Following Our Own Dreams is a work of fiction in the fantasy and adventure subgenres. It is aimed at young adults and was penned by author Kain Carter. The book tells the story of a boy named Adam as he works through the difficulties of life to try to figure out who he is and where he fits into the world around him. Written as a parable to help readers on the cusp of adulthood understand what it takes to build confidence, reflect on their strengths, and learn the skills needed to succeed as an adult, the book uses Adam’s story to show the power of strong mental habits in achieving your goals.

It's an interesting take on fiction with life lessons to place those lessons so overtly front and center, to use them as the selling point to attract readers. It initially gave me concerns about the quality of the story that it was downplayed so much in favor of the subtext, but those concerns were quickly laid to rest when I started reading and Adam’s story unfurled before me. Kain Carter has created a relatable and likable protagonist in Adam, a perfect guide to take us through the life lessons that the book imparts. Sometimes learning from his example, sometimes from his mistakes, Adam is a character who quickly establishes himself as someone to root for and grow with as his journey reveals itself. Overall, Following Our Own Dreams is a quirky parable about finding your way through life that explores its themes with great skill and consideration. On top of an engaging story, you’ll find many thoughts and ideas to take away and apply to your own life.

Following Our Own Dreams is a crime drama novella by Kain Carter that follows a young man's initiation into a criminal organization and its repercussions. Adam lives a troubled life in the 'hood with a neglectful father. His favorite days are when his cousin Deion visits their home, and they spend their time playing Pokemon cards and video games. After his mother's boyfriend teaches Adam to stand up to bullies, he finds himself in a scuffle with a school bully, leading to his expulsion. Eventually, Adam joins the dreaded neighborhood street gang, the Banga Boys, led by Adam's neighbor, Steve. Distinguishing himself amongst his colleagues, Adam has a meteoric rise within the organization, getting particularly close with Steve's go-to assassin, Chrissy. But after the Banga Boys partner with the Wu-Pound crime family, all hell breaks loose.

Short and concise, Following Our Own Dreams is an action-packed crime drama thriller that breezes past without a single hitch. Author Kain Carter wastes few words to hook the reader into the story and keeps you immersed, with a fast-paced narrative that leaves no room for unnecessary exposition. The plotting is tight, and you're never quite sure what's going to happen next. I gobbled it up in one sitting. This is primarily a plot-driven narrative, and as such, the characters merely act as tools to move the story forward. Adam is the main protagonist with the most fleshed-out character work, and he is easy to root for. If you're looking for a short crime novella, Following Our Own Dreams is the book for you.

In Following Our Own Dreams by Kain Carter, twelve-year-old Adam lives in a dangerous neighborhood known as the “Red Zone”. The boy’s philandering father beats him and doesn’t provide enough food while his mother deals with alcohol addiction. After being attacked by members of the Banga Boyz, Adam learns to fight and is expelled from school for defending himself in a brawl. He befriends Banga Boyz leader Steve who, impressed by the boy’s abilities, employs Adam in his illegal drug business. The Banga Boyz become Adam’s new family where he earns respect and becomes streetwise. Adam meets Banga Boyz member Chrissy who had been abused by her own parents until her uncle took her in and taught her to be an assassin. When Steve decides to form a partnership with the feared crime family, Wu-Pound, Adam makes the decision to leave with and take Chrissy with him, putting both of their lives in danger.

“Hungry children shouldn't be afraid to walk down the street to feed themselves.” This is one of the many messages delivered by Kain Carter in Following Our Own Dreams. Like Adam, it is important for us to strengthen and improve our mental and physical health to achieve our dreams. Adam is forced to overcome many trials and tribulations. In order to do so, he must enhance his thinking skills and deal with his thoughts and feelings before making life-altering decisions. The book is based on self-improvement psychology taught in practical terms which are easy to understand. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Following Our Own Dreams and recommend the book to readers of all ages.