Angela Darrah is a pro when it comes to pitching client stories to the media. But when she suspects her client is exploiting immigrant workers, she’s forced to face her own prejudices and to examine herself in ways she never imagined.Having landed a career-making assignment at one of Iowa’s largest poultry packing plants, Angela is stymied when the CEO who hired her resists her advice. Worse, he … Worse, he defers her to his right-hand man who keeps Angela off balance as he alternately supports and obstructs her efforts. When Angela finds an unexpected ally in a handsome Salvadoran plant supervisor, her professionalism wavers in the face of undeniable attraction.
As Angela immerses herself in the company and the town, she is faced with challenges similar to the company’s immigrant workers. How will she navigate a new system and succeed in the face of obstacles and injustices she doesn’t understand? Then, when she discovers corporate actions that are unethical, possibly illegal, Angela must confront the conflict between her duty to her client and her growing passion to fight injustice. Ultimately, she must decide: What is she willing to sacrifice to help someone else? Simple Truth is a thought-provoking story intertwined with risk, retaliation, and reward.
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Carol Bodensteiner has an uncanny knack for grabbing her reader in a snap second. Drawing realistic characters and bringing authentic settings to the page, we are immediately a part of the story. The characters become our friends. Others we find ourselves hoping they get what they deserve. Some we empathize with their conditions in life and cheer them on. And then there is Angela Darrah.
Sent out on a make or break assignment by her employer, a large public relations firm, Angela faces a rather long list of issues on which she must make decisions. On her own and without the immediate access to her boss, other than cell phone, Angela feels lost and adrift at times. Sleeping nights in a hotel room trying to prepare herself for the next meeting or stumbling block, her stress level rises. We’ve probably experienced similar feelings about a job assignment.
What impressed me the most with Bodensteiner’s writing was her ability to include many of the issues we read about and hear on our evening news affecting immigrants, women, diversities, and more. One of these was treatment toward Angela by one of the factory managers at the poultry packaging plant where she finds herself working. At times, his remarks and behavior go beyond rude. As an outsider, these actions leave Angela questioning how to handle this man and his behavior.
Also, Angela began to pick up on similar behavior with respect to immigrant workers. Not necessarily in the same way, but changing rules, unfair treatment, and what she was least expecting non-compliance with immigration laws.
It doesn’t hurt that there is a handsome and kind Salvadoran man, near Angela’s age, who attempts to help her. Over time, they both sense their interest in each other is growing into something they may not be able to handle because of cultural differences, immigration laws, and families.
Each of these smaller scenarios work together smoothly and seamlessly to make this novel a powerful statement on today’s workplace environments and the painful and heartbreaking need for some of our immigrant society. Bodensteiner’s journalistic work perhaps had an impact on her writing in this book, more so than in others.
I thoroughly enjoyed this 5-star book and encourage all who enjoy great fiction to pick up a copy and read it!
Simple Truth by Carol Bodensteiner
Truth…what is it?
Is your truth the same as mine?
How does perception of truth impact what is observed?
What would you be willing to give up for truth?
How important is truth…
This book is not an easy read. It deals with some big issues. As I read I wrote down some of my thoughts and I am sharing them here:
* Bigotry
* Racist behavior
* Taking advantage of others
* OSHA
* Truth
* Integrity
* Lies
* Prospering at the expense of others
* Border/immigrant issues
* Honesty
* Denial of basics
* Animals
* Good vs Evil
* Romance
* Job satisfaction
* Change
This is the story of a woman who believes she is on the right track professionally. She knows how to get the story for her clients out and how to help them improve their images. While dealing with her newest client she encounters issues that make her question herself and those around her. In the end she has to decide what is truly important…and grows as a person coming out at the end of the book more well-rounded, better in tune with herself and happier about the future she is embracing. It is a story of coming into one’s own; doing what one feels is right and taking a stand…no matter what.
I have to add in a personal aside at this point. I grew up in Iowa and thinking about the ethnic diversity in my elementary classes in the 60’s or even a few years ago when shopping while visiting family in Iowa – the color of skin is predominately white – at least where I was. I remember driving through Nebraska with someone who told me about workers in factories being less and less white but didn’t think about their situations that much until I read this book. There was discrimination in California in the 70’s and there is discrimination still in some parts of the USA, in Lebanon where I live now and in other parts of the world. I like to believe I do not discriminate but it is possible that I may be a bit like Angela and not realize that I may make assumptions based on my truths and that those truths may not always be entirely accurate…enough…
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Did this book make me think? Yes
Do I recommend this book? Yes
Will you enjoy this book? I think so
Thank you to the author who sent me an ARC to read for review purposes – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars