Nurseketeers Series - Book 2
Robin, a fiery red-head, arrives home from her freshman year of nursing school, to discover her home is slated for demolition for upscale housing she can’t afford. Her summer vacation devolves into a chaotic circus of exploration of sexuality, violence, and tragedy.
Then, thieving by an ex-friend threatens Robin's job and brings her to court; but that's not all. Robin’s summer spins further out of control when the unanticipated reunion with her estranged mother is derailed by family violence that leaves Robin grappling with grief and railing against the world.
Back at school, the Nurseketeers band around Robin to embrace women’s issues, gender discrimination, cultural diversities, and plan a March against Violence.
A chance meeting motivates Robin to question her sexuality in an era when homosexuality was illegal in every state but one - and that one wasn’t Texas. Her roommate’s homophobia challenges the need for secrecy as Robin explores her emerging lesbian impulses. Exposure could turn her nursing career into an impossible dream or worse, she could land in jail.
Book Review of Against the World
Against the World by Joy Don Baker & Terri Goodman is a compelling, coming of age story about a young nurse named Robin. Growing up in the 1970s, Robin tackles a great deal of challenges in both her personal relationships with family and friends, as well as life in general. She must face losing her childhood home, being taken to court, traumatic experiences with her family and the risk that comes with exploring her feelings for other women. Robin's struggles are tragic and raw, and her determination, strength, and strong will in the face of a challenge is admirable.
Baker and Goodman do a wonderful job at presenting the reader with difficult yet critically important topics such as violence, abuse, homophobia, and racism. They paint a picture of the difficulties of the time period and provide many teachable moments that the reader can carry with them into their own lives.
Overall, this book is a powerful testament to the strength and determination of a woman. Highly recommended!
- Review by the Book Excellence Awards