Review by DrRaequel -- Days Passed by Mcentry Dunbar II
Posted: 23 May 2020, 08:10
[Following is a volunteer review of "Days Passed" by Mcentry Dunbar II.]
Mcentry Dunbar II’s, Days Passed, started with such a promising premise. Who doesn’t love a story about young love? The ripping apart and wondering if love will win, after all. Unfortunately, this “love story" pulled us into the characters, Brittany and Tony, and ripped us away from the context of the story.
The story introduces us to two young friends who realize they love one another. As soon as they confess this love, they are torn apart. The ripping apart is a familiar tale in fiction. Although I have warm appreciation for the unexpected, the majority of the story quickly morphs to the main characters growing up, living separate lives.
The setting for the story is also obscure. It feels as though it is present tense, but, if so, social media would be present. It is unbelievable that the two main characters would not be able to find each other. The story weaves between the lives of our main characters, which is what I liked most about the book. Just when one character worked my nerves, I could switch to another story tone.
I thoroughly disliked the story not having a main character that was likable. Normally, there is good and bad, likable and unlikable, kind and unkind, etc. I found myself being unable to “rally” for either character. I also appreciate stories with complex characters- where things have shades of grey. However, it didn’t feel as though the author was going for complexity. My impression was the author wrote the story he wanted to tell, without consideration for readability. Where was the concern for the end reader? There are many good stories (art at its best) that don’t get told or sold. There must be some thought into what makes a good book- if the purpose is for readers to enjoy.
Please don’t misunderstand me, I am fully aware that people read differently and don’t derive the same joy out of every book. However, I can enjoy a book while loathing characters, and even the outcome. This book just read like I was reading a private story, not meant for public consumption.
I would rate this book two out of four stars. While I didn’t enjoy the book, there is promise for the material. The characters could be developed more (i.e. story line about their teen lives/developmental years). I found myself routing for love and being left adrift.
In sum, this was a story not about unrequited love, but love that blossomed and wasn’t fully explored due to life’s mitigating factors. The story gives a brief glimpse into the young lives of two friends, and quickly moves to their next phase in life. The story flows between the voices of both main characters. Although the story has decent bones, it lacks the depth of storytelling. Some of the most compelling questions are never answered. The story ends as quickly as it began. However, This story might be most enjoyed by young adult readers who might appreciate reading about the pitfalls of life.
******
Days Passed
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Mcentry Dunbar II’s, Days Passed, started with such a promising premise. Who doesn’t love a story about young love? The ripping apart and wondering if love will win, after all. Unfortunately, this “love story" pulled us into the characters, Brittany and Tony, and ripped us away from the context of the story.
The story introduces us to two young friends who realize they love one another. As soon as they confess this love, they are torn apart. The ripping apart is a familiar tale in fiction. Although I have warm appreciation for the unexpected, the majority of the story quickly morphs to the main characters growing up, living separate lives.
The setting for the story is also obscure. It feels as though it is present tense, but, if so, social media would be present. It is unbelievable that the two main characters would not be able to find each other. The story weaves between the lives of our main characters, which is what I liked most about the book. Just when one character worked my nerves, I could switch to another story tone.
I thoroughly disliked the story not having a main character that was likable. Normally, there is good and bad, likable and unlikable, kind and unkind, etc. I found myself being unable to “rally” for either character. I also appreciate stories with complex characters- where things have shades of grey. However, it didn’t feel as though the author was going for complexity. My impression was the author wrote the story he wanted to tell, without consideration for readability. Where was the concern for the end reader? There are many good stories (art at its best) that don’t get told or sold. There must be some thought into what makes a good book- if the purpose is for readers to enjoy.
Please don’t misunderstand me, I am fully aware that people read differently and don’t derive the same joy out of every book. However, I can enjoy a book while loathing characters, and even the outcome. This book just read like I was reading a private story, not meant for public consumption.
I would rate this book two out of four stars. While I didn’t enjoy the book, there is promise for the material. The characters could be developed more (i.e. story line about their teen lives/developmental years). I found myself routing for love and being left adrift.
In sum, this was a story not about unrequited love, but love that blossomed and wasn’t fully explored due to life’s mitigating factors. The story gives a brief glimpse into the young lives of two friends, and quickly moves to their next phase in life. The story flows between the voices of both main characters. Although the story has decent bones, it lacks the depth of storytelling. Some of the most compelling questions are never answered. The story ends as quickly as it began. However, This story might be most enjoyed by young adult readers who might appreciate reading about the pitfalls of life.
******
Days Passed
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon