Review by Vidya4u2c -- Mixed Blessings by J.M. Muse
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Review by Vidya4u2c -- Mixed Blessings by J.M. Muse
[Following is a volunteer review of "Mixed Blessings" by J.M. Muse.]
Ahmed's role in the novel Mixed Blessings creates a key link that propels the occurrence of events throughout the story. Minister Kublai Khan is an idealist for black consciousness. Kimberly is a young lady, born out of wedlock. Being of mixed descent, she struggles with identity issues and she desires to find her niche in society. Stories are woven around the family and lifestyle choices of both Minister Khan and Kimberly. The author J.M. Muse uses Ahmed's allegiance to the minister and his intense love for Kimberly to present to readers various thrilling scenarios. Racism, revenge, manipulation of power, and an attempt at anarchy are some of the themes explored in the novel. This is done in an entertaining yet thought-provoking manner.
The author has an adroit ability to transform the mood of the story per the events taking place. The bubbly excitement of the pageant was in tremendous contrast to the vengeful event which succeeded it. The multiple sub-stories provide vicarious experiences for readers of all ages. Young adults can easily empathize with Jeremy, Sydney, and Kimberly. Chaka is the epitome of the successful career-oriented woman whilst Blair provides a precarious perspective on veterans. The author very discretely illustrates what characters value as being important. He uses an emphasis on the brand name of their clothing and accessories to highlight the strong attachment assigned to the physical appearance of some characters. The mental acuity of other characters is demonstrated through the strategies they utilize to increase their power.
The book contains some adult scenes which make it unsuitable for children. I would recommend this book to all adults. Some events in the book are closely aligned to present topical issues. How racism is dealt with in the novel could assist readers in realizing that they could be manipulated into prejudice by a few individuals looking after their interest. Insights into the plausible outlook of people of influence in society and the psychological methods they may utilize to manipulate the general population for power, popularity, and personal gain can be found in this novel.
The writer was courageous enough to not only pick at the scab of racism but also opened the wound and brazenly exposed both sides to enable the reader to examine and decipher the concept using divergent thinking. The daring approach continues when the writer illustrates both Ministers’ assessment of their congregation and the mindset that they adopted when strategizing to control the emotions and mental trail of thought of their followers. Through guile, they stirred the basal emotions of their followers and created chaos for their plan of action. The pivotal role of the media and their ability to promote propaganda was also highlighted. I rate this book of 4 out of 4 stars. I was particularly fond of the author’s dynamic used of direct speech especially when Minister Kublai Khan and Minister Dalton addressed their respective congregation. The book was exceptional. All literary elements were well developed. I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of this novel.
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Mixed Blessings
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Ahmed's role in the novel Mixed Blessings creates a key link that propels the occurrence of events throughout the story. Minister Kublai Khan is an idealist for black consciousness. Kimberly is a young lady, born out of wedlock. Being of mixed descent, she struggles with identity issues and she desires to find her niche in society. Stories are woven around the family and lifestyle choices of both Minister Khan and Kimberly. The author J.M. Muse uses Ahmed's allegiance to the minister and his intense love for Kimberly to present to readers various thrilling scenarios. Racism, revenge, manipulation of power, and an attempt at anarchy are some of the themes explored in the novel. This is done in an entertaining yet thought-provoking manner.
The author has an adroit ability to transform the mood of the story per the events taking place. The bubbly excitement of the pageant was in tremendous contrast to the vengeful event which succeeded it. The multiple sub-stories provide vicarious experiences for readers of all ages. Young adults can easily empathize with Jeremy, Sydney, and Kimberly. Chaka is the epitome of the successful career-oriented woman whilst Blair provides a precarious perspective on veterans. The author very discretely illustrates what characters value as being important. He uses an emphasis on the brand name of their clothing and accessories to highlight the strong attachment assigned to the physical appearance of some characters. The mental acuity of other characters is demonstrated through the strategies they utilize to increase their power.
The book contains some adult scenes which make it unsuitable for children. I would recommend this book to all adults. Some events in the book are closely aligned to present topical issues. How racism is dealt with in the novel could assist readers in realizing that they could be manipulated into prejudice by a few individuals looking after their interest. Insights into the plausible outlook of people of influence in society and the psychological methods they may utilize to manipulate the general population for power, popularity, and personal gain can be found in this novel.
The writer was courageous enough to not only pick at the scab of racism but also opened the wound and brazenly exposed both sides to enable the reader to examine and decipher the concept using divergent thinking. The daring approach continues when the writer illustrates both Ministers’ assessment of their congregation and the mindset that they adopted when strategizing to control the emotions and mental trail of thought of their followers. Through guile, they stirred the basal emotions of their followers and created chaos for their plan of action. The pivotal role of the media and their ability to promote propaganda was also highlighted. I rate this book of 4 out of 4 stars. I was particularly fond of the author’s dynamic used of direct speech especially when Minister Kublai Khan and Minister Dalton addressed their respective congregation. The book was exceptional. All literary elements were well developed. I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of this novel.
******
Mixed Blessings
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
