Review of Deceptive Calm

[Atreyu Kelly Santiago]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Have you read a book that tells a story showcasing the happenings in the 1960 period? Have you read a book that explains the cultural and social landscape prevailing in the 1960s? The book 'Deceptive Calm' by Patricia Skipper will lead you by the hand and show you all these. The book explains its messages through the lives of teenagers and their parents or guardians. The first chapter presented the events in 1968 at North Charleston; the school teenagers were on a bus going to the Ivy League. On the way, they met angry mobs in the street who were rioting because of the decision of Martin Luther King to support the sanitation workers in Memphis, which the fathers disliked. The mob came and attacked the bus carrying the teenagers and wounded Trisha; she was taken to the hospital for the color by Barry and others. At the hospital, a scenario ensued that showed the social and inclusivity state of the society.

Vanessa Condon is a teen staying at Saint Paul's Orphanage, run by the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, solely for colored children. Sister Rosalie was the only colored nun in the diocese; she cared for the orphanage. In her mind, she lived in a unique past and would always like to twist American history. Vanessa is in love with Barry, the son of Dr. Hale. The relationship continued until there was an urgent need for Barry to study in another state. Whether the relationship continues or not will fascinate the readers.

While I enjoyed the historical expositions in the book and was fascinated by the love, lust, and friendship in the book, I was captivated by the resilient spirit of the characters and their ability to forge ahead amid difficulties. While I love the author's writings, the book did not explain the historical aspects in detail and could not present much of it through events. Sister Rosalie is the only character representing history; her historical perspective is self-made. I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars. The book needs more editing.

Notwithstanding the above, I do not dislike the book. There are no negative aspects to it. The book cover is a positive aspect as it explains the details of Vanessa's birth. I recommend it to teens.

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Deceptive Calm
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