Review of Dependent:

[Chinaza Nnabuenyi]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Dependent:" by L. Bryant.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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The Dependent: Strength of Mind by L. Bryant is a beautiful high school love story about Liam Weber and Sandra Miller. They are two high school sweethearts from families with military backgrounds. While the Millers allow their daughter to study whatever she wants to study, the Webers are strictly bent on following the family's tradition, which says every son must join the military and fight for his country as a good citizen. This doesn't go down well with Liam, as he chooses against his father's wish to study Liberal Arts at Brown's University, the same university to which Sandra is applying. This could eventually be the beginning of their life's journey.

One of the significant predominant themes throughout the book is the theme of patriarchy. The author opens our eyes to see the operations of patriarchy in the life of General Weber. One that doesn't give room for others to have a say, not even his wife, Martha. He makes decisions alone, does things the way he wants, and shamelessly seeks to suppress every other person who dares to defy or challenge his orders. He forgets that his home is not a military base; thus, he endlessly tortures his wife and son emotionally. I was really mad at him on one of such occasions when he pulled his wife by her hair and threatened to beat the hell out of her. Sadly, this is what happens in many families of the world today.

One of the scenes I relish so much was when the news of an airplane sent by the Al-Qaeda terrorist group that came crashing into a twin tower filled the air. Fathers then forgot they had a sour disagreement with their sons. Even stone-hearted bullies like Andrew Vince wore empathetic and concerned looks amidst the melted hearts of fear; words of comfort, concern, and empathy rented the air. It was so beautiful for the reader to read about. I realized that love was something woven into the fibers of our being. Irrespective of our differences, love will always beep deep in our hearts for our fellow humans.

However, I wouldn't say I liked the weak climax of events the book had, including the inconsistencies in tenses, spellings, and narrative techniques that ran throughout the book's twenty-two chapters. It was a massive turn-off for me.

There were punctuation and grammatical errors that left me doubting if this book was professionally edited, and as a result, I will rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. This book is for you if you like reading high school love stories.

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Dependent:
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[FunkyFlowerLady]

It is a very relevant topic today. Wonderful review!

[Sarah tianna]

This story is really intriguing and captivating. I know it's difficult times being a young adult, this is the phase where your strength is tested. I look forward to reading this book. Nice review.

[R_becca]

This is a book that every parent should read; they should learn to let their children be kids rather than forcing and structuring them in their own way