Day: February 26, 2023

Book review: ‘The Union’ by Leah Vernon

‘The Union’ by Leah Vernon is a coming of age novel set in a dystopian future. Photo: Amazon

Leah Vernon is an author, body-positive activist, and the first international plus-size Hijabi model. During her double master’s program, she started a blog about being a fat Black Muslim in Detroit experiencing everything from eating disorders to anti-Blackness. She has been featured in ads from Target to Old Navy and even made it to the New York Times and HuffPost. She currently resides in New York City. Her new book “The Union” is a daring dystopian novel that explores the power of friendship in a future society built on violence and division. (Amazon, 2023)

“The Union” – A thousand years in the future, a black elite class reigns. The lower classes, made up of whites, toil in the fields or scrape by in blighted cities, serving their rulers in a cruel, divided world. The story begins with Saige Wilde, a mixed-race enslaved girl whose only goal is escaping beyond the borders of their brutal nation. Among the Lower Residents, there are three classes: Domestic, Chattel, and Impure. Because she is mixed, she is simply labeled as Impure. In this dystopian world, color determines everything: “the paler you were, the worse you got it.” Among the Elites is eighteen-year-old Avi Jore, born to a powerful father and destined to rule. As she comes of age, Avi cannot help but notice the injustices in her world―the treatment of enslaved workers and the oppression of the lower classes. Her disillusionment grows when she meets Saige, who saves her from an assassination attempt, and their paths become intertwined in ways they never imagined. As Saige plots her path to freedom, Avi tries to enact change from the inside but it is a complicated endeavor, filled with danger and malice. Together, their efforts could spark a revolution and underscore the staggering power of friendship.

“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” this is the quote from George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” that comes to mind while reading “The Union.” Regardless of who is in charge, there is a risk of them eventually going power hungry and those who are not end up under their heels. Such is the case in this totally engaging speculative novel that dares to imagine a world where whites are not the ruling class. Add in elements of a coming of age novel and friendships that are tested by life’s complications and you have a thought provoking story. Judging by the ending, this is likely to be a series and it would be interesting to read where the author takes these characters. They are well developed, relatable, and strong willed. The narration is in the first person point of view and switches back and forth between Avi and Saige, giving readers a glimpse into their thought processes. With descriptive language that is simple and down to earth, the story flows through the pages, making it a fast read. “The Union” is a coming of age fiction set in a dystopian future similar to the Hunger Games. It may appeal to fans of the genre who appreciate strong characters in tales of revolution and class struggles all mixed in with politics.

“The environment was nothing that I’d ever experienced. It was as if an acidic mist lingered over the entire block, turning everything into the same dull color. The buildings were tall, connected, and intimidating, like they had trapped any soul that had tried to escape. It was like being in a parallel universe, eons away from home.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Book of the week: ‘Stop & Smell the Roses’ by Jolene Stephens

‘Stop & Smell the Roses’ is the new self help book by Jolene Stephens. Photo: Jolene Stephens, used with permission.

For anyone looking for a self help book dealing with mindfulness and ideas and recommendations about how to slow down and take time to enjoy life, here is a good one. From just simply taking time to appreciate your surroundings to actually listening during conversations with others, Jolene Stephens’ “Stop & Smell the Roses” is a reminder to take time to enjoy the good things in life. It might just change your outlook in life.

Jolene Stephens has always been interested in self-help information and the desire to write about it. Life has provided her with many growing experiences and learning opportunities. She and her family have been through nearly every scenario a family can experience. They did not do everything right, not even close, but over the years their constant conflicts have been replaced with love and respect for one another’s beliefs and the path each person is on. Her personal experiences have given her a treasure trove of sound, practical ideas on how to handle almost any situation. More importantly, she has come through many trials with a strong, positive attitude and a sincere desire to help others. Jolene is a retired graphic designer and is currently a certified Emotion Code/Body Code Practitioner. Her new book “Stop & Smell the Roses: Let the Past Go, Stop Worrying About the Future, and Be Mindfully Present in Your Life!” is a quick and easy read about how to stay focused and be present in your life. (Jolene Stephens, 2023)

“Stop & Smell the Roses”–  Throughout the book, Jolene Stephens shares some of her own experiences to show the power of changing just one thing, as she highlights the aspects of our lives that provide opportunities for growth. She lists twenty-two simple ideas, any of which will help you be present in your own life. The journey is where life happens and what happens there is more important than the destination. We will all get to our destination, but what we do along the way is what counts.

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