Review by Rox Burkey
No Pedigree: A Really Short Story
Author Nonnie Jules writes a sad, yet viable account of the cruelty young people can bestow upon their peers in the name of “being better” than someone else. In this case, money and position were the heart of the problems in a small town that condoned that sort of behavior. The problems passed from parents to children in an uncontrolled manner.
Baylee, at 5’9” with blonde hair and a tan hue to her skin, was of mixed heritage. In small town Oklahoma, this was a problem. High school is a trying time for most children as they try to rush their metamorphosis to adulthood. It is awkward and painful without trusted friends. Any youth transferring to a new high school in a new city can be exceptionally challenging. For Baylee, it was life changing.
I really liked the description that Nonnie paints when Baylee met Carson on her first day at the new high school. They clearly were able to immediately size each other up. It emphasized the possibilities of real friendships. At this point I was caught up in the story due to the great quality of the writing.
“Baylee, huh? More like Baylee badass yourself! I like that! OK, I’m Carson Beckett. Nice to meet you, Bayleeee!”
“Carson? Isn’t that a boy’s name?” Baylee asked, her curiosity about this girl, growing by the second.
“What can I say, my dad wished for a boy that he could name Carson, so when I showed up – well, ever heard of half-a-wish? That’s what my dad got. He didn’t get a son, but he did find a way to keep the name, so he got one half of his wish,” Carson laughed. “Now, enough small talk about me, Bayleeee. C’mon. I’ll show you around this joint.”
Carson was funny. Baylee had just met the only real friend she’d ever have at Mount-Barron High.
I didn’t really see the foreshadowing of this section until much later in the story. The tragedy of the story, and surprising conclusion, is not exclusive to America. Societies over hundreds of years, even with all the lessons that have been given, seem unable to learn that hatred, prejudice, and jealousy are horribly outdated and simply put, poisonous.
The story is worth sharing with teens and young adults as a guide on what to avoid, even if their parents forgot to tell them. The ending was unexpected, so don’t skip a page.
About the Author:
Nonnie Jules was born in Texas. When she was a mere toddler, her family relocated to Shreveport where red dirt roads and pick-up trucks go hand in hand. She lives in Louisiana today with her husband, two daughters, and their many animals. She loves to write from all genres of literature including short stories, poetry, fiction and non, as well as How-To books.
“The Good Mommies’ Guide to Raising (Almost) Perfect Daughters” was her first book. You can find this one and all her other works on her website BooksByNonnie as well as on Amazon.
Nonnie started her own publishing company along with 3 partner including 4WillsPublishing, due to her strong desire to insure that authors were only putting out THE BEST, and that the readers were only being offered the BEST, and that’s who her company represented. For authors who need support they are invited to check the SERVICES page.
In December, 2013, Nonnie founded Rave Reviews Book Club. This organization has more than 500 in the membership, with new members daily. If you are an author or reader and you are looking to become a part of an organization that feels like family, one that will support you, you need to add your name to the roster of the elite members of RRBC.
Nonnie can be found most often on Twitter relentlessly promoting other indie authors. Nonnie says that she will continue to write as long as her readers continue reading her work.
