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BookDragon Blog

01 Jul / The Selfless Act of Breathing by JJ Bola [in Booklist]

JJ Bola opens with a shocking promise: “I quit my job; I am taking my life savings, $9,021, and when it runs out, I am going to kill myself.” Nigerian British actor Oseloka Obi commands immediate attention in his debut narration in a solo adult title, a showcase for diverse accents from both London (admirably versatile) and various regions of the U.S. (with occasional stumbles).

Born in Congo, Michael and his parents arrived in London as refugees; police killed Michael’s father 20 years ago when Michael was still a young boy. Michael remains in the same housing estate with his mother, his teacher salary not enough for independence. He’s quickly disconnecting from his life: damning his mother for finally finding comforting companionship after decades of loneliness; pulling away from his two closest (only?) friends; deserting the students he’s patiently guided – a rare kindness for most of them.

He’s already frayed when horrific tragedy sends him on the run. He flees to San Francisco to start a final whirlwind journey through Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, and NYC as Obi’s narration keeps him vividly alive.

Review: “Media,” Booklist Online, June 15, 2022

Readers: Adult

Published: 2022

By Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center in Adult Readers, Audio, British, Fiction, Repost Tags > BookDragon, Booklist, Booklist Online, Death, Father/son relationship, Friendship, Identity, Immigration, JJ Bola, Love, Oseloka Obi, Parent/child relationship, Police violence, Refugees, Selfless Act of Breathing, Suicide, Travel
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