Review by Josep22 -- Mixed Blessings by J.M. Muse

[Josep22]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Mixed Blessings" by J.M. Muse.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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What makes racism so absurd is the fact that it isn't about our capabilities, strengths, weaknesses or importance, but rather about how we look; the color of our human skin. Some people say that race in our society only matters because of racism, I think they are right. Maybe a mixed race could be the solution to this problem, as people would not identify with only one particular race. J. M. Muse, in his book, Mixed Blessings, discusses this sensitive topic in a very interesting and captivating way. He talks about racism alongside religion, politics and love.

Kimberly, a biracial American girl, is introduced to us at the beginning of the story. She travels to Mexico to visit her other family after her mother, Rachel, and father, Hector, separated. Upon her return, she faces a dilemma in her love life that she has to navigate her way through. We find out in the book whether she is strong enough to overcome the challenges that come with being biracial. Then comes Michael Kublai Khan of House Jeremiah, a religious minister who is bold enough to try to solve the racism problem. He comes up with a plan and names it the 'mocha effect'. He forces white women to marry black members of his congregation and give rise to a new race. He wants to create broader people who can identify with different cultures and races. Remember the quote that says race only matters because of racism? Well, Mr. Khan tries to do away with the discrimination people face for belonging to one particular race. Many people, however, would disagree with his methods.

I loved this book as it was well-written. The story was both interesting and captivating. It kept me glued all through. While most people shy away from discussing these sensitive issues, Muse does not. He talks about this specific topic so frankly and honestly. The issues he addresses are so real and relatable. Most biracial men and women actually experience some of the problems that Kimberly faced and those that Michael was trying to solve. The characters in the book were also developed so nicely. I particularly loved Mr. Khan for his bold, unapologetic but also humorous character.

The book was professionally edited as I noticed only a few minor errors. It's hard to point out anything I disliked about the book. However, I think the author could have done a better job showing the reader the relationship between Kimberly's story and that of Mr. Khan right from the start. This would have done away with the little confusion I had at the beginning of the book.

I gave this book a perfect rating of 4 out of 4 stars. The book was well-written and professionally edited. The language is simple and easy to understand. The themes discussed are so real and relatable to many people. I would recommend the book to lovers of politics, religion and race matters. Policymakers would also learn a lot from Muse's ideas. I am of the opinion that in J. M. Muse's world, the issue of racism would be a thing of the past. Maybe we could use some of his ideas to make our world a better place.

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Mixed Blessings
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[OJ Duogo]

I have read this book and I did not like how the religious leaders were portrayed as manipulative human beings. Thanks for the excellent reviews. I am looking forward to reading others.

[Marion Jepkosgei]

I read this book and I loved the issue of thematic concern bearing in mind that the ugly face of racism is staring daggers at us right now. A brilliant review nonetheless.

[Josep22]

I read this book and I loved the issue of thematic concern bearing in mind that the ugly face of racism is staring daggers at us right now. A brilliant review nonetheless.

Thank you for your comment, Marion. I'm glad you loved the book too.

[Josep22]

I have read this book and I did not like how the religious leaders were portrayed as manipulative human beings. Thanks for the excellent reviews. I am looking forward to reading others.

Thanks for the comment Duogo.