Discover How Berta Finds Strength and Confidence

A Story of Courage and Resilience: Berta’s Bounceback by Nadine C. Keels

 

Want to read about a strong woman?

Big thanks to Nadine C. Keels for sending me an ARC — all opinions are my own!!

Author: Nadine C. Keels

Genre: Historical fiction, YA, Coming of age

Trigger Warnings: None- clean wholesome book

Tropes: Coming of age, the new girl, small-town life, academic struggles, first love, support, Black joy, not like other girls

Pace: Medium- slow pace

Spice Level: 0🌶️

Page count: 98 pages 

Format Read: Ebook via Kindle

The story follows Berta's coming of age during the 1950s as she navigates the challenges of life and academics. When her friend moves away, Berta struggles with grief, which leads to a decline in her grades. Her relationship with her boyfriend, Howard, becomes rocky, further damaging her self-confidence. To make matters worse, a new girl arrives in town, and she seems perfect, talented, and charming. This causes Berta to question whether being ordinary is acceptable or even good enough. Ultimately, this is a story about a girl searching for confidence, talent, and courage.

The writing of this story provided readers with a seamless narrative. Nadine’s style is clear, offering just the right amount of detail to engage readers without overwhelming them. I felt transported to the era in which the characters resided and developed a personal connection with them. Her storytelling delivers wholesome narratives suitable for a variety of ages, while remaining authentic to the period in which they are set.

Berta was the main character I found extremely relatable. It was refreshing to see a character grappling with issues like confidence, academic pressures, and the complexities of life. Many stories shy away from showing the genuine struggle people face, but Berta’s journey illustrated how one can face difficulties and still find the strength to rise again. She serves as an inspiring role model for young women, demonstrating that it’s perfectly okay to struggle.

On the other hand, Howard was a character I had a love-hate relationship with. While I could understand the reasons behind Berta's declining confidence and feelings of uncertainty, I found myself conflicted about Howard. His impact on her self-worth was evident, and as he changed, so did Berta’s perception of herself. Ultimately, he contributed more to her development than to any drama, serving as an indirect catalyst for her growth.

The story was easy to follow, and you could really see the lives that the characters were living. There were some standout moments, particularly towards the end of the book. One memorable moment was when Berta began to realize that her self-worth was determined by herself and not solely by her boyfriend, Howard. 

The pacing of the book was slow, but it felt appropriate for the story and its purpose. It allowed readers to experience the characters' journeys in a way that felt authentic to what they were going through. I think the pace of this book was slightly quicker than "Vicky’s Victory," which influenced my overall enjoyment of it.

The author effectively wove clear messages into the story without making them feel intrusive. Key themes include the importance of self-worth and the understanding that it comes from within, not from others. It’s a powerful reminder that being in a relationship does not define one's identity or value. 

Another significant theme is the importance of resilience; regardless of the struggles you face, cultivating resilience can lead to greater confidence, success, and a stronger sense of self. Nadine brilliantly emphasizes in Berta’s narrative the necessity of finding your own voice and having the courage to speak out. These messages add rich layers to the story and resonate deeply with readers.

I found it intriguing that the story is set in the 1950s, as I typically don’t read books from that era. It was enlightening to explore the experiences of young Black women during that time. The scenes in the soda shop created a cozy, inviting atmosphere, making me feel as though I was right there with the characters in their world.

The focus on a young Black woman allowed the narrative to explore her unique experiences without the distraction of how other races fit into the story. This emphasis is refreshing, as it highlights the importance of Black characters and their historical context without overshadowing their personal journeys. It's a perspective that isn't often captured in literature, making it all the more meaningful.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much the story impacted me. It resonated on levels I didn't foresee, especially seeing a character tackle struggles similar to my own or those of people I know. After going through a phase of reading mainly thrillers, YA, and mystery novels, this book was a refreshing change that helped pull me out of my reading slump. It was an enjoyable experience that allowed me to immerse myself in something different.

I believe this book could be particularly beneficial for young women grappling with confidence or body image issues. It offers a relatable and uplifting perspective that can brighten someone's mood or reignite their passion for reading. Overall, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to explore new themes and enjoy a heartfelt narrative.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a short, wholesome read. It's particularly suited for those who enjoy vintage-style stories with a sprinkle of romance. I think it would resonate well with a younger audience, especially those experiencing similar struggles to the character Berta. 

That said, it’s also a great option for adults who want a quick but fulfilling read. I can see both boys and girls, as well as men and women, finding something to appreciate in this book. While I believe it may attract more attention from girls and women, it definitely has a universal appeal that could engage readers across the board.

" Vicky had been the one with the brains, and Berta had been the one with the boyfriend" -Chapter 1 pg. 13

"Maybe the sight of it wasn’t what Berta would have automatically thought of as a burst of handsomeness. It was more like a burst of... harmony?” Chapter 2 pg. 18

"she’d reasoned that a boyfriend’s approval, a best friend’s approval, the approval of one’s family—all of it was important. All of it was valuable” Chapter 7 pg. 86

I recently finished reading "Berta’s Bounceback," and I have to say, it completely captivated me from start to finish! It pulled me right out of my reading slump and left me eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. I found this book much more enjoyable than "Vicky’s Victory," primarily because it incorporated a bit more romance, which I appreciated. 

I would definitely recommend it to others, as it was an incredibly enjoyable experience for me. If you're on the lookout for a delightful read set in the 1950s, "Berta’s Bounceback" is definitely worth picking up! 

My rating for this cute book is 💫💫💫💫💫 (5/5 stars)