Book: Born as a Sufferer
Author: Laura E. Johnson

The synthesis of poetry and prose in any creative form can be a challenge. However, young author, Laura E. Johnson, has braved the unfamiliar and won. Her novel takes us on a poignant journey through the sadistic Jamaican psyche and by extension, the meager conditions of the lower class.

The novel also chronicles a love story between the characters, Bobby and Shelly, who choose different paths to escape their inner-demons. The two, though on parallel paths experience the same acute suffering and substandard living. Bobby, a philanderer and fearless ‘soldier’ of the streets, desperately tries to remain positive; however, ultimately, he kills his stepfather for abusing his mother. While imprisoned, he endures even more subhuman conditions but learns patience and self control. As a result, after leaving the penitentiary, he becomes a skilled laborer.

To read more pick up your copy at the nearest bookstore

Book: Walking
Author: Joanne Haynes

This story is surprisingly gripping, emotive, honest, and moreover, pilots a new generation of Caribbean writing. Joanne Haynes has written a novel which proves that after fear, anger and disillusionment dissipate; we can reclaim our happiness.

The story opens by introducing us to the young heroine, Josephine Chin who fears the reproachful Sister Angelica and embarrassingly succumbs to the teasing of her peers. However, the grown ‘Jo’ is “fearless”, confident and in some ways, a daredevil. As the novel progresses, she becomes increasingly sexual and flirtatious with boys; this results in the plummeting of her grades which garners her mother's disapproval. This is intensified with the loss of a morale builder – her father.

To read more pick up your copy at the nearest bookstore