Review by BreathofFreshAriel -- Mixed Blessings
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BreathofFreshAriel
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Review by BreathofFreshAriel -- Mixed Blessings
[Following is a volunteer review of "Mixed Blessings" by J.M. Muse.]
The three main storylines navigate the meaning of what it means to be of mix-race in America. The first chapter begins with a young girl trying to explore her identity as a Mexican Jew; the second, a Minister who has his sights set on seeing black people as the majority in the US. The third follows a girl navigating her Japanese and Black heritage. Even though each character's experiences are unique, they are all seeking to define themselves on their own terms, which is something that links them all.
Mixed Blessings illustrates several different points of view through the lenses of race, lineage, and personal feelings. While the conversation of race is one some seem to avoid, the author dives deep into the feelings of black and brown people and does a fabulous job at articulating the thoughts and feelings of marginalized Americans, especially those who fall outside the typical definition of what society expects them to be.
It is a very compelling story with plenty of action and a plethora of climaxes; the story in itself is a roller-coaster of a ride. Although there are a fair amount of mistakes throughout the book, it certainly doesn't have a dull moment. J.M. Muse knows how to captivate an audience, and does so with grace and humor. From cover to cover, I was invested in the story right from the start.
The structure of the story was, at times, hard to follow. The different storylines, sub-plots, and the many characters that were brought in and out through the pages made it occasionally challenging to understand. There were a few instances I nearly forgot that there were other characters in the book. It didn't seem there was any organization to the chapters; it jumped around a fair amount and gave disproportionate details at times. It certainly helped that it was such a captivating set of stories.
There are several descriptive erotic scenes and plenty of cursing involved, so I don't recommend kids or the easily-offended pick this one up. Mixed Blessings would be a great option for young adults and those who enjoy thrillers and romance. It would also be a great read for those interested in an array of viewpoints.
Factoring in the editing of the book and the sometimes confusing writing, I give this book a 2 out of 4 stars. I would have loved to award it another half-point if I could. The story itself was insightful and thought-provoking, however, I can't ignore the errors that may make it difficult to read or comprehend. Still, I truly enjoyed the author's realness and her belief in self-interpretation.
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Mixed Blessings
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The three main storylines navigate the meaning of what it means to be of mix-race in America. The first chapter begins with a young girl trying to explore her identity as a Mexican Jew; the second, a Minister who has his sights set on seeing black people as the majority in the US. The third follows a girl navigating her Japanese and Black heritage. Even though each character's experiences are unique, they are all seeking to define themselves on their own terms, which is something that links them all.
Mixed Blessings illustrates several different points of view through the lenses of race, lineage, and personal feelings. While the conversation of race is one some seem to avoid, the author dives deep into the feelings of black and brown people and does a fabulous job at articulating the thoughts and feelings of marginalized Americans, especially those who fall outside the typical definition of what society expects them to be.
It is a very compelling story with plenty of action and a plethora of climaxes; the story in itself is a roller-coaster of a ride. Although there are a fair amount of mistakes throughout the book, it certainly doesn't have a dull moment. J.M. Muse knows how to captivate an audience, and does so with grace and humor. From cover to cover, I was invested in the story right from the start.
The structure of the story was, at times, hard to follow. The different storylines, sub-plots, and the many characters that were brought in and out through the pages made it occasionally challenging to understand. There were a few instances I nearly forgot that there were other characters in the book. It didn't seem there was any organization to the chapters; it jumped around a fair amount and gave disproportionate details at times. It certainly helped that it was such a captivating set of stories.
There are several descriptive erotic scenes and plenty of cursing involved, so I don't recommend kids or the easily-offended pick this one up. Mixed Blessings would be a great option for young adults and those who enjoy thrillers and romance. It would also be a great read for those interested in an array of viewpoints.
Factoring in the editing of the book and the sometimes confusing writing, I give this book a 2 out of 4 stars. I would have loved to award it another half-point if I could. The story itself was insightful and thought-provoking, however, I can't ignore the errors that may make it difficult to read or comprehend. Still, I truly enjoyed the author's realness and her belief in self-interpretation.
******
Mixed Blessings
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
"We don't see things how they are, we see them as we are."
- Rabbi Shemuel ben Nachmani, as quoted in the Talmudic tractate Berakhot (55b.)
- Rabbi Shemuel ben Nachmani, as quoted in the Talmudic tractate Berakhot (55b.)
Latest Review: The Survival of the Richest by Dr. Anthony M. Criniti IV
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Sunday diamond
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It's very true that the book is somewhat hard to understand at the beginning chapters. Though action packed. this is the book I'm currently reading. Well-done for an honest review.
