They Were Chosen

by Shola Gbemi

There are two sides to every story.

Jermaine Aseyori maintains a small circle and is convinced that college is a scam. Kendra Gaskins pushes herself to embody class and poise as she juggles friendships, her mother's expectations, and her own thoughts. Like most twenty-somethings on their predominantly Black campus, both students expect this semester to be like the others— until circumstances beyond their control force them to question their friends, their community, and themselves.

They Were Chosen invites readers to reflect on Blackness and bystandership through the experiences of ordinary people in New York City during the Black Lives Matter movement.

350 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2022

About the author

Shola Gbemi is a Queens, New York native of Nigerian descent. His articles on popular culture have appeared in Blavity and 21Ninety. He has also been featured on Pix11 and CBS for partnering with nonprofit organizations and government agencies to activate public spaces in New York City neighborhoods of color. His debut novel, They Were Chosen, began as a screenplay he imagined while studying at SUNY Binghamton. When Shola’s not writing, he’s using his platform, Vision Speaks, to promote purpose driven living.

Reviews

[Dawnn Ariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shola Gbemi challenges all readers to look internally and contemplate some of their strongest beliefs as well as their agency in this world. They Were Chosen is a wonderful complex and nuanced narrative with relatable, familiar characters who force readers to hold a mirror to society, injustices and the pain we inflict, as well as unhealthy standards we perpetuate. Police brutality, sexual assault, and misogynoir are all dehumanizing and major ills in the Black community and the larger Diaspora. Gbemi did an amazing job of demonstrating 1. the gravity of each and how one issue should not be prioritized over the other 2. crafting unique characters who despite their young age are cognizant of their agency (even if/when they don’t acknowledge it). Collectively, they are navigating these issues (and life as it comes) for themselves/each other, educating one another and working to positively impact/change their world as best they can. The author’s level of detail to create each character and the ability to illustrate the setting for the reader (where Queens is home to an HBCU!) was most certainly innovative and challenging. The author excels here with his first fiction novel and I can’t wait to see what he produces next.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was beautifully written. The characters were unique and each were important to the plot. I really enjoyed the imagery the author used in the scenes; makes you feel that you’re in the story. The author also did justice in highlighting neighborhoods in Queens NY that often don’t get attention. The blend of the characters individual plot lines and the larger scale societal issues of the time was beautifully done. Awesome premiere book for Shola Gbemi’s writing career, and I look forward to reading more of his work!

[Aiseosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The plot twist at the end made the book worth the read for me. I won’t spoil it too much for you all but I appreciated the themes of social justice, sexual assault, & police brutality that were touched on in this novel. Every student needs a professor like Dr. Graham, respectfully! Make sure you go grab a copy and read this book, I promise you won’t regret it at all❤️.

[Octavia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely one of my favorite reads of 2022. Author Shola Gbemi did an incredible job of capturing themes of race, mental health, social status, abandonment and so much more. Having such relatable characters in such relatable situations is what made me enjoy reading this book so much. I see bits and pieces myself in just about all of the characters. So many unexpected twists and turns that will have you on edge, but it is definitely worthwhile.

[Odiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading "They were chosen" you'll immediately want to know if there's a set release date for book II, trust me! My experience with this book was very different, I sustained a smiled while reading most of it. Whilst I enjoyed the storytelling, I genuinely felt like I knew the characters and I could identify with the conversations that were had. Lastly, reading in a New York City accent was such a unique touch I didn't know I needed. Take your time with this one, so many hidden gems!

[Yemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about the two characters, Jermaine and Kendra, and how they are navigating their lives when faced with relationships, society, and their own identity. Every page is a head turner, and in some ways relatable. Take your time with this book and you will not be disappointed!

[Tara Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shola Gbemi creates such complex and relatable characters. I was very invested in each of the protagonists and can’t wait for the next book. This story captures the growth and doubt of youth beautifully.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Thoughts and Rating: 5 stars! With an unapologetically realistic delivery packed with emotion, ‘They Were Chosen’ is an eye opener to things individuals are battling on a daily basis. This book will have you hooked. It’s a MUST read.