Terrace Story A Novel by Hilary Leichter

 

Book Excerpt:

"From the author of the acclaimed novel Temporary, an intimate exploration of time, a fable about love, an epic daydream for a broken-hearted world

Annie, Edward, and their young daughter, Rose, live in a cramped apartment. Without warning, they find a beautiful terrace hidden in their closet one night. It wasn’t there before, and it only appears when their friend Stephanie visits. A city dweller’s dream come true! But every extra bit of space has a hidden cost, and the terrace sets off a seismic chain of events, forever changing the shape of their tiny home, and the shape of the world.

Terrace Story follows the characters who suffer these repercussions and reverberations: the little family of three, their future now profoundly uncertain, and those who orbit their fragile universe. The distance and love between these characters expands limitlessly, across generations. How far can the mind travel when it’s looking for something that is gone? Where do we put our loneliness, longing, and desire? What do we do with the emotions that seem to stretch beyond the body, beyond the boundaries of life and death?

Based on the National Magazine Award–winning story, Hilary Leichter’s profound second novel asks how we nurture love when death looms over every moment. From one of our most innovative and daring writers, Terrace Story is an astounding meditation on loss, a reverie about extinction, and a map for where to go next."

Title: Terrace Story
Author: Hilary Leichter
Publisher: Ecco
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:
"Terrace Story" by Hilary Leichter

My Sentiments:

'Terrance Story' was an exciting collection of short stories about different characters that explore concepts of 'familial, romantic love, loss, extinction, and death and just what it means to exit.' These stories will bring in magical realism, fantasy, and some science friction as this author gives the reader a challenge as 'one's notions of love, identity and the future of the past.'

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Happiness Falls A Novel by Angie Kim

 Book Excerpt:

"When a father goes missing, his family’s desperate search leads them to question everything they know about him and one another in this thrilling page-turner, a deeply moving portrait of a family in crisis from the award-winning author of Miracle Creek.

Longlisted for the New American Voices Award • “This is a story with so many twists and turns I was riveted through the last page.”—Jodi Picoult

“A brilliant, satisfying, compassionate mystery that is as much about language and storytelling as it is about a missing father. I loved this book.”—Gabrielle Zevin, author of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

“I fell in love with the fascinating, brilliant family at the center of this riveting book.”—Ann Napolitano, author of Hello Beautiful

“We didn’t call the police right away.” Those are the electric first words of this extraordinary novel about a biracial Korean American family in Virginia whose lives are upended when their beloved father and husband go missing.

Mia, the irreverent, hyper-analytical twenty-year-old daughter, has an explanation for everything—which is why she isn’t initially concerned when her father and younger brother Eugene don’t return from a walk in a nearby park. They must have lost their phone. Or stopped for an errand somewhere. But by the time Mia’s brother runs through the front door bloody and alone, it becomes clear that the father in this tight-knit family is missing and the only witness is Eugene, who has the rare genetic condition Angelman syndrome and cannot speak.

What follows is both a ticking-clock investigation into the whereabouts of a father and an emotionally rich portrait of a family whose most personal secrets just may be at the heart of his disappearance. Full of shocking twists and fascinating questions of love, language, and human connection, Happiness Falls is a mystery, a family drama, and a novel of profound philosophical inquiry. With all the powerful storytelling she brought to her award-winning debut, Miracle Creek, Angie Kim turns the missing-person story into something wholly original, creating an indelible tale of a family who must go to remarkable lengths to truly understand one another."

Title: Happiness Falls
Author: Angie Kim
Publisher: Random House, Hogarth
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Happiness Falls" by Angie Kim

My Sentiments:

"Happiness Fall" is quite a story about Asian Culture that features 'happiness, autism, communication, trust, and linguistics' in a mystery story, This author gives the ready a story about a family after the father/husband goes missing at the park with his nonverbal son Eugene who was 14 years old and diagnosed with Autism and Angelman syndrome, who came home bloodied and dirty. What happened to the father? There will be many parts to this story that one will have to keep up with so you will get the full understanding of the way the POV is taking place and being told in the second person by Mia, a 20-year-old biracial Korean American...her father Adam Parson as she looks back on what had expired. The story is a mystery...what happened to the father is loaded with many secrets dealing with plenty of perceptions and assumptions. Will this family be able to find out what has happened to the father as they protect Eugene from what is happening? To get these answers and more, pick up this read and see how well this author brings it out to the reader.

Thank you to Net Gallery for the read and my giving my honest opinion of the novel.

Tough Call: A Sports Romance Anthology (Zakrzewski Anthologies) Kindle Edition by Ashley Zakrzewski (Author), Amy Stephens (Author), Britney Bell (Author), Layla Delaney (Author), Kristin Lee (Author), Anne Lange (Author), Shani Greene- Dowdell (Author), Barb Shuler (Author)

 

Book Excerpt:

"Get ready for romance on and off the field.

This romance collection is for lovers of sports and romance. The stakes are VERY high for these players, and obstacles are standing in the way of them getting the person they want. They are being thrown curveballs left and right..."

Can they bust through all obstacles and claim their HEA?


Authors include:

Ashley Zakrzewski - USA TODAY Bestselling Author
Amy Stephens - USA TODAY Bestselling Author
Britney Bell - USA TODAY Bestselling Author
Layla Delaney - USA TODAY Bestselling Author
Kristin Lee - USA TODAY Bestselling Author
Barb Shuler - USA TODAY Bestselling Author
Shani Greene-Dowdell - USA TODAY Bestselling Author
Anne Lange

Title: Tough Call: A Sports Romance
Authors: Ashley Zakrzewski (Author), Amy Stephens (Author), Britney Bell (Author), Layla Delaney (Author), Kristin Lee (Author), Anne Lange (Author), Shani Greene- Dowdell (Author), Barb Shuler (Author)
Publishers: included with authors
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
'Tough Call" by Authors: Ashley Zakrzewski (Author), Amy Stephens (Author), Britney Bell (Author), Layla Delaney (Author), Kristin Lee (Author), Anne Lange (Author), Shani Greene- Dowdell (Author), and Barb Shuler (Author)

My Sentiments:

This author gives the readers some good anthologies about Sports romances that will keep you turning the pages. We are given five stories... Her Silver Is His Gold, Rough Play, Suicide Squeeze, Tough Break, Rough Call, and Downfall.

Whether the anthology was about football, baseball, tee ball, or coaching, they all were good stories that would keep your interest until the end.

I Love My People Hardcover – by Kim Singleton

Book Excerpt:

"Say it with her now: "I love my people!"

In rhythmic prowess, Kim Singleton recounts the beauty and legacy of Black people who are "too many to name, from the corners of obscurity to the highest of fame."

I Love My People is a poetic tribute to African American history-makers and culture-shakers, with nostalgic photography and vibrant, playful illustration. In the vein of Gill Scott-Heron's poetry of the 1970s, author Kim Singleton invites us into call-and-response and brings a refreshing cadence to the page that captures every decade of Black joy in all its resilient, diverse, and excellent splendor.

"We were told that our bodies weren't built for this art. The rhythmic movement we mastered flowing straight from the heart."

Singleton shines a light on every facet of Black community life and unapologetically declares her people good―from the street corner to the White House and everything in between.

"In 1827, Freedom's Journal was born. Black content, Black operated, Black staff, Black-owned."

By the end, you'll also be chanting Singleton's anthem: "I LOVE MY PEOPLE!"

Title: I Love My People
Author: Kim Singleton
Publisher: Broadleaf Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"I Love My People" by Kim Singleton

My Sentiments:

'I Love My People' was a beautifully written novel about Black History which included historical figures who added so much not only to one's history but 'great achievements, lifestyles, and their beautiful diversity and culture in its poetic form' By the end the reader will get an excellent understanding of what it's all about... from not only loving oneself but also loving your people, its community and hopefully, in the end, giving one the 'joy, delight, the showcase of the power, and proving who we are and destined to be... and that would be loved.' I didn't want to leave out the beautiful photos that were related so well in the novel...especially. Beautifully displayed poetry.

To Have and To Hold: What Did You Vow? Kindle Edition by Lakisha Johnson

 Book Excerpt:

"Sydney Garcia is an unmarried 37-year-old whose mother won’t let her forget it. Each day she’s reminded of the fact, “You’re not getting any younger, hija.

But Sydney has had her fair share of failed relationships and isn’t willing to settle. So, when she reluctantly attends her 20th class reunion and meets Raymond Richardson, she takes a chance to fall in love again.

Things move quickly, even after a temporary snag.

At the altar, they vow “to have and to hold.” Until the day after their first wedding anniversary, Sydney finds out Raymond’s meaning of the vow is nothing like she imagined.

In Book 1 of the What Did You Vow Mini-Series, find out how Sydney’s life changes and if it’ll end with her keeping the vow... to death do us part."

Title: To Have and To Hold: What Did You Vow?
Author: Lakisha Johnson
Publisher: Twins Write 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"To Have and To Hold: What Did You Vow?" by Lakisha Johnson

My Sentiments:

'To Have and to Hold: What Did You Vow?' was one unforgettable intense story that will stay with you long after this suspenseful read. We find Sydney Garcia, who was 37 years old, pressured by her family, especially her mom, about getting married. After one horrible situation, Sydney was taking her time over this issue; however, a confident Raymond Richardson, who was a church deacon, comes into her life, and from there, after much persuasion, she decides to take a chance even though there were red flags all over the place. Will this be the right thing for her? After a year of marriage, what will happen after her husband delivers to her the 'Submissive Wife List?' This is where I say you must pick up this good read to see how this author has it all to the reader and 'how Sydney's life changes, and if it'll end with her keeping the vow...to death do us part.'

Mitches 2: Phuck Boys in Disguise Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

 

Book Excerpt:

"How do you pick yourself up when life has beaten you? How do you love again when love has always hurt but never healed? These are the questions Gabbi finds herself asking over and over again as the saga of her life continues. From one phuck boy to the following, enduring lies, heartaches, and loss, Gabbi takes it all in while still holding on to her inner strength and never relinquishing her light. Then, when she was at her worse, in walked LOVE. Calm, Fulfilling, Unconditional, Undeniable LOVE…Finally, Gabbi gets her Rainbow!! Come on this thrill ride and see how sometimes you must kiss many frogs to find your prince charming!

Title: Mitches 2: Phuck Boys in Disguise
Author: Niki Jilvontae
Publisher: N.J.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Mitches 2: Phuck Boys in Disguise" by Niki Jilvontae

My Sentiments:

This story was quite a read where you find poor Gabbi being taken through quite a horrible situation with the men in her life. From Jamal to Rocko, I am still determining who was the worst to Gabriel. But one thing is for sure life became better for her when her saver, Damon [her Hero], comes into her life to save her. Will she finally get the happiness that she only wanted? I will stop there and say you must read this story to see how well this author brings it all together for Gabbi, who just wanted to be loved the way her father had said it should be for her. Gabbie was a survivor after all was said and done from these 'Phuck Boys in Disguise.'

Bitter Baby Daddy 2: A Chic's Revenge Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

 Book Excerpt:

"The chaos continues in this sequel to Bitter Baby Daddy as K’Mari finds himself locked away behind jail walls for a mass murder he doesn’t know if he committed. Old demons and abusive ways push him to the edge, and he leans on LaRicus to make it through. Will he overcome? Or will all the wrong he has done come back to him tenfold?… At the same time, LaRicus ends up in the same cell following the disappearance of his baby mama. He goes through internal turmoil trying to figure out what happened and feels like giving up until he finds love. Shayla comes into his life, and they start a new chapter together, optimistic that their happy ending is near. However, they both have demons from the past, threatening to ruin their happy world. That’s why Shayla hooks back with Kareema, and they try to keep their freedom while Detective Marcus “Tony” Johnson does Ahmad’s dirty work for him. That leads to more chaos after Remi and her Righteous Sisters get involved. Robbery, lies, sex and murder ensue, leaving everyone wondering what will happen next. Come along on this turbulent ride through the streets of Memphis with characters you’ve grown to love. Find out if a Bitter Baby Daddy can actually let go… or if his hate and relentless pursuit will lead to A Chic’s Revenge!!!"

Title: Bitter Baby Daddy 2
Author: Niki Jilvontae
Publisher: N. J.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Bitter Baby Dady 2" by Niki Jilvontae

My Sentiments:

'Bitter Baby Daddy 2' was some read where you had to keep up due to many twists and turns. We find K'Mari in jail with LaRicus still not understanding or remembering what happened to him to get him imprisoned. Then Shayla comes into his life, trying to help both of them. Will she be able to do it with Detective Marcus Tony Johnson on her tail? What will happen when Shayla hooks back up with Kareema and the rest of the 'Righteous Sisters?'

Be ready for everything, from 'robbery, lies, sex, and murder.' To get the whole story started with 'Bitter Baby Daddy...When a Loser Can't Let Go' and then onto this story, it will all fall in place for the reader to better understand the story begins and ends.

One Woman Falling (Whispers of Grace Book 1) Kindle Edition by Melanie Campbell

 

Book Excerpt:

"Cassie Peterson lives in an invisible prison of fear, chained by self-doubt and guarded by a relentless warden—her husband. Derrick's verbal abuse, as well as his alcoholism, have left Cassie alienated from her family, without friends, and sure she can't survive on her own.

After an unexpected police visit, Cassie realizes the survival of her four-year-old daughter, Renee, depends on Cassie's courage to leave. What she doesn't plan on is Derrick's vengeful custody fight.

While walking through the treacherous world of divorce, Cassie is encouraged by her spunky new friend, Missy Langdon, to pursue her love of waterfalls. Cassie finds solace in the waterfalls on the agonizing weekends she's forced to hand Renee over to Derrick. Meanwhile, unexpected help comes in the form of Brian Sutton, an attorney at the firm where Cassie works—but what price will she ultimately pay for his assistance?

As Derrick's threatening behavior escalates, Cassie questions her choices. How long will her daughter suffer before the custody case is resolved? Why is she drawn to waterfalls during this chaotic time? And who will stand with her when everything comes crashing down?"

Title: One Woman Falling
Author: Melanie Campbell
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Series: Whispers of Grace Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"One Woman Falling" by Melanie Campbell

My Sentiments:

'One Woman Falling' was quite a read of how her husband almost destroyed Cassie Peterson's life, but our God came through for her by giving her the healing she needed. Dealing with domestic violence is no way to have to live. This author did an excellent job with this story giving the reader so exciting characters as you will see how the 'abuse, emotions, trauma, and struggles' were handled in the fantastic story. This story was a page-turner where in the end, seeing how Cassie finally turned to God with help from her grandfather and grandmother. I liked the study questions at the end of the read, which brought in the story's primary focus.

Grace After The Rain: A Christian Romance Novel (This Far By Grace Book 1) Kindle Edition by Taretha Jones

 Book Excerpt:

"Thirty-something, Shawntriece is a well-paid executive at a Fortune 500 corporation. Her life is practically perfect — at least to her, it is. She has a beautiful home, an expensive car, a family who loves her, and two adorable twin daughters to cherish and spoil. However, despite everything she has in the material world, she's sorely lacking in the spiritual realm. When life throws her a curve ball, will it be the chance she needs to return to Christ? Will the relationship she develops with a saved, good-looking, single father grow into much more? Somehow, some way...will Shawntriece snatch herself a piece of grace after the rain that has fallen in her life?"

Title: Grace After The Rain: A Christian Romance Novel
Author: Taretha Jones
Publisher: T. J.
Series: This Far by Grace Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Grace After The Rain" by Taretha Jones

My Sentiments:

'Grace After The Rain' was a lovely Christian romance featuring Calvary and Shawntrience. It was beautiful seeing how this author brought these two together, with it all being from the friendship with their children. With Calvary being such a good person and serving the Lord, he was just what Shawntrience needed in her life. Shawntrience had been dealt a hard life of what had happened to her as a teenager. And for Calvary, he had lost his wife through death. By Calvary becoming involved with Shawntrience, it was beautiful how God came in for her. Due to what happened to her, will faith and trust be brought back into her life? As we read, we see that through this friendship, so will love be felt between the two? As everything was going well for these two, you know how the devil will bring in something to destroy the essence of it all.

Now to get the story, you must pick up 'Grace After The Rain' to see how it all comes out for these two. It was a good read of how, with 'Calvary's prayers and Shawntriece's renewed faith in God, there be a b healing for both of them.'

The Convenient Husband: A Marriage of Convenience Romance (The Champion Brothers Book 8) Kindle Edition by Tina Martin

 Book Excerpt:

"Amira Champion has had enough of men – especially after she found out how her father treated her mother. She’s coasting through life solo and living drama-free, but a series of text messages from a stalker threatens her peace.

Dominick Summerlin is a highway patrolman intent on law and order. After losing his wife three years ago, he has sworn off ever loving another woman. But one traffic stop sets in motion events that may change his plans and his life."

Title: The Convenient Husband: A Marriage of Convenience Romance
Author: Tina Martin
Publisher: T.M.
Series: The Champion Brothers Book 8
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Convenient Husband: A Marriage of Convenience Romance" by Tina Martin

My Sentiments:

'The Convenient Husband: A Marriage of Convenience Romance' was a good read, especially if you like Romance and Literary Fiction. This author Tina Martin gives the reader a well-told love story featuring Amira and Dominick.

We find Amira Champion was running away from a stalker in her hometown, and Dominick Summerlin, a State Trooper, had lost his wife from a stray bullet. Both of these people were not interested in being involved with anyone; however, how will this turn out for these two when they meet up? The story is the Champion Brothers Book 8 series, so be prepared for the Champion brothers and family to be involved in this story.

To see how this love story will all turn out, you must pick up this good read to see how this author presents it to the reader. It was pretty interesting how 'one traffic stop sets in motion events that may change plans and life' for Dominick.

Who We Are Now A Novel by Lauryn Chamberlain

 Book Excerpt:

"Four friends. Fifteen years. Who We Are Now is a story of Sliding Doors moments, those seemingly small choices of early adulthood that determine the course of our lives.

 
It is 2006, and Rachel, Clarissa, Dev, and Nate are best friends, seniors on the eve of their college graduation. Their whole lives are before them, at once full of promise and anxiety. Bound to one another as they are, they imagine their closeness will last forever—but things change as they take their first steps away from one another and into adulthood.
 
Each year is told from one character’s point of view, and in that way, we stride swiftly through their lives. These four friends feel their twenties and thirties flying by, and suddenly small moments fast become regrets or unexpected boons, decisions they’ll spend years wishing they could undo, and choices that come to define them. As the foursome endure professional setbacks, deep loss, and creative success, fortunes shift and friendships strain—and it will take a tragic turn of events to bring them together again. 
 
Who We Are Now is a poignant story of epic friendship that jumps boldly through the years, moving at the same unforgiving pace as does that precious, confusing time between college and real life. This novel is perfect for readers who adore tales of friendship, explorations of the second coming of age moment that arrives in our thirties, and fans of Meg Wolitzer’s The Interestings or Dolly Alderton’s Ghosts."

Title: Who We Are Now
Author: Lauryn Chamberlain
Publisher: PENGUIN GROUP Dutton, Dutton
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Who We Are Now" by Lauryn Chamberlain" by Lauryn Chamberlain

My Sentiments:

'Who We Are Now' was an excellent novel about four college friends from Chicago and New York who were graduating from college and going into the world over around 15 years up through their 30s. It will be a twisted road as the reader will see how they drift apart at times but can become closer toward the end of the story. After all, is said and done, this author gives the reader quite a realistic dramatic, love, resilience, addiction, death, sickness, career choices, and heartbreaking friendship story. The main characters [Rachel, Dev, Nate, and Clarissa] were well-developed, with some more complex than the others with their different POVs that we receive from the alternating chapters. In the end, the reader will get an excellent story of friendship through the years with plenty of up-and-down times on this roller-coaster ride as we see the characters grow up and change as life continues.

Thank you to Net Galley and the Publisher for the beautiful story of the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Silent Cry Case: An Jasmine Davis Legal Thriller (Jasmine Davis Legal Thriller Series Book 3) Kindle Edition by Ellis Keler

Book Except:

"Attorney Jasmine Davis takes on a case of domestic violence, but there are a lot of dark secrets behind…

A close friend of her mother's seeks Jasmine's legal help to secure a divorce from her abusive husband. But when a man breaks into her home, she realizes this mission is more dangerous than she thought.

Unbeknownst to Jasmine, her mother hides a chilling secret, raising the stakes of their situation. She is in a race against time when a new adversary lurks in the shadows, determined to destroy their lives…

The Silent Cry Case is an exciting blood-pumping legal thriller written by Ellis Keler and published by Cobalt Fairy.

If you are an avid fan of strong characters, action-packed courtroom drama, and mind-blowing murder mystery, then you'll love Ellis' intriguing story."

Title:  The Silent Cry

Author:  Ellis Keler

Publisher:   Cobalt Fairy LLC 

Series:  Jasmine Davis Legal Thriller Book 3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review: 

"The Silent Cry Case" by Ellis Keler

My Sentiments:  

'The Silent Cry Case' was a good legal thriller featuring Jasmine as she picks her mom, Margaret, up from the airport. We find that Jasmine is still having pain, so she has been using drugs for that situation, but is this really helping her? Then things start to pop because a burglar enters her apartment, and they have to hide in the panty. Thank goodness, Bob, Jasmine's boyfriend, who just happened to be a detective, was able to take care of that person and have him carted off to jail. The story will start taking off because Jasmine's mom knew this person who had broken into her apartment. Why did Jasmine get involved in all of this and was so determined to get this monster convicted? To get this whole story, you must pick up this good legal thriller and see how well this author gives the reader a good read. You will want to put it down at the end. At least in the extended epilogue, we see if Jasmine will be willing to go back home with her mother for a visit from her hometown.

Tangled in Justice: A Maya Jones Legal Thriller (Maya Jones legal thriller series Book 3) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood

 Book Excerpt:

"Lawyer Maya Jones becomes entangled in a real-life thriller when her best friend, Olivia Hansley, is accused of murder.

The entire world, even Olivia herself is convinced that she’s guilty when her colleague, a famous influencer, is found dead from an overdose. But despite doubts, Maya steps up and takes on her friend's case because of one reason.

Olivia can't remember anything from that day. And as Maya begins to piece together fragmented memories, she uncovers a shocking truth that compels her to fight for justice and protect what she holds dear while time is running out…

Tangled in Justice is an exciting blood-pumping legal thriller, written by Freya Atwood and published by Cobalt Fairy.

If you are an avid fan of strong characters, action-packed courtroom drama, and mind-blowing murder mystery, then you'll love Freya's intriguing story."

Title:  Tangled in Justice

Author:  Freya Atwood

Publisher:  Cobalt Fairy LLC 

Series:  Maya Jones Legal Thriller Book 3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Tangled in Justice" by Freya Atwood

My Sentiments:  

'Tangled In Justice' was quite a legal thriller where lawyer Maya Jones had her hand full with this case of helping her friend Olivia, who had been charged with the murder of her lover.  This is definitely one of those cases that will keep you turning the pages till the very end. Will Maya be able to handle all that is ahead with the case while she is also needed to be with her husband and baby daughter?   Each of the characters was well-developed which made the story seem so real.  Will Maya be able to solve this case?  To find out you will have to pick up this good read to see how well this author brings it all out to the reader.

Witness Stories by Jamel Brinkley

 Book Excerpt:

"A Must-Read: NPR, Los Angeles Times, Vulture, The Boston Globe, Shondaland, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Essence, Literary Hub

From National Book Award finalist Jamel Brinkley, Witness is an elegant, insistent narrative of actions taken and not taken.

What does it mean to take action? To bear Witness? What does it cost?

In these ten stories, each set in the changing landscapes of contemporary New York City, a range of characters—from children to grandmothers to ghosts—live through the responsibility of perceiving and the moral challenge of speaking up or taking action. Though they strive to connect, to remember, to stand up for, and to really see each other, they often fall short, and the structures they build around these ambitions and failures shape not only their futures but the legacies and prospects of their families and city.

In its portraits of families and friendships lost and found, the paradox of intimacy, the long shadow of grief, and the meaning of home, Witness enacts its own testimony. Here is a world where fortunes can be made and stolen in just a few generations, where strangers might sometimes show kindness. At the same time, those we trust—doctors, employers, siblings—too often turn away, where joy comes in snatches: flowers on a windowsill, dancing in the street, glimpsing your purpose, change on the horizon.

With prose as unendingly beautiful as it is artfully and seamlessly crafted, Jamel Brinkley offers nothing less than the full scope of life and death and change in the great, unending drama of the city.:

Title:  Witness Stories

Author:  Jamel Brinkley

Publisher:  Farrar, Straus, and Giroux

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"Witness Stories" by Jamel Brinkley

My Sentiments:  

These were quite a collection of various stories taking place in New York City of different ten challenges from 'mental illness, tragic, dementia, old age, gentrification, failed family relationships, family conflicts,  dead-end jobs, failed romances, and poverty,' all with different perspectives.    

This author gave the reader some brilliant stories; each collection of short stories will give one a lot to think of long after this literary read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Farrar Straus & Giroux for the ARC for the read.