Moving On A Review by Mary Dean

About The Author

J.L. Caban, born Jose Luis Caban IV, is a Puerto Rican-American writer who was born at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, New York, on October 18, 1972, to his father, Jose ‘Joe’ Luis Caban III, and mother, Lisa Calladine, and was raised in the borough of the Bronx.

In his youth, J.L. Caban attended public schools in the Bronx, New York, which included the Walt Disney School (P.S. 160), Dr. Daniel Hale Williams School (I.S. 180), and Harry S. Truman High School, where he became an honor’s English student, in addition to joining the Roman-Greco wrestling team, as well as the baseball team; both of which saw much success during the years of his participation.

He then enrolled at Lehman College, where he not only became a peer counselor, but also a disc jockey for his college radio station (WHLC), as well as a Brother of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, before earning both a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, as well as a Master of Science in Education.

He subsequently went on to teach English at an inner-city school in the South Bronx before joining the New York City Police Department, ultimately achieving the rank of Sergeant.

From a very young age, Caban has always had an interest in writing, having penned a multitude of short stories; one of which being his previous novella, entitled ‘Moving On,’ his first published work that, incidentally, achieved Amazon Best Seller status.

J.L. Caban has four children whose names are Ashley Angelique, Jesiah Manuel, Jose ‘Joey’ Luis (V), and Julia

SYNOPSIS

Moving On is a quintessential coming of age story that takes place in the early 1990s, in which an eighteen-year-old young man named Justin breaks free from a world of drugs and alcohol and attempts to make a better life for himself.

With the help of his friends and family members, he initially begins to successfully climb the rungs of the ladder to this new life of achievement and prosperity; however, his life’s trials, tribulations, and extreme self-doubt intervene, sending Justin into a whirlwind of confusion, insecurity and, ultimately, a relapse into despair.

Will he be able to lift himself back up and rise to the challenges put forth to him or will he falter and regress into despondency? Follow Justin on his journey as he endeavors, like all adolescents before him, to solve the enigma of his little world and finally move on to a better and brighter future.

A Review by Mary Dean

This was a captivating story that I felt was being told personally to me.

This is an author’s account of a time in his life where he had to overcome himself standing in the way of a successful future.

The narration shared his inner thoughts and confessions. I felt that I could relate to a lot of his thoughts. And he admitted stuff that we normally don’t admit, but we do feel. I found myself sympathizing and really understanding the narrator. It didn’t feel like just a book I was reading.

I felt like it was a personal account being told to me. This is a book I think so many will relate to even in a way they may not think.

I didn’t deal with some of the situations and choices he did, but I still understood. And I loved going along the journey of him discovering himself, how his actions affect those around him, and becoming the person he wants to be.

I have major respect for the narrator. His childhood wasn’t ideal. But he overcame the choices he made.

I’d love to read more from this author. His storytelling is raw and real. I couldn’t put it down once I started.

If you would like to have your book reviewed, please reach out to The Authors Porch today.