Jen’s Book Nook

This book takes place in 1929 Santa Monica. Segregation is still very much alive with “whites only” sections of soda pop counters and beaches. But when Dottie, a popular white girl, washes up, her “brother” Ben is suspected. Ben is black, but they grew up together when his mom used to babysit Dottie. This made no difference to anyone at that time, but suspicion is quick to fall during these times of racial tension. Instantly a suspect, Blue is determined to prove Ben’s innocence. Along the way, though, she’s discovering pasts that some people would rather keep hidden from the pristine calm that became their neighborhood. 

Simply amazing. Tackling the racial inequality with what is meant to be a slice of paradise, Karyn took on not only racial issues, but also age and other discriminatory things at play. Without going deeper, the history I mentioned that many want hidden keeps unfolding the further you got into the book. I couldn’t put it down! 

Thank you to Colored Pages Book Tours, The Novl, and Karyn Parsons for the gifted copy🩵