Wednesday, January 27, 2016

The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace : A Review


I have been reading a whole heck of a lot lately and this is a book I've had my eye on for quite some time. My husband treated me to the paperback copy a while ago but it's taken me longer than usual to get through. That's in no way because the book is poorly written...but clearly from the title this is a sad and tragic book that does not have a happy ending. I never did purchase it myself because it's one of those books I have to gear myself up to read. I knew I would love it, but I had to be in just the right frame of mind to read it...is anyone else like that? Since I knew the basic premise of the story it wasn't exactly surprising but it was incredibly poignant and there is just something about reading a book that tells the story of a real life that I just can't get over. It's definitely one of my favorite kind of novels to read.

This book is the story of Robert Peace, written by his college roommate Jeff Hobbs. Robert comes from an incredibly impoverished neighborhood and through his mother's hard work and perseverance ends up going to Yale and receives a degree in Molecular Biochemistry. Essentially, the man is a genius who can't seem to escape the need to be more and in turn, it leads to a tragic end. It's unfortunate to read about a person so bright and giving that just can't seem to see past his own insecurities, his own need to prove himself. The ending is not surprising but you still have a tiny bit of hope for some justice or some sense of closure at the end of it all. I warn you now, you'll get neither.

I liken my feelings of reading this book to when I watched Fruitvale Station (another amazing, but heart-rending story). I literally cried for days after. Days. I do recommend this book for those who are not as sensitive as I am...or even for those who are and can spare a good week of tears.

What have you been reading lately? Let me know in the comments below! XO

13 comments:

  1. Well I am quite sensitive, but this sounds really intriguing!! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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    1. It is really good, I would say just keep the kleenex close and I would recommend it! XO -Kim

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  2. I am highly emotional, but this does sound really good. I am not reading anything at the moment but I am going to join Lindsay & Llinos book chat and will be finding a blogging book to read this month!

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    1. It is very very good! I need to get in on the blogging book clubs, I sometimes have a hard time narrowing down what to read so I don't read anything at all! XO -Kim

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  3. Wow does this ever sounds like a great read!! You find such unique and intriguing stories!! I hope your day is going fabulous you gorgeous gal pal!!

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    1. This was such a great read! I hope you are having a great middle of the week my gorgeous girl! XO -Kim

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  4. It is incredibly said. YES, you put it perfectly! Whenever I read/watch a story like this I seriously have to try to make sense of it and when there is none it's a hard pill to swallow. But it's a very touching story, worth the read! Really makes you think! Thanks for stopping in my precious friend! XO -Kim

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  5. I love to read and I've never heard of this book, so thank you! It looks like a great read! I usually only go to used bookstores now-a-days though!

    Batty4Beauty.com

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    1. Used book stores are so fun to browse in, thanks for stopping in! XO -Kim

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  6. This looks like an excellent, although tragic book. I can see why it would make you so emotional. I do most of my recreational reading over the summer when I have more time, although I am currently reading a book about how fashion and image has shaped the history of presidential elections.

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    1. Name of the book please? Sounds like an amazing read! I've been trying to make more time for reading, trying to at least do a half hour a day so I've been able to enjoy more books. This one definitely took time to get through because of the nature of it but so so good! XO -Kim

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  7. Oh my gosh this sounds like such a sad book but I'm intrigued and I think I'm going to pick it up because sometimes you need a nice sad book to put yourself in a new mind set :)

    Lots of love, Marianne xxx

    http://myhappybubblexx.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. That's a good point Marianne, sad books often make you view things differently and also make you think about things a little more. Thanks so much for your lovely comments! XO -Kim

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