Book Review: The Promise of Tomorrow by Mary Ellen Taylor

 

Written by Safa Alhassan

The Promise of Tomorrow by Mary Ellen Taylor is a book that touches on love, attachment, loss, family, rekindled love, personal growth, regret, and everything in between. It follows the story of a young woman navigating the emotional ups and downs after separating from her husband, with divorce on the horizon. Now, while this might sound like a recipe for a heartfelt and compelling read, I have to say the execution left much to be desired.

However, the storyline has potential, but for me, it just didn’t hit the mark. I know, without a doubt, that my standards are set pretty high when it comes to books. From the moment I pick one up, my expectations are already doing long jump over the bar. So when a book doesn’t deliver on that level, it’s hard for me to overlook.

The only reason this book holds any real significance for me is because it was a gift from someone very dear to me. So yes, I have a sentimental attachment to it, and I’ll forever cherish it for that reason alone. But when it comes down to the actual content? This book is the poster child for mediocrity. I’m not even joking. It’s the most lukewarm story I’ve read in a while.

Honestly, I’m not a big fan of books set in the present day. I’d much rather be whisked away to a time gone by, where stories feel richer, the drama is more intense, and there’s an air of nostalgia that just pulls you in. Books that make you reflect, make you feel something deep are the ones that leave a lasting impression. But The Promise of Tomorrow just didn’t give me that. I kept reading, waiting for something to hit me, but nothing did.

Having an open mind is essential when reading books, though. Trust me, I tried. My mind was wide open, as wide as the Abuja city gate but even with all the openness in the world, this book didn’t cut it for me. If anything, it put me to sleep. Literally. The moment I opened it, I started dozing off. And no, I’m not exaggerating for effect (okay, maybe just a little). But jokes aside, this book just didn’t challenge me the way I want my reads to.

For me, books are an escape from reality. I don’t want to be reminded of the social media nonsense that clutters my daily life. But this book? Ah, it went and did just that. There were literal mentions of Instagram posts and bloggers, which I found quite irritating. If I wanted to scroll through IG posts, I’d be on my phone, not reading a book! My books are my escape, and I don’t want to hear about what’s happening on social media. I want to be taken far away from all that.

Another thing that got me was the way the book spoon-fed everything to the reader. Every little thing was spelled out for me, like I couldn’t think for myself. Where’s the depth? Where’s the room for interpretation? I like books that make me work for it a bit, that make me think and piece things together. This one didn’t give me that satisfaction. It was like being served plain rice when you were hoping for something more flavourful.

But here’s the thing: just because it didn’t work for me doesn’t mean it won’t work for others. I actually think this book is well-suited for younger readers or those who are just getting into the habit of reading more regularly. The simplicity of the writing, the straightforwardness of the plot, and the focus on themes that are very “now” might actually appeal to a different audience. It’s an easy, breezy read, and sometimes, that’s exactly what people need to get into reading. I get that.

For beginners, books like this can be a great introduction to the world of reading. Not every book needs to be deep or challenging right off the bat. Sometimes, it’s good to start with lighter reads that are easy to digest. It can help you build a love for reading and prepare you for the tougher, more thought-provoking books down the line. It’s like starting with soft eba before you move on to the stronger, more intense pounded yam. There’s a process, and you don’t always have to dive straight into the hard stuff.

So, if you’re new to reading and you’re looking for something light, relatable, and easy to follow, this book could be a good fit. It’s a gentle introduction to the themes of love, loss, and personal growth without overwhelming you. Plus, it reflects the modern-day realities of social media and relationships, which might resonate more with younger readers.

But if you’re like me, someone who loves books that push boundaries, challenge your thoughts, and take you on a deeper journey then this one might leave you feeling a little underwhelmed. I love to be transported into different times and places, where the writing evokes feelings and memories that stay with you long after you’ve closed the book. And unfortunately, The Promise of Tomorrow didn’t do that for me.

That said, it’s important to remember that not every book is for everyone, and having a wide range of genres and styles is what makes reading so beautiful. I learned from this book more about my own expectations as a reader. I know what I want now, and I won’t be compromising on that. This book taught me that I need depth, I need challenges, and I need stories that truly transport me.

If you’re a beginner, go ahead and give it a try. But if you’re someone like me, who loves rich and complex literature, you might want to keep this one for your “easy read” days. But hey, who am I to judge?