Title: The New Frontier
Author: Wayne L. Wilson
Publisher: Artemesia Publishing, LLC NC
ISBN: 9781951122874
Pages: 260
Genre: Coming of Age/Young Adult
Reviewer: Rahul
Pacific Book Review
Imagine stepping into a world where the stark lines between friend and foe are determined not by actions or beliefs but by the color of one’s skin. Taking place on the day of the protagonist’s birth following a hospital fire, The New Frontier by author Wayne L. Wilson successfully ignites a compelling narrative. It transports readers to 1961 Los Angeles, a time and place brimming with both hope and hostility, as a black family dares to cross the societal lines of segregation by moving into an all-white neighborhood.
The story focuses on Samuel, a young boy who faces many challenges because of racism as he grows up. The book does a great job of showing what life was like back then through conversations and events which feel real. Despite discussing serious topics such as racism and growing up, it is easy to follow and gives readers a sense of connection with the characters. Wayne’s characters are vividly realized and richly portrayed. You can feel what they are going through because they are realistic and relatable. The dialogue and how they interact with each other pulls you into their world.
From the beginning, with a mysterious fire at the hospital when the protagonist is born, the book sets the tone of a life filled with substantial, sometimes mystical events. This event is seen differently by each family member, which adds depth to the story by showing how personal beliefs affect our views of life. The author skillfully handles the family’s move to a new neighborhood, capturing the excitement and worry accompanying significant changes. This move reflects broader societal changes, examined through the family’s interactions and how they adjust to new surroundings.
The book doesn’t avoid tough topics like racial tension and the expectations of society, which are especially striking when shown through the children’s experiences. These heavier themes are woven into the story alongside scenes of the children playing and being naive, highlighting the loss of innocence caused by societal issues.
Why should you read this book? Because it offers more than just a historical recount; it reflects the past’s ongoing dialogue with the present. It challenges readers to reflect on how they view family, community, and society. The book serves as a reminder of the struggles which have shaped communities, and a call to be mindful of the paths ahead. For anyone drawn to the intersections of personal history and immense societal movements, or for those who seek a story rich with emotional and historical layers, The New Frontier is an essential read. Wayne L. Wilson doesn’t just tell a story; he invites you into it, urging you to witness the literal and metaphorical fires that forge the strength of the human spirit.
