Substitute Me
Author: Lori L. Tharps
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After weeks of maternity leave, Kate Carter is getting ready to head back to work. But she has one very important task left before she returns to her job at a public relations agency. She needs to find a nanny for her son Oliver. Zora Anderson, a 30 year old African American woman is looking for a job. Her parents would kill her if they knew she was applying to be a nanny, but Zora just isn’t sure what she wants to do with her life yet.
Once Zora gets the job, everything seems perfect. Zora is a wonderful nanny. Not only does she love Oliver like he was her own, she is an amazing cook and keeps the house extremely tidy. Kate thinks she’s hit the nanny jackpot.
Enter Kate’s husband Brad. When Zora first starts working for the Carter’s, Brad is uncomfortable with the situation. He acts strangely around Zora and Kate cannot figure out why. They get into argument after argument about race. Kate thinks that Brad is acting weird because Zora is black and Brad feels bad having a black woman work for him. Zora is able to win Brad over with her delicious cooking and before she knows it, she is in way too deep and yearns for the days where Brad quietly ignored her.
SUBSTITUTE ME explores the topic of race in a way that I haven’t seen accomplished in modern fiction. I was lucky enough to meet the author of this book a few months ago when I went to an alumni weekend at my college, Temple University. Ms. Tharps is a journalism professor there. During the signing and panel, Tharps spoke about the inspiration for this book and how and why she decided to tackle the topic of race from both a black and white woman’s perspective.
Perhaps my favorite part of this book was the alternating chapters told from both Kate and Zora’s perspectives. This technique is done extremely well in SUBSTITUTE ME. When I finished the book, I felt like I really knew and understand both Kate and Zora. Better yet, I was able to relate to and empathize with both women. Neither were the enemy in my eyes. I rooted for them both equally. Even though they came from two different worlds, it was interesting to see that as women, we have so many similarities regardless of race.
The book takes us slowly through a year in the life of these two women. While there certainly was action in the book, I sort of enjoyed the mundane everyday-ness that we got to experience through Kate and Zora’s eyes. I especially enjoyed the scenes of Kate at work. She is a PR executive, and as a young PR professional myself, I always enjoy reading about my profession. I also enjoyed the scenes of Zora taking care of Oliver; her love for him was completely apparent- and very sweet. The scenes of Zora cooking also didn’t hurt; my stomach definitely grumbled a time or two while reading this book.
Secondary characters and side stories gave this book zest. I loved watching Zora explore her passion for cooking and starting her own business. I also grew to love the man she dated and Angel, her fellow nanny and friend. Unfortunately, we only really got to see this more fun side of Zora. The scenes of Kate mainly took place at work. It would have been nice to see Kate explore other passions.
I absolutely fell in love with New York City after reading this book. The descriptions of the gorgeous setting made me want to pack up and move to the city immediately. I also liked learning about the different neighborhoods that Kate and Zora lived in.
I really, really, really did not like the ending of this book. Without spoiling anything, I know that life isn’t perfect and that everyone doesn’t get their happy ending, but for some reason, the ending of this book really rubbed me the wrong way. When I first started reading the book, I kind of predicted the ending, but somewhere in the middle of the book, Tharps veered off into a more welcoming direction. I was bummed when what I predicted came true. After 343 pages of getting to know these two women and coming to respect them, I completely lost all respect when I closed the book. Even still, this is a beautiful story well worth reading for the simple reason that it will make you think, and will stay with you for days.
4.5/5
The bummer of an ending concerns me, but everything else you mentioned sounds great! I love when a book is able to offer you fresh perspectives, and the fact that you mentioned neither woman is “the enemy” is appealing. I hate when we have a “villain” and a “saint,” you know? No one is perfect.
@Meg, Meg, I think you’d really enjoy this one! It’s complex and takes a real look at relationships.
First I just wanted to say I always love reading your reviews. So often it’s a book I’ve never even heard of, but by the end it always seems to feel like a book I’d love and want to read. I’m always afraid about giving away too much plot and ruining the book, and it’s hard to know without reading it, but I think you held that line perfectly here! And yes, it does sound like a really interesting book that I’m sure I’d love
@Shoshanah, Your comment made my whole day! Sometimes I feel like I write really weak reviews, so I’m glad to hear that they make you want to go pick up the book! 🙂 You’re the best!
Your review has really intrigued me. I think I will definitely have to pick up this book now. Thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts on the book. I really enjoyed your insights.