Review of A Boy Named Malachi

Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 19 Dec 2022, 04:42

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Boy Named Malachi" by Ruth Broek.]

4 out of 5 stars

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“Why, this is the most wonderful thing anyone ever said to me. You mean, you want to write down these things I been telling you?”

This is the genesis of an extraordinary tale with an incredible beginning. Shortly before they left for Holland in 1946, Ruth Broek received a call from a stranger, Malachi Nathanial Johnson. A Boy Named Malachi by Ruth Broek is in the genre of nonfiction. With years, Ruth and her family and Malachi became close friends, resulting in the sweet story. Malachi could not write, but he could talk; luckily, Ruth had offered to write the whole story.

Against the backdrop of a happy family living in a flourishing, peaceful community, a monster is still clawing at the colored community. The author masterfully weaves Malachi’s story, portraying the effect of racism on a family and how children would suddenly realize this vice when it came to schooling. It becomes harder for Malachi to comprehend why they would be allowed to play together but not attend the same school when theirs was closed indefinitely. Seeing the effect of racial discrimination on such a young, innocent boy and imagining what many others went through struck a rare note.

What makes the whole book exhilarating is that it comprises a moving story that is narrated masterfully. I have often come across nice stories, which are narrated sloppily. One, like this, is hard to come by. Credit goes to the author for ensuring that such a great story, sparked by a friendship that developed from a shared view of flowers, was not lost. Moreover, the lively black and white photographs were suitably expressive; the pictures were worth more than a thousand words.

Malachi’s story is absorbing from the first to the concluding word. Born into a small community where he was showered with love and sheltered from the external forces at work, he grew up believing in what his grandfather always reminded him; he had named him Malachi, knowing he was born for a purpose. Many years later, through this absorbing book, we are reminded of the wonderful gift of family and friendship. Equally, as Nancy, Malachi’s mother taught, we need to rekindle the practice of recognizing and appreciating the beauty around us.

I disliked nothing about this book and heartily rate it four out of five stars owing to errors I encountered. I recommend this book to anyone who loves gripping biographies and memoirs; anyone aged above twelve years can read it. Malachi’s life is exceptional and inspirational; he led an intentional life that will challenge every reader to make a difference where they are and not to be held prisoners of their past.

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A Boy Named Malachi
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Yasmine ZM · Post by **Yasmine ZM** » 22 Dec 2022, 08:33

This is a very beautiful story, I couldn't help but think that despite the hatred of racism and the hardships, Malachi and his family held it together because of love. His mother and grandfather taught him to be strong and to see the beauty around him. I will definitely add this book to my shelves. Thank you for your review.

CrossK · Post by **CrossK** » 22 Dec 2022, 15:55

What makes the whole book exhilarating is that it comprises a moving story that is narrated masterfully. I have often come across nice stories, which are narrated sloppily. This was an exception. Great review.

Nebiyu Mulatu · Post by **Nebiyu Mulatu** » 22 Dec 2022, 17:49

“It just hurts too much to admit what is wanted so badly when there’s no guarantee of its availability.”
What makes the whole book exhilarating is that it comprises a moving story that is narrated masterfully. I have often come across nice stories, which are narrated sloppily. This was an exception. Great review.

Grace Elkana · Post by **Grace Elkana** » 26 Dec 2022, 04:32

I was almost going to add this book to my "want to read" list until I read that it touched on racism. I will take a pass.

Hazel Mae Bagarinao · Post by **Hazel Mae Bagarinao** » 27 Dec 2022, 04:12

Nancy, Malachi’s mother taught, we need to rekindle the practice of recognizing and appreciating the beauty around us.

Since I go in nature alone often, I found myself appreciative of the beauty around me. I am renewed and better. Now, I am more aware of the beauty of simple things around me. I appreciate Nancy's teaching toward Malachi. That is very true. " We need to practice recognizing and appreciating the beauty around us".

Chandelier Eden · Post by **Chandelier Eden** » 28 Dec 2022, 01:49

I think the fact that it touches on racism is necessary as this will help create awareness against racism. Sometimes I wonder if racism and its ills will soon become a distant story, or if we will have to leave with it all our lives.

Josephine Mercy · Post by **Josephine Mercy** » 29 Dec 2022, 04:38

Nice storyline. I love the fact that the book discusses racial discrimination.

RitikSingh Rajput · Post by **RitikSingh Rajput** » 29 Dec 2022, 06:12

This book is totally about the thinking of people about colour and race of black people and they show there eagerness to them.....

Ignesta Ignetius · Post by **Ignesta Ignetius** » 29 Dec 2022, 18:32

Racial discrimination is an ill that eats into the very fabric of ones existence. No one deserves to experience that. The storyline seems refreshing.

Shem Murundu · Post by **Shem Murundu** » 30 Dec 2022, 00:32

I'm pleased that the author chose to write, and help tell Malachi's story for Malachi who couldn't write. The theme of racism is so relevant, and it's my hope that one day racism ends. I love reading nonfiction content from time to time, and your review of the book makes me want to read the book. You captured the book's storyline exceptionally well. Thumbs up!

Opara Jerry · Post by **Opara Jerry** » 02 Jan 2023, 16:12

I occasionally enjoy reading nonfiction, and your review of the book has made me curious to read it. I really like how you depicted how racial prejudice affected a little, defenseless youngster in this tale. Things become much more clear when something like that occurs. However, what's more essential is that it's great that we're having these

D_Hub · Post by **D_Hub** » 03 Jan 2023, 14:04

It is quite wonderful to know that people are willing to help others write their stories. Family makes all the difference especially in a society where racism is glaring.

Nwoko E · Post by **Nwoko E** » 04 Jan 2023, 14:40

What a wonderful review. Racial discrimination is something that should stop looking at the young, innocent boy Malachi that not write but not all because of racial discrimination.Nice review.