despite mounting unease, Usama sets out to accomplish his objective … with disastrous consequences. First published in Palestine in 1976, Wild Thorns was the first Arab novel to offer a glimpse of everyday life under Israeli occupation. With uncompromising honesty, Khalifeh pleads elegantly for survival in the face of oppression

Thank you so much for reading.

Until the next post,

Gia

If I Never Met You By: Mhairi McFarlane :🤔: | Book Review

If I Never Met You
By: Mhairi McFarlane
Genre:Contemporary Romance, Friendship, Relationships, Law Drama
Rating: I liked it
Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers/William Marrow Paperbacks
Release Date: March 24, 2020

IndieBound | Amazon |

Synopsis:

If faking love is this easy… how do you know when it’s real?

When her partner of over a decade suddenly ends things, Laurie is left reeling—not only because they work at the same law firm and she has to see him every day. Her once perfect life is in shambles and the thought of dating again in the age of Tinder is nothing short of horrifying. When news of her ex’s pregnant girlfriend hits the office grapevine, taking the humiliation lying down is not an option. Then a chance encounter in a broken-down elevator with the office playboy opens up a new possibility.

Jamie Carter doesn’t believe in love, but he needs a respectable, steady girlfriend to impress their bosses. Laurie wants a hot new man to give the rumor mill something else to talk about. It’s the perfect proposition: a fauxmance played out on social media, with strategically staged photographs and a specific end date in mind. With the plan hatched, Laurie and Jamie begin to flaunt their new couple status, to the astonishment—and jealousy—of their friends and colleagues. But there’s a fine line between pretending to be in love and actually falling for your charming, handsome fake boyfriend…

My Thoughts

Hiya, guys.

I’m back again with another book review and thoughts post and today’s book is if I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane.

Highlights & Summary:😃

If I Never Met You, is a book about a successful, smart, beautiful lawyer in her mid-thirties named Laurie.

Laurie who has spent nearly two decades with the same guy, Dan, since college, lives with him and even works at the same law firm. She and her boyfriend have been in a solid, strong, and committed relationship—or so she thought. After a night out with some work friends, Laurie comes home to her committed long-term boyfriend, but he suddenly hits her with the shock of her life. He wants to break up.

Coining the reasoning behind his sudden change of heart is down to the two of them going in different directions. Laurie, thinking he might just be having cold feet (again) with planning to get pregnant attempts to talk him down like she has done several times in the past. But the longer the conversation goes on Laurie begins to realize that Dan isn’t having a midlife crisis, the love of her life (or so she thinks) is really finished with her.

Laurie is obviously devastated; they’ve been living together for so long and he has been the only person she’s ever been with intimately that her world is completely turned upside down.

Not sure how to move forward, Laurie holds onto hope that the pair could reconcile like they’ve done in the past until she realizes Dan has been dishonest about what sparked their breakup. In my opinion, that’s when things really start to get interesting in If I Never Met You.

First off, I will openly admit that the story was an ok read. More like a summer book for light reading because it doesn’t have a page-turning-can’t-press-pause feel to it. And there was a bit of predictability with the development of Laurie’s new relationship that stems from the fake-love to real-love troupe.

However, the elements that really made the story good for me were the dry humor moments in the narrative. And I liked the slow buildup of Jamie and Laurie’s relationship—this is an important thing to note here because the beginning was very slow 😂.

But the slow buildup of their relationship that expanded out from their little “deal” is what makes their chemistry and bond feel more authentic.

And because Jamie and Laurie are perceived as these two extremely different people on the outside, their interactions carried that much more of an impact as we see their lives and hearts change as the story progressed. Especially getting to see Jamie’s true character which was nothing like how Laurie and the rest of their firm perceived him to be.

Least I forget to mention the fact that McFarlane gives us a mature relationship on both a professional and romantic level with these lead characters. (Who share an age difference in Laurie’s favor). It is one that contests against more than just the issues that her ex, Dan has with the pair being together.

And the drama that follows in the workplace was pretty entertaining–I’m talking about you, Michael🙃🙃. Seriously, guys that guy, just…

Personal Pitfalls & Narrative Flags:😬

I want to make it clear to have this section as personal pitfalls and narrative flags as the issues I had with this book may not strike a chord with other readers or fans of this book.

From the beginning, I think that it took me a while to kind of warm-up to Laurie’s character. As I did like Jamie kind of at the start; he was charming, respectful and confident but always vulnerable around Laurie even when she wasn’t aware of it. The dry humor and witty banter structure of their back-and-forth were also things that I liked about this book.

They are elements that are close to my personality and style of interaction.

Likewise, I am not the outlandish, flashy or in your face type of person. I live in a world of sarcasm and being upfront and honest. So, I felt more in sync with her friends Emily and Nadia who by the way this book needed MORE of.

In comparison with the main lead, Laurie. My eyes glazed over the repetitive passages of her going over and over her relationship with Dan especially after it was made clear how repressive and dishonest, he had been in their relationship. I know she loved the guy, but why put up with so much of that nonsense, Laurie? Why?? 😫

Yes, obviously with a relationship as old as theirs Laurie’s character is going to have this abundance of faith in a guy but as the book progresses, those seeds of doubt that she mulls over didn’t just materialize overnight. They were there for several years while they were together, so the logical part of my brain was constantly questioning why would she ignore her instincts, you know?

While I liked the self-reflection Laurie’s character has in this book, it should not have taken Jamie to come in to tell her how powerful and special she was for Laurie to have that “aha” moment. In my opinion, this cheapens her development and character strength because she is lead there by another man while still picking up the pieces of herself from her breakup with Dan. I would have loved it so much if these two elements were kept separate in the narrative and Jamie’s effect on her only highlighted what Laurie came to realize on her own.

Second, the most notable narrative flag for me reading this book was the fact that the lead character is a POC of mixed ethnicity. And unless I am incorrect the author is not a POC, therefore, it lacks the true connection to Laurie’s character when it comes to prejudices, racial comment, stigma, and stereotypes that come with being a person of color.

I do not bring it up often, but it is an element that I will never, ever, ever be ok with and not draw some attention to it. It would be a different thing if her ethnicity was not drawn directly into the story or brought up in such a way that warrants discussion, but it does.

The points of biracial discrepancies and the prejudices on mixed-race all the way down to the texture of her hair were all brought up with Laurie’s backstory. No matter the amount of “research” pursued to pluck these anecdotes from friends’ stories, books or media outlets, etc. In my opinion, if it is something so fundamentally rooted within an entity that you cannot and will not ever have a personal experience with everyday life as a person of color.

Then it’s best not to try to write or imagine up details like that. I don’t care if you must have a co-author come in and write all those POC perspectives for you 😂 it is just something that should be avoided.—I don’t know the editors for this book and if this they even had any influence with this, but I think you get my point by now.

I have read books dealing with POC characters and non-POC authors before (Because lots of people do it) but there was just something about  the way Laurie was presented that made this notch of the narrative stick with me.

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The Athlete Student: Sophomore Year By: Eugene D. Holloman | Book Review (ARC)

*note: cover image may no be visible to all depending on device.

The Athlete Student:  Sophomore Year
Genre:Sports, Student-life, Fiction, Quick Reads
Rating: It was ok
Publisher: Holloman House Publishing
Release Date: TBD
Goodreads | Amazon |
Synopsis:

After a rocky freshman year that included outstanding production on the field, unsatisfactory performances in the classroom, an unforgettable breakup and a suspension from the biggest game in school history – Michael “Tootie” Mayberry is ready to demonstrate growth and maturity in his upcoming college sophomore year.

However, while Tootie aims to improve upon a stellar season that made him a freshman All-American. He first has to rebuild a reputation that took massive blows stemming from a cheating scandal that landed him on academic probation. With his future of becoming a professional athlete hanging in the balance, how will Tootie respond to the increasing demands of being a student-athlete?

 

BOOK THOUGHTS:

Much like my impression of book one in this series, Athlete Student: Freshman Year two years ago, this book was a quick and easy read. And after going over my notes for book one, it left the lingering idea in my mind that these books are meant for a much younger audience than I initially remember.

Once that seed was planted it altered my take on the book and the series. With a more critical eye than before, as I tend to think of young readers like my cousin, turning the pages of this book. The thing that strikes me the most about the author’s concept is the level of insight and approach to tell a story like Tootie’s that I am sure mirrors many who grew up in similar situations like his and who live, breathe and sleep all things football just to fall victim to pressure or into a mistake that puts their (his) entire sports career, future, and life in jeopardy.

Then, having to come back to face those obstacles all over again, but have less faith in yourself or from others than they (he) did before. There are a lot of things that make me admire Tootie’s character in that sense, with his self-centered tendencies and impulsive behavior. With the book being as short as it is and not set up by establishing all the characters as book one did, it leaves me little room to discuss much without revealing key elements of the plot.

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