Review of Fragile Courage

[MsH2k]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Fragile Courage" by Martha E. Casazza.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Have you ever felt like you didn’t fit in? Have you ever had a goal you pursued for years, always sure that it was meant for you, only to achieve it and suddenly doubt yourself? Transitioning to college or beginning your first job can sometimes stir these emotions.

Melina is a freshman university student, the first in her family to go to college. Her parents moved to the United States from Mexico and have worked relentlessly to give Melina and her siblings an easier life. She is torn between her family obligations, such as taking care of her nephews while her parents work, and her dream of going to college.

Margot has landed her first job as a professor in the psychology department of the college Melina is attending. In fact, she is one of Melina’s instructors. Margot is an only child of very successful parents who expect their daughter to have nothing less than an exceptional, perfect career. She, in turn, expects the same of her students. What will happen when Melina must go home for a family emergency and miss her final exam in Margot’s class, an action that could result in her dismissal from the school?

Fragile Courage by Martha E. Casazza is a coming-of-age story that presents these two characters as they adjust to their new surroundings. The chapters alternate in the first-person perspective of each woman as their lives progress in parallel until they abruptly collide. Those who have lived or worked in an environment where their background differed from their colleagues would identify with Melina’s dilemma to fit in while trying to hide her sometimes obvious differences. Her exhaustion as she tries to grasp the nuances of her new dorm life is palpable.

This story was easily digestible, and I grew attached to Melina and Margot as they found unexpected allies in their quest to fit in. It was interesting to see their parallel journeys and how they found courage in the face of fragile circumstances that helped to shape their individual growth.

I enjoyed reading from the perspective of both characters, but sometimes, alternating the point of view disrupted the reading flow. For example, when I expected a continuation of the timeline in the next chapter, the other character would retrace events from their perspective. Although this filled in details, it took me a while to reorient myself. Also, there were several instances of telling instead of showing: some dialog felt stiff and formal as it filled in the events or rationale for actions. Often, the explanation was unnecessary, as it had been covered adequately in the characters’ interactions.

I rate Fragile Courage 4 out of 5 stars. The story moved at an easy pace, and both central characters were relatable. Overall, it was well edited; I deducted 1 star because of the factors covered that disrupted the flow. I recommend this read to those who enjoy coming-of-age themes with female protagonists. The content is suitable for both teens and adults.

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Fragile Courage
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[Fareed Regal]

I can relate to what the central characters are going through based on my own experiences of trying to "fit in". I am glad the author used female protagonists as that adds another dimension of adjustment that is often ignored in society. Thank you for another very insightful review that was beautifully structured.

[Kirsi Cultrera]

Fitting in is definitely not always easy; many of us can probably relate to that feeling. The societal setting in this book sounds interesting and both Margot and Melina sound like characters I would love to meet. Thank you for the beautiful review!

[khaulah]

Trying to fit in and finding an ally is definitely an intriguing theme. I would love to read this book should I get my hands on it. Thank you so much for your review!

[Laura Ungureanu]

I can relate to Margot's problems with fitting in. They are very common in our society, so it's nice to see this book that makes people feel understood. I would love to read this. Congrats on BOTD!

[tarafarah7]

Today's BOTD is a coming-of-age story that follows Margot and Melina, each on a courageous quest to find their place in the world. Told in alternating points-of-view, readers will be pulled into their individual stories and watch them grow as their lives intersect with one another. I plan to add this to our classroom book recommendations board! Thank you for the helpful review!

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

This is an amazing coming-of-age other fiction novel highlighting the story that presents two characters as they adjust to their new surroundings. The book is temporarily discounted on Amazon Kindle and has a well-written OnlineBookClub review. Congrats on the BOTD selection.

[Margi zuu202]

Book of the day BOTD is other fiction inspiring and riveting journey of Melina a Mexican America college student torn between culture, family conflict ,education, personal isolation, self doubt, insecurity Melina story is an example of what Latinas go through in the USA the author captures the spirit and vibrance of community in authentic, inspiring and riveting provocative manner .the story made me think of myself as a migrant and how true this story is the book was well written and reviewed I will recommend it to many who would like to relocate to the usa some day

[James Stan]

Margot has a problem of fitting into her family's life and catering for her needs in life.

[John Kingsley Ken]

Fitting in is always one of the social challenge an individual must face and I like how the author made it easier for the reader to relate to the storyline. Congrats on being the BOTD

[Brenda Creech]

Melina and Margot both have a similar outcome in mind for their lives. However, what they want to achieve seems to not be what their families want. Melina met Margo in college. Margo was one of her professors. The women connected and became friends. This sounds like a lovely book. I am going to have to give this one a try! Thanks for the excellent review!

[Esther Godwin Ogechi]

"Have you ever had a goal you pursued for years, always sure that it was meant for you, only to achieve it and suddenly doubt yourself?" This really struck me. I can sadly relate to this.

[Fredrick Felix Mnjala Maneno]

This sounds like an excellent read for young adults or anyone going into a new situation that they are not entirely sure about. I really like books written with perspectives from different characters as they give the plot a more rounded aspect. I'd love to see how Melina and Margot hold up in their different situations. Kudos on the really insightful review.

[Omneya Shakeep]

It is always hard to fit in and try to hide the difference in thinking and upbringing. Trying to live up to others' expectations is another struggle many can relate to. It is easy to connect to the main characters and understand their turmoil. The author did an amazing job selecting the main theme and female characters for this book. Your detailed analysis of this novel is remarkable. Great review! 

[Hubre De Klerk]

Fitting in is a social "requirement" and most people are so afraid of becoming outcasts because they are different or have different beliefs than others, that they sometimes lose themselves to try and fit in. I think there is a lot to learn from this book and how different family backgrounds affect people. That responsibility between your own happiness and that of keeping your family happy is also sometimes a very thin line to balance. Well done on an amazing review and for #BOTD!