I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Ninth Ward Blues by Janelle Smith Toussant
After giving her life much thought, Tracey Dubois was convinced that she had it all figured out. She would become a rich and famous singer, dazzling audiences with unmatched vocals and lyrics written to break hearts. She was prepared to do everything in her power to make her dreams a reality, at least until she laid eyes on JP Baptiste. Tracey decided then and there that she had to find a way to make JP hers, but she quickly realizes that her cantankerous grandmother, Ma-Me, was right when she preached, "be careful what you pray for." Ninth Ward Blues is a coming of age story that faultlessly captures the flavor of New Orleans and the unfaltering and unconditional love that can only be found in the heart of family.
Tracey Dubois has always had a beautiful singing voice and would sing her heart out in church. She dreamed of one day becoming a famous singer. She vowed to do whatever it took to make her dreams into a reality. Even when her mother forbids her from pursuing singing outside the church, Tracey went behind her back in hopes of getting that big break to stardom.
With all things, dreams are put on a back burner or circumstances change the route of what we wanted to pursue. Such was the case when Tracey laid eyes on the incredibly handsome young man, JP Baptiste. More than anything Tracey wants JP to notice her. Notice her, JP does and since that day life, for Tracey will never be the same again.
Ninth Ward Blues by Janelle Smith Toussant is a coming-of-age novel – when a young girl’s hopes and dreams come to a screeching halt. She will need to make choices in her life that will ultimately change of the course of what she had planned. With the help of family, she strives to do her best. We take for granted that there is enough time to do this or make up for that. Sometimes life moves so fast that we wake up one day and realize that so much time has gone by, and it is impossible to make up for said lost time. So take heed, make the most of your time NOW.
While reading it, seemed like a typical storyline, but the further, I got the story, took a twist that I did not seeing. There are gaps in the story, and it seems to move faster near the end, other than this, this was a superb debut novel. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Reviewed by: Leona
