Official Review: Mixed Blessings by J.M. Muse

[Jgideon]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Mixed Blessings" by J.M. Muse.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Racial wars have been a defining feature of the free world for a long time. The differences between the whites and people of color always take the center stage when it comes to the politics of America. The novel, Mixed Blessings, by J.M. Muse gives the reader a new dimension in understanding racism.

When the curtains of Mixed Blessings open, the reader meets Kimberly Solberg, a biracial American. Rachel, Kimberly’s mother, is an American of Jewish descent and her father is Mexican. However, her father, Hector, is married to an American woman (Magdalene) and they live in Mexico with their two children, Juanita and Hermando. Kimberly, being a mixed-race child, faces many challenges, such as identity crisis and being bullied by her schoolmates. However, she is not the main character of the story.

Kublai Khan takes the lead in the novel. His church, House of Jeremiah, comprised mainly of African Americans. During a national conference that sought to review the population models in America, Kublai Khan got inspired to hatch a plan that would shake the demographics of the nation to the core. With the help of leaders of minority groups, Khan rolled out a multibillion-dollar project that sought to challenge the status quo by introducing a new kind of a ‘race’. Hung Suk was one of the leaders who supported Khan’s plan wholeheartedly. He was the leader of The World Energy Church, which was predominantly Korean. Pastor Tucker Dalton (whose church was composed of Whites only) could not stand the guts of the mettlesome Kublai Khan. Could Dalton’s hatred stand the test of time?

I liked that the author chose to use religious entities to show how both whites and people of color have used religion to propagate racial wars. Muse used the characters to demonstrate how religious beliefs can be both useful and harmful, depending on how they are applied. For instance, Hung Suk said that race was not his major concern. He was more concerned about mastering love in any given circumstance. On the other hand, Pastor Tucker Dalton used his religious beliefs to bring together his faithful followers who had experience in using heavy artillery to rage war against the new ‘race’ that was being propagated by Kublai Khan and Hung Suk.

The author did an astounding job in developing the scenes in the book. This made reading the book enjoyable. For instance, Cynthia, a TV host, in her show (Talk of Town) hosted Dalton and Reverend Harper. Dalton represented the Whites while Harper represented the African Americans. Have you ever read a book and wished to be one of the characters? I imagined myself taking the role of Cynthia and watching the two men defend their races with all the energy that they could muster. At one point, Cynthia had to get between the two men before they could tear each other-literally. They let their small-minded attitudes deprive them of the ability to think rationally. Who needs to defend their race? No one chose to be born of a certain race.

The only aspect that I did not like was the characterization of Kimberly. In the beginning, Kimberly went to visit her other family in Mexico. The visit was supposed to last one week. I expected to learn a lot from Hector’s family, especially how they viewed biracial children and her reactions. However, the author only documented the events of the first night when Kimberly arrived in Mexico. Muse did not include a detailed account of the events of the weeklong visit. It could have helped the reader to understand the character of Kimberly better. For that, I give the book 3 out of 4 stars. The book was professionally edited. The few errors that I came across while reading the book did not distract me from enjoying the novel. Therefore, I would not give it a lower rating. I recommend it to everyone who is interested in learning more about racism in the American context.

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Mixed Blessings
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[lizette]

Latest Review: Mixed Blessings by J.M. Muse
I totally like Jgideon's detailed review. I would definitely like to find out more about the racial differences and what the outcome will be, between Khublai Khan and Pastor Tucker Dalton.

[Sun_shi_nii]

Now this kind of story never gets old. It is part of history and is still on top as current issues faced today. Good book, good review.

[kandscreeley]

It sounds like the author missed out on something good by skipping most of Kimberly's visit. I'm curious about this "new race" and what happens. It definitely sounds like an interesting story. Thanks.

[zuma299]

It sounds great thanks

[Dentarthurdent]

This 'new race' concept sounds intriguing and promising. I like how keen your review is, regarding the feud between the two religious leaders. However, while Kimberley's relevance to the story is clear, your review does not show her connection to it.

[chiefsimplex]

Race has always been the most convenient and effective scapegoat for men in authority to advance their selfish goals ,bringing harm to humanity in the process.I like how the author details the events from both parties' perspective .Thanks for the review.

[nooregano]

This book had a really interesting title, and that's what drew me to the book. It seems like it deals with sensitive themes with nuance and grace - and that's really good to hear! This was an insightful review, thank you!

[nooregano]

This book has a really interesting title that drew me to the it. It seems like it deals with sensitive themes with nuance and grace - and that's good to hear! This was an insightful review, thank you!

[gali]

A book revolving around a mixed-race girl and a revolutionary black man sounds intriguing. Inserting themes of race identity, stereotypes, and racism enrich the tale. That it was well-edited is another plus. A pity Kimberly's visit wasn't too detailed. Not for me, but I am glad you enjoyed it despite the lack of details and Kimberly's characterization. Thank you for the review!

[Emy Katherine]

I liked that the author chose to use religious entities to show how both whites and people of color have used religion to propagate racial wars. Muse used the characters to demonstrate how religious beliefs can be both useful and harmful, depending on how they are applied.

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Sounds an absorbing read for fans of contemporary fiction novels. I am not fan of the genre, so I will pass on this one. However, I am glad it has well-developed scenes; furthermore, it is well edited. I am glad you found it enjoyable! Thank you for the detailed review!

[Mrunal Tikekar]

Both, the title and the cover of the book, are intriguing. Like aptly mentioned, the race of race can never get old. I like how religion is used as an instrument to of divide and discrimination. The review gives a good gist of the book.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

I am yet to read this book but based on the amazingly detailed review and the overall theme, I will definitely add it to my to read shelf. Awesome review, as always.

[biblichore_pages]

Books based on discrimination and politics are indeed very interesting. Thanks for the detailed review.

[Bles]

Mixed Blessings by J.M. Muse sounds like an amazing book the fact that it touches on religious beliefs. Honestly, I do have soft spot for any book that has religious beliefs included. I therefore will not overlook this book but instead I will love to read it. Well-written review.