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A review by ruminations_reverie
Untethered by Angela Jackson-Brown
5.0
This was unexpected. I was challenged to read this book by my partner-in-crime, Ashley, for our podcast (Bookish Buzz Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@Bookish_Buzz_Podcast). Our buddy challenge is something we do quarterly on the podcast to challenge each other to read books that might be a little, or a lot, out of our comfort zones and push the envelope of our reading a bit. Ashley picked this one up because she very much reads within this historical fiction, familial drama space and thought it would be a good pick for this challenge. Well....she was right.
I am giving this book a 5, not necessarily because I loved every element of it, but mostly because Jackson-Brown managed to craft a story that didn't just pull at my heart-strings, it cut my whole heart out of my chest. I was so emotionally invested in all the character's stories. She did a great job developing these characters and allowing the reader to become emotionally attached. This is the first book I found myself crying REAL tears at in a while.
The story itself, as mentioned above, is a familial drama following Katia, the Executive Director of a group home for young, negro boys in Troy, Alabama in the 60's. I went in blind for this one and I am grateful that I did. This story isn't largely plot driven, rather focusing on the lives of Katia and these young boys at the group home. The good, the bad, and the raw. Each boy has a unique and personal background and I connected with them because I grew up with kids who were going through some of the same things when I was younger. Troubled home lives, behavioral issues, the definition of being kicked when they are down. I just wish there had been more folks like those at the group home to intervene and help care for and protect them.
It is a story full of the highest highs, and the lowest lows and shines a light on the complications so many are faced with when caring for children who are trapped in difficult situations. Don't think for one second that just because this story is set in the 60's that this isn't relevant in today's world. In many ways, it is likely worse. I greatly enjoyed reading this one, and would gladly pick up more from this author. For those interested in a story of this nature, this comes highly recommended. Bring the tissues.
Ashley and I will be doing a book chat about this one on YouTube and I will update this review with the link once we are able to film it.
I am giving this book a 5, not necessarily because I loved every element of it, but mostly because Jackson-Brown managed to craft a story that didn't just pull at my heart-strings, it cut my whole heart out of my chest. I was so emotionally invested in all the character's stories. She did a great job developing these characters and allowing the reader to become emotionally attached. This is the first book I found myself crying REAL tears at in a while.
The story itself, as mentioned above, is a familial drama following Katia, the Executive Director of a group home for young, negro boys in Troy, Alabama in the 60's. I went in blind for this one and I am grateful that I did. This story isn't largely plot driven, rather focusing on the lives of Katia and these young boys at the group home. The good, the bad, and the raw. Each boy has a unique and personal background and I connected with them because I grew up with kids who were going through some of the same things when I was younger. Troubled home lives, behavioral issues, the definition of being kicked when they are down. I just wish there had been more folks like those at the group home to intervene and help care for and protect them.
It is a story full of the highest highs, and the lowest lows and shines a light on the complications so many are faced with when caring for children who are trapped in difficult situations. Don't think for one second that just because this story is set in the 60's that this isn't relevant in today's world. In many ways, it is likely worse. I greatly enjoyed reading this one, and would gladly pick up more from this author. For those interested in a story of this nature, this comes highly recommended. Bring the tissues.
Ashley and I will be doing a book chat about this one on YouTube and I will update this review with the link once we are able to film it.