I'm a parent, and I know handling teenage kids would likely involve a mix of patience, understanding, and open communication. I'd aim to create a safe space where they could express themselves freely without fear of judgment.
As for my own teenage years, I was probably a bit of a challenge! Like most teenagers, I experienced my share of mood swings, independence struggles, and figuring out where I fit in the world. But those experiences also shaped my perspective on empathy and dealing with others.
What about you ❓❓❓ Were you a rebellious teen, or did you have a smooth ride through those years❓❓❓
Name of Book: Our Best Intentions
Author: Vibhuti Jain
Publisher: William Morrow
Publication Date: 14 March 2023
No. of Pages: 352
Format: Netgalley ARC
During summer break one day, Angie, the teenage daughter of Indian immigrant Babur Singh, is walking home after swimming at the high school pool when she finds Henry McCleary, a white classmate from a wealthy family, stabbed and bleeding on the football field. The police immediately focus their investigation on Chiara Thompkins, a runaway Black girl who disappears after the stabbing and—it’s later discovered—wasn’t properly enrolled in the public high school.
The incident sends shock waves through the community and reveals jarring truths about the lengths to which families will go to protect themselves. Alternating between multiple perspectives, Our Best Intentions is a gripping story about a father and daughter re-examining their familial bonds and place in the community that explores how easily friendships, careers, communities, and individual lives can unravel when the toxicity of privilege and racial bias are exposed.
Vibhuti (“Vib”) Jain lives with her husband and daughter in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she works in international development. She began her career as a corporate lawyer in New York City. She holds degrees from Yale University and Harvard Law School. She grew up in Guilford, Connecticut. Our Best Intentions is her first novel.
My Opinion
*Our Best Intentions* by Vibhuti Jain, a gripping thriller fiction, readers are taken on an emotional journey with a father-daughter duo navigating life after the mother's departure. The story explores complex family dynamics, with the plot initially moving at a slower pace but gaining momentum as the narrative unfolds. While the book delivers a powerful social message about economic disparity, some issues felt unresolved, leaving room for deeper exploration. The characters stand out, with Chiara evoking particular sympathy. However, certain parts of the story seemed stretched, which impacted its flow.
This novel offers a blend of familial tension and societal critique, but could have benefited from more concise storytelling and addressing the unanswered questions. Still its worth a one time read. I would like to give the book 4 stars.
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