Joss Sheldon

NOTE: I received a free eBook copy of this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers (January 2023).

"Other Worlds Were Possible" is the story of an adolescent Indigenous boy named Sunny Eagle who encounters a group of strangers who change the course of his life and his tribe's history forever. The title is drawn from Sunny's observations about the strangers, who he feels fail to acknowledge that there is more than one way to organize a society. Meant as an indictment against the forced show more colonization of Indigenous peoples across the globe, Sheldon's novel falls short of expectations. In an attempt to universalize the themes of conflict and change that pervade the book, Sheldon amalgamates traits and customs associated with Indigenous peoples into the native tribes of this story. Yet for anyone at all familiar with world history, this strategy backfires, creating a group of people whose identifying characteristics are flattened and stereotyped, even infantilized. Curiously, Sheldon's tribes do not practice any sort of religion, the only spiritual compass consisting of a loose assortment of Aesop-like morality tales. The fact that they seem stuck in survival mode, living only for the next carnivorous supper, is demeaning. It is also somewhat disturbing how Sheldon characterizes sexual practices amongst the tribe: Encounters are presented graphically, with little to no build-up or resolution, jarring the flow of the narrative.

The lack of meaningful connection to real-world antecedents results in an overly simplistic tale where the outcome is predictable and assured. One feels as if the entire book is a tense trudge to the finish, a deterministic story consisting only of pawns being moved into place. Any edifying messages that could be gleaned from this novel are overshadowed by an unspectacular writing style that almost condescends to its readers. In all, the promising premise of "Other Worlds Were Possible" never materializes. show less

Engaging prose, a bold premise — I truly enjoyed reading this book. Immigration is a very polarizing and hot-button issue. The Author puts immigration & emigration into context from the beginning of all times through to its evolution, making a strong case for free borders’ benefits to countries and humanity in general. Additionally the Author debunks the far-right arguments for keeping immigrants out of countries. Well-formulated, well-written and a timely addition to the discourse!

I just finished this incredible book; then I sat in pure awe. I needed time to process the fantasy yet reality of this book. That is what also took me so long to read it. I won't even dare to give away the ending. I fear, with the choices of Presidential nominees, if nothing huge changes and fast, that Section Three of this book may happen to us all. It is such a profound and poignant book. It really makes one really think and understand our world, and that what goes around, comes around.

I show more really couldn't believe the amount of genius that Joss Sheldon placed in this book. It shows our history (world history), disguised so brilliantly in the form of four different main characters in the form of "FICTION". It totally blurs the line as to what is fact versus what is fiction. I laughed at certain parts, that maybe I shouldn't have; after discussing them with the brilliantly talented author. I got bored in parts that I truly believe the author wanted us to feel the boredom of the characters. And, then the elation and the absolute hope that these characters felt at that specific time in the book. It is another book that is not for the faint of heart.

Why do I bring this up? The author is quite raw and unabashedly in the use of foul language WHERE IT IS APPROPRIATELY NECESSARY TO CERTAIN SITUATIONS IN THE BOOK. In other words, he really swears and cusses where it is called for in the book by the characters, themselves. It truly is appropriate for the time. So, if you want to put the blame on someone, don't put the blame it on Mr. Sheldon. Put the blame on the time and the feelings of what the characters are enduring right at the time that the cussing comes out. Once again, it brings out the brilliant writing and certain meaning and feeling that the author wants us, the readers, to feel right alongside the characters, themselves. Mr. Sheldon wants us to think the characters' thoughts and feel the characters' feelings right alongside each of his characters.

This was an extremely well thought out book in its entirety. Brilliant writing by a brilliant author. Mr. Sheldon, I stand up and give you a standing ovation, and I am certain that I am one among many. I don't feel lonely at all. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read and honestly review a free copy of this book that you have given me, as I most possibly could. I could not give this book the true justice that is due. As well, I thank you for answering my question in writing. I most truly feel honored by your response, that in itself, I never expected. I feel humbled and blessed. show less

The description of this book appealed to me on many levels. I was looking forward to a sort of left-of-center experience, within a relatable story about the struggles of being different in a society that expects you to conform. This book is that kind of story, to some degree, though it's also both more and less than what I expected.

Starting with the good stuff: The story moves at a good pace. The author's writing style is conversational and conspiratorial, bringing us into his world and show more sharing his secrets. We're right there with Yew's character, seeing what he sees and feeling his emotions.

Now the not-so-good stuff, which, for me, outweighs the good stuff. First, I did not like Yew's character at all. Since this book is written in first person, and we see the world only from Yew's perspective, liking the book becomes even more of a challenge because I didn't like my tour guide. He's self-involved, arrogant, and narrates as if he is the only enlightened one among a bunch of automatons.

We start out with Yew in early grade school. As a child, he's not much different than any other child in that he wants to play and explore, rather than sit and learn. Yet the narration treats his desire to be free as if it's a unique rebellion. His relationship with his parents is the typical push-pull, though here it's treated as if a horrible burden is placed on his shoulders to live up to his parents' expectations. He comes from a well-off family that treats him with love, and the poor pitiful me act simply feels shallow.

As an adult, Yew is no more likable. He flails about in his shallowness, while expounding on philosophy and touting Taoism as if he is superior in his mindset. At one point he states that he's angry because he sacrificed himself by going to college (free!), and his parents never thanked him for doing so. The dichotomy between the self-proclaimed enlightened free spirit and the egocentric ranting of the narrator is profound, and feels more like a parody than a serious statement.

Yew is the only character of substance within the book. We never really meet his parents. His friendships, for the most part, appear to be as shallow as he is. No dialogue feels genuine, and no relationships are explored to help us understand why he feels so out of sorts within his social circle.

In the end, I only felt irritation, as if I'd been forced to spend time with a particularly obnoxious person who believes himself superior while having absolutely no basis for that belief.

*I was provided with a free ebook copy in exchange for much honest review.* show less