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Real Thoughts w/Shaun Pascal
Real Thoughts w/Shaun Pascal is a collection of narratives that prequel the novel, Shaun Pascal. A variety topics come into play which Shaun Pascal gives his take on. While he dissects such topics like religion and politics, Shaun Pascal also mentions casual moments that give the collection its personality. There is no shortage of free expression in the collection so you can expect Shaun Pascal to be like a talk show host aiming to entertain all readers. N.S. Ugezene uses a satiric tone to drive this collection and presents his account on the topics this collection reaches. He also puts his stamps on the real moral issues, all while filling in the dull moments with introspection and a commanding voice. You will appreciate the depth and his attempt to present a unique variety.
134 pages, Paperback
Published August 16, 2009
About the author
N.S. Ugezene
11 books12 followersN.S. Ugezene is the author of the upcoming novel, Horny As Hell: The Pete Maggs Story. He is also a contributor to Saving Lives Through Lit's anthology, Voices Behind The Tears. In the future, he is looking to release numerous short stories, a couple of co-written novels and a poetry collection.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 28, 2011
“The Life and Thoughts of Shaun Pascal” is a story about self discovery and finding one’s place in the world. The story is narrated by the title character and examines the life of an African-American male in his early to mid-twenties trying to figure out the basics of being an adult. Written as a character study, the author N.S. Ugezene has created a story unique amongst other urban tales.
The premises of the story is that Shaun Pascal, also known as KP, is a twenty-something young African-American man that is in and out of school as well as work, has recently moved back in with his mother and step-father, and is desperately looking for acceptance and love. He has a dream of becoming a rapper, but can not focus on that goal because he allows his mind to wonder on every possible detail of life. The majority of the book is spent with Pascal questioning the motives of females and friends, as well as describing every day activities around his neighborhood in the city of Pomona, California, in which he resides.
Written in first person style, we are given an intimate look into the mindset of the lead character. He is depressed about his current state of living, and is constantly looking for something to make his life better. That arrives in the female character of Nadalina McGastry whose entrance into the story gives Pascal some hope about his future. The story is about love and accepting that emotion.
“The Life and Thoughts of Shaun Pascal” is not without its faults. It is almost as if its originality is what makes it a difficult read. The story is told in a stream-of-consciousness manner, with characters and subject matter discussed and discarded in what seems to have no point to the forward movement of the story. This concept can work if there is intention behind it; but without a purpose, much of what you learn in the story leads to no where. The thoughts of Pascal can be described like separate essays, where he begins with a thesis, defines issues, and many times gives solutions; but without any real pay off for the story.
Where this novel does succeed is in capturing the thoughts of person with his age, gender, and economic situation. It was refreshing to read about an African-American male who is complex, intelligent, and confused. Shaun Pascal will remind you of someone you know; a person who is creative and smart, but unsure of what direction to go in. The story does not try and judge Pascal or those around him. What it does do is give an open window into their lives.
Ugezene’s novel is a good attempt in taking urban fiction in a new direction. Structurally though, the novel does need some help; therefore, I will give the book 3 ½ stars out of 5. It is something readers can enjoy, but they will need to take their time reading to really grasp it.
Reviewed By: Jason Luntz
The premises of the story is that Shaun Pascal, also known as KP, is a twenty-something young African-American man that is in and out of school as well as work, has recently moved back in with his mother and step-father, and is desperately looking for acceptance and love. He has a dream of becoming a rapper, but can not focus on that goal because he allows his mind to wonder on every possible detail of life. The majority of the book is spent with Pascal questioning the motives of females and friends, as well as describing every day activities around his neighborhood in the city of Pomona, California, in which he resides.
Written in first person style, we are given an intimate look into the mindset of the lead character. He is depressed about his current state of living, and is constantly looking for something to make his life better. That arrives in the female character of Nadalina McGastry whose entrance into the story gives Pascal some hope about his future. The story is about love and accepting that emotion.
“The Life and Thoughts of Shaun Pascal” is not without its faults. It is almost as if its originality is what makes it a difficult read. The story is told in a stream-of-consciousness manner, with characters and subject matter discussed and discarded in what seems to have no point to the forward movement of the story. This concept can work if there is intention behind it; but without a purpose, much of what you learn in the story leads to no where. The thoughts of Pascal can be described like separate essays, where he begins with a thesis, defines issues, and many times gives solutions; but without any real pay off for the story.
Where this novel does succeed is in capturing the thoughts of person with his age, gender, and economic situation. It was refreshing to read about an African-American male who is complex, intelligent, and confused. Shaun Pascal will remind you of someone you know; a person who is creative and smart, but unsure of what direction to go in. The story does not try and judge Pascal or those around him. What it does do is give an open window into their lives.
Ugezene’s novel is a good attempt in taking urban fiction in a new direction. Structurally though, the novel does need some help; therefore, I will give the book 3 ½ stars out of 5. It is something readers can enjoy, but they will need to take their time reading to really grasp it.
Reviewed By: Jason Luntz
January 18, 2010
Real Thoughts by N.S. Ugezene discusses some controversial, political, and social issues and topics.
Under the impression this book will tailor to teens with the exception of vulgar language in some parts of the ebook. Some of the topics that I took from the ebook was players learn about the pleasures of relationships; political and religion viewpoints from the urban characters in the storyline; battling with obesity; technological communication tools; and rapper legends.
However, it was difficult to read the first chapter where it sets up the scene of a threesome or intimate scene to Sex Talk Q&A of a magazine article on sexual relationships and crisis. This train of thought for the author and the reader loses the flow of the story, concept delivered, and sequence of story ideas. Next chapter, I feel touches on the struggle with weight loss such as erratic diets that are not successful for the person over 200 lbs. In the ending of this chapter, I was not sure if it was sarcasm or a joke in this passage, "Don't let food be Lucifer" when facing the temptation of food.
There were minor editing issues or usage of slang, narrative voice was not strong since I did not realize who was "I" until nearly third of the book to determine it was "Pascal" speaking in the narration.
Overall, N.S. Ugezene has taken the challenge to touch on these controversial issues in Real Thoughts, however, the delivery or his style of writing can confuse, loose his reading audience. I am not convinced he drawn out these 21st Century issues to keep the reader engaged.
Dream 4 More Reviews,
Adrienna Turner
1.5/2 stars: Okay Dream!
The opinion of the reviewer does not reflect the views of Dream 4 More Literary Consulting Firm. The author has provided an unbounded copy, e-book version for a free of charge review with Dream 4 More Reviews.
Under the impression this book will tailor to teens with the exception of vulgar language in some parts of the ebook. Some of the topics that I took from the ebook was players learn about the pleasures of relationships; political and religion viewpoints from the urban characters in the storyline; battling with obesity; technological communication tools; and rapper legends.
However, it was difficult to read the first chapter where it sets up the scene of a threesome or intimate scene to Sex Talk Q&A of a magazine article on sexual relationships and crisis. This train of thought for the author and the reader loses the flow of the story, concept delivered, and sequence of story ideas. Next chapter, I feel touches on the struggle with weight loss such as erratic diets that are not successful for the person over 200 lbs. In the ending of this chapter, I was not sure if it was sarcasm or a joke in this passage, "Don't let food be Lucifer" when facing the temptation of food.
There were minor editing issues or usage of slang, narrative voice was not strong since I did not realize who was "I" until nearly third of the book to determine it was "Pascal" speaking in the narration.
Overall, N.S. Ugezene has taken the challenge to touch on these controversial issues in Real Thoughts, however, the delivery or his style of writing can confuse, loose his reading audience. I am not convinced he drawn out these 21st Century issues to keep the reader engaged.
Dream 4 More Reviews,
Adrienna Turner
1.5/2 stars: Okay Dream!
The opinion of the reviewer does not reflect the views of Dream 4 More Literary Consulting Firm. The author has provided an unbounded copy, e-book version for a free of charge review with Dream 4 More Reviews.
September 8, 2010
did not love this book.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews