Review of Heather

[Joy Wendy]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Heather" by Steven A. Yagyagan.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

While on a break from school, Manaia paid a visit to Eseta, her cousin, who was recovering from an accident. Lost for a few seconds in lust, Jon, Eseta's husband, had a forbidden sexual relationship with Manaia, who is still a minor. Though they enjoyed the pleasure for a few seconds, they suffered the consequences longer than that when Manaia fell pregnant. Heather: Tuu Maia Lou Lima Give Me Your Hand by Steven A. Yagyagan is the true life story of a young girl raised in a dysfunctional family, constantly surrounded by hate, anger, and abuse. Can she find her place in the world?

The book had a lot of positive aspects. Never judge this book by its cover! Notably, the cover of the book is not the most impressive. Looking at the cover, I was apprehensive as to the contents of the book. I felt it was religious writing, but after reading the first few chapters of the book, I was completely hooked. I was very fascinated by the fact that the book was inspired by a true-life story and even more intrigued by the way Manaia's story started. 

Nothing prepared me for the emotional rollercoaster the book took me through. Reading about Heather and the emotional, physical, verbal, and sexual abuse she passed through right from when she was eighteen months old was heartbreaking. The book raises awareness about child abuse and molestation. If Heather went through it, how many more are going through it? It also brings into perspective the issue of generational trauma and the need to break the cycle.

The book fuses diverse cultures together. In the book, the author explores the Sāmoa, Hawai'ian, Filipino, Japanese, and so many other cultures. He integrated some of the slang and diction of these cultures and also provided a glossary at the back of the book as a bridge to the communication gap. Much emphasis was, however, placed on the Sāmoa culture. As part of his effort toward cultural integration, there was a lot of festivity, dance, and music in the book. It added color to the rather sober narration of Heather's life. This book was professionally edited. I could barely find any grammar errors in the book.

There are no negative aspects to this book, and I rate it 5 out of 5 stars because of this reason. I recommend to readers that they enjoy coming-of-age stories and stories based on true-life events. 

******
Heather
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords