Review of Shifting Tides

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 24 Apr 2025, 13:03

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Shifting Tides" by The Journeyman.]

3 out of 5 stars

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Shifting Tides by The Journeyman is a philosophical book that portrays the thoughts of a solitary man who is grappling with numerous questions about life and is on a desperate quest to find the answers. The narrative follows a series of events that happen in four days, with a strong emphasis on the narrator's reflections. The author mentions in the author's note that even though he has written the book from a first-person perspective, the narrator's experience represents not only him but also the readers. Interestingly, the author's name is mentioned as The Journey Man, and his real name is not revealed.

The book begins with the author's note and dedication, followed by an introduction and a prologue. It then contains chapters titled Workingman’s Blues, Wayward Gestures, The Water’s Edge, and Shifting Tides. I found the Dedication section to be quite intriguing.

The book explores the common dilemmas and fears that one faces when entering adulthood. The narrator is having difficulty adjusting to adult life after leaving adolescence. While the world expects him to behave like an adult, it continues to treat him like a child. He feels pressured to meet the demands of a man while he is still quite young. In this world, life comes with a set of rules that everyone is expected to abide by. The narrator overthinks a lot about this and questions the meaning of his life. He is trying to find his way in this confusing and mad world by confronting his fears and inner demons while also managing various difficult life choices and social expectations. Furthermore, he worries that his life would revolve around the responsibility to provide for a family, and he fears that his life would be wasted by it. He wishes for a life with a meaningful experience rather than a mechanical life. He questions the system that has set the rules about how to lead our lives. I believe many of us would have experienced similar thoughts at some point in our lives.

This book was quite short, but many sentences were very long, and I found them a little difficult to understand. Using simpler sentences will enhance clarity. I also noticed many profane words. Moreover, I felt the thoughts of the narrator were somewhat repetitive. The author could have explored the dilemmas of the narrator a bit further. Additionally, I found the ending a bit unsatisfying. I also noted more than ten errors while reading, making me believe the book is not professionally edited and needs another round of editing. For these reasons, I rate the book 3 out of 5 stars. Readers interested in philosophical books, especially those that focus on young adult dilemmas, would find this book intriguing.

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Shifting Tides
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Elavarasi Charles · Post by **Elavarasi Charles** » 08 May 2025, 21:50

This book feels like a raw and authentic account of someone's adulthood experience. With more attention on editing and flow, as you point out, this book could resonate with a lot of readers. I will look out for an opportunity to read this book. This is a detailed, well-presented review, and I loved reading it!

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 09 May 2025, 06:01

Elavarasi Charles wrote: ↑08 May 2025, 21:50 This book feels like a raw and authentic account of someone's adulthood experience. With more attention on editing and flow, as you point out, this book could resonate with a lot of readers. I will look out for an opportunity to read this book. This is a detailed, well-presented review, and I loved reading it!

Thanks for reading my review!

Post by **Victor Nwabuisi** » 18 May 2025, 15:26

The author calling himself ‘The Journeyman’ and choosing to stay anonymous already tells me this book isn’t just about one person it’s about all of us trying to find clarity in a chaotic world. thank you for the insightful review.

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 20 May 2025, 08:47

Victor Nwabuisi wrote: ↑18 May 2025, 15:26 The author calling himself ‘The Journeyman’ and choosing to stay anonymous already tells me this book isn’t just about one person it’s about all of us trying to find clarity in a chaotic world. thank you for the insightful review.

You are absolutely right!

Deepa dipti Bhatt · Post by **Deepa dipti Bhatt** » 22 May 2025, 12:32

I really found your review authentic and intriguing. I might read this book very soon

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 25 May 2025, 07:19

Deepa dipti Bhatt wrote: ↑22 May 2025, 12:32 I really found your review authentic and intriguing. I might read this book very soon

Thanks!

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 25 May 2025, 09:17

Some people are born to follow rules and some are born to follow their own rules. The transition from adolescence to adulthood begs us to decide which path we want to follow. This book has the potential to resonate with many folks who find themselves at this crossroad. I hope the author takes your critiques into account because the author's message is important.

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 27 May 2025, 10:41

Gerry Steen wrote: ↑25 May 2025, 09:17 Some people are born to follow rules and some are born to follow their own rules. The transition from adolescence to adulthood begs us to decide which path we want to follow. This book has the potential to resonate with many folks who find themselves at this crossroad. I hope the author takes your critiques into account because the author's message is important.

Thanks for reading my review!

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 29 May 2025, 21:54

Coming-of-age books, when written well, are great to read. This one, with its complicated sentences and high level of grammatical errors, may not fit into that category. Thanks, as always, for the honest review. I may skip this one.

Post by **Seetha E** » 30 May 2025, 03:25

This book seems to have the potential. I hope the author considers your suggestions and fine-tunes the shortcomings. A refined version, I am sure, will resonate with many in similar situations. Despite the caution, I may pick it up for personal reading.

Chi Chiu Michael Mak · Post by **Chi Chiu Michael Mak** » 30 May 2025, 10:00

It is said that we're just figuring out things as we go in life, so the Journey Man's story would resonate with a lot of people, especially Enneagram Type 4s.

Post by **Magdalyne chebet** » 30 May 2025, 11:56

Shifting Tides" by The Journeyman sounds like a deeply personal and thought-provoking journey. I’m really drawn to the way it captures the confusion and pressure of early adulthood—something so many of us wrestle with. I’d love to read it. Thank you for the informative review!

Creole · Post by **Creole** » 30 May 2025, 14:36

As we navigate through life's stages, mental clarity becomes a sought-after treasure. It's always intriguing to peer into another's thoughts and actions. The long sentences in 'Shifting Tides' might be a reflection of the Journeyman's state of mind. Your honest review is valued and respected. I hope the author will use this critique to enrich the book further.

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 30 May 2025, 21:31

Gerry Steen wrote: ↑25 May 2025, 09:17 Some people are born to follow rules and some are born to follow their own rules. The transition from adolescence to adulthood begs us to decide which path we want to follow. This book has the potential to resonate with many folks who find themselves at this crossroad. I hope the author takes your critiques into account because the author's message is important.

Thanks, Gerry!