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K.A.R.E.N.
On a sunny day in Big Sur, California, five people wander into a coffee shop intending to get their daily caffeine fix. Instead, they witness a disturbing verbal altercation between two customers. Slurs and innuendos are exchanged between the two adversaries and the normally quaint coffee shop fills with a tension that's thicker than the scent of java swirling in the air.
The scene becomes combustible when one of the combatants pulls out a cellphone to film the incident. When police officers arrive on the scene and interview the five Kim - an African-American nurse; Amy - a Caucasian suburban housewife; Richard - the Caucasian conservative coffee shop owner; Ernesto - a hardworking Mexican laborer who is an illegal alien; and Nigel - an African-American businessman who has "issues" with black millennials like the one involved in the incident; they are stumped. Five witnesses offer five shockingly different accounts of the same incident. Which perspective is right? Which perspective will the officers believe...and why?
Bestselling Author, Brian W. Smith, returns with a thought-provoking novel that will cement his position as one of the best writers of his generation. Written in the first person perspective of each character, readers will be left screaming at the pages, choosing sides, and questioning their own belief system by the time they reach the shocking ending.
The scene becomes combustible when one of the combatants pulls out a cellphone to film the incident. When police officers arrive on the scene and interview the five Kim - an African-American nurse; Amy - a Caucasian suburban housewife; Richard - the Caucasian conservative coffee shop owner; Ernesto - a hardworking Mexican laborer who is an illegal alien; and Nigel - an African-American businessman who has "issues" with black millennials like the one involved in the incident; they are stumped. Five witnesses offer five shockingly different accounts of the same incident. Which perspective is right? Which perspective will the officers believe...and why?
Bestselling Author, Brian W. Smith, returns with a thought-provoking novel that will cement his position as one of the best writers of his generation. Written in the first person perspective of each character, readers will be left screaming at the pages, choosing sides, and questioning their own belief system by the time they reach the shocking ending.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2022
9 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 19, 2022
Excellent! This is probably his best one yet despite my love for Paper Bag which was also an excellent read. It was an interesting take on the whole Karen notion that has gained popularity on social media and a clever way to go deeper into how people see the same thing but rationalize it based on their own experiences. This is definitely a great book to open up much needed dialogue. And of course there was the infamous BWS twist. Great book!
July 14, 2022
First off, Bravo!! Brian W Smith definitely brought on the water works with this one. He kept me intrigued and guessing at every turn of a page. The novel absolutely had its teaching moments, which I loved. The fact that he is an adjunct professor shows... I love learning while I read. Major plus!
The novel felt familiar and extremely realistic to me because I know someone just like each of the main characters he unfolded. I must acknowledge, I've never read an ending that incites heartbreak and relief at the same time. That is until now... As I said before, Bravo Brian... Bravo👏🏾 I absolutely recommend this read, and can't wait to read what he has in store next. From what I hear it's titled LEAVE... Until then, I'll just have to dive into his extensive catalog..
The novel felt familiar and extremely realistic to me because I know someone just like each of the main characters he unfolded. I must acknowledge, I've never read an ending that incites heartbreak and relief at the same time. That is until now... As I said before, Bravo Brian... Bravo👏🏾 I absolutely recommend this read, and can't wait to read what he has in store next. From what I hear it's titled LEAVE... Until then, I'll just have to dive into his extensive catalog..
May 11, 2022
oh my goodness!
I love your writing, Brian! Two people can have different views, but add three or four to the mix. What you get is truly something to be shared with others! To find there are very different opinions of the same thing!!
Brian has done it again by bringing current situations, adding a twist and making you think about your own life. This book had me from the first sentence, in think it’ll have you too.
I love your writing, Brian! Two people can have different views, but add three or four to the mix. What you get is truly something to be shared with others! To find there are very different opinions of the same thing!!
Brian has done it again by bringing current situations, adding a twist and making you think about your own life. This book had me from the first sentence, in think it’ll have you too.
May 25, 2022
A Must Read!!
I would very much advise anyone to read K.A.R.E.N, because it was totally different from what I was thinking it was going to be about. Every chapter I read and the conclusion I came up with, turned out wrong on my end and just puzzled me, because I just thought I know how this gonna turn out. This book really had me going threw some different emotions because of how people reacted, so I would advise anyone to read it to better understand for themselves.
I would very much advise anyone to read K.A.R.E.N, because it was totally different from what I was thinking it was going to be about. Every chapter I read and the conclusion I came up with, turned out wrong on my end and just puzzled me, because I just thought I know how this gonna turn out. This book really had me going threw some different emotions because of how people reacted, so I would advise anyone to read it to better understand for themselves.
December 16, 2022
Loved it! I was looking out for his infamous twist, but was still way off. When I think of how well all of the story lines went together, I can’t help but to appreciate his skill as a writer. He was able to write from multiple perspectives without causing even a drop of disbelief. The book club questions at the end were a nice bonus. I’m looking forward to reading his other work. Now I’m off to tackle Paper Bag.
May 1, 2022
Another thought provoking book by Brian W. Smith
An excellent book!! The book keep my attention from beginning to end. It was a very good read concerning different opinions of the same subject in the world in which we live.
I highly recommend this book as well as any of the other books this author has written. GREAT BOOK BRIAN!!!
An excellent book!! The book keep my attention from beginning to end. It was a very good read concerning different opinions of the same subject in the world in which we live.
I highly recommend this book as well as any of the other books this author has written. GREAT BOOK BRIAN!!!
June 14, 2022
Quite Interesting
This book is short, but is packed with thought provoking action. I started out reading it with no preconceived notions and then as I progressed thought that I knew what direction the story was going, BOY WAS I WRONG!! This story is interesting given that the reader, views things through a racial lens that will leave your mouth agape at the end.
This book is short, but is packed with thought provoking action. I started out reading it with no preconceived notions and then as I progressed thought that I knew what direction the story was going, BOY WAS I WRONG!! This story is interesting given that the reader, views things through a racial lens that will leave your mouth agape at the end.
June 14, 2022
This book was short, but had thought provoking action!! It requires one to read the story through a racial lens that will leave your mouth agape at the end. I thought that I knew how the story would develop, but BOY WAS I WRONG!! This story will make you angry, then it will make you think, and lastly it will make it you talk about it!!
April 29, 2022
Very Good
I think this should be required reading for people.of all ages, ethnicities, and economic status. All too often we don't think outside of our own box. For most people things are black or black or white, however we skip.over the many shades of gray.
I think this should be required reading for people.of all ages, ethnicities, and economic status. All too often we don't think outside of our own box. For most people things are black or black or white, however we skip.over the many shades of gray.
May 29, 2022
Brian always makes you think when you read his stories. The internal battle between each person makes this book a universal read. When you think you have figured out who would do what, Brian throws you off with an unexpected twist.
July 17, 2022
Brian always brings the thought provoking books, his books makes you stop and think and reevaluate things and this book was no different. As the front of the book states 5 perspectives, 5 witnesses and you will be shocked to the people with those perspectives. Great read.
October 8, 2022
K.A.R.E.N Thought provoking
I like the way it showed different points of view. The Authors set up of the situation was intriguing.No up front give Aways. It starts with a bang and you have to read through the end for answers and a few twists at the end.
I like the way it showed different points of view. The Authors set up of the situation was intriguing.No up front give Aways. It starts with a bang and you have to read through the end for answers and a few twists at the end.
May 2, 2022
Excellent read! Brian W. Smith has done it again! This book is suspenseful and very thought provoking. Great conversation piece with hidden gems!
May 3, 2022
Great Read
Another winner by Mr Smith. I especially liked the back story on each character. Definitely need a sequel. I need answers on the aftermath.
Another winner by Mr Smith. I especially liked the back story on each character. Definitely need a sequel. I need answers on the aftermath.
May 4, 2022
Wow! What a great book. Brian W. Smith can create a story out of anything.
Five different conclusions to one incident. Only a great author can take you on such an exciting ride.
Diva Reviewer - Jo
Five different conclusions to one incident. Only a great author can take you on such an exciting ride.
Diva Reviewer - Jo
May 15, 2022
Excellent book. Was not expecting what happened at the end although I was trying to come up with what I thought was going to happen, I was wrong. Loved the plot twist. Definitely recommend this book.
June 12, 2022
OMG!
Another amazing read, this one really touched my heart and I was shedding some tears at the end. I really enjoyed it!
Another amazing read, this one really touched my heart and I was shedding some tears at the end. I really enjoyed it!
June 18, 2022
Hmmm
I have always enjoyed this author's work. This story, however left me wanting more. To me, it felt the story left a lot to be desired. Otherwise good read.
I have always enjoyed this author's work. This story, however left me wanting more. To me, it felt the story left a lot to be desired. Otherwise good read.
July 20, 2022
Mr. smith has out done himself again K.A.R.E.N. The Noel Animus was exceptional.. He did not disappoint me this time. Rated it five stars. I highly recommend Mr. Brian W. Smith's novels.
October 10, 2022
K.A. R.E.N.
An excellent read. This was so real I didn't think would finish this is one though provoking book. A must read.
An excellent read. This was so real I didn't think would finish this is one though provoking book. A must read.
February 26, 2023
Interesting read
The book was not what I expected. But that is a Brian W Smith author move. Different people, different perspectives. Good read.
The book was not what I expected. But that is a Brian W Smith author move. Different people, different perspectives. Good read.
April 29, 2023
Another unexpected twist from Brian W. Smith. A story of five individuals who all witnessed the same thing but each one has a different perspective on what happened. A good read as always.
June 30, 2023
Excellent read.... Engaging from the first chapter
February 10, 2024
4.5 stars!
July 11, 2022
Brian has done it again! This book kept my attention to the end, I love how he twisted and turned the plots. Loved it!
July 18, 2022
my Adrenaline is. up
I am literally speechless . This was an emotional read , that has sparked various conversations to have with my Black son .
I am literally speechless . This was an emotional read , that has sparked various conversations to have with my Black son .
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews