Official Review: Blue Sky by D. BRYANT SIMMONS

[sdeerfield82]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Blue Sky" by D. BRYANT SIMMONS.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Blue Sky is the second novel in the Morrow Girls series by D. Bryant Simmons and I can’t say enough good things about it. This beautiful and heart-breaking story takes readers through the streets of Southside Chicago during the late 80’s and early 90’s and into a home where there is enough love to cover all manner of mistakes and transgressions. While it may not be a story that I can relate to based on my own personal experiences, I felt entirely drawn in by this family. When they sat down to eat at the dinner table, I could have sworn I smelled food cooking.

Ricky Morrow had four girls – Nikki, Mya, Jackie, and Nat – and because this is the second novel in the series, we really only get a small glimpse of what led them to their current circumstances. We know they spent a few years in foster homes and that they are back in the care of their mother, Belinda, and step-father, Heziah, along with their two half-sisters, Jenna and Callie. We also know that Belinda, called Pecan, is determined that the Morrow girls won’t make the same mistakes she made and will have better lives. Though Ricky only makes a minor appearance, there is no denying that in some part, each girl becomes who she is because she is his daughter.

As each chapter shifts perspective, from Mya to Jackie, then Jackie to Nikki, Nikki to Pecan, and back again, they start to weave together a complex fabric. It is one of abuse and addiction, cancer, poverty, crime, and misunderstandings. It is also one of hope and comfort, love, family, strength, and even grace. Overwhelmed by the worst life can throw at them, I never once viewed the Morrow girls or their mother as a victim. Though each woman could probably list a multitude of her own faults and flaws, they also exhibit a level of poise that is to be envied and respected.

While I loved this book, sometimes I did find myself frustrated. It felt like “everything that can go wrong, will go wrong”. Sometimes I even had to grit my teeth and ball my fist to keep reading and I would exclaim aloud, “Seriously, can’t they catch a break?!” but every word was worthy to be read. At some point I realized, yes, this book may be a work of fiction, but the story is all too real in many neighborhoods.

If you’re worried that you will miss something by not reading How to Knock a Bravebird from Her Perch first; you shouldn’t. Simmons is so masterful at slipping in the details of the past that the reader doesn’t ever feel lost about how something came to be. You may, however, find yourself aching to know more of the story if, like me, you are starting the series with Blue Sky.

Though it may sound sexist, I think Blue Sky is going to appeal most to women. It is an in depth look at what it means to be a mother, daughter, and sister. It is a story about what it means to be a woman in a man’s world and how our relationships and interactions shape us.

I couldn’t help but rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It is a painful story but so expertly told. I absolutely fell in love with every character. Even the tiniest roles (i.e. Mya’s high school track coach) were wonderfully drawn. Well done, D. Bryant Simmons. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

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Blue Sky
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Like sdeerfield82's review? Post a comment saying so!

[etienn]

I love the story lines of this book

[Piuscliff]

Interesting and educating.

[AVNFAISAL]

Amazing book, I really enjoyed the reading, i will recommend you to read it for once!

[anne beatrix claire]

i love how the plot went

[lilian Atieno]

I love and like the way reviewer sdeerfield82 has arranged her break down of the book,am looking forward to read this book and to be one of the books in my bookshelf.

[sollu]

really educative!

[Sunmoon]

This book is really a lesson to learn.....

[Niece11]

I can relate to the circumstances described as well. I'll definitely have to check this book out.

[Peter Mutuku]

Re:Official Review:Blue Sky by D.BRYANT SIMMONS

[Syeda Safia Nawrin]

Very interesting and really educative...

[Fatty]

Love thir book..

[thisisjustsimplyme]

I like this book it is very interesting, also educative in a different way

[Richard Arup Banarje]

"Blue Sky" by D. BRYANT SIMMONS.

it's really a nice book.. author use simple language in this book which make it more acceptable to all. sisters love to one another in different ways, their argument, their friendship, relation with family member reflects in this book. anyone who read this book can easily imagine himself/ herself in that story scene as like a live viewer..