Review by Kingston10 -- Mixed Blessings by J.M. Muse

This forum is for volunteer reviews by members of our review team. These reviews are done voluntarily by the reviewers and are published in this forum, separate from the official professional reviews. These reviews are kept separate primarily because the same book may be reviewed by many different reviewers.
Post Reply
Kingston10
Posts: 40
Joined: 17 Sep 2018, 06:15
Favorite Book: The Spirit of Want
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 27
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kingston10.html
Latest Review: How To Be Successful by M. Curtis McCoy

Review by Kingston10 -- Mixed Blessings by J.M. Muse

Post by Kingston10 »

[Following is a volunteer review of "Mixed Blessings" by J.M. Muse.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


Race? Skin colors? Do they matter in a community? Do they limit our chances for opportunities? In this intrigued story by J.M. Muse, this story takes centre stage in America. Mixed Blessings is a book that addresses the ever increasing racial wars, abuse and crimes, all in the name of patriotism.


The story described three main lives; Kimberly Solberg, Kublai Khan and Star Mathews. It also shifted the reader's attention to two teenage, black boys, Sidney and Jeremy, all pointing to the negative effects of racism. The story began with Kimberly, an American and Mexican born. She had a tough time fitting into her Mexican family. Her Mexican father, Hector, married an American woman, Magdalena, giving birth to Hermoso and Juanita. All Kimberly wanted was to love and to be loved. Did she find the much needed love in her fellow American? How did she take it when she was racially nicknamed "JEWNIC'? Later, her fate soon intertwined with race and religion.


Star Mathews, on the other hand, was a Japanese girl with a Black father. She was motivated by her aunt, Marie Ann, to contest for a beauty pageant competition that had been won by her aunt and her mother in past years. Because of her hair and race, she was not favored by one of the judges, Judge Ernie, and so, suffered a terrible loss. How did she and her family take the results? The story further shifted the reader's attention to two young, black teenagers, Sidney Dennisor and Jeremy Talbert. One was brutally murdered, and the other, became the face of the media.


The story centered on Kublai Khan, being the lead character in this thought-provoking book. He was a Black minister and leader of House of Jeremiah (HOJ). He sought the need to protect his people because the Americans believed in 'one drop rule' that limited the opportunities of other races. He countered the situation in a conference meeting when he suggested the beginning of a new race. The key to over populate the Americans is 'Mocha Girls' meaning, the women of color (Black, Hispanics and Asians). He formed coalition with Master Wei and Reverend Hung Suk. Hung predominantly had faithful Korean sisters in his church. Reverend Hung kicked off the plan by bringing two thousand girls a month to the men of House of Jeremiah, and 987 grooms were provided by House of Jeremiah, initiating a massive wedding, and a birth clinic situated in California. Will the Americans stand watching? Pastor Dalton of Christian Church was hell bent on destroying the minister and his clinics. Who won the battle?


I liked the fact Muse recognises the power of the two Holy Books (Bible and Quran). For example, it was made to understand that the minister read and consider both the Quran and the Bible in preparation of his talk to his people. In addition, there were situations in which the brothers greeted in Islamic language. How pleasant that is! Also, I became so enthusiastic about the constant change of events. The events occurred simultaneously, and yes, one can never get enough. The characters were well developed and were properly and rightly introduced. I was further blown away when I sang the lyrics of the legendary Tupac. This personally amused me. It is no coincidence his song was played in this dramatic story. It wouldn't be surprising if the song of Michael Jackson was played also.


Truly, religion is in one way or the other connected to race, and the worshipers are somehow affected. But I don't like the way it used religion to incite violence and racial wars. Religion is always about peace and love.


The title of the book is well fitting. No one chooses to be Black or White. Therefore, when we come together as one, the world becomes a better place to live. In addition, racism has been a problem to our safety, as the examples were shown in this book. Sports, now suffer such fate as a result of racist chants and abuses. I give credit to Muse for tackling the stench of race. However, Mixed Blessings is rated four out of four stars.


This book is exceptionally well edited and proofread. This is a book full of suspense right from the first chapter, couple with actions and thrilling encounters. Because of this, murder and tragedies became of thing of reoccurrence. One death that was particularly painful to me was the death of innocent Kimberly. I barely notice any words misspelt. No doubt, It contained a few erotic scenes. I will recommend it to plainly adults, especially, religious and political leaders. They have a lot to learn in this.

******
Mixed Blessings
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Post Reply

Return to “Volunteer Reviews”