Book Review #1: Orange Is The New Black

I was kind of hesitant posting a book review on my blog, as I didn't think many would actually be interested in what I have to say. In fact, I've been staring at this post on my computer for the last couple of weeks contemplating what I should do with it.  Although in saying this, I recently thought; before I buy a new book I love, love, love spending time reading reviews and seeing how differently people react towards a novel! So with this, I hope you enjoy my book review on Piper Kerman's, 'Orange is the new black' !

Im sure the majority of people have heard of the Netflix program ‘Orange is the New Black’ right?! I heard about the program last year and was extremely intrigued when I read the story line. So much credit can be given to the title of the book and program; in all its brilliance and irony. Honestly, that alone made me immediately want to add the book to my ‘must read’ list.  Finally, I have been able to get my hands on the book!

So let me explain the context of this novel to you all. ‘Orange is the New Black’ is set from the point of view of Piper Kerman, a middle class white women who gets involved with drug runners. Although it is 10 years later (!!)  that her past manages to catch up with her and she is sentenced to jail for 15 months at a women’s prison In Connecticut. She struggles with living away from her family and fiancé although builds strong, positive relationships with her fellow inmates. Most of which are uneducated women of colour. Just this glimpse into the story line is absolutely gripping, and I haven’t yet informed you that it’s also autobiographical.

Now that I have recently finished the book, I can say for certain I have very mixed reviews. Crime is my favourite genre to read, as it’s so thrilling and if its written well, it can be absolutely mind blowing due to the unprecedented turn of events which are usually conveyed.

Overall, the novel is very well written and structured, which made it an easy read. Although I really hate to say, but I did find that it became quite repetitive. There was constant referencing to how many people believed Piper stood out compared to her fellow inmates and many who couldn’t believe she was in jail due to her appearance. At first it was surprising and interesting to read how people reacted towards her, but after sometime it just became a predictable beginning to a new chapter. There were also so, so many characters featured in the novel that I found it hard to keep up with each of their stories and personalities!

Despite these factors, Pipers story was uplifting,  triumphant  and extremely eye opening, which made it a thoroughly enjoyable read!! I have to say that the book was pretty hilarious and It gave me an exciting and at times disturbing glimpse into what life is like for a women behind bars. I really do recommend this book if you are interested in seeing how people develop and overcome difficult times in one’s life. I felt truly inspired by the way Piper was determined to get through this dark time in her life, yet kept her most important morals of loving her family, embracing the positives and looking out for her friends so close.