Books

Young Bahamian authors tackle complex issues

By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net

WHILE there is still so much more for him to experience when it comes to love and relationships, it has not stopped young Bahamian author Jahiem Wallace from tackling the subject in his new book.

In his book, “Call It What You Want”, Jahiem writes about a teenage love that left him heartbroken. He also offers advice for navigating the sometimes treacherous waters of love.

This is the second book for Jahiem. His first book was published in 2015.

“The book’s plot begins with a story of how I fell in love and how that love turned tragic. It speaks of how I endured this relationship in high school and how I was able to overcome all of the heartache,” he told Tribune Weekend.

“After writing the first part of the book, I allowed my friends Brianna and Solange to read what I had written. They encouraged me that I should finish the story and shortly after they convinced me to publish it.”

Jahiem hopes he has written a story which other young people can relate to.

“I hope that the main takeaway from my book comes from the moral, which is the last chapter, and it gives relationship advice and suggestions of what persons should do before and during a relationship. It also speaks about what I should’ve done differently in my previous relationship,” he said.

Jaheim is the 2019/20 deputy head of C V Bethel Senior High. He is also a graduate of the Lyford Cay Foundation FOCUS Cohort 2020.

Since publishing is first book, Jahiem has been looking for other aspiring authors, to assist them with getting published.

For example, he assisted another young author, Mariano Rigby Jr, with publishing his newly released book “Bonfire of Dreams”.

The book is about mental health, society’s views of the problems of teenagers, and the challenges that face teenagers and adults alike.

“I always wanted to write a book, but my main inspiration was my own mental health; I wanted to express my feelings toward a plethora of issues and I hoped it could be relatable,” Mariano told Tribune Weekend.

Several themes are explored in the book, including substance abuse, parenthood, heartbreak, suicide, self-harm, and nihilism.

“I explored these themes because society, especially Bahamian society, belittles these problems/ topics and I believe we should pay more attention to them,” said Mariano.

“I hope that the main takeaway from my book is that these issues matter, you matter, art matters, and dreams matter. I want readers to be inspired to do the things they never thought they could and to focus on the issues they once scoffed at. I want my book to act as a catalyst for change in many people’s lives,” he said

JAHEIM Wallace (right) and Mariano Rigby, Jr

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