Mercy's View

Blackout

Non-Fiction - Memoir
322 Pages
Reviewed on 04/10/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

Mercy's View: Blackout by J.J. Maze continues Heather’s journey from a runaway teen to an independent adult who learns to fend for herself and regain her confidence. Her relationship with her toxic and emotionally volatile mother remains challenging, prompting Heather to devise a well-crafted plan to leave home for a second time. As she navigates life, Heather babysits, explores dating, and experiences various misadventures. She exaggerates her qualifications to land a job and develops friendships with caring gay men, who introduce her to the joys of partying and having fun. Throughout her journey, Heather faces health scares, battles her fears, and struggles with insomnia, yet she continues to write songs and dreams of becoming a musician. While touring Europe, she creates unforgettable memories and eventually decides to return to California. Just as she is about to leave, she meets Shawn, a man she quickly falls for. This puts her heart in conflict, as she feels she must leave him to pursue her dreams, although fate has other plans for them.

Mercy's View: Blackout is the sequel to Walk Until Sunrise by J.J. Maze. It is a raw story rich in emotional depth, exploring themes of independence, resilience, and the complexities of relationships. Heather's story reads like a captivating work of fiction, despite being a memoir. The lighthearted moments, such as the pranks her friends play on her while she waits for an important call, provide relief amid the intense narrative. Heather’s journal entries and lyrics give readers insight into her inner thoughts and struggles. She candidly addresses her fears and insecurities, which have plagued her and led her to question her self-worth and her relationships. A pivotal moment in her journey occurs when she chooses to love herself more and allows love a chance. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and hope there will be another installment highlighting Heather's relationship with Shawn and her musical journey. Overall, Mercy's View is a heartwarming and thought-provoking memoir that explores relatable themes that will resonate with many readers.