What did you like most about "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper?

[Daniel Lyon]

I like the historical aspect alot. The portrayal of the 1950s to 1960s was accurately done. I don't know if this author lived in that time but if not, then alot of research must have gone into this book because it was very realistic like the 60s movies I watch.

[DBelau]

What I liked most was the depth of Vanessa's love throughout the story. Yes she was incredibly naïve, but when she loved someone, she loved them forever and unconditionally, it was that simple. Her love of Sister Rosalie, her love of her best friend, and then her ongoing love for Barry despite parting ways for years and years --> these were all beautiful relationships and it was endearing how much she cared for all of them despite the loss and distance in her life. I don't really think that level of love is realistic, especially in the real world today. But it was nice to read about a character who just so purely and deeply cares for the people in her life. You finish the book knowing she's going to be an incredible mother to Brett and that her and Barry will probably live happily ever after. Cheesy, but I love romantic happy ending.

[Mariann Homerding]

I really liked the whole novel. My favorite thing I liked was how the author created her characters. I've seen how some people didn't like the history breaks told by the nun, but I think that was totally part of her character development. I think that the insecurity and innocence was clearly written into the orphan character. She not only struggled because she was abandoned by her parents, she also was dealt a blow by white and black communities who would not accept her because she was a mulato. On the other hand, the vibrancy, boldness, and self-confidence of her friend was clearly shown as well. I loved following these characters through time and seeing how they evolved. I also loved the love between these characters. I literally cried for them at times.

[Janet Alex]

I liked the beginning of the book most. When it talked about the attack by racists, I was like 'alright is this a book about racial discrimination?' Then it discussed Vanessa's love relationship with Barry, and that piqued my interest too.

[Williams Jaden]

I enjoyed the way the lives of the characters were portrayed. It was so relatable. And the historical parts were very educative even though Dr Hale loved to argue with Sister Rosalie.

[Joe Alex 2]

One thing I love a lot about this book is the character development. All characters are well developed; the minor characters are properly utilized and not just left as a plot fill but rather as a driving force of the plot direction. Examples of such characters are the illegal immigrant who worked in the tomato field with Vanessa and Trisha.

[Erin Maddox McPhee]

I really enjoyed this book. My favorite part was the nuanced way that the author describes racial conflict and the challenges that faced young people (and particularly those of color) in the South.