Untethered
by Angela Jackson-Brown
Narrated by Karen Murray
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Pub Date Dec 03 2024 | Archive Date Jan 03 2025
HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse
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Description
Sometimes family is found in the most unlikely of places . . .
In the small college town of Troy, Alabama, amidst the backdrop of 1967, Katia Daniels lives a life steeped in responsibility. At the Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys, she pours her heart into nurturing the young lives under her care, harboring a longing for children of her own. Katia's romantic entanglement with an older man brings comfort but also stirs questions about the path she's chosen.
The weight of her family's history bears down on her; a twin brother is missing in action in the heart of the Vietnam War. Having lost her father to cancer, Katia took up the mantle of caretaker, ensuring her mother and brothers were looked after. Her sense of duty extends to the boys at the group home, creating a web of obligations that stretches her emotional bandwidth thin.
Amidst a power struggle at work with the board, Katia finds solace in the pages of romance novels and the soothing melodies of Nina Simone. When Seth Taylor, a familiar face from her high school days, reenters Katia's life, he brings with him a breeze of nostalgia and a reminder of a time when her dreams felt less tethered. As their friendship rekindles, Katia grapples with the idea of making choices for herself, even as the realization that she can no longer have children weighs heavily on her.
This novel is a poignant tale of a woman torn between the demands of her heart and the responsibilities she's shouldered for so long. Set against the backdrop of a changing South, this novel delves into the complexities of love, family, and self-discovery in a time of transformation and upheaval.
Advance Praise
'UNTETHERED tells a dramatic and beautiful American story stretching far beyond city limits.' -Roy Hoffman, author of THE PROMISE OF THE PELICAN
'UNTETHERED tells a dramatic and beautiful American story stretching far beyond city limits.' -Roy Hoffman, author of THE PROMISE OF THE PELICAN
Available Editions
EDITION | Audiobook, Unabridged |
ISBN | 9781400241156 |
PRICE | |
DURATION | 10 Hours, 51 Minutes, 28 Seconds |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
This novel beautifully weaves together themes of good music, reproductive health issues faced by Black women, trauma, and the desire for family and love.
A heartbreaking story about family, love and self discovery set in Alabama during 1967 and the height of the Vietnam War.
Kate serves as the director at the Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys when she learns her twin brother are MIA. As she grapples with the uncertainty of her brother's safety, she also struggles to care for and protect the boys in her care, especially Chad and Pewee.
My heart broke often while reading this novel but I think this is a powerful and moving reminder of the power of love and community.
Trigger Warnings: racism, child abuse, death, grief and loss, PTSD
Thank you Harper Muse for the ARC
I absolutely loved Katia's story and listening to the audio made it even better! the narrator made the story feel so real and I fell involve with the characters. It was heartbreaking and liberating all in one. The love Katia had for those boys was unmatched and the way she was so selfless while mentally dealing with her own emotions was eye opening. The Journey this book took me on I could not stop reading/listening to it I literally finished it within 2 days. I loved the way the story showed her endurance and perseverance in a time where it was not only hard for African Americans but for African American women especially. This is a story that needs to be read and I absolutely can not wait until it is published so I can purchase a copy. Thank you to the publishers and Neutrally for the opportunity to review this untethered and give my honest opinion. I finished this book yesterday and can not stop thinking about it!!!
This was such a precious and well narrated story! The narrator's portrayal of emotions were so intense and well communicated that I was almost brought to tears a few times throughout this book. Her voice was very well suited to this novel and made m reading experience exponentially better.
A different kind of historical fiction, focusing solely on a group-home for black boys (USA 1967), it followed the director and 2 boys residing there.
This book was everything I wanted it to be and more!
The characters felt very authentic and believable.
The plot was engaging and very emotional.
The writing was solid and hooked me in right from the start.
The main character, Katia, was easy to root for. She balanced devastating personal events with the difficult job of being physically, mentally and emotionally present for the boys in her care.
The book highlighted the struggles of kids who ended up in the system combined for various reasons combined with racial issues.
As a non-american, I didn't know how prevalent segregation was still is that far into the 60s, that aspect of the book was very eye opening.
The story was heartbreaking yet full of hope.
The book is out 3rd of Dec 2024.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the audio-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I loved this.
Iβm not necessarily a big Historical Fiction reader but this one really slapped. All the feelingsβ¦ I teared up. I gasped in shock. I was angry and overall felt the love these humans had for one another.
Set in Alabama, 1967; this story follows Katia Daniels who runs Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys, is caretaker for her mother and younger twin brothers (who are currently fighting in the Vietnam war). Kind of read like life happening not necessarily super plot-y⦠overall a touching story of woman torn between immense responsibilities and choosing the dreams she longs for.
The audio was great.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins Focua for an alc.
Audiobook Review π§ | NetGalley ALC
This is my favourite read this year!
The audiobook was perfect ππΎ Karen Murray did a great job with this book and had me sobbing at times.
I think itβs refreshing to have stories about women that are in their 40s and older. Women who donβt conform in what society envision women do be looking like or doing in their 40s.
The aspects around being the first born woman and the pressure that comes with it. Parentification of children who shouldβve just stayed children a little longer.
The undeniably challenging aspect of working in the foster care system.
How with community, love and care things can change for the better.
How black women deserve love, black women deserve joy, black women deserve care, black women deserve support and rest.
Yes black people deal with a lot of trauma and challenges but we also experience joy and happily ever after.
This book is about hope.
βI learned from watching you with those boys at the group home that there are many ways to create a family but the first person I want to create a family with is youβ
My rating system:
Narration: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Entertainment: 5/5
Emotions: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
Thank you to NetGalley and Harpercollins focus for providing an advanced listener copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Untethered by Angela Jackson-Brown is a deeply emotional and moving story centered on Ms. Katia, a kind, giving, and sweet woman who serves as the executive director of a group home for boys. Ms. Katia's life begins to unravel as she navigates the heartbreak of learning her brothers are missing in Vietnam, chaos at the group home, and the sudden reappearance of her high school crush, Seth. These elements weave together a story that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful.
Angela Jackson-Brown proves once again why she is a queen of historical fiction. While this novel focuses more on the personal lives of its characters than on historical events, the emotional depth is unmatched. I cried through the final chapters and found myself completely invested in every character. The romance was a delightful addition, and I saw pieces of myself in so many moments throughout the book.
The audiobook narration was another highlight, bringing each character to life and making the story feel incredibly intimate. I cannot recommend Untethered enoughβitβs a stunning work that will stay with you long after you finish.
Thank you to Angela Jackson-Brown, Hear Our Voices Tours, and NetGalley for providing the ARC and ALC.
CAWPILE Ratings:
Characters: 10
Atmosphere: 8
Writing: 9
Plot: 9
Intrigue: 8
Logic: 9
Enjoyment: 10
Overall, Untethered is a must-read for fans of heartfelt, character-driven stories with a touch of romance and historical depth.
Untethered by Angela Jackson-Brown is a deeply emotional and moving story centered on Ms. Katia, a kind, giving, and sweet woman who serves as the executive director of a group home for boys. Ms. Katia's life begins to unravel as she navigates the heartbreak of learning her brothers are missing in Vietnam, chaos at the group home, and the sudden reappearance of her high school crush, Seth. These elements weave together a story that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful.
Angela Jackson-Brown proves once again why she is a queen of historical fiction. While this novel focuses more on the personal lives of its characters than on historical events, the emotional depth is unmatched. I cried through the final chapters and found myself completely invested in every character. The romance was a delightful addition, and I saw pieces of myself in so many moments throughout the book.
The audiobook narration was another highlight, bringing each character to life and making the story feel incredibly intimate. I cannot recommend Untethered enoughβitβs a stunning work that will stay with you long after you finish.
Thank you to Angela Jackson-Brown, Hear Our Voices Tours, and NetGalley for providing the ARC and ALC.
CAWPILE Ratings:
Characters: 10
Atmosphere: 8
Writing: 9
Plot: 9
Intrigue: 8
Logic: 9
Enjoyment: 10
Overall, Untethered is a must-read for fans of heartfelt, character-driven stories with a touch of romance and historical depth.
This book left me in tearsβAngela, Angela, Angela!
As an Alabama resident, I found myself immersed in the vivid settings and authentic atmosphere depicted throughout the story.
Karen Murray masterfully captured Katia's emotions as she navigated her understanding of womanhood and questioned her worth against the world's expectations. It was powerful to see her grapple with her self-image and discover what it truly means to be enough.
This book took me on an incredible emotional rollercoaster. I cried, laughed, cheered, and reflected deeply on its themes.
I wholeheartedly enjoyed this compelling audiobook!
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse, and Angela Jackson-Brown for the opportunity to share my honest thoughts on this remarkable book. I'm also grateful for the ALC provided.
Is Beautifully Heartbreaking a thing? This book was exactly that. A woman navigating her personal life & career while enduring grief, loss & the stress of the unknown from both ends is more than enough to drive anyone to the edge. But the power of the support she has from those who work closely with her and those that are friends & family that show up for her is incredible. They help her to see the good she does, to value the tremendous amount of care & love she has for the boys in her group and to allow herself to find joy without feeling guilt. Highly recommend, especially for those that like Before I Let Go.
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Angela Jackson-Brownβs ππ©ππ©πππ§ππ sheds light on the immense burden Black women shoulder, picking up nearly every responsibility around them. However, this constant struggle leaves them overwhelmed and exhausted, leaving no room for self-care or their own well-being. This isnβt done intentionally; itβs a repetitive pattern rooted in Black womenβs historical roles as nurturers, homemakers, advice-givers, caretakers, mothers, and likely the backbone of many groups, institutions, and families. Without the presence of strong Black women in our lives, everything else would crumble. I know this because Iβm one of those Black women contributing to my own downfall and must untether themselves from the cycle of Black Superwoman syndrome.
If you read Jackson-Brownβs ππ©ππ©πππ§ππ, then you may find yourself recognizing yourself, your mother, your aunts, or your sister. Too many Black women are burdened with the responsibility of transforming the world while others continue to witness its destruction. The protagonist, Katia Daniels, undoubtedly serves as the linchpin that binds her work and family together, yet she is overwhelmed by an excessive number of challenges. Katiaβs inability to fully comprehend her own issues stems from the lack of space allocated for reflection and deep contemplation. As readers, it is crucial to recognize our own contributions to the misfortune or predicament of others. People often refuse to acknowledge their burden because theyβre used to you picking it up and putting it down.
While ππ£π©ππ©πππ§ππ addresses more issues affecting the Black race, particularly during the tumultuous Civil Rights era, I contend that the novelβs central theme is the liberation from the Black Superwoman syndrome. The parallels between the novel and my own experiences as a Black woman become even more evident when you consider the overwhelming stress that comes from an incessant desire to fix everything, ensure everyoneβs well-being, and relentlessly pursue the best outcomesβall at the expense of self-care and overall well-being.
What has persisted from this era in American history that Jackson-Brown discusses is the enduring legacy of Black women assuming leadership roles and ultimately bearing the consequences of a society that rejects and marginalizes them. ππ©ππ©πππ§ππ urges us, as a collective, to introspect on the ways in which we can effect positive change within our communities rather than burdening Black women with these challenges. If you have read this novel, you will recognize that Jackson-Brown presents amicable resolutions to contemporary issues by facilitating pathways for cooperation among characters such as Seth, Mrs. Hendricks, and Jason, rather than allowing Katia to shoulder the entire burden.
I read this book with conviction and power. I understand that it offers an alternative to hard work and stress, replacing them with rest, peace, and happiness. Black women have undoubtedly earned a soft life.
Rating: βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ
Thank you partners @hearourvoicestours, @harpermusebooks, @angelajacksonbrownaauthor, and @netgalley for the gifted book and ALC.
π· #Untethered #AngelaJacksonBrownAuthor #UntetheredBook #HearOurVoices #HOV #historicalfiction #BooksToRead #Bookish #Bookstagrammer #BookLover #wellreadblackgirl
Special thanks to the author, @hearourvoicestours & @harpermuse for my gifted copyβΌοΈ
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This book was amazing I promise the author never misses with the historical fiction. There is so much power and authenticity in her writing you will not put this down. Literally every book Iβve read by her Iβve loved but I think this one is by far my favorite.
Exploring the consequences of a failed foster care system, irrational decisions, living in a group home, codependency, heartbreak, trauma and how children are placed into situations where they have to protect themselves from neglect and abuse. We follow Katia Daniels a woman torn between doing whatβs right against a system that continues to do so much wrong.
Unable to bear children of her own Katia became the mother those boys needed at the Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys. With her personal life already being a struggle she was not only a caretaker for the group home but also her family. Not to mention one brother returned home from war, the other was missing in action, and she also lost her father in the midst of it all.
Youβd think things couldnβt get any worse until they do. With the weight of the world on her shoulders Katia eventually spread herself to thin and a mishap with one of the group home boys makes her realize she has more to lose than she thought.
Overall, this book was so worth the read and I highly recommend it. All of the characters were lovable, memorable, and richly developed. Chad and PeeWee will definitely tug at your heartstrings. It was a little unsettling to see some of the things the boys had to endure especially Chad. But if you love historical fiction you wonβt be disappointed with this book.
Untetheredf explores the complexities of family, identity, and the weight of responsibility, but with a focus on the struggles of a woman navigating infertility and the constraints of societal expectations.
I cried reading this story. I also have purchased a copy for my trophy shelf. This was a beautifully written piece of literature.
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