I want to thank Lady Gwyneth Bolton once again, for supporting my work, the interview is posted on her blog today...Gracias, Merci, Danke Schon and Thanks A Bunch...
http://gwynethbolton.blogspot.com/
New Review:
Title: Is NO Not Clear Enough For You?
Author: Angelia Vernon Menchan
Publisher: M.A.m.m. Productions
Reviewed By: Idrissa Uqdah
Ageless Fiction
What I expected to be a Young Adult title, turned out to be something that was a good read for women of all ages. Is NO Not Clear Enough For You? By Angelia Vernon Menchan is a quick-witted story about young people who are learning the real life lessons while struggling to stay in God’s grace.
The main character, sixteen year-old Malaaka Green is the daughter of a single mother who made some choices early in life that she is determined Malaaka will not repeat. Somewhat estranged from her parents since she became pregnant with Malaaka in her first year of college, Ava Green has done her best to make up for her mistakes. Her parents, from the old Christian school still have not been able to let go of the past and their emotional distance causes Ava a great deal of pain. Although they dote on their grand daughter; the elder Greens can not forgive Ava for what they see as her “fall from Grace”. Ava on the other hand has to learn to forgive herself.
Malaaka is a smart and sassy young woman. She is very focused and obedient with goals and aspirations. Although she is spiritual and very involved in the church; she still knows how to have fun and how to enjoy being a teenager. Malaaka also has a mind of her own and doesn’t bow to peer pressure just to be popular. And that in itself, is what seems to make her so popular and so well loved by teens and adults alike in her community.
This coming of age tale is positive reinforcement without being preachy. The author gives her teen characters a voice and the realism of today’s young people is evident in their actions. Yet; the storyline is full of good advice and mother wit. The adults in the novel are also very real to life and handle the responsibility of mentoring and nurturing the youth of their community in a very practical way.
This is a book that you will want to buy two copies of; one for you and one for your teenager. You will want to share the lessons learned and encourage the young people in your life to reach for their own stars while making sure that they make good choices for their lives.
I found Is NO Not Clear Enough For You? an entertaining read and a refreshing portrayal of an African American community that seriously takes on the adage that It Takes A Village To Raise A Child.
Blessings,
angelia
