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This is a discussion topic for the August 2024 Book of the Month, "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper.

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

My favorite part of this book was the unique perspective Vanessa offered as a light skinned black woman. She was caught in the middle of the race war, rejected by both black and white people. The black characters were overwhelmingly welcoming toward Vanessa, but she was first rejected by her parents, one of which was presumably black, when she was left at the orphanage. Again, she was rejected by Barry's mom. For me, the most striking point the author made was that the idea of racism is absurd, because chances are your bloodline isn't "pure".

I loved the historical context that was woven throughout the book. It really added to the plot of the storyline, helping to paint the picture of what the world was experiencing during that time period. I particularly enjoyed the twists and turns! The author did a great job of engaging the reader in a way that the storyline was not predictable. Very refreshing!

I like the historical aspect of the book. I am old enough to remember all of those events, the race riots and the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy. It brought me back to a very tumultuous time in America.

Well the book cover is what first attracted me to this book. I love history so much and this book is actually giving me what I want. It surely exceeds my expectations.

I really liked how the book showed what it was like to be Vanessa. She's a Black woman who looks white, and it's really confusing for her. The author does a great job of showing how hard it is for Vanessa to figure out who she is. I felt like I understood her feelings better after reading about her.

I think what I liked the most was the historical context that was provided in the book. It would have been even more interesting if the author pulled even more of the historical context into the book, for example through exploring the impact of the deaths of Martin Luther King and Robby Kennedy even further.

Being of the age and growing up during the race riots and segregation, I could relate to the events in the book. Our elementary school hosted the first black students in our county in the South. I easily made friends with the young man in my class. I still have a hard time understanding the hate and racial injustice in the country. The fact that the main character is of mixed race gave an interesting twist to the plot.

I appreciated how the book portrayed Vanessa's experience as a Black woman who appears white, highlighting the confusion she faces. The author skillfully illustrates Vanessa's struggle with her identity, and reading about her helped me better understand her emotions.

One of the highlights of the book for me is the relationship between Sister Rosaline and Vanessa. These two characters truly stand out, not just because of their personalities but because of the unique and intriguing dynamic between them. Their interactions are often amusing, bringing a sense of lightness and humor to the story, but there’s so much more beneath the surface. Through their relationship, I learned valuable lessons about resilience, compassion, and the complexities of human connections.

Sister Rosaline and Vanessa’s relationship is a testament to the power of perseverance, and their love of history adds a nostalgic touch this made the book truly unforgettable for me.

I'm still reading the book, but what I mose love is how era-appropriate it is. Some of the words used in the book to describe people of color aren't words we'd be permitted to use today, yet at the time, they were common words. The book is difficult to read at times, especially as a white person, who can never fully understand that level of hatred purely based on skin color.

The book's depiction of Vanessa's journey is absolutely gripping. Vanessa, a Black woman who visually appears white, struggles with the complexity of her identity in a truly captivating manner. The author artfully brings to life the challenges Vanessa encounters in understanding herself, and delving into the book allowed me to delve deeper into her rich emotional world.

The friendship between Sister Rosaline and Vanessa is a highlight of the book. They're funny and lighthearted, but also show us important lessons about being strong, kind, and understanding each other. I loved how the author wove history into the story, making it feel real and exciting. The twists and turns kept me guessing, making it a really enjoyable read.

What I liked most about the book was the friendship between Vanessa and Trisha. They were friends through thick and thin, and were there for each other, no matter what.

I really enjoyed the historical aspects of this book and Sister Rosalie’s character. I was not alive during the time period that was the setting for this book and always find it interesting to learn more about history through fiction. Sister Rosalie was a very dynamic character and her support of and love for Vanessa made me think of some of the people in my own life who have shown me a lot of love and support even though they are not related to me.