In the lush forests of Oregon, Kodak's past collides with his future when he lands a prestigious writing fellowship far away from the haunting memories of his Southern roots. At a gala, he is introduced to Quinn, heir of the family backing the program. Their connection ignites, but as Kodak grapples with tragedy and prejudice swirling around his biracial heritage, a cataclysmic earthquake challenges everything they've built.
Amidst the chaos of a deadly tsunami, Kodak and Quinn are torn apart - Quinn critically injured and Kodak is thrust into a race against time to save him. Fueled by love and an unyielding spirit, Kodak confronts nature's fury and the worst in humanity as he fights to protect those he holds dear.
"I'm the Same" is a poignant coming-of-age tale that delves into loss, belonging, and the profound strength found in love. With a fresh perspective on identity and self-acceptance, this captivating novel will linger in your heart even after you turn the final page. Embark on a journey of resilience and redemption in this unforgettable story that dares to explore what it truly means to find oneself amidst chaos.
I'm The Same is a work of fiction in the literary, coming-of-age, and LGBTQ+ romance subgenres. The work is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author James Ungurait, this poignant novel takes readers along on Kodak's journey as he leaves behind his Southern past for an Oregon writing fellowship. There, he meets Quinn, sparking a connection overshadowed by Kodak's biracial struggles. Amidst personal turmoil, a devastating earthquake strikes, separating the two. As Kodak races to rescue Quinn during a tsunami, their love is tested against nature's fury and human frailty.
Author James Ungurait has crafted a deeply moving experience that explores themes of identity, love, and resilience in a compelling, raw, and often tender narrative. Set against the backdrop of Oregon's lush forests and amidst the chaos of a natural disaster, Kodak's journey of self-discovery is chock full of atmospheric language and visceral descriptions that hit home hard. Like much of literary fiction, the work is deeply reliant on its central character and the experiences and reflections life brings them. Ungurait excels in making every moment count and utilizing Kodak’s dialogue and thoughts to endear him to us more and more. The exploration of biracial identity and the challenges faced by Kodak are eye-opening, resonant, and authentically penned, making the novel both relatable and thought-provoking with its unique perspective on life. As the characters navigate love and loss amidst the chaos, Ungurait's storytelling captivates, leaving a lasting impression on readers. Overall, I'm The Same is a powerful portrayal of the strength found in love and the journey toward self-acceptance, making it a poignant and unforgettable story that I would not hesitate to recommend.
I’m The Same is a powerful novel about the experience of being bi-racial in America and the feeling of loneliness while being torn with nowhere to feel welcome. The novel explores grief and the willpower to survive not just your past, but Mother Nature's fury.
Kodak is half Hispanic and half White as he grew up in a small southern town. After graduating college, he moved to the Oregon coast for a writer fellowship to start a new life. Kodak quickly meets a local bookstore owner and her best friend. Together they learn to navigate and accept their differences and form an unbreakable bond. When disaster strikes, he must find the courage to fight not only for his survival but for the people he loves.
Potent, uplifting, loving, and accepting, I’m The Same is a striking novel that is sure to last the ages.
I’m The Same can be pre-ordered from wherever books are sold and will be released on April 09, 2024, in Hardback and e-book.
James Ungurait was born in Senatobia, Mississippi, and graduated from Northwest Mississippi Community College and The University of Mississippi. His previous work The Lost Son received positive reviews. When not writing, James loves to travel and find his own adventures.
James Ungurait, Senatobia native and Northwest alumnus, is publishing his second novel "I'm the Same" on April 9 about a biracial young man fleeing from his small town in route to a writer's retreat in Oregon after graduating. This novel is a story of self-discovery and acceptance.
Ungurait was inspired by his personal experience, growing up in a mixed family made up of Caucasian and Hispanic people, pulls pieces from his own life, like the complicated relationship with your identity, hometown and self. He said he has lots of wonderful experiences involving his church family and his friends, but there were also moments of struggle such as one highlighted in "I'm the Same" where the character Kodak, like Ungurait in real life, was pulled out of class to communicate with a child who spoke Spanish. When Ungurait couldn't speak Spanish it was his first "I'm different" moment.
Like Kodak, Ungurait also had the opportunity to live in Oregon, which is where much of the inspiration for the novel and settings come from. He said while he was in Oregon, he found himself more comfortable with all sides of himself. But it was when he returned to Mississippi that work on the novel began.
While Ungurait and Kodak have similarities, there's a lot of differences and struggles that his characters face that he has not. Ungurait said a good bit of research went into this book with some of the more severe content in this story and struggles that Kodak faces. Ungurait delved into research about natural disasters, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other issues to fully cultivate this book.
Ungurait now resides in Hattiesburg, where he writes and owns his own small indie publishing house, Ungurait House. Self-publishing is more than just hitting publish, Ungurait explained. One must assemble a team of editors, designers, and marketing professionals. He credits many of his friends and family who took time helping him shape his stories, but especially his editor, Jess, as well as professors who helped shape his writing such as Dr. Robert Bunce at Northwest and Beth Spencer at Ole Miss.
Ungurait's debut novel, "The Lost Son," was released by his independent publishing house Ungurait House Publishing in late April of 2022. "The Lost Son" was inspired by his time as a history student at Ole Miss, underground tunnels, and secret societies. His lead character Phoenix finds himself amid a hidden society and secrets lurking just underneath the surface.
"I'm the Same" and Ungurait's other stories are available for purchase online through most booksellers online and available in person at select bookstores including Novel in Memphis.
