Official Review: Hippieville by Marcia K Matthews

[Misael Carlos]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Hippieville" by Marcia K Matthews.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Hippieville by Marcia K. Matthews starts with Ben in a confessional, needing to talk to someone he feels he cannot deceive. In a flashback mode, the following scenes narrate his life before the confession, revealing his dysfunctional family, careless attitude towards people and their feelings, run-ins with the law, drug use and alcoholism. A member of a popular rock band in school during the late 60's, he indulges in vices, bed-hopping and other irresponsible behavior. A night of booze and illegal substance results in an unprotected sex with the wrong partner. Belatedly, he realizes his bed partner is Leda, a veritable minor and is equally intoxicated. He suffers remorse, and guilt for his misdeed to a person who he thinks is his angel. Will a courageous act of admission result to the happiness he is seeking for? Is Leda his salvation or his demise? This novel follows Ben's journey, from a wild life towards the road to redemption as he atones for his sins.
What I liked about the novel was it demonstrated realistically how a person behaves when under the influence of illegal substances and booze. The author's characterization of Ben as a drug addict was superb. Matthews apparently researched extensively about drug addiction: Ben's withdrawal symptoms were wonderfully narrated. Ben's behavior stayed true to his character: reckless, disrespectful, vulgar, and selfish. Add to these were his violent tendencies. Matthews was good in presenting Ben as a man who hid behind his indifference and yet, desperately seeking love and to be loved in return. Leda's character was a surprise. She represented a classic example of the saying that one should not judge a book by its cover. When she turned the table on Ben, the man did not know what hit him.

The author was good at providing a good feel of 1960s era counterculture as Ben journeyed through life. A relatable plot integrated into that era was a smart idea. I was astonished that even though the story happened in an era notorious with booze and drugs, I did not observe excessive and gratuitous profanity or swearing. Certainly, there were many cursing and all, but these did not come as forced. Truth to tell, I felt like the dialogues were a bit tame considering the lead character was a very addict band member. But this was preferable to me, instead of reading a novel peppered with foul and unpalatable dialogues.

I also liked that the development of the lead characters' relationship was not rushed. It came in a steady and natural pace, so whatever happened to their story did not come as forced and hurried; it was plausible. I'd say there was no other fitting ending to the novel than what happened to them.

On the downside, I observed that there was a part in the novel where the author referred to a character by her nickname, and then in the following sentence used her first name. At one point, Danielle was referred to as Danni, then back to Danielle at another point. It happened again with another character: Ben had referred to Evie as Eveline, then back again. I also noticed a song’s lyrics included Eveline’s action as the band sang a song by Ray Charles.

There was a behavior which was a bit confusing to me: Ben's father's intense dislike of a family friend. When it was explained much later, I did not see the rationale of deferring the reason behind the intense dislike. In my opinion, this part was insignificant. Another confusing part was when a woman asked Ben for an interview: he agreed, but then it was as if a line or two were omitted because after he agreed, he was talking about another matter and nothing about the interview.

As someone who has not tried any illegal substance, I was a bit distracted by the onslaught of slang terms, primarily of illegal substances. I would have to pause my reading as I google-searched terms, like "J" and "reds." I appreciated the learning, but not the distraction.

I give this book 3 out of 4 stars. There were grammatical errors and some parts that I felt had some loose ends. But these flaws were not enough to merit just 2 stars. I did not give a 2 because this book deserves to be read by many because it imparts lessons about love, friendship, and family. It's informational as it provided a glimpse of an interesting era, aside from the fact that it was an engaging read.

Readers who like a story that is timely and relatable will be engrossed in this book. Moreover, people who have lived and experienced the hippie days will have a blast with recalling the popular songs back then. However, this book is not for people below the majority age because of the sensitive and mature plot; detailed depiction of illegal drug use, violence, pot sessions, booze, and intimate sexual situations.

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Hippieville
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Like Misael's review? Post a comment saying so!

[crediblereading2]

This book will prick at the conscience of persons and cause them to do some intense soul-searching. It will lead them to become better individuals. Thank you for your honest review.

[Dahmy 10]

I am wondering how the author got about the miraculous act of nor using swear words. This must be super interesting.

It's am awesome review here!!

[Cecilia_L]

The author was good at providing a good feel of 1960s era counterculture as Ben journeyed through life. A relatable plot integrated into that era was a smart idea.

This sounds like an interesting glimpse into the 60s. I enjoyed your review!

[Kmdehn]

This sounds like such an interesting read. I love era pieces that truly depict what it was like the good the bad and the ugly. I'm looking forward to reading this. Thank you for the review.

[Ginnamassa19]

This book looks incredibly intriguing, especially the part about it being essentially 1960s-themed! I'm a little cautious about picking it up because of the slightly strange narration of some parts that you mentioned, but I might still give it a go since you've recommended it Thank you for your thorough review!

[MikylaPlayz]

I skimmed through your review, and I enjoyed it. Thanks!

[Misael Carlos]

This book will prick at the conscience of persons and cause them to do some intense soul-searching. It will lead them to become better individuals. Thank you for your honest review.

Although the novel was replete with drug addiction issues, the story was centered on the two lead character's conflict, and such drug-related issues did not find any resolution at the end. Thank you for the comment. Happy reading to us!

[Misael Carlos]

I am wondering how the author got about the miraculous act of nor using swear words. This must be super interesting.

It's am awesome review here!!

There were much cursing and swearing, that's for sure. It's just that hearing and reading these kinds of words are entirely two different things. It's less painful and cringing when you are reading them. Thank you for the comment. Happy reading to us!

[Misael Carlos]

The author was good at providing a good feel of 1960s era counterculture as Ben journeyed through life. A relatable plot integrated into that era was a smart idea.

This sounds like an interesting glimpse into the 60s. I enjoyed your review!

It was a very entertaining read for me. Thank you for the comment. Happy reading to us!

[Misael Carlos]

This book looks incredibly intriguing, especially the part about it being essentially 1960s-themed! I'm a little cautious about picking it up because of the slightly strange narration of some parts that you mentioned, but I might still give it a go since you've recommended it Thank you for your thorough review!

It sure was a very entertaining read for me! Thank you for the comment. Happy reading to us!

[Misael Carlos]

I skimmed through your review, and I enjoyed it. Thanks!

Thank you for the appreciation. Happy reading to us!

[Misael Carlos]

The author was good at providing a good feel of 1960s era counterculture as Ben journeyed through life. A relatable plot integrated into that era was a smart idea.

This sounds like an interesting glimpse into the 60s. I enjoyed your review!

Thank you for the appreciation! Happy reading to us!