This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Ridley Speaks by Kirk Ward Robinson is a deeply moving and rich novel that combines Southern Gothic elements with modern coming-of-age themes. The story follows Ridley, a resilient protagonist raised under challenging and often chaotic circumstances, as she struggles to reconcile her family’s troubled past, navigate her own identity, and find freedom from a legacy of hardship. Robinson’s writing brings to life the complexities of family relationships, particularly Ridley’s bond with her mother, Blaize, and her siblings. These relationships are intricately layered, filled with moments of love, conflict, and hard-won understanding.
Kirk Ward Robinson shows readers Ridley’s emotional depth, a difficult writing skill to master. It doesn’t take long to connect and cheer for her. The Appalachian setting influences Ridley’s experiences and shapes her worldview. The descriptions of the rugged terrain and small-town life are vivid and immersive, grounding the reader in the environment. The pacing is measured, offering readers a slow-burn journey through Ridley’s experiences. This deliberate tempo allows for immersive storytelling, giving space to detailed descriptions of the raw realities of poverty and the complex relationships between characters. While action sequences are sparse, the story is propelled by introspection, powerful dialogue, and the weight of Ridley’s emotional and psychological struggles. Readers who enjoy Southern fiction, coming-of-age stories, or family sagas with emotional depth will find Ridley Speaks compelling. Fans of literary novels that explore complex social and personal issues, such as poverty, identity, and gender roles, will also appreciate Robinson’s storytelling and unforgettable protagonist. I highly recommend it.
