He Is Expected To Become A Ruthless, Take Charge Leader.
But Will He?
Description
The silver spoon lodged in George’s throat was choking the life out of him.
The obsessive need for power and control of a global empire overshadows the Leibnitz family. Favored heir George struggles to reconcile the person he could become with the ruthless leader he is expected to be. A new world emerges when he meets the captivating M. On his journey, we find intrigue, betrayal, and mortal danger lurking behind the most unlikely doors.
In Twisted Silver Spoons by Karen Wicks, we experience the inner and outer struggle of a protagonist who defies expectations to find his voice and become his own man.
Details
- Rating: ☆☆☆☆
- Title: Twisted Silver Spoons
- Author: Karen M. Wicks
- Genre:Â Psychological Fiction
- Length: 349 pages
- Publisher:Â Â Atmosphere Press
- Release Date: August 10 2021
My Thoughts
This is a story that delves into family traditions, expectations, and greed for power and money. A story where a family empire is raised and orchestrated with little regard for personal feelings. A story that might even open your own eyes.
George Leibnitz, and possibly his cousin, are being groomed to run the family business. This is a position that both pleases George and fills him with dread. It pleases him because his cousin, who he has grown up with, has a cut-throat personality and continually puts George down. And dread? Well, that’s because corporate life isn’t what he longs to be part of. Being an artist has been his real passion and goal. He has no wish to step into the brutal world of big business.
But what will it take to persuade him into leaving behind his love of art, and stepping into the shoes he’s expected to fill?
This story extensively covers the ins and outs of family dynamics when it pertains to a large business. George learns that he needs to scrutinize and analyze his family members constantly. Is he being played, or do they have his best interest in mind? Nothing can be taken at face value.
We do see a flawed protagonist and growth throughout the story, which is also true of some of the other characters.
My Concerns
It is obvious at the first of the book that George is insecure and somewhat meek, He is also sensitive. These are not bad qualities, by any means, but as the protagonist, he didn’t impress me. He relied heavily on his therapist and didn’t come across as strong or likable.
So when George met a potential girlfriend, I assumed she bonded to his kindness and good manners. All good. But even as he grew to know her, he came across as having a sniveling attitude. Perhaps if I reread it I would change my thoughts. But I kept wondering what she saw in him.
I wish I’d felt a little more attachment to each character. Lots of well-written dialog was presented, which helped me understand emotions, but I would have liked more descriptions and actions, and less dialog leading the story.
Final Thoughts
Author Karen Wicks brought an interesting, behind-the-scenes look at what families, expectations, rivalry, jealousy, and more might be all about. What do members sacrifice? What kinds of rivalry can be among family members? How often do misunderstandings happen due to poor communication?
While the theme can be a bit depressing, Wicks did a great job of coming in and out various doors in order to present this story. The insights come from a Grandmother, Stepmother, Girlfriend, Brother, Therapist, Father, Uncle, employee, etc., and each plays a different role in helping to present this unique story.
I’d say, yes, give this book a try.
I received a gifted copy of this book; all thoughts are my opinions, of which I was free to post.
Rating: 4 ☆☆☆☆ Stars
About the Author (from her website)
Karen M. Wicks holds a doctorate from New York University and has taught in middle and high school and at the college level. She has served as director for curriculum and instructional development at the College Board. She and her husband Les created a supplemental education company. They subsequently co-founded the K-12 public school, Royal Live Oaks Academy of the Arts & Sciences Charter School, in South Carolina, where Karen has been the Executive Director/CEO since 2012. Her creative pursuits are wide-ranging: writing, singing, cooking, designing, gardening, and collecting art. Les and Karen have traveled widely and feel blessed to have made many long lasting friendships.
Karen has been journaling throughout her adult life, and writing a novel has percolated over time. She lives her life with an open heart and mind and is passionate about making a difference for others. One of her favorite quotes is from Mother Teresa: I alone can’t change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.
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