Official Review: Sister B by David Charles Hart

Kelli Dawson · Post by **Kelli Dawson** » 18 Sep 2020, 11:26

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Sister B" by David Charles Hart.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Sister B by David Charles Hart is a fascinating story about a young African American woman who is determined to make a better life for her family. Sister B, or also known as Willa Mae, has had enough of the racial problems in the south. Sister B decides to leave her family and her six-year-old son to move to Portland, Oregon. Sister B embarks on a journey into Portland and takes on many racial challenges. Sister B thinks it is better in the Northwest. As she arrives in Portland, Sister B gets her first job and works her way up. She saves her money to visit home and friends. Sister B then moves on to bigger and better jobs. Through her travels, she also meets a gentleman from Japan. Akio has a secondary story throughout the book. As a Japanese man in America, he runs into racial problems. Akio has been asked by the Japanese military to tour the West Coast and take pictures. Little does he know his pictures will be used to declare war on Pearl Harbor. On Sister B's travels, she meets Akio on the train. Throughout the book, their stories entwine. Sister B moves on and becomes one of the first African Americans to be hired as a nurse. Sister B is fast becoming one of the leaders in the African American community, giving voice to those who struggle.

I enjoyed the history and the writing of this book. Growing up just outside of Eugene, Oregon, I had no idea of some of the history. I was enlightened to understand the struggles of the time. The injustices Sister B fought for are still being fought today. In one scene, Sister B is talking with a friend. Sister B says, " All it takes is one person to show forgiveness and another to say I'm sorry and mean it, followed up by action, and the world will be a better place." That statement resonated with me. I found it to be true. I did not find any elements that I did not like. There is one scene towards the end of the book that has some sexuality and drugs. It added to the story to show the injustices being committed. If you are sensitive, I would be aware.

I would recommend this book to all audiences except young children. I think young adults and older adults alike could learn from this book.

I rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars. It is extremely well written with no errors. It is a great historical novel with a little mystery and romance thrown in.

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Sister B
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Ify_Reviewer · Post by **Ify_Reviewer** » 20 Sep 2020, 03:27

Nice review. There is always something to learn from a well-documented life.

Amy Luman · Post by **Amy Luman** » 17 Dec 2021, 10:38

I have trouble with Sister B leaving her son. I don’t know the whole story, but it seems very convenient. Thanks for the review.

Tars · Post by **Tars** » 17 Dec 2021, 10:40

I am afraid to say that I will have to pass this book, because subject matter chosen for it doesn't interest me in the slightest. Racial problems, resulted discrimination and all other issues related to it are real worldwide problem and since I prefer to read mainly for entertaining purposes I have no desire to delve in seriousness. Apologies and still congrats on BOTD!

Aan Granados · Post by **Aan Granados** » 17 Dec 2021, 10:54

I am definitely interested in reading this. I love historical fiction and Sister B's story sounds compelling. Thanks for your review.

Post by **Limpho Mojakisane** » 17 Dec 2021, 10:59

Honestly, I can't seem to grasp how history fits into this book. I find it mostly on racial discrimination which is honestly not my cup of tea so i will have to pass on this one. Congratulations on a great review though.

Ferdinand_Otieno · Post by **Ferdinand_Otieno** » 17 Dec 2021, 11:03

This is an interesting historical fiction novel highlighting a little mystery, romance, life challenges, racial discrimination, and excellent characterization. The book is temporarily discounted on Amazon Kindle and has an inciteful OnlineBookClub review. Congrats on the BOTD.

Deval Sodha · Post by **Deval Sodha** » 17 Dec 2021, 11:12

This is a fascinating story of an African American lady who had to fight through many struggles in her life.
The plot is intriguing, and the review is superb.
Congratulations on Botd

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 17 Dec 2021, 11:15

The injustices Sister B fought for are still being fought today.

Isn't that incredibly sad? We need more people like Sister B, more books like this one, and a lot of empathy, so the ones of us that don't experience racism can become allies for those who do.
I do wonder why did Sister B had to leave her kid behind... I guess I'll have to read the book to find out.
Thank you for your review.

Michael Jerry_ · Post by **Michael Jerry_** » 17 Dec 2021, 11:15

without doubt an inspirational book for everyone. even those who don’t have colored skin will read this and get inspired by the will and force they will encounter when they open this book.

Ochieng Omuodo · Post by **Ochieng Omuodo** » 17 Dec 2021, 11:19

A runaway mother and an unwitting spy definitely make for a great story. The Pearl Harbour attack is a historical event that facts are still coming to light about all these years later. But I’m interested in the social issues around injustice that this book incorporates. Also, what happened to Sister B’s child? It promises to be a fascinating read.

Luchris_klaus · Post by **Luchris_klaus** » 17 Dec 2021, 11:19

Sister B is a fascinating character and her determination is inspiring. I love the plot of the novel and I would love to read it. Thanks for your review.

Ailakhu Yusau Aizhebiomon · Post by **Ailakhu Yusau Aizhebiomon** » 17 Dec 2021, 11:20

Racism is a big menace most Africans faced around the world. I hope sister B triumphs in her bid to survive. Congrats on being the book of the day!

Crescent Gold · Post by **Crescent Gold** » 17 Dec 2021, 11:23

Nice review. I love historical fiction and i will surely read this.

Post by **Kirsi Cultrera** » 17 Dec 2021, 11:23

Sister B sounds like an extraordinary woman who fought for the rights of African Americans. The sacrifices she made feel quite shocking to me. I don’t understand how a mother can leave a child behind, but I know it has happened throughout the history. I wonder how the story develops for her and the Japanese man Akio. I am guessing there’ll be some romantic feelings involved, but how things will go, I have no idea. I might read the book just to find out!

Thanks for the interesting review!