Book Review: A Question of Manhood by Robin Reardon

A Question of Manhood by Robin Reardon

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


My thanks to First Reads for this book.



What makes a man? In Robin Reardon's novel A Question of Manhood, this theme is a constant, especially for the narrator, 16 year old Paul. Set during the Vietnam War, he feels as though he's always been in the shadow of his older brother Chris, who has just come home for a short leave from the hell of war. Afraid of returning, he admits to Paul that he is gay. Paul must struggle with that secret as much as he struggles to be a man, the way his father wants him to be. It is only when he meets JJ, a new employee at his father's pet supply store, that he begins to understand how to resolve the conflicts in his head and his life.

I absolutely loved this novel. My only regret is that it ended--as much as I enjoyed Paul's emotional journey, I wanted to learn more about JJ. Perhaps Reardon would grace us with a sequel--one can hope.

Everthing about this novel felt real, from the attitudes towards the war and homophobia,to JJ's handling of dogs in need of leadership. Reardon truly reaches out to gay teens in this novel with a strong yet gentle character that nearly overshadows the narrator. Because of this, I feel that this book should be in high school libraries across the country. However I definitely rate this a "must read" for all ages.

I have not yet read Reardon's previous books, but now look forward to them even more.

*Note--A copy of this book was sent to me for review. Disclosure provided per FTC guidelines. My review is my honest, unbiased opinion.*

View all my reviews

Book Review: Shattered Wings by Bryan Healey

Shattered Wings by Bryan Healey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


My deepest thanks to Bryan Healey for sending me an ARC of this book to review.



What do you do when your life is turned tragically upside down? In Shattered Wings, we are introduced to a family--John, his spouse Charlie, and their adopted daughter Cassie. While Charlie works at home to be with their daughter, John is a white collar worker with a secure job. Until it isn't. Laid off in the dwindling economy, John decides to not tell Charlie. In a series of flashbacks, we are thrust into feeling his desperation as job interviews come and go, the memories of his meeting Charlie, and welcoming their daughter. His fears thrust him back into a life that could end in tragedy.

I was struck by the stark cover of Healey's book--always a promising sign. I was not disappointed. Healey has written a very timely novel that literally moved me to tears--which is hard to do and to me, signifies a book that not only satisfies but lingers in my head. His style of writing is lyrical but not overdone.


One sign of his brilliant talent is that when I began reading, I envisioned the narrator to be a woman. It's only a few pages in do I realize that this is a gay couple. I went back to the beginning to re-read so that I had the right picture in my head. But truly, aside from a few places in the book, John and Charlie are "every family" and quite accessible to any reader. I find it wonderful, as a bisexual woman, to find a novel that is modern and mainstream and doesn't need to feel like it has to be different because it features a gay couple.


A bit of a tongue-in-cheek warning: there are no chapters. So if you're a voracious reader like I am, you may find yourself devouring this book far too quickly or staying up into the wee hours of the morning. It's nearly impossible to pace yourself with such a wonderful book in hand.


I heartily recommend Shattered Wings, *need* to find Healy's other work, and cannot wait for more to come. I think his literary voice will go far!

*Note--A copy of this book was sent to me for review. Disclosure provided per FTC guidelines. My review is my honest, unbiased opinion.*

View all my reviews

Book Review: Separate Kingdoms by Valerie Laken

Separate Kingdoms: Stories by Valerie Laken

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


My thanks to First Reads Giveaways for this ARC--I am not being compensated for my review.



Valerie Laken's collection of short stories, Separate Kingdoms, alternates between settings in the United States and Russia. In the eight stories, the people find themselves divided and separated--by disability, need, species, and past hurts. It's a slice of life, where there are no easy answers, no true plot, and not necessarily a "happily ever after".

I found the stories quite thought provoking and unique, especially the story for which the collection is named. It's been some time since I've read such fresh short stories; I think my only reason for subtracting a star would be wanting it to be longer and maybe a little less obvious reason for calling the collection "Separate Kingdoms". Make us think a bit more.


I definitely would recommend this book for someone wanting something that feels new and fresh, and gives an opportunity to see a different viewpoint on things.

*Note--A copy of this book was sent to me for review. Disclosure provided per FTC guidelines. My review is my honest, unbiased opinion.*

View all my reviews

Book Review: Spin the Plate by Donna Anastasi

Spin the Plate by Donna Anastasi

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I am pleased that the author has asked me to review this book--looking forward to reading it!



Spin the Plate introduces us to Jo, a woman haunted by her abusive childhood, who looks for the lost and abandoned, both human and creatures. Private by nature but large in stature, she captures the attention of Francis, who appears not much more than a religious down-on-his luck admirer. He gradually earns her trust and in doing so, helps her change her life.

I was truly caught up in Jo's quiet world--her tattooing shop, her apartment filled with strays, her forays into the evening to enact a bit of vigilante justice for the creatures and girls of the night. It reminded me very much of PUSH by Sapphire, of a woman beaten down by parental abuse, but able to rise above and maintain love in her heart.

My few complaints are these: The cover is far too dark and the graphic a bit too vague for the overall novel. I like the colors of the e-story better. Even so, my eyes look for books with interesting colors, so I feel this does a disservice to the book.

The ending, while sweet, seems to take an odd turn and tone from the rest of the book. I liked it, but something about it left me with a lingering befuddlement. It's the only reason I deducted a star from an otherwise pleasurable and plausible read.

Overall, I am genuinely glad to have read this and look forward to Anastasi's future works.

*Note--A copy of this book was sent to me for review. Disclosure provided per FTC guidelines. My review is my honest, unbiased opinion.*

View all my reviews