Studio of Books proudly showcased Boade Mandeng’s book, “Rise from the Blue”, at the prestigious 2024 Frankfurt International Book Fair, held from October 16 to 20 in Frankfurt, Germany.
The Frankfurter Buchmesse is a celebration of global cultures, stories, and creativity. It attracts over 215,000 attendees and 4,000 exhibitors from over 130 countries each year, fostering a vibrant atmosphere where connections are formed, ideas are brought to life, and innovation flourishes. It has been the beating heart of the publishing industry for more than 70 years, uniting voices from all over the world.
The Frankfurt Book Fair provided an opportunity for outstanding books to shine this year. Both readers and publishing industry leaders were drawn to these pieces because of their compelling themes and distinctive viewpoints. They prompted discussions, inspired new perspectives, and served as a reminder of the broad appeal of storytelling.
Boade Mandeng, an American citizen originally from Cameroon, faced challenges due to economic difficulties in his home country that hindered his career aspirations in legal and political fields. Despite his initial setbacks, he pursued a degree in political studies from a university in Yaounde.
Political and economic woes in Cameroon led him to migrate to the US, where he shifted his focus to jobs requiring minimal qualifications to support both himself and those in need back home. Eventually, he decided to pursue higher education again and became a registered nurse. Today, as a husband and father, he remains attentive to social and political issues as a way of maintaining his passion for civic engagement.
“Rise from the Blue” by Boade Mandeng tells us the story of John Nobola, an immigrant of color who came to the United States of America with high hopes of finding refuge and happiness in a noble society. Once there, he realizes that many things have changed, over the course of a few years, from promising to deteriorating.
Nobola witnesses various scenes of social violence and destruction; he is then critical of one wing of the political hierarchy which in particular favors those behind the social unrest. At the end, he feels the disappointment that the America he had dreamt of may be leaning backwards.
Often, Nobola takes his frustrations out through public events, social media and conversations with friends and family. Still he remains hopeful for a better future of the country and praises the efforts of some very patriotic politicians.
If you’re looking for a gripping, thought-provoking read that sheds light on the immigrant experience and social justice, this book is for you. Available on Studio of Books website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online retailers.
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