Book Review: Guilty By Association by Pat Simmons

Guilty By Association by Pat Simmons


Review by Tavares S. Carney

Now That We’ve Found Love

As a youngster, Kevin “Kidd” Jamieson grew up desiring, yet lacking, the dedication time and attention of a father. Having lived with his younger brother, Aaron, and mom, Sharon, Kidd faces a dramatic shift in the lifestyle he is accustomed to upon finally meeting his other siblings and extended family. Throughout the novel, readers will find Kidd facing many challenges. These challenges include deciphering between genuine love and acceptance versus guilt driven hand-outs, finding love, and feelings of obligation to his younger brother and mother and more.

When I first began the novel, I found Kidd to be a man acting like a kid, thinking that he needed to get out of his own way. I was happy when Kidd finally allowed his Jamieson family to step in, encouraging and motivating him to strive for more out of life. Initially, this arrangement was met with much opposition. I liked the way the author showed family dynamics of the Jamieson clan and, in my opinion, Ms. Simmons does a great job of allowing Kidd to wear his heart on his sleeve when it comes to his feelings of not having grown up with his biological father.

Other characters in the story, Grandma BB and Eve, provided comic relief and an emotional breakthrough, respectively. I often found myself laughing at Grandma BB and rooting for Kevin and Eve.

This is a good read and I would definitely consider another selection from this author.

Review by Tavares S. Carney

*Author solicited review.




For more on the author, please visit: http://www.patsimmons.net/

Flight 777, One Layover – Judgment Day!

When my mother phoned me and asked my daughter and me if we would like to attend a gospel stage play with her this past Saturday, I had no idea the good time I was in for. OK, so I did – Admittedly, I am a fan of gospel stage plays. But let’s face it, however, everyone cannot write a good script. Furthermore, it takes all parts of a machine to make it go – so hats off to the actors and actresses as well.


The play, Saints On The Plane written by Tirrell McCoy, is very aptly titled. The premise is based upon individuals, ranging in age from elementary school-age to seniors, who have died unexpectedly and all wake in the boarding area of Flight 777. The layover is where they learn their destiny. Some of the topics delved upon are lust, greed, infidelity and suicide.

The entertaining factors for me were the injections of real-life scenarios with periodic injections of comedy, which by no means took away from the message the playwright attempts to convey. And what would a gospel stage play be without angelic melodies by the actors and actresses. I also enjoyed the praise dancer performances. The play makes one think and ponder the question, “Are you ready?”

What warmed my heart the most though, is Mr. McCoy’s very emotional thanks and praise to God, as well as his invitation to audience members to accept Jesus as their personal savior at the conclusion of the performance. To see so many people moved by this awesome work is very encouraging, especially in the world we live in today.

I recommend this play to people of all ages and from all walks of life. Everyone can relate.

For more information, e-mail GoodMedEnt@Yahoo.com or follow Tirrell McCoy on Twitter at @GoodMedEnt.

Review By: Tavares S. Carney

*No compensation/gift-in-kind was received for this review.