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Hi! Thanks for taking a moment to learn about me.
I'm a caregiver as well as an author. I tend to write whatever catches my attention long enough to get it on paper, so I have a variety of poetry topics. I've performed spoken word poetry on the radio, in Japan, and multiple areas within Virginia. I also write in various lengths from flash fiction to novels. I am a "true life poet," so I have at least one person as my intended audience for everything written. Sometimes, I write for entertainment, but often I write or speak for someone who has not yet gathered the strength to say what is in his heart.
This book came about as a result of a few things I wanted. Mostly, I wanted to write about something positive, uplifting, and supportive while highlighting issues we tend to overlook after the initial action (ex. how people recover differently in their own time from trauma). I was hoping to provide something that would resonate with many so they can see themselves or someone they know in one of the characters of the book. My hope is that this book both entertains as well as gives the reader something to consider.
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Heart of Crystal: Trust Me, Book One is a new adult contemporary fiction novel written by Obelia Akanke. Crystal still wore her hair long in front to hide the scars left by her controlling and sadistic ex-boyfriend, Derrick. It had been some time since that terrifying night when he assaulted her, and she ended up in the hospital, and she had lost any interest or incentive in starting up a new relationship any time soon. But Mario was different, and, somehow, she began to see herself opening up to him. Crystal had met Mario in the Writer’s Lounge, which her best friend, Tina, had finally gotten her to participate in four months ago. Mario was actually one of the original minds behind the creative arts group, and he still made a point of stopping in and seeing the new talent bear fruit. He had asked her to sing her lyrics rather than recite them and then spoke with her afterwards. Crystal was both thrilled and frightened at the same time. Could she trust another man again?
Obelia Akanke’s new adult contemporary fiction novel, Heart of Crystal: Trust Me, Book One, is a celebration of artists creating and supporting each other that works so well in so many ways. Domestic violence and abuse and their often deadly consequences also form a major theme in this book whose main character bears scars on her psyche as well as her body. Watching her work with her counselor is inspiring, and seeing how she creates the songs she writes and composes is brilliant indeed. Akanke’s own experiences as a poet and performance artist give her story a genuine feel, and her love of the arts brings an excitement that is palpable in the descriptions of every gathering of the young creatives in this book. Her characters are vividly drawn and true-to-life, and her story is an engaging and enjoyable one. I’m looking forward to reading more offerings by this author. Heart of Crystal: Trust Me, Book One is most highly recommended.
