Book Title: Doom, Gloom, and the Puruit of the Sun by Antoine F. Gnintedem
Category: Adult Fiction, 208 pages
Genre: Biographical Fiction
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in my review.
All opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in my review.
All opinions are my own.
About the Book
The town is famous in the region for its chronic stillness...Consequently, every ambitious person who grows up there eventually leaves in search of better opportunities.
Life in Mbengwi, Cameroon, is not easy for Austin-or for anyone else. While growing up, he bears witness to the worst parts of life and the cruelties of human nature. These things keep his homeland trapped in a cycle of misery and suffering. In a country overrun by poverty, death, unrest, and corruption, he sees no future for himself. The only way to escape the cycle is to flee to a place Austin believes to be free of all these troubles, a place where he hopes his dreams will come true: the United States of America.
However, when Austin arrives in this supposed promised land, he is met with a crushing revelation. He finds America to be rife with all the same problems he thought he'd escaped, merely in different forms. Rather than give in to disappointment, he decides to combat these obstacles with a firm resolve. Before long, though, these obstacles threaten to overwhelm him. This realization prompts Austin to rethink how he sees the world and the challenges it throws at him.
My Review
Readers will find relatable realism in Austin's fictional story. As readers follow Austin through decades of his life and experiences; the fictional storyline is all too real. The novel is written somewhat like a memoir--with short journal-like chapters telling the main character's life story. As the book moves through the ups and downs of Austin's life; readers will feel the doom and gloom encountered along the way. The author's realistic approach to the narrative brought me, many times, to think that the story was undoubtedly real and to believe that the author was undoubtedly sharing the real-world challenges faced by this man over decades. The biography is fictionalized--but, the struggles faced by Austin are ones to which readers will easily relate and sympathize. Readers will feel the doom and gloom--and the hardships of life's obstacles--but, will also explore the warmth and satisfaction of Austin's perseverance and his never-ending search for an enduring light at the end of his tunnel.
Readers may find some motivation from Austin's fictional life. The author created such a strong, realistic main character in Austin. Readers will not find a lot of scene building or picturesque settings--but, they will see a story that grows flawlessly from day to day and year to year. As I read Austin's story and felt his despair at the many challenges (and the seemingly constant stream of obstacles)--I understood him and his story on many levels. I also felt empowered by his strength as he kept driving forward and kept seeking the sunlight through days (and years) of darkness. This novel isn't necessarily intended to be a motivational guide--yet, readers will have a tough time finishing it without feeling a little stronger and more empowered because of it.
Would I recommend Doom, Gloom and the Pursuit of the Sun? If you enjoy memoirs or realistic, biographical sketches--this is a wonderful novel for your reading list. While it is not intended as a self-help book or a motivational guide--I think readers seeking a story filled with real-world challenges (and real-world decision making) met with faith, strength and perseverance will gain plenty of hope and light to apply to their reality from this fictional story. I loved this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys life stories dotted with struggles, faith, personal resolve, and hope.
To read other reviews, please visit Antoine F. Gnintedem's page on iRead Book Tours.
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Meet the Author
Antoine F. Gnintedem is a renowned educator both in the United States and across the world. As a linguistic consultant, he has worked for the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Homeland Security. In addition, he has served as an educational assessment expert for leading national and international testing companies. His academic achievements include a PhD in English language and literature and another doctorate in educational leadership.
Connect with the author: Twitter ~ Facebook
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1 Comments
Sounds really interesting! I'd love to check it out!
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