What a gripping story! “James: A Young Man with an Unplanned Future” is the first of a two-part novel. The book opens with a chapter that piques one’s curiosity—a young woman making one of the most significant yet extremely difficult decision in her life. Soon after, we meet the lead character, James Paul Taylor, a young black man who has been through so much hurt and pain with his very own family. The two of them decide to run away together, hoping to build a better life for themselves, chase dreams, and make the best of the opportunity they have. They face challenges, including racism, inequality, conspiracy, and misfortunes, while attempting to find their identity and anchoring their life in faith, perseverance, hope, and love.

Eleanor Liggens, the author, is an excellent storyteller. Liggens weaved this coming-of-age story with a wonderfully written narrative that is easy to read and understand. The character development was also done beautifully, and the author depicted well the racism and challenges at that time (the 1950s in this case). It’s nice to follow the characters and see their growth, the lessons they have learned, and how they faced and overcame the challenges as the story unfolded. The book tells an inspiring and powerful story of love and people trying to find a better life for themselves. It understandably ends on a cliff-hanger because there is a second book that tells the rest of the story. It is definitely worth reading!