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The Shorts #5

The Wanderer

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Returning home after a long sojourn abroad, Blu contemplates whether the time has finally come for her to put down some roots. Bryan, meanwhile, has been firmly rooted in one place and in one life for what now seems like far too long. Close friends in college, they're now on the other side of thirty, reconnecting by chance, and revisiting whether the choices they made back then should have included each other.

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 10, 2018

145 people are currently reading
126 people want to read

About the author

Nia Forrester

67 books957 followers
I live in Philadelphia, PA where by day I work on public policy reform, and by night I read authors who move me, and write woman-centered fiction.

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5 stars
125 (46%)
4 stars
84 (31%)
3 stars
42 (15%)
2 stars
14 (5%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Coffee&Books.
1,171 reviews108 followers
May 16, 2018
So... I... had a hard time with this book. First, it is NOT a short, Ms Nia! This was a full fledged book and I wasn't ready!
Secondly, if Bryan and Blu were friends of mine, I'd likely be more like their friend Seth. Friends with them both but rolling my eyes at what's going on and only the smallest attempt to hide it.
Next, the... situation. The relationship that is, almost from the beginning, inappropriate and yet neither is apologetic about it. I say this as someone who wrote about infidelity-- I had a hard HARD time with this relationship.
I couldn't dig Bryan because of the pure wrongness, and I guess eventually Blu couldn't either. It was definitely a mess and I'm sure I could get deep and philosophical about Bryan and his white wife and his guilt and need to feel accepted by black women.
I just honestly think he was always in love with Blu. But I've always been a firm believer that if you're going to pivot to something else, finish the thing you started first. Melanie deserved more than what she got from a man who was slowly falling out of love with her.
And Blu, even as a bohemian, wandering soul, knew better. She just didn't do better. These characters, I tell you!
ANYHOO. You know a book is written well when I have thoughts and ponderances and philosophical standpoints. I liked this book but didn't love it. I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it and I'm certainly looking forward to the next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Deena.
540 reviews11 followers
May 19, 2018
W O W!!!

So, I had no idea what this book was about. The author would only say that it's different from what she usually writes. Well, I can safely say, she was right. I've read every book that she's published, and this one is in a class by itself. I must confess, that I'm glad I didn't know what the book was about, because I probably wouldn't have read it. The topics just don't appeal to me. Turns out I would have missed an excellent, thought-provoking book.

I don't want to give anything away and ruin the story for anyone else, so I won't say much. But I will say that this definitely did not feel like a short story. Not at all. In fact, I'm glad it wasn't longer because my anxiety level was through the roof the whole time I was reading this. I was on pins and needles waiting for discovery, a change of heart, something. I was also surprised that I was so conflicted by my feelings about Melanie. And Blu and Bryan, too, if I'm being honest. I don't think I was all in for the relationship until the book was almost over. This was quite an interesting cast of characters.

Nice to see Darius again. When Blu tells Bryan that Darius is taken by the 'unlikeliest' woman imaginable, I was instantly intrigued. Hoping we get their story at some point *big cheesy grin*

Nia Forrester continues to amaze. Thank you for sharing your gift for storytelling with us.
Profile Image for Angelia Menchan.
95 reviews27 followers
May 12, 2018
It is difficult to explain what I loved about this book without giving anything away. I can say I loved Blu as a character and as ‘the wanderer’ of the title. Her free spirit that had taken her around the world and afforded her a life and first love lost also reeled me in completely. Her coming home and reconnecting with her college friend Bryan felt so organic and real I could almost excuse the reality of what was inevitable. I also thoroughly enjoyed her reconnection to her family and accepting their differences and connectedness. There is also a sleeping ‘wokeness’... you must read to understand.

Nia Forrester cleverly made the characters real people with understandable quirks and habits that even if you did not completely agree, you understood. I was not even rooting for anyone I just wanted it to make me understand what would occur and it did. The other characters were so wonderfully nuanced, I knew them. This was the perfect way to spend a Friday, reading literature that entertains and provokes thought.
Profile Image for Charm 🌻.
252 reviews42 followers
December 23, 2022
This book gets a 2 simply because I enjoy the author’s writing style and the depth she has when creating and telling the stories of her characters. However, I didn’t like this storyline at all. Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t justify cheating nor could I be okay with a “love” story of a cheater. I mean, it happens in real life all the time, but no... I couldn’t bring myself to feel sympathy or emotion for the characters.
Profile Image for April.
938 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2020
2nd read-4/16/20
Still loved every moment of this book and stick to my original review.

Original review:
The journey of these two....wow! I have so many thoughts, opinions...and I’m still processing!!! Nia went there and did a damn good job of a overdue and sometimes, overdone (if that makes sense) topic.

Beyond the “neon light blaring” topic, Nia took us on a journey that addressed a LOT more that people struggle with while trying to find their place in this world and figuring out what makes us happy. One person lying dormant and needing to be awakened and take off; while another ready to sit still. Neither realizing initially that was what was happening and trying to figure out why their current routine is no longer enough.

I was beautifully overwhelmed with Nia’s “short” and was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out ahead of time where this would go. Hell, for a long time, I didn’t even know who the f*** I wanted to root for...(she didn’t make it cut and dry) or who would/should (if anyone) get the much need romance HEA.

I went into this book thinking it would be about one particular thing and then bam- completely and unapologetically blindsided in only the way that Nia can do. She pulled every honest thought and debate I have had (and probably other readers) from my head and put them on the paper in a non accusatory bad person/good person type of way that allowed it to be viewed fairly from all angles...in my opinion.

I want to say more...prob need to say more, but my thoughts are a jumbled mess. I’m just winging it here and all I initially planned to do was give my star rating and come back in a week or two and do a review.

As usual, I look forward to more from this author.
Profile Image for Musings of A Romance Junkie.
311 reviews92 followers
August 26, 2021
The Heart Wants What the Heart Wants

Warning: This story is not for the faint of heart. It has many emotional triggers, but if you can get past that and immerse yourself in the storytelling of a man and woman in love but have no damn business being together, then it will be worth your time.

Nia Forrester never fails to make me love, hate, scream, and everything in between. Bryan and Blu are complex and layered, and though they are as wrong as rain, I can't help but root for them because the heart don't lie and will drop-kick all common sense and rational behavior in the nuts.

Read with an open mind but the heart will still steer how you feel about this story one way or the other, and the heart almost always wins.
Profile Image for Taida.
135 reviews
May 17, 2018
Welp, I really do love Nia Forrester. Her characters, her stories are all so well done. There is a tenderness in her stories that is often missing in romance. The tenderness of watching a couple fall into love as they struggle into their relationship. I enjoyed watching Bryan and Blu find their way into togetherness as they “wake up” from the life they had been sleep walking through. Just amazing.
Profile Image for Enecia.
153 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2018
Perfect title

The title suits, really, both characters well. Blu, obviously a wanderer and Bryan, a wanderer in a different aspect, were made for one another. That I enjoyed this story and the book, in spite of how I’d feel about it in real life, speaks to how well Ms. Forrester develops her characters and how well she weaves a story.

Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Kay Shanee.
Author 68 books493 followers
May 16, 2018
Surprised

I had no idea this book would be what it is. As much as I want to be upset about it, love prevailed.
194 reviews
May 23, 2018
Brilliant

I was halfway in and I didn't know how I hoped the story ended. I've never had that conflict before. Brilliant writing!
820 reviews3 followers
May 24, 2018
A must read!

I really love anything Nia Forrester writes. This book as all of the others I have read hooked me from the start. I cannot wait to see what Nia has in store for us next!


2 reviews
May 25, 2018
Great Read😊

This story resonated with me, thank you for writing this and allowing these characters to excite. I truly adore your passion.
Profile Image for Diane Hawkins.
107 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2018
Difficult Read

**Spoilers**

Not because it wasn’t a good read either, it tackles one of those ugly truths that we don’t like to talk about. Like, in conversation or if asked, none of us will ever admit to this or even acknowledge that it happens. It’s taboo. Then for them to stay together? I mean, it happens in real life too. But we don’t like to talk about it, certainly don’t like to read about it either. But I did and it was enjoyable, while still uncomfortable, because for the first time ever, I didn’t like anyone. Neither of the main characters are likable. Mel is a sympathetic figure but still not quite likable and while I’m ashamed to write this, I think that it’s because she’s white. If she were black, I’m sure that I’d like her. I feel for her, but other than that....so yeah. Good book. Nia Forrester is a phenomenal writer and while in the past, she’s been able to reel me back in with her characters, this time not so much. And I feel that it may have been intentional.
121 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2018
Ok

I really had a hard time with this one. There was just not enough to hold my attention. I have read all of her books and they are really good. Just didn't enjoy this one
116 reviews
June 8, 2018
Pulled No Punches!!

This book, this author and her wickedly creative mind pulled no punches and aimed straight for the jugular. There was no out, no relief, just straight up conflict of interest that was straight up foul and bogus at times but darn her (Nia Forrester) for totally making me "get" and understand this unsavory and unsettling come up for love. I can attest to Nia's giftedness because for one, I have long struggled with interracial relationships and in particular the black man/white woman combo. Black women are often the least desired, the last selected, objectified and criticized more harshly than our contemporaries. It hurts when the very men that we have loved, nurtured, supported, and sacrificed for is not more intentional about covering us. Secondly, as a married women, I abhor infidelity because the collateral damage is so great that it's quite difficult to recover.

Here's where Nia's skills shine. I felt for Mel. This beautiful white woman had been a great mate to Bryan but he's not feeling the deep love for her anymore (insert: eye roll and sigh). She went to great lengths to not only understand his world views but support them. I, the pro black love advocate felt that Melanie deserved better than what she received from Bryan. He was foul and she just may have let him off the hook too easily. The other sign of Ms. Forrester's master craftsmanship, although wrong from every angle that you look at it, I totally got and understood Bryan and Blu's great love, affection, and passion for each other. Yes, they could have denied it and themselves but that would have been ever more tragic.

I appreciate this book because sometimes affairs are not as cookie cutter as we may think. Sometimes it really is unrequited love or discovering a love that nurtures and supports you in a way that previous versions did not. Sometimes the answers are not obvious and makes no sense but it's impossible to let go of once you encounter. This book messed with my every sensibility and left me thinking and mulling over these themes p long after the last page. Now that's some good writing!
Profile Image for Vernell Renee Howard Griffin.
1,059 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2018
Very Interesting!👍

This was a great story that deals with an issue that is still prevalent today in our society. Interracial relationships are still frowned upon, but to me a man is a man and a woman is a woman no matter what nationality you are. Yes I know that every race have different cultural history and background but I think that's the great thing about the differences. You have three layers that will help with strengthening your relationship. One... you have your culture to share, two....your significant other has their culture to share and third.... you have a combo that you both will create and share together. I was not surprised that Blubelle and Bryan ended together because there was an emotional bond the two had before they parted that was unfinished and needed to manifest and come into fruition. I felt bad for Melanie because she loved Bryan, but like he said she didn't really know him as a person. She just went with the motions no matter what was sacrificed. I feel things always happens for a reason. Great Read! ReneeG
15 reviews
May 17, 2018
This is not one of my favorite Nia Forrester books although I love her writing she is by far one of my most beloved authors. I struggled with Blu and Bryan and I’m not completely sure I even liked them. I did however like Rain and Darius. I do believe they loved each other from back in their college days it just took them 10 years to get together. I wonder if black men who marry white women struggle with acceptance like Bryan did. I wonder if they feel disconnected and acknowledge that their white family is not part of their tribe. I enjoyed Bryan’s POV more so than Blu’s POV. Bottom line, this book was ok and not my favorite. It was an interesting story but not a short novel it was a full novel. I recommend The Shorts Books as they are good stories and they are short. This one was probably close to 300 pages.
Profile Image for Tammy.
208 reviews
May 13, 2018
Short, sweet, full and complete! While this book is described as a "short" it reads and feels like a full novel. This is a story about life with family, relationships and humans being human. What I appreciated most about this story is how I found myself feeling empathy for each character even when they were clearly doing wrong and breaking societal rules. There are many sub-stories all so relevant to our current world and the issues that have risen to the surface over the past decades. All applicable to people and families across racial and socio-economic lines. Often stories of romance seem to develop regardless of what's going on in the world this is a refreshing and realistic love story. I love the breadth and depth of this work and I am looking forward to the further expansion of Nia Forrester's voice.
Profile Image for Mel.
103 reviews
July 12, 2018
If you're not into the female character having an affair with a married man, then this book is not for you. To be honest, I felt guilty because I wanted Blu and Bryan to be together but I knew it was so wrong. If perhaps Bryan had left Melanie before he and Blu consummated their relationship, I probably wouldn't have felt as bad.

Even so, I still enjoyed this one.

P.S. This is DEFINITELY longer than a short or novella, which was a nice surprise!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
18 reviews
May 17, 2018
Another great one Nia

I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading this book. As usual it was well written and the characters were well developed. It took me some time to warm up to Blu. She was a little out there but as I continued reading I grew to like her and Bryan as a couple. Hopefully we will see more of them
375 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2018
Good short!

I enjoyed reading this book. It was a great illustration of how things can happen, even when it's not our intention. Very believable, not a storybook ending, which is good from time to time, lol.
Profile Image for Ericka cannon-mosley.
143 reviews12 followers
May 25, 2018
Something to think about

Usually I wouldn't read books with this type of scenario, however I am so glad that I gave this book a try. The author did a great job of making you fall in love with the main characters and made you wish for them to both have a happy ending. If you're looking for something that's thought-provoking I advise you one click this book.
Profile Image for V. Rena.
1,662 reviews16 followers
June 20, 2018
Interesting

This story is interesting. Bryan is at a crossroad in his life, causing him to be unhappy in his life, job, and marriage. His son is the only thing that he's truly happy and joyable about until Blu returns unexpectedly in his life. Blu is a wanderer who has finally returns to stateside and runs into an old college friend Bryan. Their "catching up" led to sex and love. They both had to make changes and examine themselves before succumbing to realize that they wanted each other and didn't want to let go.
Profile Image for DeNae Sheree.
1,108 reviews21 followers
December 13, 2020
Good story

This was definitely not your typical story. Normally I’m not a fan of “cheating” stories but for some reason I truly loved this one. Blue and Bryan were meant to be and they could not stay away from each other. Sadly Melanie was just collateral damage.
883 reviews8 followers
October 30, 2021
Wander no more!

This was an unconventional love story that played out very unexpectedly! But if Nia Forrester wrote it, I pretty much expect that going in! Yet another emotionally packed journey that captivated my attention from beginning to end! Now on to the next one!
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,016 reviews112 followers
May 19, 2018
I was taken in

The story was bold, emotional and insightful.. I loved the way the author wove a matter of infidelity without making me feel bullied by the storyline. Old friends with an underlying love, later rekindled into more. Blu was hippie chic in this story, and Bryan always accepted her as who she was as a person. Neither tried to change the other. In the end, the conclusion of the story was what I hoped would happen.
Profile Image for Ola.
42 reviews15 followers
May 2, 2024
Different but Damn Good,

Different trope than what I’m used to but outstanding writing!!!! Let me go on to the next book in this series! I am loving every single book!
1,212 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2018
I was just so fascinated with blu
1,250 reviews9 followers
June 2, 2018
Excellent read

Excellent read, the storyline and characters are well written. This was a complicated story of marriage, interracial relationships, temptation, infidelity and divorce. The author gave insight to the thoughts and feelings of all parties involved. Bryan and Blu seemed like a good couple, normally, a good romance novel makes me feel good. But in this case the romance started all wrong for me. However, this is still a great read and I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Sassha Reads❤️❤️.
2,053 reviews20 followers
May 27, 2018
Different Kind of Love Story

Bryan and Blu had a deeper and different connection than Bryan had with Melanie. Bryan had always loved and cared about Blu since their college days. They had a lit in common with them being both artists but differently. They connected on levels that had nothing to do with race but like a magnet drawing them closer together. Melanie even admitted to jumping on him when she knew he was most vulnerable when his father died because she just had to have him. When he healed and began thinking over his life, his feelings changed towards Melanie because they weren't that deep to begin with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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