Same Elephants

by Marjy Marj

Marjy Marj's anticipated follow-up to The Shimmigrant is an enlightening, introspective, heartwarming novel about four friends from diverse backgrounds. Sasha Badu is an immigrant in search of a better life. After meeting Rakiya Muhammad, Jane Taylor and Aviva Schwartz at a political event, the four become fast friends. When Sasha and Rakiya are mistaken for trespassers, the friends embark on a quest to educate their community about the dangers of stereotyping. Same Elephants explores everyday relationships, the presumptuous nature of society and the ability to rise above prejudice.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2020

About the author

Marjy Marj is a Ghanaian American writer based in the Carolinas. Her books often explore themes of identity, resilience, empowerment, and cultural diversity, drawing readers into vibrant worlds that reflect real-life complexities. Outside of writing, she is passionate about community engagement.

Reviews

[Abena Maryann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Title: Same Elephants
Author: Marjy Marj
Category: African
Themes: Friendship, Leadership, Women, Stereotypes
Same Elephants is a story about an immigrant “Sasha Badu” in search of a better life. She meets 3 friends-Rakiya, Jane and Aviva in college and they become fast friends. Rakiya and Sasha (Women of color) are accused of trespassing when they visit Jane and Aviva’s apartment to help them settle in as roommates. The friends then embark on a peaceful protest to educate their community about the dangers of stereotyping.

Same Elephants is a quick, relatable, funny and educative read. I like the fact that, the story explores friendship. My favorite friendship quote by Robert G. Ingersoll “we rise by lifting others” was clearly displayed through the plot. The four friends from different backgrounds saw each as a ladder to achieving their life goals.
Stereotyping is a big issue especially for people of diverse backgrounds. The story did a good job educating its readers of the disadvantages of stereotyping- no matter the level of education or socio-economic background, you could be targeted because of the presumptiveness of your accuser. Stereotyping blinds people from seeing the full potential of others.
The author subtly dropped hints on women and leadership roles- the friends were ready to embrace their new roles as leaders and instruments of change in the community.

This is Marjy Marj’s second book and I must admit, her books speaks the truth in a simple way.
I would recommend this to other readers.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel feels like being in a conversation with a best friend and reading excerpts from a diary. Personal, introspective and with the same steadfast determination of the first in the series. The adventures continue but past experiences and disappointments guide the writer with maturity and a guarded heart.

[Shantae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome. I got to see America through an immigrant girls eyes and I'm so grateful to the author for that experience. Same Elephants is a good read for anyone needing a quick reminder of what always unites us: equality.

[Korla K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun and very easy to read book. The author skillfully delivers an informative message on social issues in fun and relatable fashion, drawing you in from start to finish. I promise you won't put this book down once you start.

[Julie]

I’m so proud of my friend for sharing this story with the world. ❤️

[Sheila Milani · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book. Nicely written

[Yassin Koranteng · Rating 5 out of 5]

we need more of these books!! Thank you!