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Man Enough #1
Man Enough
Things are going well for Davey Carter. She loves her job and she has a comfortable bed. Granted, her love life is non-existent, her pot-smoking mother is wreaking havoc in her apartment, and she is starting to suspect that her lesbian best friend might be secretly in love with her. But none of that matters when Davey meets Danny, a kind, loving, intelligent man who just may be the love of Davey's life. Until it turns out that Danny is harboring a secret of his own. This romantic comedy featuring best friends, familial relationships, and secret love will leave readers of any orientation happy and fulfilled.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2012
10 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Beth Burnett
14 books55 followersI can't change my name here or it will delete all of my books. However, my new profile is under Finnian Burnett. Please find me there if we're connected here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 30, 2017
This is my first read by Beth Burnett but it won't be my last.
This is a trans romance written from the point of view of a heterosexual woman. However, for the lesfic audience, I think there's enough of a strong lesbian supporting cast for it to be embraced.
Davey, our lead, is a 40 year-old woman that works in an LGBT youth support center and is surrounded by every orientation possible. What makes the book extra interesting is that prejudices within the gay and lesbian community are brought to the fore in addition to Davey's own deep seated, I don't want to say "intolerance", but discomfort perhaps.
Davey is really a fantastic woman to be in the mind space of because she's such a warm and strong person and we can absolutely cuddle up to her being.
The characters are all distinct and full of personality. And, as we see Davey's love life play out, we get to see the rest of the cast in their relationships, too, which provides for some good contrast and variety.
The dialogue rings with wit and charm and, since the characters have such a long and intimate emotional history together, there's a lot of warmth in the novel, too. The humor is great and we're made to think, as well.
My gripe I'd say is that I found Danny to have the least amount of personality. And, maybe it was just me, but he had this element of being too saccharine where if the author wanted to turn him into a serial killer I wouldn't have been surprised. But, regardless, he's written well enough to work...
And I'm empathetic but perhaps there's some ethics called into question on Danny taking intimacy to a certain level before disclosing his situation.
In general, though, the novel was really well done and I enjoyed it quite a bit. 4.5 stars.
This is a trans romance written from the point of view of a heterosexual woman. However, for the lesfic audience, I think there's enough of a strong lesbian supporting cast for it to be embraced.
Davey, our lead, is a 40 year-old woman that works in an LGBT youth support center and is surrounded by every orientation possible. What makes the book extra interesting is that prejudices within the gay and lesbian community are brought to the fore in addition to Davey's own deep seated, I don't want to say "intolerance", but discomfort perhaps.
Davey is really a fantastic woman to be in the mind space of because she's such a warm and strong person and we can absolutely cuddle up to her being.
The characters are all distinct and full of personality. And, as we see Davey's love life play out, we get to see the rest of the cast in their relationships, too, which provides for some good contrast and variety.
The dialogue rings with wit and charm and, since the characters have such a long and intimate emotional history together, there's a lot of warmth in the novel, too. The humor is great and we're made to think, as well.
My gripe I'd say is that I found Danny to have the least amount of personality. And, maybe it was just me, but he had this element of being too saccharine where if the author wanted to turn him into a serial killer I wouldn't have been surprised. But, regardless, he's written well enough to work...
And I'm empathetic but perhaps there's some ethics called into question on Danny taking intimacy to a certain level before disclosing his situation.
In general, though, the novel was really well done and I enjoyed it quite a bit. 4.5 stars.
August 8, 2012
-a brilliant look at a complex topic. you'll question your own prejudices-
I will not be able to express adequately how much i liked this book. i applaud the author for taking on a book of this topic. The issues of defining 'who you are' are complex and confusing to even the people of the lgbt community. In the book, we get to see some ugly prejudice and are shocked by the people you wouldn't expect to be judgmental. But you get to see, that being different and shunned for your differences, doesn't stop one from being judgmental themselves.
The lead character is a straight woman who is surrounded by gay people. Her two best friends are lesbians, the two guys she works with are gay, and she works for a foundation that provides counseling and other services for at risk lgbt youth. but don't be misled, this isn't a quaint coming out book. This is about a variety of people, straight, gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgendered, parents, society; thier beliefs, prejudices, and struggles to understand the lines that blur when love is involved.
The book gets 5 stars from me for taking on some seldom talked about issues and for forcing the reader to think about their own quality of character. It helps too, that the author is a skilled writer that brings some interesting characters to life, and throws in some humor with the plot. Editing was nearly flawless as well.
i definitely recommend this memorable book.
I will not be able to express adequately how much i liked this book. i applaud the author for taking on a book of this topic. The issues of defining 'who you are' are complex and confusing to even the people of the lgbt community. In the book, we get to see some ugly prejudice and are shocked by the people you wouldn't expect to be judgmental. But you get to see, that being different and shunned for your differences, doesn't stop one from being judgmental themselves.
The lead character is a straight woman who is surrounded by gay people. Her two best friends are lesbians, the two guys she works with are gay, and she works for a foundation that provides counseling and other services for at risk lgbt youth. but don't be misled, this isn't a quaint coming out book. This is about a variety of people, straight, gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgendered, parents, society; thier beliefs, prejudices, and struggles to understand the lines that blur when love is involved.
The book gets 5 stars from me for taking on some seldom talked about issues and for forcing the reader to think about their own quality of character. It helps too, that the author is a skilled writer that brings some interesting characters to life, and throws in some humor with the plot. Editing was nearly flawless as well.
i definitely recommend this memorable book.
August 14, 2017
Surprised
I completely forgot about this book in my kindle library, and now I'm so glad I read it, it's hilarious at times, but also a very true book and had me in tears by the end.
I completely forgot about this book in my kindle library, and now I'm so glad I read it, it's hilarious at times, but also a very true book and had me in tears by the end.
January 23, 2015
I have very conflicted feelings about this book, there are some wonderful things, and some things that made me feel very uncomfortable. I’m going to address the good things, first, and then those that I find problematic. SPOILERS below.
First this a love story that very closely follows mainstream romance novel tropes, it was a plot that is tried and true. Girl meets boy, girl and boy fall in love quickly, girl and boy separate because of some Big Problem, girl and boy get back together and live happily ever after. Davey is a sweet woman, someone who feels very much like a normal older woman, save for her cadre of lesbian friends and crazy mother. You get a sense of what her life is like; she seems to generally be a happy woman with a less than stellar love life.
She meets Danny when she goes off on a dud of a blind date, the tone gets a preachy as she rails into him for his anti-LGBTQ sentiments. She doesn’t hook up with Danny right away, but eventually they meet up and start dating. Davey’s life explodes with randomness. Her mother moves in, one of her friends moves in after breaking it off with her alcoholic lover. They are both crazy hippies, and much hilarity ensues. . Her best friend is clearly in love with her. The relationship deepens between Davey and Danny. It’s clear to readers that Danny is trans, and that’s the big secret in this story. When he’s finally outed, in a horrible moment that reflects and handles how much shit trans people face from cisgender people, Davey and Danny flee from her friends and try and cope.
Davey walks away, saying she can’t do it, this is expected in my reading. She eventually figures out how wrong and hurtful she was, and they get back together, happily ever after. I’m satisfied and happy with the romance. There are some over the top and preachy moments, there are some other strange moments, but in all, I enjoyed the story.
However, I have some serious misgivings about this novel. You can tell that this novel is written by someone who is older, and uses terms most people of my generation shy away from as problematic. I think, knowing the author's age, it helps to process why. Still, it's something to be aware of while reading. It threw me for a loop, and annoyed the crap out of me when I kept running into the term "transgendered" instead of some variation of transgender person, etc. She uses the term transsexual often, and I’ve been taught to not use that term unless the person explicitly identifies as such.
I'm also not particularly up to date on the history of butch/femme lesbian identities, and the politics involved in transitioning people who were in the lesbian community, so I think that also plays into some of my discomfort about language used. There is a lot of anger and discomfort from Davey’s friends over people who are transgender, it could be really trigger-y to someone, because it is very familiar and commonly used TERF (trans exclusionary rad fem) language. Finally, there are some really weird assumptions made about gay men/lesbian women. Lots of u-haul jokes, a few comments about gay men being less willing and able to handle commitment. They made me uncomfortable.
I guess, at the end of the day, I’m giving this a hesitant 3 stars, because I did enjoy it, even with the problematic elements.
First this a love story that very closely follows mainstream romance novel tropes, it was a plot that is tried and true. Girl meets boy, girl and boy fall in love quickly, girl and boy separate because of some Big Problem, girl and boy get back together and live happily ever after. Davey is a sweet woman, someone who feels very much like a normal older woman, save for her cadre of lesbian friends and crazy mother. You get a sense of what her life is like; she seems to generally be a happy woman with a less than stellar love life.
She meets Danny when she goes off on a dud of a blind date, the tone gets a preachy as she rails into him for his anti-LGBTQ sentiments. She doesn’t hook up with Danny right away, but eventually they meet up and start dating. Davey’s life explodes with randomness. Her mother moves in, one of her friends moves in after breaking it off with her alcoholic lover. They are both crazy hippies, and much hilarity ensues. . Her best friend is clearly in love with her. The relationship deepens between Davey and Danny. It’s clear to readers that Danny is trans, and that’s the big secret in this story. When he’s finally outed, in a horrible moment that reflects and handles how much shit trans people face from cisgender people, Davey and Danny flee from her friends and try and cope.
Davey walks away, saying she can’t do it, this is expected in my reading. She eventually figures out how wrong and hurtful she was, and they get back together, happily ever after. I’m satisfied and happy with the romance. There are some over the top and preachy moments, there are some other strange moments, but in all, I enjoyed the story.
However, I have some serious misgivings about this novel. You can tell that this novel is written by someone who is older, and uses terms most people of my generation shy away from as problematic. I think, knowing the author's age, it helps to process why. Still, it's something to be aware of while reading. It threw me for a loop, and annoyed the crap out of me when I kept running into the term "transgendered" instead of some variation of transgender person, etc. She uses the term transsexual often, and I’ve been taught to not use that term unless the person explicitly identifies as such.
I'm also not particularly up to date on the history of butch/femme lesbian identities, and the politics involved in transitioning people who were in the lesbian community, so I think that also plays into some of my discomfort about language used. There is a lot of anger and discomfort from Davey’s friends over people who are transgender, it could be really trigger-y to someone, because it is very familiar and commonly used TERF (trans exclusionary rad fem) language. Finally, there are some really weird assumptions made about gay men/lesbian women. Lots of u-haul jokes, a few comments about gay men being less willing and able to handle commitment. They made me uncomfortable.
I guess, at the end of the day, I’m giving this a hesitant 3 stars, because I did enjoy it, even with the problematic elements.
September 29, 2014
This was more than a 3, but less than a 4 for me.
This was sweet and funny in parts, but Danny and even Davey sometimes seemed a little blank. More like puppets to be moved around to suit the story than fully developed individuals. Davey wasn't consistent in her beliefs and actions. And I know it was probably fairly true to life, but the reactions of Davey's friends were awful to read. I really wanted to deck Lynne more than once.
This was sweet and funny in parts, but Danny and even Davey sometimes seemed a little blank. More like puppets to be moved around to suit the story than fully developed individuals. Davey wasn't consistent in her beliefs and actions. And I know it was probably fairly true to life, but the reactions of Davey's friends were awful to read. I really wanted to deck Lynne more than once.
September 10, 2012
I had the pleasure of meeting Beth yesterday at a Trans-Family meeting, where she spoke to our group.
I really enjoyed getting to know her characters and could definitely see her (Beth's) personality in her writing. I wish Polly's Restaurant was a real place!
The characters were engaging & believable. I could very easily identify with the main character, Davey, even though I don't have any close friends in the LGBTQ community.
I like Danny's character, but I didn't identify as easily with him. He seemed a little too perfect to me. Maybe I just need to meet more nice men and fewer assholes.
For me, the most engaging part of the book was the bar scene when Danny was outed by a girl he had dated twice. After the woman was asked to leave the bar, some of Davey's friends were really nasty to Danny and they were asking him some very inappropriate questions. That really pissed me off and made me want to punch them in the face. So kudos to Beth for writing such an emotionally charged scene that was so engaging.
I'm very much looking forward to the sequel that Beth is currently working on.
I really enjoyed getting to know her characters and could definitely see her (Beth's) personality in her writing. I wish Polly's Restaurant was a real place!
The characters were engaging & believable. I could very easily identify with the main character, Davey, even though I don't have any close friends in the LGBTQ community.
I like Danny's character, but I didn't identify as easily with him. He seemed a little too perfect to me. Maybe I just need to meet more nice men and fewer assholes.
For me, the most engaging part of the book was the bar scene when Danny was outed by a girl he had dated twice. After the woman was asked to leave the bar, some of Davey's friends were really nasty to Danny and they were asking him some very inappropriate questions. That really pissed me off and made me want to punch them in the face. So kudos to Beth for writing such an emotionally charged scene that was so engaging.
I'm very much looking forward to the sequel that Beth is currently working on.
October 7, 2017
Brilliant! Well written, thought and emotion provoking - absolutely brilliant!
June 13, 2017
This was a wonderful story. The characters are real and flawed and the author does a great job of carrying you through their stories. Davey, the main character, meets Danny and there's an instant connection but her lesbian best friend isn't so keen on this new romantic interest. Is it because he's too good? Historically, Andy has been the one to rescue Davey from her bad relationships but it doesn't seem like Davey will be running to the safety of Andy anymore. But Danny may be hiding a secret of his own. I loved following Davey along her journey, and the author is fantastic with dialog and just revealing enough to keep you wanting to read more. The hidden gem in this story came in the form of Davey's mother, an unapologetic free-spirit who can't seem to stop stirring things up and saying inappropriate things. I cringed right along with Davey - and laughed. An excellent story!
June 21, 2019
So first things first, I know some people said that they felt like Danny's characters was underdeveloped.... I personally have seen characters with way less development that were vital to a story. I personally found myself able to connect with his character over certain situations, and how it feels differently as a transman. One thing I didn't like as much and maybe it's been better clarified since the book was written was that transpeople aren't transgendered the same way you wouldn't say someone is gayed. But I could connect with the characters so well and I personally enjoyed it so much, I boosted the 4.5 to the 5 star rating.
December 5, 2012
A book that is definitely worth your time.
March 23, 2017
Great Read
If you have read "The Best Boy Ever Made" (which I have) you'll love this book as well. Definitely recommended!
If you have read "The Best Boy Ever Made" (which I have) you'll love this book as well. Definitely recommended!
September 24, 2024
This book is by no means perfect, but it is quite valuable for what it is in terms of representation. It’s hard to find decent stories about trans men, let alone straight trans men, let alone straight trans men in their 30s. So this gets lot of points for being a mostly not-problematic romance involving that character. His being trans is also not really the point of the book; he is not the protagonist, but instead the love interest for a fairly likable narrator. She’s a straight, cisgender, 40-year-old woman who is trying to “get back out there” while her (mostly gay and lesbian) friends and family navigate, and at times sabotage, their own lives. There’s plenty of drama but also plenty of funny moments; it’s fundamentally a light-hearted romance, but it does get pretty dark with the inevitable obstacle the couple must overcome. Overall it was a pretty fun read.
Again, not perfect - the editing was a bit lacking; the falling in love in like, two weeks bit never seems reasonable, which weakens the main romantic storyline; the response and resolution to the big drama is a bit rushed and doesn’t fully make sense, not least because of how the relationship between the straight lead and her lesbian best friend factors in. But overall, it worked well - I managed to find it and then read it straight through - and it’s pretty unique. Hopefully it becomes available for Kindle again. I genuinely think reading it would benefit a lot of people who have recently developed strong opinions about trans people without ever engaging with trans people about their experiences.
Finally, I would push back on some calling the book problematic based on instances of characters being problematic. I think the book was generally respectful and validating of a range of orientations - straight, gay, cisgender, transgender - and the fact that, no matter where you fall on those spectrums, it’s who you are and not something you choose. (The terminology is mostly okay, except I don’t think “transgendered” rather than “transgender” has ever been a thing. “Transsexual” is indeed still both a self-descriptor and a medical diagnosis, and the narrator differentiates the terms.) In my view it’s important to have the incredibly uncomfortable sequence featuring outright, virulent transphobia - whether coming from straight people, queer people, TERFs, or any other demographic. It’s painfully accurate. I’ve been thinking about it a lot for the last day and how well the author illustrates a trans person’s worst case social scenario (note that there is no violence against the trans character, though there is some violence against jerks, which all of the characters uncritically support). The author especially did a great job of portraying the unpleasant reality that avowed liberal people who say all the right things about inclusivity and respect can be just as prejudiced as anyone else when actually faced with people whose experiences they don’t understand.
Again, not perfect - the editing was a bit lacking; the falling in love in like, two weeks bit never seems reasonable, which weakens the main romantic storyline; the response and resolution to the big drama is a bit rushed and doesn’t fully make sense, not least because of how the relationship between the straight lead and her lesbian best friend factors in. But overall, it worked well - I managed to find it and then read it straight through - and it’s pretty unique. Hopefully it becomes available for Kindle again. I genuinely think reading it would benefit a lot of people who have recently developed strong opinions about trans people without ever engaging with trans people about their experiences.
Finally, I would push back on some calling the book problematic based on instances of characters being problematic. I think the book was generally respectful and validating of a range of orientations - straight, gay, cisgender, transgender - and the fact that, no matter where you fall on those spectrums, it’s who you are and not something you choose. (The terminology is mostly okay, except I don’t think “transgendered” rather than “transgender” has ever been a thing. “Transsexual” is indeed still both a self-descriptor and a medical diagnosis, and the narrator differentiates the terms.) In my view it’s important to have the incredibly uncomfortable sequence featuring outright, virulent transphobia - whether coming from straight people, queer people, TERFs, or any other demographic. It’s painfully accurate. I’ve been thinking about it a lot for the last day and how well the author illustrates a trans person’s worst case social scenario (note that there is no violence against the trans character, though there is some violence against jerks, which all of the characters uncritically support). The author especially did a great job of portraying the unpleasant reality that avowed liberal people who say all the right things about inclusivity and respect can be just as prejudiced as anyone else when actually faced with people whose experiences they don’t understand.
June 30, 2017
A delightful page-turner. I laughed out loud at the dialogue and appreciated the portrayal of relationships fraught with chaos. A fun, sexy romp, with serious themes about how we judge one another. I felt the main character got bullied a bit. I wanted her to get cut some slack. But that may be a function of the romantic genre, which, I admit, is outside of my regular territory. In any case, the writing is quite sharp. Definitely a fun and worthwhile read!
August 7, 2017
Upsetting at times, but overall wonderful
As a trans man, I've been waiting to find a book about a ftm. I have yet to find one with him as the protagonist, but love interest is good enough for me. I found myself very upset with the main character at points, but what's a book without conflict? The main error was the punctuation and some of the grammar. I wish I could have proofread this before it was published.
As a trans man, I've been waiting to find a book about a ftm. I have yet to find one with him as the protagonist, but love interest is good enough for me. I found myself very upset with the main character at points, but what's a book without conflict? The main error was the punctuation and some of the grammar. I wish I could have proofread this before it was published.
July 20, 2019
It's been a while since the last time I read this book. Every time I read it, I find something new and exciting. Secrets come out, as do prejudices. Some people grow and move on from their prejudices. Great book, as are all by this author.
March 6, 2023
I read this book maybe 6 or 7 years ago. I loved it so much that i searched and searched. I just finished reading it again. Usually i skip a book when i realise that have have read it already. But not this book.
There is humor. A happy ending. Some touchy subjects.
But overall a great read
There is humor. A happy ending. Some touchy subjects.
But overall a great read
June 16, 2017
Couldn't put it down
I've never read a book quite like this before. Outstanding story, well written characters. Surprised at what happened, but of course finally a happy ending.
I've never read a book quite like this before. Outstanding story, well written characters. Surprised at what happened, but of course finally a happy ending.
September 23, 2017
Dissappointed
I wished that after going through many side stories, at least the main story would have been developed more in depth.
I wished that after going through many side stories, at least the main story would have been developed more in depth.
December 19, 2021
The plot twist!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2013
I think if I were to make a list of all the books everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, should read, Man Enough by Beth Burnett would be in the top 5. For a first time author, Beth Burnett comes out with a touching story that reached into my heart, mind and tear ducks and let loose.
Davey Carter leads us through the moments in her 40 year old life when everything is going pretty perfect. She just ended one of those horrible blind dates only to find the most intriguing, beautiful, kind hearted man standing up for her honor. Danny's naturally charming approach to life is sincere to the point that the reader easily flows into the heart of Davey as she falls in love with him. The supporting cast of Eric, Steve, Leah, Davey's mother, Lynne, and Andy the long time best friend who is every lesbians dream date, make the story full of humor, laughter, drama, and life experiences everyone can learn from.
I absolutely loved this story and will recommend it to everyone I possibly can!! I am going to include additional information below that would be considered a spoiler but feel that it is so important that I want to mention it. If you do not want to know the conclusion of the story, please do not continue reading.
There is a lot of talk in the lesbian community about not wanting to read heterosexual sex. This story might be slightly mis-leading because of the title, the proclaimed orientation of the lead character and the fact that the blurb states that she is looking for the perfect man. In my opinion, a sex scene in a book must serve a purpose in moving the story forward, being pertinent to the plot, and reveal specific information about the characters themselves and how they relate to one another. This story does not having any penetration scenes or any explicit sex described for that matter but there is a scene between a FTM man and a woman included. AS I was reading this, I kept waiting for Davey to realize that Danny was just a really butch woman. That wasn't the case and I could figure the secret with still enough suspense to keep me fully engaged, and well staying up most of the night reading this book. Please don't be close minded when picking this book up because you aren't going to get an explicit, hot and heavy, sex scene between two women. This book is so much more and has such an important message within its words.
Davey Carter leads us through the moments in her 40 year old life when everything is going pretty perfect. She just ended one of those horrible blind dates only to find the most intriguing, beautiful, kind hearted man standing up for her honor. Danny's naturally charming approach to life is sincere to the point that the reader easily flows into the heart of Davey as she falls in love with him. The supporting cast of Eric, Steve, Leah, Davey's mother, Lynne, and Andy the long time best friend who is every lesbians dream date, make the story full of humor, laughter, drama, and life experiences everyone can learn from.
I absolutely loved this story and will recommend it to everyone I possibly can!! I am going to include additional information below that would be considered a spoiler but feel that it is so important that I want to mention it. If you do not want to know the conclusion of the story, please do not continue reading.
There is a lot of talk in the lesbian community about not wanting to read heterosexual sex. This story might be slightly mis-leading because of the title, the proclaimed orientation of the lead character and the fact that the blurb states that she is looking for the perfect man. In my opinion, a sex scene in a book must serve a purpose in moving the story forward, being pertinent to the plot, and reveal specific information about the characters themselves and how they relate to one another. This story does not having any penetration scenes or any explicit sex described for that matter but there is a scene between a FTM man and a woman included. AS I was reading this, I kept waiting for Davey to realize that Danny was just a really butch woman. That wasn't the case and I could figure the secret with still enough suspense to keep me fully engaged, and well staying up most of the night reading this book. Please don't be close minded when picking this book up because you aren't going to get an explicit, hot and heavy, sex scene between two women. This book is so much more and has such an important message within its words.
August 8, 2014
3.75 stars. This was highly entertaining. I am not a romance person, but I found it really enjoyable. Loved the cast of characters, love that it focused on more than the relationship between just Danny and Davey. Loved Andy!
Some questions, though. Why do people (and Amazon.com) keep classing this as a lesbian romance? Though the book is a romance, and the book is filled with lesbians, the relationship between the main characters cannot be defined as lesbian. So.
The book also highlighted some of the prejudice and closemindedness which can be present within the LGBTQ community, and makes those close-minded people satisfyingly repent. Surprisingly, it used a few uncomfortable or old-school terms itself, though, such as "transsexual" and "transgendered" instead of "transgender person." There was also a weird (to me) emphasis on the butch-femme dichotomy in the lesbian relationships portrayed. But overall, the book was surprisingly entertaining.
Some questions, though. Why do people (and Amazon.com) keep classing this as a lesbian romance? Though the book is a romance, and the book is filled with lesbians, the relationship between the main characters cannot be defined as lesbian. So.
The book also highlighted some of the prejudice and closemindedness which can be present within the LGBTQ community, and makes those close-minded people satisfyingly repent. Surprisingly, it used a few uncomfortable or old-school terms itself, though, such as "transsexual" and "transgendered" instead of "transgender person." There was also a weird (to me) emphasis on the butch-femme dichotomy in the lesbian relationships portrayed. But overall, the book was surprisingly entertaining.
April 4, 2014
I really liked this book. A lot has been said about the politics involved in the plot so I do not have much to contribute there but,....as a woman of Davey and Andy's generation.....sandwhiched between our Mother's influence of womanhood/feminism/creativity and its changes from the 50's to the 70's, and the similar relationships I have had with the 30-somethings, I think Beth hit the nail right on the head. Some of us are just still in the mindset of the 90's when everything for the glbt and ally communities exploded. It was a mix of old school and new schools of thought....the old-timers who remembered vividly the Pre-Stonewall era, and those of us who hadn't had to fight quite so hard for our right to just be us. There was still a lot of homophobia but many people were pushing the envelope....leading to the current generation who are color-blind, gender-blind....etc. That is what I loved about the character study in the book. That and a huge crush on Andy :)
December 30, 2013
This was a very entertaining read. There are lots of witty lines by all the MC's, almost to the point of parody. You have to feel for Davey when her best friend and mom both move in to her tiny apartment. Some of the best conversations take place between Davey and her other BFF Andy.
It's hard not to swoon at the very gentlemanly Danny. What was not to love?
If I have a beef with the book it was that the needed conversation, telegraphed very early on between Davey and Danny is delayed by one too many comical interruptions. This was serious territory and something the reader wanted to share with the characters.
A solid 4 star read for me. A bit too slapstick, but again, that could just be my age showing. I finished the book with a better understanding of the challenges so many people face in their lives.
Good read.
It's hard not to swoon at the very gentlemanly Danny. What was not to love?
If I have a beef with the book it was that the needed conversation, telegraphed very early on between Davey and Danny is delayed by one too many comical interruptions. This was serious territory and something the reader wanted to share with the characters.
A solid 4 star read for me. A bit too slapstick, but again, that could just be my age showing. I finished the book with a better understanding of the challenges so many people face in their lives.
Good read.
August 28, 2012
Overall I quite liked this story. The love story was quite sweet, the characters real and likable. I liked that it disrupted some of the heteronormative assumptions often made about non-hetero relationships. One thing that I did find a bit grating was the repeated moralrising about veganism; it wasn't particularly subtle. A little bit racy, but it was the relationships between the characters and the ways that the diversity of relationships and the tackling of sensitive issues that kept me turning the pages.
December 19, 2012
This is making me cry...damnit.
This is brilliant and beautiful and real. My heart broke a little, but it was put back together, stronger. I highly recommend it, particularly if you have someone you love in your life who is questioning their gender or sexuality.
This is brilliant and beautiful and real. My heart broke a little, but it was put back together, stronger. I highly recommend it, particularly if you have someone you love in your life who is questioning their gender or sexuality.
September 1, 2012
I really loved the characters and the story. I true story about love and acceptance.
January 25, 2013
Review to come soon...
April 22, 2014
good read. confusing a bit. but new concepts.
April 28, 2014
Fanstastic! I laughed, I got angry, I cried, and then I smiled! What more could you ask for?
May 27, 2014
An awesome first book for a new author. Very well written and very enjoyable.
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