Official Review: Urban Nomads and Other Stories

Adrianna Melillo · Post by **Adrianna Melillo** » 11 Jul 2020, 18:00

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Urban Nomads and Other Stories" by Odie Hawkins.]

3 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

Have you ever had a conversation with someone living on Skid Row? Been treated differently by police because of the people you were with? Visited a barbershop in Compton? Listened to a black war vet talk about being stationed in Georgia in the 1960's? Learned the true difference between "poor" and "po"?

Odie Hawkins's Urban Nomads and Other Stories is a series of short stories that offers readers a chance to experience each above situation. From walking in the shoes of journalists who are getting up close and personal with the homeless and (often) drug-addicted population for the first time, to looking through the eyes of a young black man growing up in a "po" family, readers will be gifted with the opportunity to obtain a new outlook (and new sense of empathy) on those who have been ostracized from society. Additionally, Hawkins includes pictures of these "urban nomads" and their living situations throughout the text.

I first have to say that I really enjoyed this novel. I found it to be a powerful eyeopener to such large societal problems (i.e., treatment of the poor and drug-dependent, as well as racism). It served as a good reminder that it sometimes only takes a few tragic events for someone to end up in a desperate situation, and that being homeless and/or addicted to drugs doesn't make someone a lesser individual. I found myself empathizing with a group of people who I often have an incredibly difficult time understanding. For example, in a scene where a journalist interviews a man who once lived on Skid Row, the following ensues:

"'No, you can't see it, you're too far removed from their reality. You can't possibly begin to imagine what it feels like to try to fight off hallucinations, ghosts, demons, spooks, whatever you wanna call 'em, every hour of every day. Believe me, that takes a lot of courage.' ... For the first time in my life I was made to understand that courage was not about simply facing a blank sheet of paper or an impatient editor."

Those few lines reminded me exactly why literature is so important. Through stories like these, readers can find themselves understanding (often for the first time) what someone else (someone who might seem so different) is going through. We learn empathy. In addition to his beautiful words and raw scenes, Hawkins did a great job with character development. I found myself a little sad when each story ended.

There are only a few things I didn't love about this book. One of the stories appeared to be Hawkins's own and, while this was a really cool addition (and I enjoyed the whole section), I felt it should have been told in a book of its own. This was the longest section with the most development, so it really seemed like it should be a standalone piece. Likewise, he told his story towards the end, but not last. Personally, I think it would have made the most sense to close with his story. However, this is all very nit-picky. The only true issue I found is that this novel contained quite a few grammar/spelling errors, so it could definitely use another round of editing.

With everything in mind, I give this one 3 out of 4 stars. I loved the entire story, but took a star away because of the need for more editing. I did notice less errors as the book went on, so it's mostly the first part that needs revising.

This book does contain some sex, violence, and profanity. For these reasons, I recommend this read for an older, more mature audience (at least young adult and older).

******
Urban Nomads and Other Stories
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Elvis Best · Post by **Elvis Best** » 15 Jul 2020, 14:28

The situations offered in the stories sound very interesting to me. I can't begin to imagine what it feels like to visit a barbershop in Compton. This is a very well written review. Good job!

Adrianna Melillo · Post by **Adrianna Melillo** » 15 Jul 2020, 17:45

Elvis Best wrote: ↑15 Jul 2020, 14:28 The situations offered in the stories sound very interesting to me. I can't begin to imagine what it feels like to visit a barbershop in Compton. This is a very well written review. Good job!

Each segment could have honestly been its own book. Thanks for reading!

Kanda_theGreat · Post by **Kanda_theGreat** » 16 Jul 2020, 00:20

I like books that implore me to be empathetic towards characters and their situations.
Thank you for your descriptive review.

Vic Chimezie · Post by **Vic Chimezie** » 16 Jul 2020, 07:42

I like books that awakens my soul and reasoning to reality. I enjoyed reading your well detailed review. Thank you!

Priyanka2304 · Post by **Priyanka2304** » 16 Jul 2020, 13:59

I really enjoyed reading your review. This book has a lot to think about.

Honest-reviewer · Post by **Honest-reviewer** » 16 Jul 2020, 15:00

Looks like the book has a lot to offer. Thanks for your wonderful review!

Adrianna Melillo · Post by **Adrianna Melillo** » 16 Jul 2020, 19:32

Kanda_theGreat wrote: ↑16 Jul 2020, 00:20 I like books that implore me to be empathetic towards characters and their situations.
Thank you for your descriptive review.

The author does this in ways that are subtle, but hit you really hard. Thank you for reading!

Adrianna Melillo · Post by **Adrianna Melillo** » 16 Jul 2020, 19:33

Vic Chimezie wrote: ↑16 Jul 2020, 07:42 I like books that awakens my soul and reasoning to reality. I enjoyed reading your well detailed review. Thank you!

This is definitely one of those books! Thank you for reading!

Adrianna Melillo · Post by **Adrianna Melillo** » 16 Jul 2020, 19:33

Priyanka2304 wrote: ↑16 Jul 2020, 13:59 I really enjoyed reading your review. This book has a lot to think about.

It certainly does! Thank you for reading!

Adrianna Melillo · Post by **Adrianna Melillo** » 16 Jul 2020, 19:34

Honest-reviewer wrote: ↑16 Jul 2020, 15:00 Looks like the book has a lot to offer. Thanks for your wonderful review!

Absolutely! Thank you for reading!

Post by **Sanju Lali** » 17 Jul 2020, 02:49

Thanks for your nice review. It would be definitely interesting by stepping into the shoes of journalist and experiencing different situation. The book appears quite appealing.

Leen282 · Post by **Leen282** » 17 Jul 2020, 06:16

You captured my interest with the very first lines/questions in your review, I am adding it to my shelves.

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 17 Jul 2020, 08:33

I think it is true that any of us could be in those situations under the right circumstances, and we give to give more empathy toward people down on their luck. This sounds like an excellent book, except for the errors. I hope the author gets those fixed. Thanks for a great review!

Adrianna Melillo · Post by **Adrianna Melillo** » 17 Jul 2020, 16:54

sanjus wrote: ↑17 Jul 2020, 02:49 Thanks for your nice review. It would be definitely interesting by stepping into the shoes of journalist and experiencing different situation. The book appears quite appealing.

It's cool to see someone who lives in a very different world be forced to try to understand their subject(s). Thank you for reading!