Book Review : Love After Love by Ingrid Persaud ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Title: Love After Love
Author: Ingrid Persaud
Date Published: August 4th. 2020
Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, LGBT
Source: Personal Copy
Format: Ebook
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
 

Synopsis:

After Betty Ramdin's husband dies, she invites a colleague, Mr. Chetan, to move in with her and her son, Solo. Over time, the three become a family, loving each other deeply and depending upon one another. Then, one fateful night, Solo overhears Betty confiding in Mr. Chetan and learns a secret that plunges him into torment.

Solo flees Trinidad for New York to carve out a lonely existence as an undocumented immigrant, and Mr. Chetan remains the singular thread holding mother and son together. But soon, Mr. Chetan's own burdensome secret is revealed, with heartbreaking consequences. Love After Love interrogates love and family in all its myriad meanings and forms, asking how we might exchange an illusory love for one that is truly fulfilling.

In vibrant, addictive Trinidadian prose, Love After Love questions who and how we love, the obligations of family, and the consequences of choices made in desperation.

My Review

Absolutely loved this book!!

I am always on the look out for good novels from Trinidad and Tobago and I must say that if anyone wants to learn a little about life in Trinidad this is it. 

The author Ingrid Persaud through the use of the Trinidadian dialect did a wonderful job in helping the reader even if you are not from Trinidad to really picture what life is like here. 

Betty Ramdin is a widow and single mother to Solo. Upon the untimely death of her husband Sunil,  Betty sets out to be both mother and father to her son Solo. Seeking an additional income, she rents part of her house to Mr. Chetan who develops a close bond with Betty and her son. Both Betty and Mr. Chetan has deep dark secrets and it is through these secrets that the bond grows stronger between the two. 

One night, one of these secrets is revealed by Betty and causes a rift between herself and Solo. Betty spends most of the story seeking to repair her broken relationship with Solo. Solo, embarks on a journey to New York that impacts his life significantly.

I felt so many emotions when reading this book. There were parts when I was laughing really hard because seeing our "Trini" dialect written so expertly was really comical. I thought the sexuality in this book as well was well constructed. 

This story also brought out issues that exist in Trinidad from domestic violence, alcoholism (we have a 'liming" culture here so we drink to celebrate most occasions here), mental health, migration and the challenges that come with it from a West Indian perspective and most importantly which is something that we in Trinidad and Tobago has been grappling with is the treatment of LBGTQ persons. 

I loved Mr. Chetan's character the best. I think most persons reading will fall in love with him. Solo has me angry most times but in the end his actions proved true one of the folklores once you eat the cascadura fish, it doesn't matter how long you are away you always return home.

In all this was a wonderfully written novel with "Trini Flavour".

Do not hesitate to get a copy.

Secret Beast by Amelia Wilde #Book Blitz #XpressoTours

 

Secret Beast
by Amelia Wilde
Publication date: February 23rd 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis

The beast hides a dark secret in his past…

Leo Morelli is known as the Beast of Bishop’s Landing for his cruelty. He’ll get revenge on the Constantine family and make millions of dollars in the process. Even it means using an old man who dreams up wild inventions.

The beauty will sacrifice everything for her family…

Haley Constantine will do anything to protect her father. Even trade her body for his life. The college student must spend thirty days with the ruthless billionaire. He’ll make her earn her freedom in degrading ways, but in the end he needs her to set him free.

SECRET BEAST is a new full-length novel from USA Today bestselling author Amelia Wilde about revenge, family secrets, and the redeeming power of love.

EXCERPT

Leo blinks, and his face is transformed. He’s angry, yes—I can see it in the skin around his eyes. But taunting, now. Skin-deep. He uses this anger. He doesn’t just feel it. “It doesn’t matter, darling. What matters is that you signed a contract.”

The backs of my arms pull tight with goose bumps. “I thought we were having dinner.”

“There are no exceptions for meals.” He laughs. “Did you think you would be excused from your obligations as long as you had food in your mouth? Come here.”

He pushes his own chair back, creating space between his body and the table. It’s obvious where I’m meant to go. Two days ago I might have hesitated. Now my feet start moving before the fear can settle down.

It feels too close to the table, and too close to him. He’s tall even when he’s sitting down, and I don’t know what to do with my hands next to this cruel, beautiful devil.

“Take your clothes off.” I reach for the dress. Pull it over my head. The lingerie he bought me is a perfect, delicate fit, and I feel the smallest drafts from the air on my skin. On my nipples. Leo tests one with his thumb and I shiver. “You look better in something other than rags. Do you think,” he muses, “that I meant for you to leave anything on?”

“I thought you might want to take the lingerie off yourself.” Lie, lie, lie. I didn’t think. I just obeyed him, because that’s what I agreed to do. Because I’m too afraid not to. Because I don’t want to admit that part of me is afraid that I want to do what he says. That I get some kind of sick pleasure out of it.

A dangerous grin. “What a good girl. You thought so hard, and you were almost right.” Why? Why does it hurt to hear him be so mean, so mocking, and why do I want him to do it again? “If I have to take it off, then it won’t survive the taking. Do it yourself, and do it now.”

Goodreads / Amazon / Amazon INTL / Apple Books / Barnes and Noble / Kobo / Google

 

AUTHOR BIO:
Amelia Wilde is a USA TODAY bestselling author of steamy contemporary romance and loves it a little too much. She lives in Michigan with her husband and daughters. She spends most of her time typing furiously on an iPad and appreciating the natural splendor of her home state from where she likes it best: inside.
Amelia is a USA Today best selling author from northern Michigan. Be her friend!

Author links:

https://awilderomance.com/

https://twitter.com/awilderomance

https://www.facebook.com/awilderomance

https://www.instagram.com/awilderomance/

https://www.amazon.com/Amelia-Wilde/e/B01C38CNJ2

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amelia-wilde

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14671616.Amelia_Wilde

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The Silent Speak by Val Collins #Book Blitz #XpressoTours

 

The Silent Speak
by Val Collins
Publication date: February 23rd 2021
Genres: Adult, Thriller

Synopsis 

“There’s a lunatic out there who butchered five innocent people and nobody is looking for him.” 

Aoife Walsh has plenty keeping her busy—finalising her divorce from her manipulative husband, settling into her still-new relationship with Detective Conor Moloney, and trying to win the trust of his teenage son. So for the moment, her fledgling career as a freelance journalist has been put on hold.  

Then comes the horrific news that an entire family has been slaughtered in their own home. Aoife is shocked to discover two of the victims were members of her on-again-off-again book club. Even more disturbing is the revelation that the police believe it was a murder-suicide. 

That’s when Aoife receives a tantalising offer. Lisa, the main suspect’s sister, will grant Aoife access to the victims’ extended family for an exclusive news story—if Aoife will help find the real killer. Moved by Lisa’s unwavering belief in her brother’s innocence, Aoife agrees to help.  

As she digs into the secrets of her fellow book club members, Aoife discovers potential suspects everywhere: people having affairs, a jealous husband, and a power-hungry business partner who’s clearly hiding something. 

Aoife keeps pulling at the threads of the story, untangling more and more deception. Is the killer really dead and buried? Is it someone Aoife already knows? Could the lunatic be closer than Aoife ever imagined? 

You won’t be able to put down this twisty thriller from international bestselling author Val Collins.

HERE IS AN EXCERPT

PROLOGUE 

She read the note again.

       Twice in the past three years, similar notes had been splashed all over the newspapers. She knew immediately what it meant, but her brain wouldn’t allow her to process it. For several minutes she just stared at it. Her lips formed words that never came. When her brain caught up, it went straight to denial.

This could not be happening.

Things like this did not happen in ordinary families.

Not in families like hers.

She pulled down the door handle. The door was unlocked. That was a good sign, right? She would go into the house and find everything exactly as it had always been. There just had to be some simple explanation for that note. Yes, she nodded to herself, relieved to have come to a decision. She nudged the door open and put one foot on the wooden floor. The house was eerily quiet. No kids running around. No noise from the kitchen.

‘Now don’t panic,’ she muttered to herself. ‘Everything will be fine. Just go inside.’

She tried to lift her foot, but her brain wouldn’t cooperate. Hands shaking, she pulled out her mobile and dialled 999. She was still frozen in the doorway when the police arrived.

ONE

It took Aoife a few seconds to realise Conor wasn’t listening. His eyes were focused on a point behind her head, and his face had taken on that wooden expression, the only expression he had shown her in the first few months of their acquaintance.

‘Is something wrong?’

Conor didn’t appear to hear. He pushed back his chair and walked away. Aoife glanced behind. She saw a woman hurry towards him. They met in the centre of the room. The woman wore jeans and a rain jacket. She had shoulder-length chocolate-brown hair, pulled back into a tight ponytail. She was a little older than Conor, probably in her mid-thirties. Not stunningly pretty by any means, but good looking. She was gesticulating wildly as she spoke. Conor answered her in a low voice. For the sake of appearances, Aoife picked at her food, but she concentrated hard, trying to catch their words above the noise of the crowd. Conor’s voice was a low hum, but she clearly heard the woman say ‘not answering my calls’ and ‘what do I have to do to get…’

Abandoning any pretence at politeness, Aoife turned in her chair and stared. Conor now had his hand on the woman’s arm and was leading her towards the exit. She jerked her arm away. Her eyes met Aoife’s. She said something which Aoife didn’t catch and tried to push past Conor. Conor’s hand was on her arm again, but this time his grip was tighter. The woman tried to yank her arm away but was unable to get free. There was a lull in the conversation as people watched the drama. The restaurant manager approached. He and Conor exchanged a few words. The manager took the woman’s other arm and they led her to the door. The woman struggled but couldn’t escape. As the manager went to close the door behind her, she turned to face them. Again, her eyes met Aoife’s. She was crying.

Purchase Links 

Goodreads / AMAZON / Barnes and Noble / iBooks  /  Kobo

AUTHOR BIO

Val Collins is the author of the award-winning psychological thriller GIRL TARGETED, the international bestseller ONLY LIES REMAIN and her new release THE SILENT SPEAK. All three books feature heroine Aoife Walsh.

A native of Ireland, Val began reading at the age of three and still devours books at the rate of one per week. Her favourite authors range from Philippa Gregory and Sophie Kinsella to Lee Child and Linwood Barclay.

Join Val online at valcollinsbooks.com, and on social media @valcollinsbooks.

Author links:

https://valcollinsbooks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ValCollinsBooks/

https://www.instagram.com/valcollinsbooks/

https://twitter.com/valcollinsbooks

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17645296.Val_Collins

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Book Review: Saints of Crow book One (Riot Hearts)

 

Title: Saints of Crow book One (Riot Hearts)
Author: Livy North
Date Published : February 2nd 2021
Genres: Adult Fiction, Romance
Source: Goodreads New Adult Book club 
Format: Epub
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis 

They might've been descendants of a saint, but they all sinned.

It took the death of her family to make Emory understand St. Crow is a city filled with monsters disguised in expensive suits and black ties. As the only heiress to the fortune her parents left behind, she is the most crucial pawn to power and one that everyone in the social elite is out to get. That includes River Sinclair— her annoyingly attractive childhood rival, who happens to be the son of the most ruthless businessman in town. While their lives may always intertwine, River isn't interested in pretending to be her friend—even when his father commands him to. Behind the cold mask, things are falling apart, and he blames her.

River makes sure she knows he hates her.

Emory makes it clear she isn't scared of him.

He says he wants to take her down.

So why is he the one falling?

Review 

Noooo......I need to know the rest!!!

Is book two out yet OMG.

What an ending? Excellent.

Before reading books I usually read the synopsis and make a decision. Somehow i didn't do that for this book I just got the feeling I would like it and I must say that I did.

The relationship between Emory and River was well crafted. There was a time where I was very angry with River because of how he treated Emory but then I understood why he was acting that way.

Growing up I loved watching shows like Beverly Hills 90210 and somehow I get that kind of TV series vibe from this book which for me made it fun. I need to know what happens next though. Ms. North please your new fan awaits.

If I say anything else there will be spoilers. Great book

I am so happy to be a part of the New Adult Book Club  on Goodreads. 

Thanks for this great e copy.

Book Review - Kid Vega and the Sorcerer of Mali by Scott Dixon ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Title: Kid Vega and the Sorcerer of Mali
Author: Scott Dixon
Genres: Middle grade, Teen
Source: Author 
Format: Kindle E copy
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"...…empires are built and defended with brain these days kid - not brawn"

Much thanks to the author of this book for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

First, I must say that for a book that was written for younger readers the language was very advanced. However, although the words were advanced the way in which it was included in the story, from my point of view, even if young persons are reading this book they would indeed be curious about what the word means. This was very clever. As a teacher myself I appreciate vocabulary building in books like these.

The story is one of adventure. It follows a young man named Ayden (Kid Vega) who is the son of a famous rapper (Master Vega) and archeologist mom (Kirina).

Kid Vega on an expedition with his parents to Timbuktu finds a very powerful Jewel called the Eye of Africa that holds much more power than he could ever dream to imagine. Kid Vega's life is not the same after acquiring this pendant, because it takes him on an adventure unlike any other.

The characters in this book were all well developed. I especially liked his two friends Aniyah and Three J because they added a fun element to the story. I think their presence built Ayden's confidence especially in the battle with the Sorcerer King (I will say no more here, you just have to read the book).

I liked the fact that Ayden's parents took him to different parts of the world, and I am being biased here I think Trinidad was well represented in the character Montez. What occurred in the islands though ( with getting Ayden back to America), is quite a real situation and that is what I liked about this as well because although this book is written more or less for children it dealt with some serious issues. So it was entertaining and enlightening at the same time.

So if you are looking for a good book for maybe a 12 to 15 year old that is relevant, diverse and exciting. I would definitely recommend this.

Well done!!!

Book Review - An Indelible Day by Cairo Marques ⭐⭐⭐

 

Title : An Indelible Day
Author: Cairo Marques
Kindle Edition
Source : Author Request
Contemporary Short Story
Number of Pages : 27
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

The story accompanies a single day of John C., a man of about thirty. In this short passage of time he has three dialogues with three different people. These dialogues, certainly, have shaped his day and, likely, will exist within him eternally.

Review

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

This very short story was interesting.

The story is a day in the life of a young man named John C. John C is struggling with anger management among other issues. 

On this day, John had three very impactful encounters that would perhaps change his life as it is currently. 

What this story reminded me of is when people say that you are placed in situations and you meet people in your life for a reason. This is what I got from the story. That John needed to chat with Jane (Dr. Davis's secretary), he needed to keep his appointment with Dr. Davis and of course the most important encounter at the end.

 This short story is the type of book that I need to sit with a group of friends and discuss. The events in the story was well sequenced and what I liked is that I could feel even in these few pages that John C had demons within him that he needed to fight.

If you are looking for a good short story this one is quite interesting.

Amazon Link 

Goodreads

Book Review: My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere With Me (Children's Book) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

CHILDREN BOOK FEATURE

Title: My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere With Me
Author : Kathleen Marcath
Illustrated by: Isaac Liang Zhi Jie and Pardeep Mehra
Genre: Children's Book 
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere With Me: 

With Dylan, every day is a new adventure! Just like our favorite toys, our words and language go EVERYWHERE with us. Come along on this imaginative adventure and experience the thrill of using sign language. Feel the excitement as Dylan uses his tow truck and wrench to fix a broken monster truck, then races to the Monster Car Rally.

Experience Dylan’s range of emotions when he discovers that his favorite Monster Truck is gone. Then follow the mystery as Dylan wonders, thinks and tries to remember where he left his truck. Feel the excitement when the truck’s whereabouts are finally discovered.

Each page is beautifully illustrated with one or more signs that you can learn with your child. The 31 signs included in the book are demonstrated by Dylan, his mom and his grandma. Learning together, you and your child will enjoy a unique bonding experience and build a strong relationship that will last a lifetime.

Review

At the beginning of 2021, when planning content for my blog I decided that I will include book reviews for children's and teens. As an educator by profession I feel it is part of my duty to encourage children and teenagers to read and to support authors who write these genres of books.

Much Thanks to the author for trusting me to review this book.

I loved this book. Plain and simple. 

This is a very well written and sequenced story about Dylan and his adventures with his favorite toy his Monster Truck. I actually became really sad when the truck went missing and became happy when he recovered it. I can imagine how wonderful a child would feel reading this book because of the emotion it evokes. The illustrations are captivating. The pictures are colorful and it will appeal to children who are visual learners.

I love the sign language element because sign language is actually on my bucket list of things to learn. The signs are very easy to follow, while reading I found myself trying to practice signing myself. This book just made me think again that sign language is something important for me to learn even as an adult. It is also good for children who read this who are not hearing impaired to acknowledge that there are other children like this and that they can communicate with them.

In all I highly recommend this. Well done!!!

Follow the link if you will like to place an order:

My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me

About Kathleen Marcath: 

Kathleen Marcath has a B.A. degree in Deaf Community Studies, as well as years of experience as a Special Education Sign Language Supporter has kindled her passion for helping children reach their educational potential. Kathleen is delighted to help fill the need for picture books illustrated in American Sign Language. She is a wife, mother and grandmother and resides in Michigan.

About the Illustrators: 

Isaac Liang Zhi Jie is a Deaf illustrator based in Singapore. At the age of four he started his artistic journey by drawing on the cupboards of his home with crayons. In his free time, he gains inspiration from traveling and cafe-hopping. Through his illustrations, animations, and traditional art mediums, Isaac amplifies visions and tells visual stories in a unique way.

Pardeep Mehra of Pencil Master took Isaac’s sketches and added detail and color for the beautiful illustrations in the book.

Book review - Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Title: Behind Closed Doors
Author : B.A. Paris
Published by: St. Martin's Press
Date: August 9th. 2016
Pages: 293
Genres : Psychological Thriller
Source : Personal Copy
Format: E book
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth, she has charm and elegance. You might not want to like them, but you do.

You’d like to get to know Grace better.

But it’s difficult, because you realise Jack and Grace are never apart.

Some might call this true love. Others might ask why Grace never answers the phone. Or how she can never meet for coffee, even though she doesn’t work. How she can cook such elaborate meals but remain so slim. And why there are bars on one of the bedroom windows.

Sometimes, the perfect marriage is the perfect lie. 

Review

Wow what a book!!!

This book validates the saying that when something is too good to be true it usually is.

Behind Closed Doors was a page turner. It was captivating. It kept me at the edge of my seat.

Grace thought she found the perfect man in attorney Jack Angel. He was handsome, wealthy, a famous lawyer and he was willing to accept her younger sister Millie (with Down Syndrome) as part of the package, so she no doubt married him after a short romantic courtship.

The thing that captivated me about this story is that although it is a work of fiction I can really see this happening to someone. There are so many women that are looking for the right guy and could easily be blinded by things like good looks and charm. This was the sort of book that you wanted to read to the end to see what would happen.

The author's use of language was skillful because it really made me feel as if I were living in that house and plotting with Grace. There were points in the story where I just wanted to run in there and save her. What I also found interesting is the part that the friends played in the book especially Esther. Too often we go through things in silence not wanting to share our personal business, and most of our close friends are oblivious to something going on, but there is always that one person who has a gut feeling that everything is not alright.

Millie was an interesting character. I do not want to give too much away but I thought that Paris was clever to highlight that in spite of the disability she had, that she was able to sense something was amiss. I think that too often we think that people with down syndrome and other limitations are incapable of sensible thought. Millie's character was so important to dispel these assumptions.

Read this!!!

I recommend it.

Book Review - Grown by Tiffany Jackson ⭐⭐⭐

Title: Grown

Author: Tiffany Jackson

Published By: Harper Collins

Pages : 384

Genre: Young Adult

Source: Library 

Format : E book

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 

Synopsis

Korey Fields is dead.

When Enchanted Jones wakes with blood on her hands and zero memory of the previous night, no one—the police and Korey’s fans included—has more questions than she does. All she really knows is that this isn't how things are supposed to be. Korey was Enchanted’s ticket to stardom.

Before there was a dead body, Enchanted was an aspiring singer, struggling with her tight knit family’s recent move to the suburbs while trying to find her place as the lone Black girl in high school. But then legendary R&B artist Korey Fields spots her at an audition. And suddenly her dream of being a professional singer takes flight.

Enchanted is dazzled by Korey’s luxurious life but soon her dream turns into a nightmare. Behind Korey’s charm and star power hides a dark side, one that wants to control her every move, with rage and consequences. Except now he’s dead and the police are at the door. Who killed Korey Fields?

Review

This book was ok!!!

It was my first time reading Tiffany Jackson and as far as writing goes this story was well sequenced and written for the audience it was intended,  young adults. 

I read the About the Author section at the end of the book because the story sounded familiar (I would say no more on this point because I do not want to spoil it ).

Aspiring singer, Enchanted the main character is star struck when Korey Fields takes an interest in her voice and wants to work with her on an album. But Korey has a dark side that Enchanted has no idea about until it is too late. The book also has a hint of mystery from the very beginning when Enchanted is covered in blood with a dead Korey close by. Life for Enchanted would never be the same.

I liked how the book touched on issues of young women being taken advantage of by powerful men. The message was clearly brought forward in the book. What was interesting though and what I have always had reservations about in books like these is the role of the parents. How could a parent trust a stranger in this way with their child's well being? This is the part that does not always sit well with me where cases involving underage children are involved.

In all I think the story was well done. 

It is worth a read!!!

Book Review - Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Title: Black Buck
Author: Mateo Askaripour
Source: NetGalley Advanced Reader Copy
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Format: E book
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

There’s nothing like a Black salesman on a mission.

An unambitious twenty-two-year-old, Darren lives in a Bed-Stuy brownstone with his mother, who wants nothing more than to see him live up to his potential as the valedictorian of Bronx Science. But Darren is content working at Starbucks in the lobby of a Midtown office building, hanging out with his girlfriend, Soraya, and eating his mother’s home-cooked meals. All that changes when a chance encounter with Rhett Daniels, the silver-tongued CEO of Sumwun, NYC’s hottest tech startup, results in an exclusive invitation for Darren to join an elite sales team on the thirty-sixth floor.

After enduring a “hell week” of training, Darren, the only Black person in the company, reimagines himself as “Buck,” a ruthless salesman unrecognizable to his friends and family. But when things turn tragic at home and Buck feels he’s hit rock bottom, he begins to hatch a plan to help young people of color infiltrate America’s sales force, setting off a chain of events that forever changes the game.

Black Buck is a hilarious, razor-sharp skewering of America’s workforce; it is a propulsive, crackling debut that explores ambition and race, and makes way for a necessary new vision of the American dream.

Review

"An opportunity means change. An opportunity means action. But most of all , an opportunity means a chance of failure."

I received this book from NetGalley in September and when I started reading it then somehow I found it difficult to get into. 

Last weekend while at the hairdresser to pick up this again and I just could not put it down. 

This is a very well written story about a twenty two year old young man named Darren. A Starbucks employee, who in giving a good sales pitch while selling a  coffee to Rhett Daniels CEO from Sumwun, a tech startup company located in New York, was given a life changing opportunity to work for a dream company. Little did Daniel know that this opportunity would change his life as he knew it forever.

Askaripour skillfully crafted this story, in that it provided not only entertainment but it gave a lot of life long lessons and really made the reader think about life in a deep way especially as it relates to success. Each character had an important role in the book which was awesome. 

It is also important to note Darren's change of attitude when he became successful. These changes reflect the attitude of so many young people upon getting into profitable employment at an early age. The writer brought into the story the issue of race relations and issues  beautifully. I liked how he was not one sided in the approach to the discourse on race.

Love the characters, Love the book. Well done!!!

Book Review - See No Color by Shannon Gibney ⭐⭐⭐

Title: See No Color
Author: Shannon Gibney
Published Date : November 1st. 2015
Pages : 192
Genres ; Young Adult, Teen, Sports, Fiction, Contemporary
Source: National Library (Libby App)
Format: E Book
Rating ⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

For as long as she can remember, sixteen-year-old Alex Kirtridge has known two things:

1. She has always been Little Kirtridge, a stellar baseball player, just like her father.

2. She’s adopted.

These facts have always been part of Alex’s life. Despite some teasing, being a biracial girl in a white family didn’t make much of a difference as long as she was a star on the diamond where her father—her baseball coach and a former pro player—counted on her. But now, things are changing: she meets Reggie, the first black guy who’s wanted to get to know her; she discovers the letters from her biological father that her adoptive parents have kept from her; and her body starts to grow into a woman’s, affecting her game.

Alex begins to question who she really is. She’s always dreamed of playing pro baseball just like her father, but can she really do it? Does she truly fit in with her white family? Who were her biological parents? What does it mean to be black? If she’s going to find answers, Alex has to come to terms with her adoption, her race, and the dreams she thought would always guide her.

Review

AS a teacher, I thought that it only fitting that I encourage young people to read. 

So, one of my goals as I try to grow this blog is to feature both children and Teen YA fiction and Non Fiction books that parents can use to encourage young people to read. When I was young there was so little diversity in YA literature, I think now it is an exciting time for young people to really connect with stories much like this one.

This was a short and powerful read. Shannon Gibney takes the reader into a world very few have experienced which is the world of interracial adoption (If that's the term that could be used).

Alexandra Kirtridge is adopted. Not only that she is a biracial living with a white baseball family. She is at an age (16) where she begins to question where does she belong.  In trying to find herself, we follow Alexandra through her many discoveries and heartbreaks.

This was a very good topic choice by the author because many people adopt outside of their race. It shows that as a person of mixed heritage faces challenges with their identity. Not to spoil it for anyone I think the parents' role in the book was expertly described, how they dealt with Alex's questions and concerns was so realistic because in my mind I can picture that same reaction from many people in a similar situation. It really highlighted to me how little we understand one another. 

This was a very well written book for young readers and I highly recommend it.

January Wrap Up _ Six Books

JANUARY 2021 WRAP UP 

January was a good reading month and keep in mind with my schedule between teaching and studying reading six books felt like a hundred. Here is the list of books and my ratings.

1. My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell ⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. A Camgirl Got me: Taylor by Just Bae⭐⭐⭐

4. Ties that Tether by Jane ⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. Verity by Colleen Hoover ⭐⭐⭐⭐

6. Blind Spot by JO Richardson⭐⭐⭐

My reading year started out with a bang so let's see what February will look like.

By. Francica

Trini Girl Reads/