BookBrowse Reviews The Opposite of Everyone by Joshilyn Jackson

BookBrowse:

Tinged with elements of mysticism and Southern storytelling tradition, this quirky tale from a popular author proves that family and the power of love win every time.

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Joshilyn Jackson's unconventional plots and powerful writing style are in fine form in The Opposite of Everyone, delighting many BookBrowse First Impression reviewers who rated the novel a strong 4+.

You can never really escape your past. It makes you who you are. Paula Vauss has had to reinvent herself so many times it is amazing she has become a successful lawyer. It is obvious that her upbringing has not only haunted and driven her but also held her back in ways she didn't necessarily fully understand until one fateful day when a letter draws out emotions that she never knew she possessed. The Opposite of Everyone is a complicated web of a story but one that will touch you to the core (SB).

Readers enjoyed the exploration of mother-daughter relationships

Having just recently lost my mother, I was caught up in the mother-daughter dynamics and how the mother, Kai, despite many shortcomings, always wants her daughter to be proud of her roots and succeed in life. The Opposite of Everyone is full of twists and is about finding the true meaning of family and real love (Amy M). When I first started this book, I wasn't sure if it was for me — new author, unfamiliar territory, etc. But the characters of mother and daughter and others are interesting and well drawn. I enjoyed the style of going back and forth in time and between characters and liked how all the loose ends are tied (Robin N). This book shows no matter what, family always wins out. The complications involved with dysfunction also prove that things can turn around with faith and hope (Mary Lou F).

The character studies are a strong point

The development of the protagonist, Paula Vauss aka Kai, is outstanding. The gypsy life she led with her mother, the strength she developed over the years, her acute insight in difficult situations, her ability to overcome all the obstacles to become a successful lawyer — this turned out to be a story worth savoring, and I did...down to the last word (Dorinne D). Joshilyn Jackson is terrific at melding the characters and giving the reader a feeling of friendship with each of them (Roe P).

Dashes of Hindu mysticism and Southern storytelling add to the charm

I love Joshilyn Jackson's writing. Her characters and plots, usually what I describe as quirky and active, seem even more so here. For this reason, I was not sure how I would take to this book — the first few pages were stranger than usual. But I am so glad I persevered. The diverse and deep themes of this book, delivered in frenzy and flashback, take us from southern culture to karma and may appear dichotomous at times, but in the end — and surprising that ending is — Jackson delivers to her readers one of her richest works in so many ways — one that is truly the opposite of what most everyone who reads it will expect but all will find deeply enlightening and satisfying (Susie J).

Some readers were ambivalent about the mysticism elements

Loved the bones of this book, just wish it had less mysticism (Teresa R). I am an impatient reader and always feel annoyed when a plot thread is interrupted for a flashback or in this case a mythological tale. Joshilyn Jackson is a skilled writer and in her hands this device is well done and makes sense. This was the best way to explain the characters and how their history made them who they are (Joan P).

The novel has all the right ingredients

Quirky and appealing characters, an engaging story, and honest dialogue made this a great book! From the very first pages I couldn't put it down. The characters were so real to me, and their story was so believable that I felt myself immersed in their lives (Donna W). At first I wasn't sure Paula wasn't just another hardboiled detective/lawyer, but this novel is so much more. The suspenseful story of her current life and flashbacks to her broken family drew me in emotionally to the very end. I'm sure reading groups will find plenty to discuss here (Dona H).

This review was originally published in The BookBrowse Review in February 2016, and has been updated for the October 2016 edition. Click here to go to this issue.