Review of Deceptive Calm
-
Ruth Shirk
- Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
- Posts: 152
- Joined: 09 Apr 2025, 15:04
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 43
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-ruth-shirk.html
- Latest Review: Kitchen Chaos to Culinary Bliss by Mary Lummerding
Review of Deceptive Calm
[Following is a volunteer review of "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper.]
In the opening chapters of <i>Deceptive Calm,<i> Patricia Skipper skillfully combines the oppressive environment of the Jim Crow South era with issues that feel relevant today. This story explores ongoing struggles against discrimination, echoing the fight for equality and justice that figures like Martin Luther King Junior, Malcolm X and Bobby Kennedy championed. Characters in the book explore many issues such as illegal immigration, identity theft and abortion. Skipper's ability to connect historical injustices with modern issues creates a powerful commentary, showing that many of these challenges still exist today. I had never thought about the negative impact that separating Blacks and Whites had on Whites until I read Skipper's opening scene where a White girl is on a bus that is attacked and she receives life-threatening injuries. With little time to act, she is rushed to a Negro hospital, but questions arise if she can be treated there. Even the fact that White children were on a bus with Black children during Ku Klux Klan attacks was new to me.
In addition to exploring societal issues, <i>Deceptive Calm</i> delves into the deeply personal journey of moving on from first loves. As the characters navigate their lives and achieve success, such as becoming a news anchor, they still grapple with the memories and emotions of their earliest relationships.
Skipper beautifully illustrates how the past can linger, influencing current and future choices, even when a person seems to have a perfect life. I feel this internal conflict adds a rich layer to this book, emphasizing that personal growth and success do not always equate to emotional fulfillment. First loves also greatly influence how we view other romantic relationships, even if you try to put distance between yourself and the other person by moving, like Vanessa did in this story by moving from South Carolina to California.
The complexities of love found in this book underscore the importance of understanding a partner's passions before making a serious commitment. Falling in love is often characterized as the ultimate goal, but this fulfillment can only happen when both individuals are aligned in their values and aspirations. Without this alignment, one might find oneself in an emotional landscape where self-fulfillment clashes with making the world a better place.
I love how the author points out that home can mean different things to various individuals. By illustrating the stark contrasts between Vanessa's upbringing in an orphanage and Tod Von Westerkamp's upbringing in a boarding school, the narrative shows that it is the bonds we form that truly enrich our lives, not the settings in which we find ourselves.
Skipper does an outstanding job of proving why everyone needs great friends who will act quickly when life gets rough.
My favorite thing about this book is how the author weaves humor and history into the storyline. Without getting preachy, the author caused me to reconsider some beliefs that I held. I took one point away because there are a few typos. There are mentions of religion in this book, but they are presented in a way that everyone can enjoy reading it. This book is best suited for mature audiences because of its sexual content. There is some non-borderline profanity in this book. I think people who love history, humor and a love story will enjoy reading it.
******
Deceptive Calm
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
In the opening chapters of <i>Deceptive Calm,<i> Patricia Skipper skillfully combines the oppressive environment of the Jim Crow South era with issues that feel relevant today. This story explores ongoing struggles against discrimination, echoing the fight for equality and justice that figures like Martin Luther King Junior, Malcolm X and Bobby Kennedy championed. Characters in the book explore many issues such as illegal immigration, identity theft and abortion. Skipper's ability to connect historical injustices with modern issues creates a powerful commentary, showing that many of these challenges still exist today. I had never thought about the negative impact that separating Blacks and Whites had on Whites until I read Skipper's opening scene where a White girl is on a bus that is attacked and she receives life-threatening injuries. With little time to act, she is rushed to a Negro hospital, but questions arise if she can be treated there. Even the fact that White children were on a bus with Black children during Ku Klux Klan attacks was new to me.
In addition to exploring societal issues, <i>Deceptive Calm</i> delves into the deeply personal journey of moving on from first loves. As the characters navigate their lives and achieve success, such as becoming a news anchor, they still grapple with the memories and emotions of their earliest relationships.
Skipper beautifully illustrates how the past can linger, influencing current and future choices, even when a person seems to have a perfect life. I feel this internal conflict adds a rich layer to this book, emphasizing that personal growth and success do not always equate to emotional fulfillment. First loves also greatly influence how we view other romantic relationships, even if you try to put distance between yourself and the other person by moving, like Vanessa did in this story by moving from South Carolina to California.
The complexities of love found in this book underscore the importance of understanding a partner's passions before making a serious commitment. Falling in love is often characterized as the ultimate goal, but this fulfillment can only happen when both individuals are aligned in their values and aspirations. Without this alignment, one might find oneself in an emotional landscape where self-fulfillment clashes with making the world a better place.
I love how the author points out that home can mean different things to various individuals. By illustrating the stark contrasts between Vanessa's upbringing in an orphanage and Tod Von Westerkamp's upbringing in a boarding school, the narrative shows that it is the bonds we form that truly enrich our lives, not the settings in which we find ourselves.
Skipper does an outstanding job of proving why everyone needs great friends who will act quickly when life gets rough.
My favorite thing about this book is how the author weaves humor and history into the storyline. Without getting preachy, the author caused me to reconsider some beliefs that I held. I took one point away because there are a few typos. There are mentions of religion in this book, but they are presented in a way that everyone can enjoy reading it. This book is best suited for mature audiences because of its sexual content. There is some non-borderline profanity in this book. I think people who love history, humor and a love story will enjoy reading it.
******
Deceptive Calm
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Kitchen Chaos to Culinary Bliss by Mary Lummerding
