Review of Running between trees

Emeka Emordi · Post by **Emeka Emordi** » 07 Dec 2023, 06:51

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Running between trees" by Yvette Anih.]

5 out of 5 stars

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Samira, who is a psychologist, volunteers at a center where autistic children are taken care of. Samira narrates her experiences in America and her recollection of her life before immigration. Samira is a keen woman who, after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, meets with Professor Bodorf, her favorite instructor, for career guidance. While volunteering and adapting to American life, she continues her relationship with Midowa, her boyfriend in Nigeria. Samira recollects stories of her mother’s family, including how her mother and aunt, who are just 5 years older, were born as a result of her grandmother’s nonchalant attitude. Samira’s thoughts on her career and relationship with Midowa were uncertain until she had to go back to Nigeria for a program about autism. Will there be a happy ending? Does she go ahead with her autism journey? I bought a copy of this book and read about Samira.

Running Between Trees, written by Gogo C. Okeke, is a 206-page fictional novel featuring career, relationships, autism, country similarities and differences, and family. Gogo, a Nigerian writer, relates to the minds of some Nigerians abroad in this novel using the character Samira. The book’s title matched the whole story of Samira being confused about his career and love life.

There are so many things I loved and enjoyed while reading this book. I love the author’s openness to using popular Nigerian words in dialogues. The part where Aunty Zubaida and Samira were discussing Nigerian words spoken in twos blew my mind. I couldn’t stop laughing at how real it was. I enjoyed reading the relationship talks between Samira and Midowa and how uncomfortable they were before Samira traveled back to Nigeria. This particular part made me learn that relationships get weird if one party is separated from the other. I could also see the author trying to downplay the importance of making meaningful relationships. Through Samira's mother’s friend, Mrs. Dopesi, Samira was able to go for the autism program that took her back to Nigeria.

It is so funny that I had more favorite characters in the story. Samira’s aunt, Zubaida; her friends, Nayana and Stella; and her boyfriend, Midowa. The four of them were active and made an impact on the story. I was intrigued by the way Aunty Zubaida lived her life without being bothered by her sickle cell disease. I was fascinated with how Midowa kept being supportive and engaging whenever Samira was speaking about autism to him. The least interesting character I can talk about is Grandma Ufi. It is aching knowing how weird of a mother she is to Samurai’s mother and aunt.

There was nothing I disliked in the book. I found two errors while reading this professionally edited book. However, I will still rate the book five out of five stars for its excellent structure and characterization. I will gladly recommend it to Nigerians abroad and lovers of fictional stories. The book is suitable for all readers, young and old.

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Running between trees
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Post by **Rebecca De Figueiredo** » 14 Jan 2025, 07:31

The reviewer hit the nail on the head with this review. They capture the tone and storyline in a few paragraphs… thank you. The story is interesting and is easy and readable.

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 14 Jan 2025, 07:34

"Running Between Trees" by Gogo C. Okeke is a captivating exploration of identity, relationships, and career choices. Samira's journey, from volunteering with autistic children in the U.S. to navigating love and family ties in Nigeria, offers heartfelt reflections on cultural differences, career uncertainty, and autism advocacy. Congratulations on being BOTD!

Leen282 · Post by **Leen282** » 14 Jan 2025, 07:35

Must be interesting to read about the cultural differences between Nigeria and America, and seeing it through the eyes of Samira. The review almost sounds like it is a biography, good thing the reviewer pointed out it is a fictional novel. The grandma character is intriguing, having children born out of nonchalance? I feel this novel is a really nice one.

Post by **Fanisa Ndhabambi** » 14 Jan 2025, 07:48

Running Between Trees by Gogo C. Okeke is a book about the identity crisis of chasing the immigrant dream or returning home. Balancing a long-distance relationship with her high school sweetheart in Nigeria and pressure to excel in her new home, she faces a life-changing dilemma. It's a Great Read for fictional minds.

Devesh Patel · Post by **Devesh Patel** » 14 Jan 2025, 07:55

This review provides a heartfelt and detailed analysis of "Running Between Trees" by Gogo C. Okeke. The reviewer appreciates the authentic Nigerian cultural elements, strong characterization, and engaging narrative. Their enjoyment of Samira’s journey and relationships highlights the book’s relatability. A glowing recommendation for its structure, humor, and cultural richness, rated 5/5 stars.

Deborah Belanger · Post by **Deborah Belanger** » 14 Jan 2025, 08:03

Thank you for your very enlightening review of "Running between trees" by Yvette Anih. Samira narrates her experiences in America and her recollection of her life before immigration. Samira is a keen woman who, after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, meets with Professor Bodorf, her favorite instructor, for career guidance. Samira’s thoughts on her career and relationship with Midowa were uncertain until she had to go back to Nigeria for a program about autism. Will there be a happy ending? Does she go ahead with her autism journey? I decided to buy this book which is temporarily discounted on Amazon to find out. Congratulations to the author for BOTD.

Post by **Ajiferuke Ajibola** » 14 Jan 2025, 08:06

"Running Between Trees" by Gogo C. Okeke is an interesting story about Samira, a volunteer at a center for autistic children in America, who befriends a Nigerian guy and has to make important decisions. Congrats on BOTD. Nice review.

Post by **Alida Spies** » 14 Jan 2025, 08:10

To work with autistic children must be a fulfilling but also draining experience. Long term relationships are never easy to manage, and it must have been difficult for Samira and Midowa to stay in touch emotionally. It sounds like her maternal grandmother had a weird parenting style. Thank you for your informative review.

Jorge Leon Salazar · Post by **Jorge Leon Salazar** » 14 Jan 2025, 08:12

The plot around Samira looks engaging. The topics covered are interesting such as immigration, long distance love relationships, autism, and family, among others. Good structure and characterization seem to be two highlights of this book. It looks ideal for Nigerians abroad. Sounds intriguing!

Post by **Moisés Alcántara Ayre** » 14 Jan 2025, 08:13

What I like about this book is the narration of a person pursuing her dreams in a new land, America. I'm drawn to stories like this that combine romance, career choice, living and adapting to a new culture, and making tough decisions.

Post by **Rupali Mishra** » 14 Jan 2025, 08:52

Congrats on BOTD!
Gogo C. Okeke's book "Running Between Trees" centers on Samira, a Nigerian psychologist negotiating her friendships, job, and ethnic background in America. The book provides substance and comedy through its sympathetic individuals, vibrant narrative, and concepts of love, family, and autistic awareness.

Mia Smith 7 · Post by **Mia Smith 7** » 14 Jan 2025, 08:57

This book provides insight into the contrast between life in America and Nigeria as well as navigating a long distance relationship.

Post by **Seetha E** » 14 Jan 2025, 08:59

The main character, Samira, is a Nigerian psychologist who volunteers at an autism center in America. The narrative is about her life before immigration and her personal and professional goals thereafter. Sounds interesting. I'm also curious about how the story's four supporting characters contribute to its effect.

I appreciate your excellent synopsis. I'm looking forward to reading and reviewing this book.

Post by **Abril Zacca** » 14 Jan 2025, 09:25

"Running Between Trees" by Gogo C. Okeke is a compelling novel that delves into the complexities of identity, relationships, and career choices. The protagonist, Samira, navigates her life between America and Nigeria, offering readers a heartfelt exploration of cultural differences and personal growth. The book's rich narrative and well-developed characters make it an engaging read for anyone interested in stories about immigration, autism advocacy, and the challenges of balancing love and career.