Today, I have a unique historical thriller that reimagines history and offers a thought provoking look at some difficult topics. Check out Crossing Day, read my thoughts on the book, learn about author Williams A. Glass & buy the book on Amazon!
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It's been one hundred and sixty years since the Confederacy won its independence at the Battle of Altamaha Crossing. Slaves of African descent still perform most of the work in the South. This seems normal to Ryan Walters and his friends who attend high school in Huntsville, Alabama. Like teens everywhere, they enjoy sharing videos, playing sports, and hanging out with friends.
Jaybird's Drive-In is a favorite gathering place for the teenagers. There, they befriend Mish, a slave girl who works as a server. When the restaurant’s owner sells Mish to a dirty old man, Ryan and his friends awaken to the injustice around them. Despite the danger, they decide to help Mish escape. Will they succeed?
Expect a thought-provoking and uncomfortable premise in this novel. Crossing Day presents a thought-provoking and uncomfortable premise that challenges readers to confront complex issues of identity, race, and the intersection of past and present. Set within a divided society, in a world resulting from a re-imagined history, this novel explores the lives of several characters who are forced to navigate a world filled with prejudice and systemic injustice. Glass introduces readers to a journey where uncomfortable truths about privilege, history, and personal responsibility unfold, forcing characters—and by extension, readers—to question their roles in perpetuating societal divides. While fictional and unique, the storyline is a darker one that engages and entertains, but it is also unsettling.
The story is well-written and complex. The writing style and number of characters made this one require a little attention to detail to keep the characters and perspectives aligned. The story unfolds through the eyes of various characters, each with their own voice. This approach adds character insights, from the protagonists to the secondary figures, that help readers understand the complexities of the character's emotions, motivations, and struggles. However, the shifting perspectives were sometimes difficult to follow until I settled into the novel's voices and flow.
Would I Recommend Crossing Day by William A. Glass? The characters' ages and stories make this read like a young adult novel, but the story is complex and thought-provoking enough that older adults will find it quite engaging as well. Crossing Day is particularly suitable for older teens and young adults, as it provides relatable teen characters and experiences and allows readers to engage with difficult yet essential conversations about societal issues. The novel's exploration of identity, race, and systemic oppression offers a compelling entry point for young readers to reflect on their own place within the world and how they can contribute to positive change. The characters' struggles with self-awareness, moral dilemmas, and personal growth will resonate with a young audience navigating their own journeys of understanding and self-discovery. If you enjoy re-imagining history and young adult adventure novels, this should be on your list. This unique book could undoubtedly become a well-received series.
William is married to Bettina Linden, a retired high school German teacher. They have three grown sons who have all moved away to pursue careers. Now, several rescued dogs and cats keep them company.
connect with the author: website ~ youtube ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ bookbub ~ goodreads
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