OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Remember Who You Are" by Anthony Andre.]

Is it possible to overcome your past? Is it possible to overcome personal failures? Remember Who You Are explores the answers to these questions. It is the second book in Anthony Andre's Dying Church series. It falls under the other fiction genre.

Wesley is the new pastor at New Covenant Church. Members of the church are opposed to him being the leader of the church because he is young and inexperienced. A murder and suicide take place in the sanctuary in Wesley's presence. The pastor also sustains an injury when he is shot in the arm. This incident vindicates the claims of those who feel he lacks the years and experience required to be a pastor. Readers get glimpses of what occurred on the fateful day of the shooting during haunting flashbacks that Wesley has during his recovery period. The future of New Covenant Church seems bleak. Attendance is dwindling, the various committees are dying out... Can Wesley breathe new life into new covenant?

We are introduced to the different church members. The author builds their stories, challenges and lives through continuous snippets of revelations. This kept the book interesting. It allowed all the chapters to have a bit of action, drama, or humour, depending on the situation of course. There was never a dull moment. What I loved about these church members was how true to life their experiences are. I felt a deep connection with many of them. They are so human.

May I take a moment to admit that I have fallen head over heels in love with Wesley? His humour, wit, intelligence and compassion appealed to me. His character is not one-sided though, he is deeply flawed and has a troubled past. Like the rest of the church members, his past is revealed gradually. His mistakes emphasized the importance of dealing with your past and finding closure. This is a lesson that I plan to carry with me.

The writing style is casual and witty. It makes readers feel comfortable yet alert. What better way to retain an audience’s attention than to use a bit of humour and wit, right? The diction used in the book is simple and allows readers to focus on the story being told. This simplicity led me to become so emotionally involved that I did not want the book to end.

Had I read the first book of this series, then my reading experience with this book would have been enhanced. Reference is made to prior events, which I am assuming happened in the first book. The author never fully clarifies what occurred in those incidents and it left me with question marks. On the flip side, some of the church member’s stories were left without a conclusion. This, although frustrating, was a clever move by the author. It made me want to continue reading future books in the series.

I came across a strange issue with the book's formatting. The book had some sentences in bold at random. This only occurred when I opened it as a PDF document. I did not experience this problem when I opened it using eReader Prestigio. A real error occurred on page 141, specifically: “...Tut left the room without speakiChapter Twenty-Seven”. Aside from this very few errors occurred.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I would love to give it a 4, but because of the formatting issues and the unanswered questions it left me with, I am forced to give it a 3. I recommend it to those who enjoy true-to-life stories.

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Remember Who You Are
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Like Kelebogile Mbangi's review? Post a comment saying so!

This sounds very interesting. It almost reminds me a little bit of Jan Karon's series. I can't remember what it's called at the moment. Thanks for the review.

It's the first I'm hearing of that Author. Thanks for reading my review.

Your review makes me want to dive right into the book. I was a bit hesitant when I saw a 3/4 rating. But you were kind enough to explain that the ranking is due to formatting issues, not writing style. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you Teri. Well I really enjoyed it and I'm sure you will too.

Interesting plot. Too bad it wasn't standalone. Thanks for reading and sharing, Kele.

Thanks Claire.

true life stories are books I enjoy reading. I would therefore, consider reading this. thanks for the good review

Great review
Wesley's character seems very impressive to fall into love with ??

You write in a very engaging way Kelebogile, have you ever thought of becoming an author? Your review read like a good book. Great review.

I am interested in this book, I'll definitely look it up.

Thank you all for your lovely comments. Thank you Julius, I have thought of it, I guess self doubt is holding me back, one of my poems has been published though.

Another enticing review, Kelebogile Mbangi! I totally agree with juliusotinyo.

I am intrigued that you fell head over heels in love with Wesley. He must be an exciting character and I am eager to meet him. But I will have to guard my heart lest I fall too. ?

You both are too kind and have me beaming! Thank you!

At least a turn off with Wesley is his Melodrama, you can use that to prevent your fall.

Kelebogile Mbangi wrote:Thank you all for your lovely comments. Thank you Julius, I have thought of it, I guess self doubt is holding me back, one of my poems has been published though.

You have a poem? Is it on this forum, I'd like to see it. Though I find poems had to read. Can you provide me a link?

No, it it's not on this forum, it was published in a print book.