“Two Hearts, One God. Should Anything Else Matter?”

By: Songine’ Clarke
 
Zora & Nicky by Claudia Mair Burney is probably one of the realest books I've read in a long time about race and religion.

Zora Nella Hampton, an African-American woman and a pastor’s child, has practically everything any girl would want: the hottest designer clothes, a degree from Spelman, a nice car, and a hot boyfriend. Unfortunately, these luxuries come at a price. It’s her father’s way of keeping her under his thumb. He ignores her love for painting, art, and her old ways of her grandfather’s church. Her “privileged” life has left her feeling like she has lost God. She wants Him back.

Nicky Parker, a Caucasian male and a pastor's child, is a recent Berkeley graduate and a reformed playboy. Him and his father, a Caucasian, racist, southern-baptist pastor, don’t get along.

When Zora and Nicky see each other at bible study, there's an instant attraction, but both remain on the defense. However, they can’t seem to stop thinking about each other.

When I read this book it was so hard to put it down. The complicated (and I mean complicated) love story of Zora and Nicky was so beautiful! Neither experienced an interracial relationship before, and this book explores the many thoughts that go through their heads when it comes to their relationship. Although the book has a lot of Christian values sprinkled throughout, the author doesn't hold anything back with Zora and Nicky’s feelings for each other.

I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a good love story with so much more to it.