Mothers, Vol. 1 is a powerful and emotional story that delves into the life of Juanita, a widowed single mother who faces challenges and highlights her incredible bravery and fortitude in doing whatever is necessary for her children.

The narrative opens with tragedy striking the Wilson family in 1995 when Juanita's husband and the family's primary breadwinner, is killed by a stray bullet. Left with no life insurance and minimal savings, Juanita is forced to sell their valuable possessions to provide her husband with a proper burial. With the sudden loss of her husband's salary, she finds herself struggling financially to support herself and her children.

The struggles continue when Juanita's youngest child is diagnosed with cancer two years later, plunging her into a deep financial crisis. Copayments for treatments, surgeries, prescriptions, and transportation to and from medical appointments accumulate, leaving her deeply in debt. Juanita works tirelessly at her job in the prestigious law firm despite despising it, to make ends meet for her family.

The author. portrays Juanita as a resilient and determined mother who sacrifices her own well-being to ensure her children's survival. The author expertly conveys the weight of Juanita's responsibilities, her challenges as a single mother, and the overwhelming burden of debt. The readers are immersed in the emotional turmoil Juanita experiences, torn between her duty to her children and her personal struggles.

The character development in the story is poignant and realistic. Juanita's eldest son, Jalen, feeling neglected due to his mother's constant work and financial constraints, becomes susceptible to the allure of the streets and falls under the influence of a local drug dealer named Drastic. The complex dynamics between Jalen, Juanita, and Drastic add layers of tension and highlight the consequences of a lack of resources and support.

The author's writing style is raw and evocative, capturing the challenges faced by Juanita and her family. The author confronts issues such as poverty, loss, and the impact of systemic inequalities with honesty and sensitivity. The book serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the realities many single mothers face, particularly those from marginalized communities.

The author illuminates the strength and resilience of a mother's love in the face of adversity, providing readers with a captivating narrative that sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of single mothers.

I recommend this book club so the readers can dissect the storyline. I give this book 4 stars.