In the Nothing: A New Adult Novel

by Nia Forrester

Trinity doesn’t know exactly how just yet, but she’s determined to break free. From her aunt’s oppressive household, from memories of her messed-up childhood, and out of her Southeast Washington DC neighborhood where everyone seems to be going nowhere fast. Then she meets Skylar, whose life couldn’t be more different from her own; and lands a job in an affluent part of the city where privileged young men and women live rarefied lives, and seem to have everything but appreciate nothing at all. Deeply intrigued by the stylish, carefree—but sometimes selfish and callous—Skylar, Trinity manages to blend seamlessly into her new friend’s world, relieved that no one notices that she’s different. Until someone does. With good-looks, talent, and a bright future, Ethan, Skylar’s boyfriend also has a discerning artist’s eye. He knows there’s much more to Trinity than she’s telling. But as Ethan gets close figuring out Trinity’s secrets, he just may find that Skylar has a few of her own.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, African American Romance, New Adult Romance, Coming Of Age

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2015

About the author

I live in Philadelphia, PA where by day I work on public policy reform, and by night I read authors who move me, and write woman-centered fiction.

Reviews

[Alexis *Reality Bites* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler Free Review
TBR Rank: This was book #1,008 pulled to read from my TBR pile
4 STARS out of 5
Genre: New Adult (Coming of age read with some romance)
Series: No, As far as I know this is a standalone.



I had no idea what I was going to get when I opened this book. I only knew that the author told her readers that this book would differ from her others. In The Nothing is not a romance per se, it's actually more so a coming of age New Adult read. Our lead character Trinity was born to a drug addicted mother, her father’s identity unknown. Though it is speculated he may be white due to Trinity’s looks to which some in the African American community consider aesthetically beautiful.(Lighter skin and fine textured hair.)

After the death of her mother, Trinity goes to live with her aunt.(Her mother's sister to whom the mother was estranged.) Her aunt has a daughter, Chanelle around Trinity's age. When we meet Trinity she is a high school graduate, living in the projects with her aunt and cousin Chanelle who now has a baby. Knowing her time is almost up seeing as though her aunt no longer collects checks to keep her. Trinity knows it's officially time to move out.

Once out of the hood where living day by day comes with only planning ahead to your Saturday night activities. Trinity finds herself in a new set. A set of friends that come from money, with different ethnic backgrounds. Yet, kids her age with a future that goes beyond their Saturday night plans...

Reading as Trinity was trying to navigate her life once her circle changed was very interesting. Even when nervous or insecure she kept moving forward never showing how inferior she may have felt in her new circle of friends. Though it was a slow start, I enjoyed her progression.

My Sweet and Sour
My Sweet- The epilogue!!! Yessss <3
My Sour- Not getting more, mmmmm…well more details of Chanelle's story. So yeah, I want more!

Characters:
Trinity- This chick has a free spirit and I loved that about her. She's smart and goes with the flow. I think readers will enjoy her character.
Skylar- She is a selfish, self motivated, annoying character that just pissed me off. On a side note I must say I think there is a story to be told here...a bigger story focused on her of course ;) I'd read it!
Ethan- Hmmm...I have to say his character was not how I prefer my male love interest to be. He was way too laid back for my liking.
Chanelle- You know what, I would like MORE! There were some changes that take place in her life that I wish I read more about. Her growth was slow yet wonderful. I think her character's story in full would be awesome! I hope Forrester gives us more Chanelle!
Cyrus- I can’t speak much on him. I hated and loved him. In the end however, let's just say I NEED MORE Cyrus!

Final Thoughts
Interesting how Trinity went from being called out for supposedly
"acting" like she is better than her peers to feeling somewhat insecure and ashamed from where she comes from. The contrast was ridiculous. Forrester is a strong writer. Her novels are character driven; therefore as a reader you will easily form strong emotional ties toward her characters. She literally explores life through her characters in such an AMAZING way. I know of only one other author on this same level of exploration…maybe two. MAYBE. Overall I thought Nia Forrester did great her first shot in the New Adult realm! I look forward to more NA books and hopefully I'll here from some of these characters again!

HEA??? More so a HFN(Happy For Now)

My Ratings
Writing Style- Character Driven, Emotional, Strong & Raw
POV Multiple pov’s but this is more so Trinity’s story.
Plot/Storyline- Young girl living in the projects in need of way out. Knowing there is more to life but not fully understanding all she can be if she just believed.
Steam Factor-( Lo-Med-Hi) I say Medium. On a scale of 1-10 I say 6
Entertainment Level-( On a scale of Lo-Med-Hi)I say Medium
Overall- I enjoyed it!

Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nia Forrester's In the Nothing is one of those stories that sticks with you. This emotionally-charged story is set in Washington, DC and focuses on Trinity, a young woman temporarily living with her verbally abusive aunt and her disaffected cousin while she tries to figure out a better situation for herself. Trinity has been living with them since her mother died of AIDS and has had to deal with her aunt's fluctuating moods and her cousin's resentment. All Trinity wants is a better life and, when her aunt tells her one time too many that it's time for her to look for a new place to stay, Trinity goes uptown and stumbles upon a job at a health food store called the Green Banana. There she meets the charismatic and sometimes very cruel Skylar, who pulls Trinity into her sphere and exposes her to a completely different kind of life.

All I can say is...WOW. In the Nothing shakes you and doesn't let go. Trinity's story is so riveting that you can't help but feel empathy for her, even when she is doing things you wish she wouldn't. And her cousin, Chanelle, who is silently struggling with depression yet has no way of dealing with it, has perhaps the most heartbreaking story. Her search for love doesn't go as she'd planned but at the end of the day there is hope for her. And then there is Skylar--dynamic, spoiled, entitled Sklyar. We all know someone like her. She is a whirlwind of unnecessary drama and her bouts of generosity are almost always followed by thoughtless (and sometimes intentional) cruelty. We all know someone like her.

One of the things that I really love about In the Nothing is how Nia handles this story of haves and have-nots. Too often, less-experienced writers simply portray the haves as being entitled whites without considering that entitlement is not simply relegated to whites. Having grown up in a working-class Philadelphia neighborhood and gone to school in a very diverse, affluent neighbourhood in downtown Philadelphia, I could relate to this story. Trinity and Chanelle's uneasy relationship was almost too close to home for me--I understood Trinity's desire for something more than the limitations her old neighbourhood represented and I understood Chanelle's initial inability to realise that her fate was in her own hands.

Pure magic, Nia. Pure magic.

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited when I saw that one of my favorite authors had a book out. I couldn't wait to read it. This story was different than any of the others she has written. I think her first effort at combining a little of the urban world with her usual stuff was brilliant. I absolutely loved it.

I love the way she told Trinity and Chanelle's story separate but made it feel like one. Chanelle and Trinity are cousins who are completely different as night and day. The only thing that have in common is where they live which to most is the hood. One of the reasons I love Nia's writing is because her characters are so colorful and personal. I truly felt like I knew them all except one,Ethan.i didn't really like him at all. He seemed weak. I feel like all Nia Forrester fans will enjoy this one. I can't wait until she puts another book out!

[Elle1986 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hmmmm...

Let me preface this review by saying in advance... I wasn't sure before but now I am positive... I do not like new adult or young adult books. So... now knowing that.. this book was not my cup of tea.

Now being honest... I flipping tried really hard to get into this book... but I promise by the 40% mark I knew that this wasn't going to get better for me. It's like the book had zero depth and I found myself searching for SOMETHING to pull me into the storyline. If I am to be honest... I found myself more interested in Chanelle and Cyrus then the other characters. Skylar, Ethan, Trinity.. yeah bored me to tears.

Ethan's character.. lol I promise it was like reading about paint drying he was so basic and for the life of me I couldn't understand the lack of emotions... or the reason for the cluelessness.

Sky and Trinity... same exact feeling.. maybe it was due to their age, I tried to think back when I was 18... yep still couldn't relate.


So what all that being said... this was not my cup of tea.. at all.


Signing off.. This is what I get for buying without reading the book sample.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so sure from the start of this book I was not going to like it because I normally don't gravitate towards stories with younger characters, but I was pleasantly surprised! Trinity was such a deep and complex character I couldn't help but to relate to her. At times I would shake my head and say why Trinity why, then at other times I was fist pumping in the air rooting for her. Her cousins storyline I didn't altogether get the relevance of it, but it really came together in the end and I just said to myself "oh I see why Nia went there."

Nia please continue on with this series. I really feel there is a whole lot more of Trinity's story to tell. I'd like to read about her life after college and see what she makes of herself. Also Ethan...wow! I'd like to delve deeper into his story and see if these two can get their happily ever after. These two can be my new Riley and Shawn! Keep surprising me!!

[EbonyMonae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually slept on this book when it first came out. I read the synopsis of the book and was like nope don't interest me. I saw a review by a fellow friend on here and her review prompted me to read this book. I am glad I did it was a great read. Nia Forrester did a great job of writing this book. I like how she had two black girls one was from the projects and the other was from a prestigious black family. She showed us the inside to that saying "everything that glitters ain't gold!"

I loved how wrote about being 18 and not knowing what direction to take with your life. Either you can become what everyone else has or you can become something greater. Trinity did that, became something greater! All her life she was left disappointed and let down so she didn't expect anything after she finished high school but just work. It took a certain someone like Ethan to open her eyes to see the world and a different light. Great book so worth the price.

Happy Ready

[AD · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're like me, as you're reading a book it's like watching a movie in your mind. Or at least, an excellent novel will do that for you. Nia has a way of painting a (motion) picture through her prose and In the Nothing did just that for me, probably more than any of her other books (not that I've read them all yet, fyi). I rarely give out five stars but I easily hand it over to this book. It's one of my favorites of the year. Enough of my gushing, go read it.

[martha fountain · Rating 5 out of 5]

So here it goes...last year I was introduced to Nia Forrester's works with Snowflake and I was hooked. I downloaded every single one of her books and the first three months of 2019 was spent reading her books. For whatever reason I started this book and stopped. I told myself I would come back but somehow I didn't. Recently Nia did a "calling card" of her works and she mentions this book. I immediately pulled it up and dug in. Let me say this...I needed a book like this as lately several books I came across felt like they were put together on an assembly line...same plot including sex scenes. I needed a book that provoked my thinking and keep me on the edge of my seat. Nia's greatest gift as a writer is character development. In most books you can clearly determine who are the protagonists and definitely the antagonists. Yet somehow Nia exposes us to humanity where there is both good and bad in all of us where the bad is sometimes the part of us misunderstood or not perceived well. There were several character developments that were surprisingly refreshing and even welcoming such as Cyrus who on the outside looked bad but along the way he becomes what is needed for Chanelle's evolution. Than you have Ethan whose determination to uncover Trinity forces her to examine herself no longer being hidden and content in being invisible. Skylar, Travis, Aunt Cheryl, Brad, and so many others provided depth to the story. Have you ever come across a read and wonder how it is so but when you are done you want more of it. That is Nia Forrester. I am forever her fan and this book confirms it. Well done Nia!

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, so being a devoted fan of Nia Forrester, I was just a touch apprehensive when I found out she was releasing a New Adult Novel. I’m one of those fans who wants to read whatever a favorite author writes, but I thought that these characters would be way too young for me to care reading about. I shouldn't have worried though, because the issues explored here (poverty, teenage pregnancy, etc, etc, etc) are timeless.

My heart always goes out to motherless daughters, so I felt for Trinity immediately. She had been dealt so many blows that it would be easy for her to give up and give in, but she knew that there was more to life than what she was living and seeing all around her, and she was determined to go for it. I loved that about her. When she meets Skylar and starts seeing another way of life, she doesn't let the fact that she's not of Skylar's world, hold her back. She gets caught up in Skylar's vortex, and allows herself to experience whatever new opportunity is presented to her.

Speaking of Skylar, she was truly a character: so gracious and giving, and then so controlling and manipulative. I'm pretty sure she's never done anything for anyone that doesn't benefit her somehow. She would exhaust me very quickly. I was surprised when her world was turned upside down, and felt just a touch of sadness for her in that scene with her parents. It didn't last long, though.

Chanelle definitely resonated with me more than Trinity, because I see so many Chanelles everyday on the Metro: teenage mothers whose kids are wearing the latest sneakers and cutest outfits, yet they never show them any affection, often yelling and looking very unhappy. I'm always having to talk myself out of telling them to just hug their kids instead of yelling, because I don't wanna get cussed out. I thought it was interesting that Chanelle seems unwilling (or unable) to show Khalil any affection, but doesn't want to Trinity to do so. I'm guessing that between Trinity and Chanelle, Chanelle was supposed to be the lucky one, because she still had her mother, although she was worse than Trinity's dead, drug addicted mother, IMO. But Chanelle was the one with the baby, the baby daddy who was in and out of jail (and was pretty much useless), and no desire to do anything to improve her life. She was on my last good nerve. And then Chanelle goes and does the unthinkable...and the consequences, both good and bad, change her life in ways I'm sure she could've never imagined.

I really liked Ethan and his whole vibe. I'm so glad that Trinity comes along and saves him from what would surely have been a disastrous future with Skylar. His mom and sister were so open and welcoming to Trinity and I'm glad we got to meet them.

There were some terrible mothers in this one: Aunt Sheryl, Renee’s alcoholic mama, Chanelle, and even Skylar's fraidy-cat mama. Aunt Sheryl was hands down the worst of the lot, though. From allowing Cyrus to spend so much time in an apartment where two teenage girls live, to allowing Chanelle's baby daddy to come and go as he pleased, she set such a terrible example for Chanelle and Trinity. And holding the threat of putting Trinity out on the street was despicable. I won't even go into the big fight scene. Chanelle was dead ass wrong for what she did to her mama, but it was hard for me to feel sorry for Sheryl. She was just the worst.

I was side-eyeing Cyrus from the very beginning of the book, but by the end, I was loving him. You never know who will motivate you to change your life. The ending left me hopeful for Cyrus and you know who, but I've got my fingers crossed that we'll get another book to let us know how things turn out.

Another awesome read from Nia Forrestor. She continues to amaze me. Read this book, and let her amaze you, too!!!

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I love this authors work but this book was a little slow for me. However it was still a good book.

[Deloris · Rating 4 out of 5]

APB Prespective Review : 3.5 stars

In The Nothing was a good start to a new genre for Nia Forrester," young adult fiction. " I enjoyed getting to know Trinity , Ethan and Chanelle, I was engaged and wanted to know their stories. Nia is a an excellent story teller and her talent kept me engaged to the very last page. I felt this story had missing pieces, we were introduced to Ethan , Trinity and Chanelle but I was left many questions. What was the darkness Chanelle was experiencing , is she clinically depressed ,which I could understand why, I felt there has to be more going on than was written about her. Ethan is a mystery perfect young man , he's an artist, he kind of comes and goes but he is a big part of a story that I'm waiting for answers to. Trinity was a poor girl from the ghetto having new experiences with her well off friends , she meets and falls for Ethan I understood the connection ,but I felt their story was fuller than the one given and the progression of their relationship was too fast. There is defiantly more to this book, and I hope we will be getting a second book because I have more questions than answers and I really want to know what happens next , and what makes Trinity , Ethan and Chanelle who they are. I wanted the author to take her time to tell this story and I felt she didn't with In The Nothing , I felt the ending was rushed , that it was written for the reader and not from the story she wanted to tell. Like I said this is a good beginning to a new genre ,that I'm sure will get better with each book.

[Jennifer A. Redmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read. I actually feel as though I just finished watching a movie. The book draws you in from page one and it was interesting to take the journey with Trinity. You were able to watch her mature. She went from being some one who only saw the surface of things to looking deeper with in. Ethan has to be one of my favorites, but I appreciated that he wasn't Trinity's entire focus. I also loved being able to read about her cousin. Now I just hope there is a follow up... Would love to know how there journey continues.

[Shanie B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my!!!

Nia Forrester is one of my favorite authors. With each book she vividly paints a picture and in the end the portrait is always breathtaking. I will admit that this book started off a little slow, but once it picked up it became really interesting. I found myself reading with bated breath. I hope to read more of Trinity and Ethan, also Channelle's story would be great. Keep up the good work.

[reneeNaDaCherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Nothing

Trinity comes from the SE projects. The "wrong side of the tracks, some people say. But she has ambition and smarts. Taking a job in upper NW area of DC she meets her roomate, Skylar and future boyfriend, Ethan. Both come from wealth "right side of the tracks" some people call it. Opening her eyes to a new lifestyle, she finds the courage to apply to Fordham College in NY. A very inspirational novel about believing in the best for yourself and going for it.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is definitely different from what I usually expect from Nia Forrester. As another reader posted, I too thought I would not like it at first and it took me a minute to really get into the story. But, as usual, Ms. Forrester snared me into her storytelling and made me care about what happened to Trinity and Chanelle. Very fulfilling.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and intense coming of age story delivered through many different yet cohesive lenses. I couldn't put it down until the end.

[Tiffany V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this book for a while, but I put off reading it because I wasn't sure I'd like the young adult angle. I should start by saying that I'm a Nia Forrester fan, so I still expected a good story. Nia didn't disappoint. It took me a minute to get into the story, but once I did, I really appreciated how observant and introspective the main character, Trinity, seemed to be. She was very aware of what she didn't want, and I think a lot of the story was about her figuring out not only what she does want but that it's okay to want those things. We were given just enough information about the supporting cast to allow us to understand them, but I still wanted to know more...especially about Skylar and her family's dynamic. This book wasn't typical Nia Forrester, but it was familiar enough for me to recognize her voice and appreciate her desire and ability to do something a little different.

['The Book Queen' · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Title is Deep

Nia Forrester is a thoughtful author. The title was a clever metaphorical depiction of bringing a young Trinity out of her doldrum and into the light. The story was well written and was a nice visually sensational story. In her quest to be better Trinity met party girl Skylar, and easily blended in with the wealthy elite hand Skylar was a part of. Skylar had a lovely man in her life named Ethan, yet she cheated and treated him like trash. Mild mannered Ethan seemed to recognize that Trinity was not like the others in their group, and set out to include her. In Skylar's constant absence the two became good friends. In the end Skylar's troubles came home to roost.... An excellent read....

[Terra Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique goodness!

As I continue to make my way through Nia Foresters complete catalog, I'm always amazed at her unique, dissimilar, complex manner of storytelling! One thing I can count on is being presented with layered, flawed characters who leave you with food for thought, and this story was no different. But it definitely stands out as unlike anything else I've read by her, though just as enjoyable!

[Jamila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!!

I didn’t want to read it at first, I didn’t think I’d like it. But, like all of Nia Forresters books this is a book about relationships. The relationship with ourself and our self belief, our relationship with how we think others see us,our relationship with our past and our future, and how we give ourselves what we need despite where we’re from. I loved this book and he ending. I’d love to read more about Trinity and Ethan’s growth !

[Trish Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

On to Something

I enjoyed how the picture painted by this story illustrated that no matter where a person comes from, if doesn't define who they are. Whether from poverty or privilege, it's about aligning oneself with the right elements, even if they arise from not so ideal circumstances.

[Bertina Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

So perfect!

Nia Forrester never disappoints. The characters were well developed, the story just flowed. It being a new adult novel, made me hesitant to read it; however it was well worth the read.

[Geautaye Monts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid Read

Enjoyed every page of this book. I usually like reading about more mature characters over young adults but this was still good. I really LOVE the author. I’ve been “binge reading “ her for months now. Definitely raised the question about morals versus happiness.

[Elayne Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

And another one

I am never disappointed with Nia’s work as this one is no different. I almost didn’t fall asleep because I wanted to keep reading. These characters are so intriguing.

[M. S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nia doesnt miss!

I loved this story and Im happy with how things turned out for all the characters involved. Except Chantelle. She was wrong and she knew it, but even still, hopefully she learned from it and got something out of it 😒🤦🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️

[T G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

As always with Nina Foster, this book is absolutely fabulous. I like Ethan and Trinity's love it was natural and easy. I really enjoyed this book it was a pleasure to read 🥰.

[Lorraine Darrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flowed But....

I enjoyed the story, but would like to know more about is going on in their lives; gives us/me more!

[Nakhia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I’ve been getting through all of this authors books and she’s really a great storyteller. Read this in a day and loved it.

[Coffee&Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when my brain does that thing where I forget I’m reading. I skates love Nia’s vid writing- I feel like I’m there.

[Andrea Fluence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I’m not sure how Nia is able to put herself into the minds of so many different characters. That is a talent.