Review of Reaching the Shore

Gabriella H · Post by **Gabriella H** » 03 Dec 2021, 00:24

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Reaching the Shore" by Davin Jake Douma and BonnieJane Hall.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Reaching the Shore by Davin Jake Douma and Bonnie Jane Hall is an extremely poignant non-fiction novel. The story is mainly told from Bonnie's perspective, and Davin's writings are included in the book. Davin and his entire family endure tragedy after tragedy after he is arrested for murder at the age of sixteen and eventually sentenced to life in prison. Davin's story is a story of pain, endurance, courage, survival, and many lessons.

In the beginning, we are introduced to Davin as a sweet child from a simple home. Events cause him to move to Tulsa, where he lives with his dad, and his life is forever altered. Thereafter, Davin has to struggle to find himself and what life means to him. He has to grow up quickly to deal with all that life throws at him from an early age. Davin acquires many skills, learns to adapt to changing environments, and develops a strong character, all before the age of forty and in restrictive circumstances.

This book hit home. It evoked deep emotions and has left a huge unexpected impact on me. This is one of the best books I have read this year, and I have read many books this year. It is so well-written, and it made me feel like I was witnessing everything unfold. I liked looking at the pictures as they made the book and the events that unfolded even more real to me. Looking at the pictures, I definitely couldn't brush aside how awful and real everything was. To be honest, this is a very sad story. I strongly feel like all that tragedy didn't have to happen. There were so many mistakes made which could've been avoided. This book also emphasizes the need to have better gun laws in America. A sixteen-year-old boy should not have been allowed to have a gun in his possession. If he didn’t have a gun, this could’ve been handled differently.

I have heard different things about Oklahoma, and reading this book has further reduced my opinion about the legal system there. Indeed, as pointed out in this book, prison reform is very much needed. Davin's letters and calls to his family provided fresh insight into the system and its flaws. I wish he had been honest about what was done to him at the beginning, but I also understand that it must have been awful and difficult for him to even process. Sadly, I guessed what had happened to him before he admitted it, and I wish someone had paid more attention or been there for him to confide in. I can't state what happened to him because it would be a spoiler. You'll have to read to find that out.

This is a book that will move you to your very core. Davin and his family just couldn't catch a break. It was always one thing or the other. I was impressed by the way he carried himself through it all and the transformation and growth he experienced. Yes, he committed a crime. He acknowledged that and served the time. However, I couldn’t help but feel like the punishment was unnecessarily prolonged. It left me wondering, were they seeking to reform him or kill him from the beginning?

I won't classify this as a negative aspect per se, but I felt confused at times during the letter correspondence because some letters were left out. There were times when Davin wrote a letter to his mom or James, and I'd be lost when he made references to certain things, and I'd eventually just piece together that they had sent a letter prior to his. Concerning errors, I only saw a few actual errors. I give this book a well-deserved rating of 4 out of 4 stars.

I have to point out that very sensitive issues are discussed in this book. For this reason, I highly recommend that sensitive readers read with caution. That is if they do decide to read this book. I feel this is a book that everyone stands to gain a thing or two from and won't limit it in my recommendation to any particular set of people.

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Reaching the Shore
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Reitumetse_R · Post by **Reitumetse_R** » 12 Dec 2021, 02:04

Sounds like a great read. Thank you for an amazing review

Ugonna Nworka · Post by **Ugonna Nworka** » 12 Dec 2021, 12:43

The most intriguing part of this book is that, it is a non-fiction. The book has a compelling story, and in no doubt should be interesting to read.

Shivansh_Reviews · Post by **Shivansh_Reviews** » 12 Dec 2021, 14:37

This seems like a book which will help me grt through tough times. Davin's character development seems pretty amazing to me and I'd like to learn how he did all this. Thanks for the review.

Post by **Fedaa Nsair** » 12 Dec 2021, 14:59

I like the cover and it seems like a great, comforting and full of life lessons kind of a book. Thank you for the review.

Paluk Pathania · Post by **Paluk Pathania** » 13 Dec 2021, 02:19

Would love to explore the depths of this novel. I believe this will be a great read and will keep me at the edge. Great job with the review, thanks!^^

Gabriella H · Post by **Gabriella H** » 15 Dec 2021, 10:03

Reitumetse_R wrote: ↑12 Dec 2021, 02:04 Sounds like a great read. Thank you for an amazing review

It was a great read! Thanks for your comment!

Gabriella H · Post by **Gabriella H** » 16 Dec 2021, 01:00

Paluk Pathania wrote: ↑13 Dec 2021, 02:19 Would love to explore the depths of this novel. I believe this will be a great read and will keep me at the edge. Great job with the review, thanks!^^

I'd like to hear your thoughts on this book once you're done reading it. It was indeed a great read for me.

Gabriella H · Post by **Gabriella H** » 16 Dec 2021, 01:06

meiafidaa_7 wrote: ↑12 Dec 2021, 14:59 I like the cover and it seems like a great, comforting and full of life lessons kind of a book. Thank you for the review.

Yes, the cover is fitting and it is a book that is full of life lessons. Thanks for your comment!

Gabriella H · Post by **Gabriella H** » 16 Dec 2021, 01:16

Shivansh_Reviews wrote: ↑12 Dec 2021, 14:37 This seems like a book which will help me grt through tough times. Davin's character development seems pretty amazing to me and I'd like to learn how he did all this. Thanks for the review.

Yes, I enjoyed his character development and I hope you find this book helpful. Thanks for your comment!

Gabriella H · Post by **Gabriella H** » 16 Dec 2021, 01:24

Ugonna_GN wrote: ↑12 Dec 2021, 12:43 The most intriguing part of this book is that, it is a non-fiction. The book has a compelling story, and in no doubt should be interesting to read.

Yes, I've come to really enjoy reading non-fiction books. Although it is painful, it is also a very interesting story. Thanks for your comment!

Amy Luman · Post by **Amy Luman** » 19 Jan 2022, 09:50

I don’t really like non-fiction. I would, however, be interested in finding out more about Davin and about the justice system in Oklahoma.

Gabriella H · Post by **Gabriella H** » 21 Jan 2022, 00:51

Amy Luman wrote: ↑19 Jan 2022, 09:50 I don’t really like non-fiction. I would, however, be interested in finding out more about Davin and about the justice system in Oklahoma.

You won't regret it! Thanks for stopping by : )