Second House from the Corner

By: Sadeqa Johnson

Narrated by: Robin Miles

Length: 9 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Felicia Lyons, a stressed-out stay-at-home mom, struggles to sprint ahead of the demands of motherhood while her husband spends long days at the office. Felicia taps, utters mantras, and breathes her way through most situations, but on some days, like when the children won't stop screaming her name or arguing over toy trucks and pretzel sticks, she wonders what it would be like to get in her car and drive away.

Then one evening the telephone rings, and in a split second the harried mother's innocent fantasy becomes a hellish reality. The call pulls her back into a life she'd rather forget. Felicia hasn't been completely honest about her upbringing, and her deception forces her return to the Philadelphia of her childhood, where she must confront the family demons and long-buried secrets she thought she had left behind.

From a phenomenal fresh voice in fiction comes the compelling story of what happens when the dream falls apart. It's the unforgettable tale of love, loss, rediscovery, and the growing pains of marriage.

©2016 Sadeqa Johnson (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

SERIOUS Character Flaws

What was one of the most memorable moments of Second House from the Corner?

When a nursing mother was abruptly separated from her baby...broke my heart.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this book and this story, but weeks later (SPOILER ALERT)



.....I still can't get over the "first love" who was actually a pedophile and the "perfect" husband who was actually controlling and abusive. Don't understand how the main character failed to notice these things. And don't get me started on the wise grandmother who completely failed to supervise her granddaughter and the blackmail attempt that went no where.

Other than that, being a New Jersey resident and a Philadelphia native myself, I enjoyed the description of the settings and the social and family characterizations were on point.

Realistic. Not necessary to end neatly.

Narrator was excellent. nice plot twists. looking forward to listening to other books by this author

Enjoyed the story

Love the story so much did not wanted it to end. Thank you so much.

Wonderful

I could relate to the main character and it kept me on the edge of my seat! Loved it!

Ummmmm

It was a decent read but so much of this wasn’t quite believable, and/or was upsetting to listen to

1. A husband kicks his wife out of the house bc he finds out he wasn’t her first? Seems excessive:
2. Whining children- I’m not sure if this is a result of the narrator or if that was the writer’s intention but the whining kids is just a turn off to this listen for me
3. The stay at home mom “struggle” life is just something I have zero sympathy or empathy for. “It’s a full time job” “it’s so hard”. Okay, whatever.
4. This book is about a pedophile. Plain and simple. There is absolutely NOTHING exciting about reading about how a grown man grooms a child then rapes her. Yes, rape. Even consensual sex with a minor is known as rape
5. The woman then goes BACK to the pedophile as a grown woman, and sleeps with him, shortly after he gets out of……PRISON? Like….. that’s just…. Ugh, so unsafe…. I think we all know what happens in pris—-eh nevermind.
6. The snooty Dames. I can’t.
7. The way the grandmother beat her when she found out she was pregnant was disturbing. Beat a pregnant child? Yeah no.

Here’s the thing, when a book makes you feel this strongly about the characters and storyline, and makes you pissed off about what went wrong, it’s worth buying to read. But be forewarned, this book could be triggering for victims of child abuse, physical abuse, domestic abuse, and r*pe.

Enjoyed Thoroughly!

I usually listen in the car during errands and school pick up. This was so good, I listened in the house as well:) It was so good to me. This is an example of why unconditional love and forgiveness is so important in a marriage .

Repeat Repeat

Loved this book, so relatable. This will be in my top 10 for sure. Definitely would recommend it and ready to read it again.

Pleasantly.... infuriating

It is off to a slow start but similar to a roller coaster, after the first turn you may be turned every which way but loose. I appreciate the way it addresses the situation some men put you in by developing a picture of who they think you are, then painting a picture of what they envisioned and selling you the dream.

My husband and I fell into a similar situation. Relationships aren't fairytales and take more work than many people are willing to exert. You can't tell from one minute to the next how this will go.

I do wish she'd have sorted out the foolishness that went on at the church and expound on it more. The fact that she found her answers through Tarot and Yoga was disheartening. I'm assuming this wasn't loosely based on actual events but the excess in MANY areas would have been comical if it weren't tragic.

This is my second book of Ms Johnson in which I've read of corruption, or the like, running rampant through a church unchecked. It is leaving a bad taste in my mouth.

Another hit!

The author's descriptions were spot on and believable! Being a native of Philadelphia, took me back to some familiar places. At times, I felt like I was listening to a friend talk. The narration was excellent, The way the narrator was able to switch voices was impressive! 0ver all, this was an enjoyable read!

Very moving

This is the first book that has made me cry in a long time. As a white woman who does everything that I can to learn about black culture so that any preconceived notions or prejudices can be brought forward in my brain. I’ve once again realized that I still have more to learn. Felicia’s story is so difficult to insert how I would have handled what she was forced to endure. The pain she went through in her life had me crying for that poor girl and then the woman she became. I felt pride for her accomplishments and was impressed with her love of family. I have become a fan of this author. Thank you so much for helping me understand.