the setup…
New Nigeria is representative of an all-American town. The women are successful with stay-at-home husbands and children who are doing well in school. The affluent Black community is unsettled by a new white family moving into the neighborhood. When business and community leader Carén Walker sees a white (or the politically correct European American) boy in cargo shorts across the street, she calls the police to report him as a gang member. It sets off a series of events in the town struggling to deal with diversity in a changing country.
the heart of the story…
Everything is upside down in this story and it’s hilarious looking at it through a different lens. People of color and women as the leaders and breadwinners are the normal. All the typical stereotypes are in play…traditional homemaker roles, gender discrimination, workplace sexual harassment and of course racism…all in reverse. It was truly enlightening to see how the same issues would play out in this reverse order world in all aspects of life.
the narration…
The beauty is in this full cast narration and everyone plays their roles wonderfully. I love how this felt like a theater production and they were cast perfectly!
the bottom line…
Yes, this had me in stitches but underneath it all is a really strong message about all of these societal issues. It’s the best way to look inward and check yourself. It reminded me of an experiment that Oprah Winfrey conducted on her talk show to best illustrate bias and discrimination. I recommend this for everyone as it’s always great to learn something meaningful while having fun in the process. Well done!
Book Info
- Release Date: June 18, 2024
- Narrators: Ayanna Dookie, Korey Jackson, Andrea Jones-Sojola, Brittany Pressley, Emana Rachelle, Malika Samuel, Heather Alicia Simms, Diana Bustello, Tyler Collier, Alejandra Reynoso, David Sadzin, André Santana & Shaun Taylor-Corbett
- Audio Length: 3 hours, 33 minutes
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Listen to an Excerpt!
Goodreads | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Wonderful review Jo. I love the sound of this!
Thank you, Nicki💜 It’s lots of fun on some serious themes.
This sounds like an important read Jonetta! I enjoyed your review!
Thanks, Jodie💜 It’s so instructive while being funny.
Wow. It sounds like a real mind bender in a good way.
Anne
That it is, Anne💜
This sounds very good. Have you seen the movie White Man’s Burden? Similar idea John Travolta and Harry Belafonte
No, I haven’t seen it but I have a vague recollection.
It may be cringe-y today–I saw it on cable when it came to tv. It makes you stop and think though–at least it did then. I want to read New Nigeria County–just told a teacher friend about it
Right now it’s only on audio.
oh–I meant the movie not the book
This sounds fun but also one of those which challenges your thinking.
You’re so right, Joanne💜 Every time I laughed, it made be rethink some things.
I created this tag, and I’m curious how you would answer, so I tagged you: https://mybookworld24.com/2024/08/24/the-blog-tag-original/
Thanks for thinking of me. I flamed out on book tags a few years ago but would be happy to answer your questions. I’ll do it in the comments.
Sorry to bother you
Not a bother at all!
I thought it would be fun
I love this review. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you!