What did you like most about "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper?

[Surabhi Rani]

I like that the book explores the themes of resilience and self-identity through the struggles of the main character, Vanessa, a black woman in society. Sister Rosalie's fascinating character won my admiration. She conforms to my idea of goodness and nobility ruling the hearts of human beings. I also appreciate the humor in the story her character radiates.

[cindyk56]

The history from the confederacy to the Civil Rights movement. I liked the focus on the long friendship between Vanessa and Trisha

[TavantraielG]

I liked the true perspective shown on how ruthless people can be, especially with prejudices, it allows the shocking truth to be presented to a community of people who would otherwise negate these experiences.

[Faith Katherine Daniels]

I really loved Sister Rosaline. I liked the scene where she asked the kids intellectual questions and they were able to answer joyfully.

[Slayton Natasha Tillett]

I loved how calming the cover page was and also the historical rich context of this book.

[Kristin Cowan]

I enjoyed the themes of womens empowerment and friendship, in the setting of the mid 20th century South especially!

[cindyk56]

I loved the history from the Civil War through the Civil Rights Movement

[Heather Herren]

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I loved "Deceptive Calm" for so many reasons. Vanessa and Tricia's bond is amazing and I absolutely love their friendship. I like that the author of the book doesn't sugar coat things that happened. Patricia tells it like it is and how it was. Vanessa is caught between both white and black. Not being accepted by either race. She is clearly both races. I do like how she is even on the news and nobody has any idea that she is "black". The ending of the book is so good and has you on the edge of your seat. This is a must read book.

[Gerry Steen]

I loved the history lessons and questions that Sister Rosalie posed to the orphans under her care. The history trivia about South Carolina and Charleston in particular was very interesting.

[Katie Novella]

Deceptive Calm is a great historical fiction book, touching on multiple key issues during that time period. The author portrayed what life was like during that time for various races and women. While most of the book focused on the injustices and cruelty that Blacks face, it also mentioned the struggles of migrant workers, and the inequality that women face. I really enjoyed each role the different characters played in this coming of age, historical fiction piece. Vanessa's story was inspiring as she discovered who she was and overcame obstacles and tragedies to obtain her goals and be her true self. Great read!

[Gerry Steen]

I liked the relationship that Vanessa had with Sister Rosalie. Sister Rosalie was like a mother to Vanessa, and Vanessa loved Sister Rosalie like a daughter. Sister Rosalie wanted Vanessa to experience and enjoy what life had to offer her.

[Goodness Kene]

Well, I can say it's Vanessa's reality and how her life journey was with a confusing identity. I like how she went through all of it like a regular human.

[Anthony Ambrose]

I thoroughly enjoyed the historical context woven throughout the book, as it enriched the plot and vividly portrayed the world during that time. The twists and turns were especially captivating, making the storyline unpredictable and refreshing. The author's ability to engage the reader with unexpected developments was impressive. The historical aspect, particularly the depiction of events like the race riots and the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy, resonated with me deeply, bringing back memories of a tumultuous period in American history.

[Ashwini Tawade]

This book has a lot of positivity, even though it's based on harsh scenarios. There's something good about its characters. The story is totally engaging.

[Francis Omotayo Aderogbin]

One of the things I liked most in the book is accuracy of the history. Another are the relationship between Vanessa and Sister Rosalie and Vanessa and Trisha. The fact that the author made a salient points about racism from the Vanessa's skin colour is very refreshing.