 March - May 2004
Nobody’s Business
by Rebecca Simmons
Every now and again, a book comes across a reviewer's desk that makes her stand back and take notice of various occurrences within her own realm of experiences. When that happens, rest assured that the author has done her job-- to make the reader/reviewer feel something and become emotionally invested in the story. Nobody's Business, the debut offering by author Rebecca Simmons, is such a book. The plot is seen through the eyes of Clara, a beautiful young social worker. Clara has devoted her life to helping others at the Women's Crisis Center where she works. She's smart, edgy and takes no prisoners when it comes to dishing out advice and helping her clients deal with their problems. However. Clara's job is her personal escape hatch because there's more to the personable young woman than anyone realizes. Unbeknownst to her friends and professional associates, Clara has some deep-seated issues that she refuses to face.
Enter Jason, her hunky boyfriend whom she adores. For a time, they have a great relationship, but it becomes stagnant--old hat-- for some reason. No idea as to why, he notices a major change in Clara and tells her that she should let him in and stop hiding her troubles from him for the sake of their relationship. The events in this book will take a surprise twist for many readers, but in terms of conforming to the elements of writing, Simmons set them up and foreshadowed them well. The plot is believable, plausible and is fleshed out at a fast pace, thus enabling the storyline to unfold just as a similar situation would in real life. Readers are sure to be satisfied reading it and finding out the secrets that Clara and her family members harbor.
This is a character-driven book, where an interesting and colorful cast of characters keeps it moving and full of drama. They are funny at times, serious, and their emotionally-charged machinations will pull at any reader's heartstrings. Nobody's Business is a well-crafted novel that's full of rich conflicts, lush characters and points up the reshaping of a common theme that Simmons turns on its heels and gives a new outlook. Not only is this book an excellent read, but will minister to the souls of women who are dealing with the same issues as Clara and her relatives. This is a fine first effort by Rebecca Simmons, a talented new author whose name is sure to be heard in an array of literary circles.
This reviewer recommends that you pick up this literary gem and read it. If the subject matter gets too heavy for you, please pass it on to someone who will benefit from the messages contained within its pages. Then, tell someone how well you liked the read and help get the word out that Nobody's Business should be everyone's business--everyone who likes to read--that is
Reviewed by Nathasha Brooks-Harris
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