Beyond The Tide: Josu Neomeo
Book Description
Each chapter of Beyond the Tide: Josu Neomeo represents a week in Lena’s year in Busan, South Korea, documenting her growth, experiences, and friendships. The chapters are thematically linked, focusing on cultural encounters, language lessons, celebrations, challenges, and small victories. Lena’s journey is shaped not only by her friends but also by her solo explorations, encounters with locals, and quiet moments of reflection by the sea. The characters support each other through their unique challenges, creating a lasting bond that transcends their differences.
As Lena and her new friends grapple with their individual identities, they learn from each other’s experiences, creating a tapestry of cultural exchange, respect, and understanding. Lena’s photography becomes the story’s silent narrator, capturing the essence of Busan, its people, and the emotions of the year.
Blended Horizons
Book Description
In a world where love transcends cultural and racial divides, Blended Horizons unfolds as an evocative tale of two young souls navigating the complexities of identity, society, and personal growth. Emi Tanaka, a shy yet passionate environmental science student at the University of Tokyo, lives a life shaped by traditional Japanese values and societal expectations. Her world shifts when she connects with Keston “KJ” Johnson, a confident and creative culinary arts student from Atlanta, Georgia, studying in Yokohama.
Meeting through a cultural exchange app, Emi and KJ bond over shared interests in sustainability, food, and a desire to understand the world beyond their own. But as their connection deepens into love, Emi faces an internal battle: she fears societal judgment and initially hides KJ’s identity as a Black American from her peers and family. For KJ, his journey in Japan offers a fresh perspective, yet he’s no stranger to the prejudices that arise when living as a foreigner in a homogeneous society.
"The 7 Deadly Black Diaries" Series
Envy's Diary: The Soul's Covet Within the Bayou
In the depths of Louisiana’s mysterious bayou, Charlotte Dupree, a talented yet overshadowed artist, envies her sister’s fame as a singer. As she journals her feelings, envy gradually consumes her, pulling her into a world where the line between ambition and obsession blurs. Set against the rich Creole culture of the bayou, Charlotte must confront her inner demons and discover the value of self-worth before envy destroys everything she holds dear. A tale of identity, family, and overcoming the poisonous grip of jealousy.
Gluttony's Diary: Hunger's Feast on Savannah's Secrets
Malcolm Jameson, a successful chef in Savannah, Georgia, chronicles his insatiable desire for more — more wealth, more fame, and more indulgence in life’s pleasures. As he gains success, his hunger for excess begins to take a toll on his relationships and well-being. Malcolm’s diary reveals the devastating impact of gluttony, both physically and spiritually, as he uncovers dark secrets hidden beneath Savannah’s charm. He must learn to control his appetites before he loses himself entirely.
Sloth's Diary: The Whispering Shadows of the Gullah Islands
Set on the Gullah Islands off the coast of South Carolina, Delilah Moore, a once-promising writer, has succumbed to a life of procrastination and avoidance. Her diary reveals the growing weight of guilt as she neglects her passions, relationships, and ancestral heritage. When mysterious shadows begin to haunt her, Delilah must confront the dangers of her inertia and the cultural legacy she’s been ignoring. Through spiritual encounters and self-reflection, she learns that action and purpose are essential for growth.
Wrath's Diary: The Crimson Temptations of Harlem's Shadows
In 1920s Harlem, jazz musician Quincy Robinson chronicles the seething anger that festers within him after years of racial oppression and personal betrayal. His wrath leads him down a dangerous path of violence, gang ties, and destructive temptations. As his rage consumes him, he risks losing not only his music but his soul. In the vibrant yet tumultuous backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance, Quincy must learn to channel his anger into positive change before it destroys everything he loves.
Pride's Diary: Fragile Reflections of New Orleans' Masks
Amid the allure and mystique of New Orleans' masquerade balls, socialite Veronica Baptiste records her journey of unchecked pride. Obsessed with maintaining her flawless image, she hides behind masks of perfection, both literal and figurative, while concealing the cracks in her life. Her diary exposes her inner struggles with vulnerability and her fear of imperfection. When her world begins to unravel, Veronica must confront the fragility of pride and the liberation that comes with embracing authenticity.
Greed's Diary: The Drowning Echoes Beneath Chicago's Skyscrapers
Marcus Thompson, a real estate mogul in Chicago, chronicles his relentless pursuit of wealth and power, fueled by greed. His diary captures the moral compromises and fractured relationships that arise as he climbs the ranks of the city’s elite. When a business deal involving the exploitation of marginalized communities comes to light, Marcus is forced to reckon with the cost of his greed. Amidst the towering skyscrapers, he learns that some things — like integrity and community — are more valuable than money.
Lust's Diary: Shattered Innocence of the Plantation Manor
On a once-grand Southern plantation, now a historical museum, Danielle Halloway, a young historian, becomes entangled in a dangerous affair with a wealthy patron. Her diary reveals the intoxicating allure of lust as she finds herself slipping further into a web of desire, deception, and betrayal. Set against the haunting backdrop of the plantation’s dark history, Danielle must confront the consequences of her choices and the legacy of trauma that surrounds her. Can she reclaim her innocence and self-worth before it's too late?