Title: Untethered by Angela Jackson-Brown
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Genre: Historical fiction, Christian
Themes: Learning to let go, Loving yourself, Getting to happy, Racism
Culture: Black

Letting Go = Love

Passionate for the care of others and determined to make a difference, Untethered is the story of Katia, executive director of a negro boys group home set in deep south of the 60’s. With war raging in the background with results that hit too close to home, Katia is determined to keep operations at the group home as normal as possible. But Katia’s plans go awry when love, racism, and death create havoc and turmoil that sends her on a path of self-discovery where she learns to let go and let God.

The complexities of mid-life womanhood and discovering the true meaning of family are themes that envelope Katia as she navigates all the trials and tribulations she faces. From her poor self-esteem, due to her size and medical history she learns to love herself by the end of the novel. Katia is like a ticking tomb - with the pressures of the group home and trying to save two young boys, a boundary busting mother, and an ever-present love interest her mental health is seriously in question wither being on the verge of an emotional breakdown. But as she questions God’s plan for her life, she embarks on a journey of understanding and self-love.

Untethered is a sad but inspiring story of how to persevere through it all. With each scene there are notable quotes from notable characters that help Katia remember what’s most important. Some quotes are witty, some are poignant while other quotes reminds us all to love ourselves and it’s ok to be happy. I’ve curated a few of my favorite quotes that will stay with me long after the book is over.

In addition to these wonderful quotes, there is an ode to Nina Simone who serves a grounding force to Katia. To understand the significance of Nina Simone, you’ll have to read Untethered to fully appreciate her contribution to the novel and women.

For lovers of historical fiction books where self-love, finding happiness, and the importance of family are central themes, Untethered by Angela Jackson-Brown is a must-read. If you love this novel, you love Jackson-Brown’s other novels Homeward and House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson.

A big thank you to Hear Our Voices tours, Angela Jackson-Brown, and Harper Muse books for the gifted copy.