Popsicle Society

To stay on track with my goal of reading at least 12 books this year, I’m happy to share that I’ve just finished my 12th book!

My book # 12 was Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper

Book Summary:

Set against the tumultuous backdrop of martial law in South Carolina, Vanessa, a striking light-skinned Black woman, grows up in a Catholic orphanage designated for African Americans. After enduring a series of racially charged hardships, she comes across the birth certificate of a deceased white infant and uses it to adopt a new identity. Under this assumed persona, she relocates to California and begins a new chapter at UC Berkeley.

Vanessa’s reinvention leads her to marry into one of California’s wealthiest and most prominent families. However, her idyllic life shatters when her first child, born eighteen months into the marriage, is diagnosed with sickle cell trait—a revelation that exposes Vanessa’s true heritage. Her husband, realizing both his wife and son are Black, reacts with calculated cruelty, seeking revenge. While the pair survive his malicious plans, a subsequent police investigation seems straightforward—until a curious young detective begins to uncover secrets from Vanessa’s carefully hidden past. What he unravels shakes the very foundation of San Francisco’s high society, revealing a truth that no one saw coming.

My Review:

While the premise of the book initially seemed intriguing, I found it difficult to remain fully engrossed once I started reading. The opening is bogged down with extraneous details that detract from the central storyline, making it hard to maintain focus. Much of the narrative feels scattered, with unnecessary attention given to minor characters and subplots, while critical characters and pivotal moments are left underdeveloped or rushed.

One of the biggest challenges for me was the book’s lack of a clear structure. The plot seemed to wander aimlessly at times, with little build-up or anticipation to keep me engaged. The middle section, in particular, dragged on with slower pacing and too many irrelevant details, which made it a chore to push through. That said, the story did gain momentum toward the end, providing some much-needed excitement and resolution. However, the conclusion felt hurried, as though the author was racing to tie up loose ends, leaving significant moments feeling incomplete and lacking emotional depth.

The writing style also contributed to my struggle with the book. It often felt dry and overly factual, resembling a summary rather than a compelling narrative. While some characters were likable and showed potential, they weren’t given enough room to evolve or connect with the reader on a deeper level. The story introduced intriguing themes and ideas, but the execution fell short, failing to deliver the emotional resonance those elements deserved.

What caught me by surprise was the inclusion of profanity and sexual content. While this may have been intended to reflect the time period or setting, it often felt excessive and unnecessary. This could be a point of concern for sensitive readers or younger audiences who might not expect such language or themes in a book of this nature. At times, it disrupted the tone of the story and felt out of place.

Another challenge was the sheer number of themes woven throughout the book. Instead of allowing any one idea to fully develop and make an impact, the narrative quickly shifted to another, leaving many themes feeling half-baked and unresolved. This constant change made it difficult to feel invested in any particular storyline or message.

In summary, while the book has its merits—particularly with its potential for strong characters and intriguing plot elements—it suffers from a lack of direction, inconsistent pacing, and rushed execution. A more focused narrative with greater emotional depth and character development would have helped the story shine. As it stands, it’s a book with promise that, unfortunately, didn’t quite live up to its potential.

This was my 12th book of the year, and I’ve officially reached my reading goal! I’m not sure if I’ll have time to squeeze in another book before the year ends, but for now, I’m happy with what I’ve accomplished. Let’s see what the new year has in store for my reading adventures!

Happy Readings!

popsiclesociety