Title: Talent Show
Author: Denise Haynes
Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
ISBN: 978-1035811922
Pages: 221
Genre: Literature & Fiction / Family Life
Reviewed by: Alyssa Avina

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A unique aspect of life in general is how everyone has their own distinct perspective on life and the situations which arise within it. So many people can arrive at different conclusions about the same event thanks to their own opinions, viewpoints, and preconceived notions. For good or bad, being able to revisit these moments together and piece together the truth behind these events by sharing each individual story.

In that same spirit, author Denise Haynes shares a story of one family and the lifetime of perspectives that come from this large group of family members in the book Talent Show. The story follows an introverted father who shares not only the life of his wife, but the lives of his children from his perspective, as well as his children’s alternate perspectives and the discovery they make about their parents and the lives they led before they became parents, showcasing a well-rounded tale of how a family lives, survives, grows and evolves over time both together and as individuals.

The authenticity and heart the author poured into this narrative was the first thing that stood out. The even pacing of the story and the way each character was given a first-person perspective in telling their stories was fantastic, as it allows the readers to feel more of a connection to each character. The unique setting and culture of these characters stood out as well, allowing readers to travel to Trinidad and beyond to see the relationship that formed between two people from very different backgrounds and the life they built together. The viewpoint and experiences the protagonist (the father) goes through with his future wife’s father and the cultural divide that separates them in their courtship was fascinating and emotionally driving for readers to get into this story.

Any reader who has ever been part of a big family, especially those who are engaged with genre fiction storytelling and family dramas, will instantly be invested in this narrative. The way the author was able to bring a bit of herself into the narrative by capturing her home and the culture there and infusing it into the breath of this story honored the heart and passion these characters brought to the page. The details that went into each chapter and the experiences that each member of this family had allowed the reader to get a well-rounded picture of what this family was about, and the struggles and triumphs each found throughout their journey.

Talent Show by Denise Haynes is an enjoyable, family-friendly book that teaches valuable lessons about self-acceptance and courage. It’s an excellent choice for young readers who may find themselves feeling hesitant to share their own talents or simply want a fun, relatable story.