What do you think?
Rate this book
Don't Ask
B.K. Dell fans.
Great news! I will be re-releasing Don't Ask on November 11, 2019. Please go here:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Great news! I will be re-releasing Don't Ask on November 11, 2019. Please go here:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
218 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2010
2 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
B.K. Dell
6 books77 followersChristian author B.K. Dell - Releasing Fiction from its Cage.
Please check out my website:Christian fiction
Please check out my website:Christian fiction
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 25, 2019
This is a book I probably wouldn't have looked at twice had I not read Ask, Tell by E.J. Noyes, a story that was riveting and informative. Especially to a reader such as myself who had no idea such a thing existed.
That is where these two stories part ways, and I'm going to do my best not to compare them as they are NOTHING alike.
So, Don't Ask is about an out Marine, or more specifically a young man who is outed by his partner as he boards the bus.
Everyone, Sargent's included, makes it their mission to make his life a misery, and next minute everyone is graduating (if that's what it's called.) While at boot camp, our lead meets Jackson, a man of faith, and thus the story takes a heavy turn toward religion and faith, complete with entire passages from the Bible. At one stage, the narration comes dangerously close to suggesting You can pray the gay away.
Then the author makes a bold move and the story becomes a legal thriller ( I use the word thriller loosely) again, with a huge focus on faith and religion.
Numerous times, I considered abandoning the story, but something kept me reading, albeit skim-reading, so for that alone, I give this book 3 stars.
I really don't know who I'd recommend it to, if anyone. It's not a romance, it's not a thriller, it's not about the military, but kind of is. It is HEAVY on religion to the point of being preachy.
Copy received via NetGalley
That is where these two stories part ways, and I'm going to do my best not to compare them as they are NOTHING alike.
So, Don't Ask is about an out Marine, or more specifically a young man who is outed by his partner as he boards the bus.
Everyone, Sargent's included, makes it their mission to make his life a misery, and next minute everyone is graduating (if that's what it's called.) While at boot camp, our lead meets Jackson, a man of faith, and thus the story takes a heavy turn toward religion and faith, complete with entire passages from the Bible. At one stage, the narration comes dangerously close to suggesting You can pray the gay away.
Then the author makes a bold move and the story becomes a legal thriller ( I use the word thriller loosely) again, with a huge focus on faith and religion.
Numerous times, I considered abandoning the story, but something kept me reading, albeit skim-reading, so for that alone, I give this book 3 stars.
I really don't know who I'd recommend it to, if anyone. It's not a romance, it's not a thriller, it's not about the military, but kind of is. It is HEAVY on religion to the point of being preachy.
Copy received via NetGalley
February 5, 2011
Gay. Christian. Conservative. Military. Which of those four words doesn't 'belong'?
Happily, in BK Dell's debut novel, they ALL belong. Weaving a believable, well-paced, complex plot and characters that you get to know and love, the author reminds us that labels are, well, labels, and they're not the individuals behind them.
Caleb Hertz, the first Gay Marine, in a relationship with an activist, puts up with just about as much abuse and punishment as you'd expect. While the 'movement' and the press try to claim him for their own purposes, his intent is to be the best Marine he can be, and to never give up. His best buddy is an unashamed Christian, and they have their discussions, but they respect each other. Along the way, Caleb earns the trust and respect of his fellow Marines through perseverence and being a real person, not a label.
There is virtually no profanity, no sex scenes, no pandering. Mr. Dell has shown us that contemporary fiction can make us examine our own lives without resorting to those.
Please, please, write more.
Happily, in BK Dell's debut novel, they ALL belong. Weaving a believable, well-paced, complex plot and characters that you get to know and love, the author reminds us that labels are, well, labels, and they're not the individuals behind them.
Caleb Hertz, the first Gay Marine, in a relationship with an activist, puts up with just about as much abuse and punishment as you'd expect. While the 'movement' and the press try to claim him for their own purposes, his intent is to be the best Marine he can be, and to never give up. His best buddy is an unashamed Christian, and they have their discussions, but they respect each other. Along the way, Caleb earns the trust and respect of his fellow Marines through perseverence and being a real person, not a label.
There is virtually no profanity, no sex scenes, no pandering. Mr. Dell has shown us that contemporary fiction can make us examine our own lives without resorting to those.
Please, please, write more.
Read
May 24, 2018This is on my list, but meanwhile... can I point out this story can't be about the first gay Marine? It CAN be about the first out gay Marine. That was the point about Don't Ask Don't Tell (don't talk about it, pretend it doesn't exist) and about why it was finally killed (because true relationships can't be hidden and neither can people's most fundamental self). There have always been gays and lesbians in military service to their country (not just Americans). Just pointing out the facts.
February 24, 2011
On the positive side I got my copy and finished reading it in one day, so it is needless to say that the book was able to hold my attention. The friendship between Caleb and Jackson is aother high-point. That they had the ability to look beyond their differences and respect each other for the competent and capable men they were instead of hating each other because of archaic steryotypes, sends a positive mesage to everyone who reads it.
Some of the terms used, however, (homosexual/heterosexual, etc.)seemed rather toned down considering the situations they were used in and it made the conversations between the Marines seem less realistic and thus less poignant. I was also put off a little by the fact that only Caleb was represented like a respectable gay man. The other two gay men (Stacey and his current boyfriend) were both portrayed in a very negative light. I realize their characters were intentionally unlikeable I think that perhaps a positive portrayal of another gay man could have been included. As it was, it seems as if Caleb is being shown as a rare exception to the gay stereotypes. The postscript also threw me for a bit of a whirl and I think perhaps had a stopped reading right before that I would have enjoyed the ending better. Although the last few lines proir to the postscript, discussing a particular crime against a character not being a "hate crime" because the character was Christian did not sit well with me. Religious differences are protected by the Hate Crimes Act and they do not need to be a "minority" religion for it to be covered.
Some of the terms used, however, (homosexual/heterosexual, etc.)seemed rather toned down considering the situations they were used in and it made the conversations between the Marines seem less realistic and thus less poignant. I was also put off a little by the fact that only Caleb was represented like a respectable gay man. The other two gay men (Stacey and his current boyfriend) were both portrayed in a very negative light. I realize their characters were intentionally unlikeable I think that perhaps a positive portrayal of another gay man could have been included. As it was, it seems as if Caleb is being shown as a rare exception to the gay stereotypes. The postscript also threw me for a bit of a whirl and I think perhaps had a stopped reading right before that I would have enjoyed the ending better. Although the last few lines proir to the postscript, discussing a particular crime against a character not being a "hate crime" because the character was Christian did not sit well with me. Religious differences are protected by the Hate Crimes Act and they do not need to be a "minority" religion for it to be covered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2011
Please give yourself a few hours to read this book... It may open your heart.
I have to admit, when I saw it was under 'conservative publishing', I was afraid of how it would be told, but the author did a very admirable job of not putting himself as the judge and jury in this story. I cried, and as a former Marine, that tells you a bit about the impact of this story.
I am an independent as far as politics AND religion go, and I find myself continually forming and reforming my opinions with different knowledge I accumulate as I age.
Bravo, dear author, for not thumping me over the head with preaching or rhetoric. I feel I got to know these people and the choices they have made, and how they have had to live with them..
Extremists in any direction are a scary future to look upon... Hopefully more will read something like this and look into their own hearts and intentions.
You can download it for free from:
http://www.obooko.com/obooko_action/b...
I have to admit, when I saw it was under 'conservative publishing', I was afraid of how it would be told, but the author did a very admirable job of not putting himself as the judge and jury in this story. I cried, and as a former Marine, that tells you a bit about the impact of this story.
I am an independent as far as politics AND religion go, and I find myself continually forming and reforming my opinions with different knowledge I accumulate as I age.
Bravo, dear author, for not thumping me over the head with preaching or rhetoric. I feel I got to know these people and the choices they have made, and how they have had to live with them..
Extremists in any direction are a scary future to look upon... Hopefully more will read something like this and look into their own hearts and intentions.
You can download it for free from:
http://www.obooko.com/obooko_action/b...
February 28, 2011
Don't Ask is an interesting fictional novel revolving around the first openly gay man in the Marines. It gives an unique perspective of hate and hate crimes, as to how the lines get blurred related to who really is the haters. It also includes some well-written scenes and perspectives of the Marines including Boot Camp and fighting the war on terrorism in Afghanistan.
Overall it is very well-written and kept my attention throughout most of it. However, there was a twist about midway through that kind of totally took the book in an unexpected direction making me almost entirely lose interest. It picks back up and looking back it is an okay twist, as it made way for some very thought provoking stuff and the essence of what makes this book what it is.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Overall it is very well-written and kept my attention throughout most of it. However, there was a twist about midway through that kind of totally took the book in an unexpected direction making me almost entirely lose interest. It picks back up and looking back it is an okay twist, as it made way for some very thought provoking stuff and the essence of what makes this book what it is.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
January 7, 2011
I have just finished reading Don't Ask and WOW! It has been a while since a book made me cry so much - some sad tears, other moving tears. I was impressed with the timeliness of the book. It is political timely but it is not a book on politics (not only). The author is obviously Christian, but the book is never combative. I think that a homosexual could easily like this book. There is no profanity really and no sex.It was an easy read, but not *simple*. A lot of stuff came up again and again and the writting felt *woven* together well. It was a little slow at the begining and I almost put it down, but I am glad I didn't!
February 9, 2011
I loved this book. BK Dell did an excellent job characterizing the good and the bad that are found on both sides, but he doesn't evade the responsibility of actually taking a side. The author obviously loves God, Country and the Marines!
About his writing style, he does an outstanding job developing his characters and weaving an intricate story with twists and turns. His dialogue is very natural and well done. But I've also got to give kudos to Dell for how laugh out loud funny some parts of the book are. This book takes you through the whole spectrum of emotions. Well done!!
About his writing style, he does an outstanding job developing his characters and weaving an intricate story with twists and turns. His dialogue is very natural and well done. But I've also got to give kudos to Dell for how laugh out loud funny some parts of the book are. This book takes you through the whole spectrum of emotions. Well done!!
July 15, 2011
I wasn't sure what to expect from a Christian novel about the first homosexual Marine. I found my interest kept and I was drawn into the world the characters lived in. I think if the Bible had passage with JESUS talking to a homosexual I think Christ would have treated him like Jackson treated Caleb. This is a novel worth reading. I look forward to reading future books by B. K. Dell . You can purchase this book using this link http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Ask-B-K-De...
February 15, 2020
Caleb Hertz is just a man who wants to be a Marine. And what is wrong with that? Nothing, as it should be only the USMC disagree. Why? Because of one simple fact, Private First Class Hertz is gay. That’s right G A Y. And to the Marine Corps that might as well stand for Get Away You.
The book seems to be set in a time where “Don’t ask Don’t tell” is about to be appealed. How is it known that PFC Hertz is gay? You might be surprised at the answer.
With a drill instructor the living embodiment of drill instructor Hartman in Full Metal Jacket.
Hertz is all but convinced he has made a mistake joining the USMC when he makes an unlikely friend.
Just as it seems his fellow Marines see him as a brother Hertz has to go through the process twice more before his story continues.
When I started to read this book I was under the false impression it was based on True events which I learned by the half way mark was not the fact.
I may have spotted it sooner if I had any knowledge of the USMC. I was, at least, enjoying Hertz conviction and fight.
However, by the end I was lost about what this book was trying to say.
Was it trying to say:
A) Marine’s are not homophobic
B) Christians are not homophobic
Or
C) Both
I am left wondering if this is the whole reason for the book?
It seemed that for every question about Homosexuality the answer was a religious one. Not necessarily negative but religious none the less. Why? Are there no other sources available for answers?
I believed every moment of this book until the “Friendly Fire incident” and honestly I think the book should have ended there. Or at the very least stayed with Jackson. I understand why we were thrown from place to place but I really think the story could have gained more traction in one place. Instead it was more like a scene from A Few Good Men.
Yes, it showed what can happen to the family of Marine’s but by in large these were characters we had never heard of or only in passing. I had not gained enough about them to care much. I think it would have been pages better dedicated to Jackson’s or Ms Hobbs’s suffering.
I also felt that the bible played too big a role in this book. I did like some of the passages such as Psalm 121 and some of Jackson's reasoning such as “A fear-based system of morality is no morality at all.”
By the end of the book I felt like religion had been more center stage then the USMC or gay rights. I won’t even start about the strange ramblings about "Muslims" other to acknowledge that like any group of anything in existence there are good and bad.
To be honest If I were not reviewing this and simply reading for enjoyment I would have DNF’ed this book.
When groups of mixed sex were mentioned the men were always angry and shouting and the women always “wiping tears way” or crying, this I disliked a lot. The women in the book also seem two dimensional as they are only ever spoken about as wives, girlfriends and daughters. Their lives beyond such are never mentioned.
And while the book also had both sides of the story it seemed almost acceptable for the USMC to lie and no one else. I hate the pretense that a salt grain of truth counts in a hand full of salt lies.
If, however GI Jane (substitute woman for gay man), Full Metal Jacket, A Few Good Men and a Bible sound like your type of boot camp this is definitely the book for you.
The book seems to be set in a time where “Don’t ask Don’t tell” is about to be appealed. How is it known that PFC Hertz is gay? You might be surprised at the answer.
With a drill instructor the living embodiment of drill instructor Hartman in Full Metal Jacket.
Hertz is all but convinced he has made a mistake joining the USMC when he makes an unlikely friend.
Just as it seems his fellow Marines see him as a brother Hertz has to go through the process twice more before his story continues.
When I started to read this book I was under the false impression it was based on True events which I learned by the half way mark was not the fact.
I may have spotted it sooner if I had any knowledge of the USMC. I was, at least, enjoying Hertz conviction and fight.
However, by the end I was lost about what this book was trying to say.
Was it trying to say:
A) Marine’s are not homophobic
B) Christians are not homophobic
Or
C) Both
I am left wondering if this is the whole reason for the book?
It seemed that for every question about Homosexuality the answer was a religious one. Not necessarily negative but religious none the less. Why? Are there no other sources available for answers?
I believed every moment of this book until the “Friendly Fire incident” and honestly I think the book should have ended there. Or at the very least stayed with Jackson. I understand why we were thrown from place to place but I really think the story could have gained more traction in one place. Instead it was more like a scene from A Few Good Men.
Yes, it showed what can happen to the family of Marine’s but by in large these were characters we had never heard of or only in passing. I had not gained enough about them to care much. I think it would have been pages better dedicated to Jackson’s or Ms Hobbs’s suffering.
I also felt that the bible played too big a role in this book. I did like some of the passages such as Psalm 121 and some of Jackson's reasoning such as “A fear-based system of morality is no morality at all.”
By the end of the book I felt like religion had been more center stage then the USMC or gay rights. I won’t even start about the strange ramblings about "Muslims" other to acknowledge that like any group of anything in existence there are good and bad.
To be honest If I were not reviewing this and simply reading for enjoyment I would have DNF’ed this book.
When groups of mixed sex were mentioned the men were always angry and shouting and the women always “wiping tears way” or crying, this I disliked a lot. The women in the book also seem two dimensional as they are only ever spoken about as wives, girlfriends and daughters. Their lives beyond such are never mentioned.
And while the book also had both sides of the story it seemed almost acceptable for the USMC to lie and no one else. I hate the pretense that a salt grain of truth counts in a hand full of salt lies.
If, however GI Jane (substitute woman for gay man), Full Metal Jacket, A Few Good Men and a Bible sound like your type of boot camp this is definitely the book for you.
April 21, 2011
B.K. Dell's "Don't Ask" is a very accurate portrayal of military life, and how one difference from what is considered "normal" can affect your life. I was rather impressed with the portrayal of boot camp, to the point to where it brought back memories of my own time in service.
Dell's main character, Caleb, seems to be the only gay man portrayed in an overly positive light throughout the book, which is understandable considering that he is the main character. However, with no other supporting homosexual roles, it seems unbalanced when driving the point and theme of the book home.
Overall, the book held my attention to the end and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Dell's main character, Caleb, seems to be the only gay man portrayed in an overly positive light throughout the book, which is understandable considering that he is the main character. However, with no other supporting homosexual roles, it seems unbalanced when driving the point and theme of the book home.
Overall, the book held my attention to the end and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 5, 2011
Amazing book! It would not let me put it down. I finally got a chance to sit and read the entire thing the other day. It was fantabulous! The characters are so true to form. The experiance feels like you are there with them the whole way through. You can tell the author did some extensive research to make this novel true to life as many of the moments felt like you were there. Having been in the military for 15 years, I can truely say that this is as real as you can get unless you are actual there experiancing the happenings for yourself. From the training tactics to the torturous hatred, this author did a superb job. Thank you for your hard work.
February 16, 2020
I enjoyed this read. B.K. Dell did a good job of portraying the story of Caleb, the first openly gay Marine. From the opening story of Caleb leaving for boot camp, to the challenges and wrongs that happened to him in boot camp, to is his tour of duty, and then his death and the events afterward of the soldiers who were with him, the story held my interest. Parts of the story were hard to read because of the unfairness of what happened to Caleb, but it also needed to be told. I recommend the book.
December 18, 2011
This is a good book, well written, but I found it uncomfortable to read. This is just my personal preferences in reading material. It is difficult to understand the situation of a homosexual living in close quarters with straights without understanding the military lifestyle.
The book did a good job of showing the discrimination that goes on in the lives of both homosexuals and Christians, making clear that it is acceptable in our society to hate Christians.
The book did a good job of showing the discrimination that goes on in the lives of both homosexuals and Christians, making clear that it is acceptable in our society to hate Christians.
February 5, 2011
Don't ask is a totally amazing debut novel. The author handles a controversial topic in a unique and sensitive way. The plot keeps you turning pages--I couldn't put it down! The main character is totally endearing and you end up rooting for him all the way. It doesn't matter whether he is gay or straight; the only thing that matters is what he is inside and how he treats his fellow men. Don't Ask is one of the most touching books I have ever read. An absolute must read!
April 3, 2020
Another hit by BK Dell
He did it again. Mead Mountain and Rediscovering Emily were so good, and you will enjoy this one, too!
His storytelling always plays like a movie in my mind. I was reluctant to read this one for a while, but I’m glad I finally did. Totally worth it! If the title or description makes you hesitant, trust me, it’s much more than that. Enjoy!
He did it again. Mead Mountain and Rediscovering Emily were so good, and you will enjoy this one, too!
His storytelling always plays like a movie in my mind. I was reluctant to read this one for a while, but I’m glad I finally did. Totally worth it! If the title or description makes you hesitant, trust me, it’s much more than that. Enjoy!
October 19, 2020
Unexpected
What a beautiful heartbreaking story! Totally unexpected and I loved every minute of it! A few misspellings here and there but the story was so amazing, those are easily forgiven.
What a beautiful heartbreaking story! Totally unexpected and I loved every minute of it! A few misspellings here and there but the story was so amazing, those are easily forgiven.
April 16, 2011
Christian Lit. I wasn't expecting to like it but it did surprise me. If any of my friends are into Christian lit and the US Marines then I'd imagine you'd like this.
June 22, 2012
Beautiful story. I have never read a story that made have such a roller coaster of emotions. Tears of sadness and years of joy
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews