Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Blended summary
Brief summary
Blended by Sharon M. Draper is a heartwarming novel that follows 11-year-old Isabella as she navigates the challenges of being biracial and part of a blended family. It sheds light on important issues of identity, race, and acceptance.
Topics
Table of Contents
Blended
Summary of key ideas
Family Struggles and Identity Crisis
In Blended by Sharon M. Draper, eleven-year-old Isabella is navigating the complexities of her blended family. Her parents are divorced, and she has to switch between her dad's house, where she is Isabella, and her mom's house, where she is Izzy, every week. This constant change has left her feeling split between two identities and two worlds. Isabella's father is black, her mother is white, and she often feels like she doesn't belong in either community.
Isabella's struggle with her identity becomes more pronounced when her parents announce their engagements to new partners. Her dad is marrying Anastasia, who is white, and her mom is marrying John-Mark, who is black. This further complicates her racial and cultural identity, leaving her feeling even more isolated and confused.
Dealing with Racial Stereotypes
As Isabella tries to make sense of her identity, she is confronted with racial stereotypes and prejudices. People often comment on her 'exotic' appearance, asking her questions like 'What are you really?' or 'What race are you really?' These comments leave her feeling like she doesn't fit in anywhere, and she starts to question what it means to be 'half-white' and 'half-black.'
Furthermore, Isabella's parents' relationships with their new partners bring to light the issue of racial bias within their own families. Anastasia's family makes derogatory comments about Isabella's race, and John-Mark's family is equally unwelcoming to Isabella's mom. This only adds to Isabella's sense of being caught between two worlds and two sets of expectations.
Understanding and Overcoming
Despite the challenges, Isabella finds strength in her relationships with her parents and her step-siblings. She learns about the importance of communication and understanding in a blended family and begins to embrace her unique identity. Isabella's experiences also lead her to explore the concept of race and its impact on society, prompting her to question the meaning of 'race' and the unfairness of racial stereotypes.
In the end, Blended is a story of resilience and self-discovery. Isabella learns to navigate the complexities of her blended family and racial identity, finding the courage to embrace all parts of herself. She comes to understand that her identity is not defined by the color of her skin or the expectations of others, but by the person she is inside.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Blended about?
Blended by Sharon M. Draper is a compelling novel that delves into the complexities of family, race, and identity. The story follows eleven-year-old Isabella, who navigates life in a blended family with her divorced parents. Through heartfelt storytelling, Draper explores the challenges and triumphs of belonging to two different worlds and the power of love in bringing people together.
Blended Review
Blended (2019) by Sharon M. Draper explores the challenges and joys of a mixed-race family. Here's why it's a captivating read:
- Touches on relevant and sensitive themes like race, identity, and family dynamics, sparking thought-provoking conversations.
- Through its authentic characters and heartfelt storytelling, the book offers a deep exploration of the complexities of blended families.
- The book's engaging narrative and emotional depth ensure that readers are thoroughly invested in the characters' journeys, making it far from dull.
Who should read Blended?
Readers who are part of blended families and want to feel understood
People who are curious about the experiences and challenges of biracial individuals
Educators and parents who want to start conversations about diversity and inclusion with young readers
Categories with Blended
Book summaries like Blended
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Blended FAQs
What is the main message of Blended?
The main message of Blended revolves around the challenges and identity struggles of being biracial in a blended family.
How long does it take to read Blended?
Reading Blended takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in approximately 15 minutes.
Is Blended a good book? Is it worth reading?
Blended is a poignant story that sheds light on important issues. It's a compelling read that offers valuable insights and perspectives.
Who is the author of Blended?
The author of Blended is Sharon M. Draper.
What to read after Blended?
If you're wondering what to read next after Blended, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel S. F. Heller
- Click by Rom and Ori Brafman
- Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
- Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
- The Truth About Trust by David DeSteno
- Why We Love by Helen Fisher
- Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler
- Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá
- A General Theory of Love by Thomas Lewis, Fari Amini and Richard Lannon
- The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman and Nan Silver