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Don't ask, Don't Tell
Don't Ask, Don't Tell is an anti-gay policy sweeping the Bible Belt portion of the nation. Freshman journalism student Rachael Ainsley goes undercover as a high school senior named Cassie Rae for a tell-all expos, hoping to drastically alter the Gay Rights Movement. She instantly befriends the gayest boy in school. Imagine his surprise when he finds out who she really is. Can she stick to her deadline, or will she be discovered before she has a chance to change the lives of the students attending Mooreville High?
184 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2012
41 people want to read
About the author
T.R. Stoddard
9 books55 followersT.R. Stoddard is the author of her own wild imagination. Psychological thrillers and unique young adult fiction are her forte, but she hopes to one day make a contribution to each major genre. Stoddard has two novels and one short story currently in circulation, and spends her free time creating more. She lives in Orlando, Fl with her boyfriend and their rescue dog Harry PAWter.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 13, 2012
Rachael Ainsley is a college student aiming for a career in journalism. She believes she has what it takes to make something of herself in order to make others see that she's good at what she does. Her friends and family believe in her. She just needs to prove herself to those that really count. The question is, how can she do just that?
When a news flash concerning the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy catches her attention one night, Rachael realizes that she may have found the one story that will net her the recognition she craves. Setting the ball in motion, she goes undercover at the nearest high school in hopes of accruing the needed information to knock the policy down onto its knees. There's a story waiting to be told within the school's halls and she just needs to find it without drawing attention to who she really is.
Coming to the aid of a boy on her very first day at school, Rachael realizes that he's her ticket in making things happen. If she can gain his complete trust, she'll be able to get the policy removed, once and for all. She knows that once everything is said and done, she will alter the Gay Rights Movement in ways she never actually imagined. Yet deep inside, she knows that what she's doing is a worthy cause to liberate the movement itself. In her eyes, the policy is unjust and those enforcing it need to be taken down a peg or two. Her stint as a student will ensure that she does just that. Yet she knows that achieving that very goal won't be easy.
Opposition comes at her from all sides, yet she's ever the more determined to continue with the goal at hand. Earning herself a one-way ride to Reformation Hall, a place where those who are Gay and Lesbian, as well as any supporters, are sent to in order to conform to the school's standards. What the school hasn't realized is that this will give Rachael and her friends the needed incentive to carry out the plans she intends to set into motion. It's the one thing they never saw coming from the get-go.
High school life is never easy. T. R.'s book captures that essence with every turn of the page, immersing the reader within a controversy that's sure to capture their attention the further they continue reading. While this is a work of fiction, it does depict a part of real life that has actually taken place.
There are those in society that want to silence the LGBTQ movement any way it can. It deems their lifestyle as something entirely different. Something that shouldn't be done, period. The Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy was enforced in order to keep those in the military from revealing whether they were Gay or Lesbian. The consequences of coming clean about someone's sexuality were dire back then and the policy was meant to restrict their actions completely.
Granted, the method of the policy implemented in this story is a little different from how it was used in the military, but the end result is the same. T. R. was able to draw forth the circumstances surrounding that policy and shows us that if a person puts their mind to it, anything is possible. Rachael wanted to get the policy within the school abolished to give everyone, both straight and those within the Gay community, equality. It's something everyone deserves to have, in all honesty. At least, I think so.
I know that there are a good many who may find this book controversial, but it openly deals with truths and lies we encounter every day. All of us are different and our ways of life may not be the same, but we're all people. We all deserve to be equals. We all deserve to be free. But most of all, we deserve to live our lives the way we see fit, be it as a straight person or as a member of the LGBTQ community. This book is definitely thought-provoking and intriguing and well worth reading!
When a news flash concerning the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy catches her attention one night, Rachael realizes that she may have found the one story that will net her the recognition she craves. Setting the ball in motion, she goes undercover at the nearest high school in hopes of accruing the needed information to knock the policy down onto its knees. There's a story waiting to be told within the school's halls and she just needs to find it without drawing attention to who she really is.
Coming to the aid of a boy on her very first day at school, Rachael realizes that he's her ticket in making things happen. If she can gain his complete trust, she'll be able to get the policy removed, once and for all. She knows that once everything is said and done, she will alter the Gay Rights Movement in ways she never actually imagined. Yet deep inside, she knows that what she's doing is a worthy cause to liberate the movement itself. In her eyes, the policy is unjust and those enforcing it need to be taken down a peg or two. Her stint as a student will ensure that she does just that. Yet she knows that achieving that very goal won't be easy.
Opposition comes at her from all sides, yet she's ever the more determined to continue with the goal at hand. Earning herself a one-way ride to Reformation Hall, a place where those who are Gay and Lesbian, as well as any supporters, are sent to in order to conform to the school's standards. What the school hasn't realized is that this will give Rachael and her friends the needed incentive to carry out the plans she intends to set into motion. It's the one thing they never saw coming from the get-go.
High school life is never easy. T. R.'s book captures that essence with every turn of the page, immersing the reader within a controversy that's sure to capture their attention the further they continue reading. While this is a work of fiction, it does depict a part of real life that has actually taken place.
There are those in society that want to silence the LGBTQ movement any way it can. It deems their lifestyle as something entirely different. Something that shouldn't be done, period. The Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy was enforced in order to keep those in the military from revealing whether they were Gay or Lesbian. The consequences of coming clean about someone's sexuality were dire back then and the policy was meant to restrict their actions completely.
Granted, the method of the policy implemented in this story is a little different from how it was used in the military, but the end result is the same. T. R. was able to draw forth the circumstances surrounding that policy and shows us that if a person puts their mind to it, anything is possible. Rachael wanted to get the policy within the school abolished to give everyone, both straight and those within the Gay community, equality. It's something everyone deserves to have, in all honesty. At least, I think so.
I know that there are a good many who may find this book controversial, but it openly deals with truths and lies we encounter every day. All of us are different and our ways of life may not be the same, but we're all people. We all deserve to be equals. We all deserve to be free. But most of all, we deserve to live our lives the way we see fit, be it as a straight person or as a member of the LGBTQ community. This book is definitely thought-provoking and intriguing and well worth reading!
November 30, 2012
High School is hard enough when you have to face the ridicule of other students but, when the faculty is dead set against you, it is even worse. Rachael Ainsley, a college student, is looking for the story that will open doors for her. When she goes undercover at a high school to investigate a heinous social policy, she opens up the eyes of the public.
The High School's incredibly prejudiced Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy is taken to extremes by the faculty. Landing anyone with "gay tendencies" and their sympathizers in a place called Reformation Hall. When Rachel finds herself among those who are banished from the regular school, she has the opportunity to meet the kids there and her mission to write a story, turns into a mission to change the world.
Taking a step from her usual dark passage, T.R. Stoddard has set out to enlighten the world with Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Zane and Vinnie's journey through a life other's don't always understand will break your heart and Rachael's will to help those around her will leave you in awe. I salute Ms. Stoddard for telling a story of substance that will have your eyes glued to every page.
The High School's incredibly prejudiced Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy is taken to extremes by the faculty. Landing anyone with "gay tendencies" and their sympathizers in a place called Reformation Hall. When Rachel finds herself among those who are banished from the regular school, she has the opportunity to meet the kids there and her mission to write a story, turns into a mission to change the world.
Taking a step from her usual dark passage, T.R. Stoddard has set out to enlighten the world with Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Zane and Vinnie's journey through a life other's don't always understand will break your heart and Rachael's will to help those around her will leave you in awe. I salute Ms. Stoddard for telling a story of substance that will have your eyes glued to every page.
July 31, 2012
The novel starts off with college freshman Rachael Ainsley, trying to find that perfect story every journalism major needs to further his or her career.
What she finds is all that, and more, when she discovers the absurd "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy being implemented at a high school in the Bible Belt, USA. The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is a new way of "controlling" homosexuality, by issuing warnings and reprimands for any student who even "acts" gay, or shows predilection for the same sex in any way.
Rachel [undercover name Cassie] infiltrates the school, makes some great friends along the way, and learns that standing up for yourself is better than keeping quiet.
Overall, a wonderful read that deals with all of the truths, lies, and ludicrous consequences of being gay in present-day America.
What she finds is all that, and more, when she discovers the absurd "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy being implemented at a high school in the Bible Belt, USA. The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is a new way of "controlling" homosexuality, by issuing warnings and reprimands for any student who even "acts" gay, or shows predilection for the same sex in any way.
Rachel [undercover name Cassie] infiltrates the school, makes some great friends along the way, and learns that standing up for yourself is better than keeping quiet.
Overall, a wonderful read that deals with all of the truths, lies, and ludicrous consequences of being gay in present-day America.
August 27, 2012
College freshman Rachel goes undercover posing as "Cassie" to do a story on a heinous "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy at a high school in Bible Belt, USA. What she finds is a school where you are "punished" for being, looking
Or acting in a "gay" manner. This was a great book, full of harsh reality. was a very emotional read for me, having so many gay friends and family members, and knowing this kind of hatred really does exiist. I loved the ending, and I commend Ms. Stoddard for writing this book!!!
Or acting in a "gay" manner. This was a great book, full of harsh reality. was a very emotional read for me, having so many gay friends and family members, and knowing this kind of hatred really does exiist. I loved the ending, and I commend Ms. Stoddard for writing this book!!!
November 30, 2012
This was really a GOOD book, this book somewhat satisfy me. I can relate to this story because I know how it feels to be in high school. High school is very challenging.T.R. Stoddard did an good impression on high school students. Sometimes at some point every student will feel or wants to be left alone. It's normal.But Rachel didn't know what to expect but at the end of the day she was a hero because some how she wanted to write a story which was planned she made a difference in the world.
August 11, 2012
Don’t Ask Don’t Tell by T.R. Stoddard
3 Stars
College student Rachel was looking for the perfect story to tell, so when she happened across an article about a new policy that some schools were adopting in order to stop any same sex relationships, she was so outraged that she decided to write her article about it. Disguised as a senior high school student Rachel goes under cover as Cassie and she soon sees first hand how shockingly discriminative the schools are acting
I did enjoy this story, the whole idea was interesting. I was so angry at the fact that schools could get away with ostracising minorities of any sort and that they were doing it so blatantly was just terrible. I also feel a bit like Cassie where I want to drum it into people that we have no right to judge, everyone should be allowed to be themselves…providing what they are doing doesn’t hurt anyone else, and I just don’t understand why everyone can’t have the ‘live and let live’ attitude.
It is a shame that this book was let down by silly typo’s, missing letters repeated sentences, unnatural dialogue and unrealistic content. ‘You’ instead of ‘your,’ ‘as’ instead of ‘was,’ ‘through’ instead of ‘threw’ and ‘kept’ instead of ‘crept’ to name but a few…these kinds of errors are not acceptable or necessary in a published piece of work. There was a section where Zane was beaten-up by the bully, ‘Cryin’ Brian’ and was rescued by the ‘Goth’ boy Jeremy. This was fine until Jeremy went to the hospital with Zane and insisted on going home with him to stay the night in order to keep Zane awake because he had concussion (inaccurate medical info) and even though Zane has a four year old sister, their mum was happy to let an unknown (to any of them) seventeen year old boy stay in the house over night. Following that, within just a couple of days their mum says she loves Jeremy as if he were her own. It was just too…’unrealistic’! Where was this mums sense of safety for her home and her children and if the treatment for concussion was (which it isn’t) to keep the patient awake all night, then surely the mum would want to do that herself and not trust the task to a random teen she had never met before...Ugh?
It is not all bad, because if you choose to ignore these irritating editing issues and the odd far fetched content, some of the writing style has a nice and easy flow to it, the story is good and not all the dialogue is unnatural, just some of it, and it is this fact that makes the lack of editing irritate me more! Please just take it back, re-edit and turn your good book into a great book.
Copy supplied for review.
3 Stars
College student Rachel was looking for the perfect story to tell, so when she happened across an article about a new policy that some schools were adopting in order to stop any same sex relationships, she was so outraged that she decided to write her article about it. Disguised as a senior high school student Rachel goes under cover as Cassie and she soon sees first hand how shockingly discriminative the schools are acting
I did enjoy this story, the whole idea was interesting. I was so angry at the fact that schools could get away with ostracising minorities of any sort and that they were doing it so blatantly was just terrible. I also feel a bit like Cassie where I want to drum it into people that we have no right to judge, everyone should be allowed to be themselves…providing what they are doing doesn’t hurt anyone else, and I just don’t understand why everyone can’t have the ‘live and let live’ attitude.
It is a shame that this book was let down by silly typo’s, missing letters repeated sentences, unnatural dialogue and unrealistic content. ‘You’ instead of ‘your,’ ‘as’ instead of ‘was,’ ‘through’ instead of ‘threw’ and ‘kept’ instead of ‘crept’ to name but a few…these kinds of errors are not acceptable or necessary in a published piece of work. There was a section where Zane was beaten-up by the bully, ‘Cryin’ Brian’ and was rescued by the ‘Goth’ boy Jeremy. This was fine until Jeremy went to the hospital with Zane and insisted on going home with him to stay the night in order to keep Zane awake because he had concussion (inaccurate medical info) and even though Zane has a four year old sister, their mum was happy to let an unknown (to any of them) seventeen year old boy stay in the house over night. Following that, within just a couple of days their mum says she loves Jeremy as if he were her own. It was just too…’unrealistic’! Where was this mums sense of safety for her home and her children and if the treatment for concussion was (which it isn’t) to keep the patient awake all night, then surely the mum would want to do that herself and not trust the task to a random teen she had never met before...Ugh?
It is not all bad, because if you choose to ignore these irritating editing issues and the odd far fetched content, some of the writing style has a nice and easy flow to it, the story is good and not all the dialogue is unnatural, just some of it, and it is this fact that makes the lack of editing irritate me more! Please just take it back, re-edit and turn your good book into a great book.
Copy supplied for review.
April 23, 2013
Ebook: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
Author: T.R. Stoddard
Fiction,
This review may contain spoilers
I bought this on Amazon
Summary: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is an anti-gay policy sweeping the Bible Belt portion of the nation. Freshman journalism student Rachael Ainsley goes undercover as a high school senior named Cassie Rae for a tell-all exposé, hoping to drastically alter the Gay Rights Movement. She instantly befriends the gayest boy in school. Imagine his surprise when he finds out who she really is. Can she stick to her deadline, or will she be discovered before she has a chance to change the lives of the students attending Mooreville High?
The Review
I enjoyed this book quite a lot, I was unsure at first whether I would enjoy this book, but I did, I truly did, The author has written this very well, Rachael Ainsley is a freshman journalist who goes undercover at a high school, under the name of Cassie, she befriends the gayest guy in school, she is writing an expose on the anti gay policy Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Rachael is my new hero, she is doing this for such a great cause, I love how this book was written, the author is very sympathetic to the gay movement, she seems to understand the trauma that these students are going through, I have never heard of this policy, but then I am from the UK, but it is something I hope we never have to put up with over here, I am really happy with the ending of the book, I did have some weepy moments in this book and you will know what I mean, when you read it, I love a good cry, there were a few spelling mistakes, but nothing that took anything away from the story, no one is perfect, it does not worry me when I read spelling mistakes in a book, you should not let it worry you, this is a great read, especially if you would like to more about this policy and how it can affect young gay people in your community, 4.5/5
Author: T.R. Stoddard
Fiction,
This review may contain spoilers
I bought this on Amazon
Summary: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is an anti-gay policy sweeping the Bible Belt portion of the nation. Freshman journalism student Rachael Ainsley goes undercover as a high school senior named Cassie Rae for a tell-all exposé, hoping to drastically alter the Gay Rights Movement. She instantly befriends the gayest boy in school. Imagine his surprise when he finds out who she really is. Can she stick to her deadline, or will she be discovered before she has a chance to change the lives of the students attending Mooreville High?
The Review
I enjoyed this book quite a lot, I was unsure at first whether I would enjoy this book, but I did, I truly did, The author has written this very well, Rachael Ainsley is a freshman journalist who goes undercover at a high school, under the name of Cassie, she befriends the gayest guy in school, she is writing an expose on the anti gay policy Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Rachael is my new hero, she is doing this for such a great cause, I love how this book was written, the author is very sympathetic to the gay movement, she seems to understand the trauma that these students are going through, I have never heard of this policy, but then I am from the UK, but it is something I hope we never have to put up with over here, I am really happy with the ending of the book, I did have some weepy moments in this book and you will know what I mean, when you read it, I love a good cry, there were a few spelling mistakes, but nothing that took anything away from the story, no one is perfect, it does not worry me when I read spelling mistakes in a book, you should not let it worry you, this is a great read, especially if you would like to more about this policy and how it can affect young gay people in your community, 4.5/5
August 1, 2013
Title: Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Author: T.R. Stoddard
Format: E-book (Kindle)
Read: July 18-20
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: YES!
Summary: Freshman journalism student Rachael Ainsley goes undercover at a Moorevile High, in the Bible Belt portion of the nation. As High School Senior Cassie Rae, she befriend the gayest boy in the school, to begin her tell-al expose, and hoping to drastically alter the Gay Rights Movement. Will Rachael meet her deadline, or will she be exposed before she has a chance to do some good?
Review: While Rachael is looking for a good story, she is also looking to make a difference with her writing. A chance to make a difference comes when a high school near her hometown begins instituting a “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy. The policy at Mooretown High is designed to discourage any of the students from pursuing, or even admitting their true sexuality.
Rachael takes the undercover identity of Cassie Rae, in hopes that she can not only get the article she wants, but can drastically change the policy that has been implemented in this school. The faculty have taken the policy to extreme measures, ensuring that those with “gay tendencies” also end up in a place called Reformation Hall. Rachael is one of those that is sent to this place, and she befriends many of them.
This is by far different than T.R. Stoddard's usually darker passages, but it is no less riveting and is most definitely going to keep your eyes glued to each and every page. Zane and Vinnie's story and struggle is heartbreaking, and you will find strength in Rachael's will to help those around her who are suffering because of the intolerance of those around them.
Thank you so much T.R. Stoddard for allowing me to read and review this fantastic book!
Author: T.R. Stoddard
Format: E-book (Kindle)
Read: July 18-20
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: YES!
Summary: Freshman journalism student Rachael Ainsley goes undercover at a Moorevile High, in the Bible Belt portion of the nation. As High School Senior Cassie Rae, she befriend the gayest boy in the school, to begin her tell-al expose, and hoping to drastically alter the Gay Rights Movement. Will Rachael meet her deadline, or will she be exposed before she has a chance to do some good?
Review: While Rachael is looking for a good story, she is also looking to make a difference with her writing. A chance to make a difference comes when a high school near her hometown begins instituting a “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy. The policy at Mooretown High is designed to discourage any of the students from pursuing, or even admitting their true sexuality.
Rachael takes the undercover identity of Cassie Rae, in hopes that she can not only get the article she wants, but can drastically change the policy that has been implemented in this school. The faculty have taken the policy to extreme measures, ensuring that those with “gay tendencies” also end up in a place called Reformation Hall. Rachael is one of those that is sent to this place, and she befriends many of them.
This is by far different than T.R. Stoddard's usually darker passages, but it is no less riveting and is most definitely going to keep your eyes glued to each and every page. Zane and Vinnie's story and struggle is heartbreaking, and you will find strength in Rachael's will to help those around her who are suffering because of the intolerance of those around them.
Thank you so much T.R. Stoddard for allowing me to read and review this fantastic book!
August 5, 2012
Apparently the title is a huge give away as to the content of the book, but I was completely in the dark as I have never heard of this policy before, is this a policy only heard of in America? Anyway for those who dont know, the policy is designed to infringe on the rights of gay students, by issuing warnings and reprimands for any student who even "acts" gay, or shows predilection for the same sex in any way.
The main character Rachael goes undercover in high school as Cassie to find out more about the policy and to try and bring it to an end. She makes some great friends in 'Reformation hall' and succeeds in bringing together a large group of well represented LGBTQ to stand up for their rights.
When Vinny commits suicide because of the bullying and discrimination he suffers from simply by being black and gay, its the kick that Rachael needs to blow her investigation open.
Problems with the editing of this book meant that simple mistakes go unnoticed: words missing from sentences, wrong homophones are used on more than one occasion and a couple of times the wrong character names were used. The writing feels stilted, the conversations doesnt flow and for me it was an uncomfortable read. The over use of the "super-secret spy journal" really irritated me.
Overall the story was good and the premise behind it was brilliant but for me, the writing needs some work to make this a truly enjoyable story.
The main character Rachael goes undercover in high school as Cassie to find out more about the policy and to try and bring it to an end. She makes some great friends in 'Reformation hall' and succeeds in bringing together a large group of well represented LGBTQ to stand up for their rights.
When Vinny commits suicide because of the bullying and discrimination he suffers from simply by being black and gay, its the kick that Rachael needs to blow her investigation open.
Problems with the editing of this book meant that simple mistakes go unnoticed: words missing from sentences, wrong homophones are used on more than one occasion and a couple of times the wrong character names were used. The writing feels stilted, the conversations doesnt flow and for me it was an uncomfortable read. The over use of the "super-secret spy journal" really irritated me.
Overall the story was good and the premise behind it was brilliant but for me, the writing needs some work to make this a truly enjoyable story.
March 23, 2013
I began T.R. Stoddard’s book today, ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell’ on Kindle Edition. Guess what, I finished it in one sitting! My editor is mad that I didn't finish my chapter today, but I just had to keep going.
Most times I choose the book I am going to read not only for the catchy cover or title, but focus on an Author who writes it. Today, I have chosen T.R. Stoddard first because (let’s all be honest), it was free. I read that she was good. She has good reviews over three books, and that certainly counts. She paints good pictures with her words.
Easy to read font enhancements and spacing.
I liked her way of writing chapters set in Days. I haven’t seen this done much lately, and it made my perspective more in tune with the main character and their life...a real life story, like in my own books.
Deals with Gay/Not Gay Identity finding, peer pressure, bashing, Individuals rights, and/ or religious beliefs, unfair policies enforced in the institutions and schools, all relevant issues one might experience today. Stoddard makes you feel their pain, and torment, and takes you right into their lives.
Most times I choose the book I am going to read not only for the catchy cover or title, but focus on an Author who writes it. Today, I have chosen T.R. Stoddard first because (let’s all be honest), it was free. I read that she was good. She has good reviews over three books, and that certainly counts. She paints good pictures with her words.
Easy to read font enhancements and spacing.
I liked her way of writing chapters set in Days. I haven’t seen this done much lately, and it made my perspective more in tune with the main character and their life...a real life story, like in my own books.
Deals with Gay/Not Gay Identity finding, peer pressure, bashing, Individuals rights, and/ or religious beliefs, unfair policies enforced in the institutions and schools, all relevant issues one might experience today. Stoddard makes you feel their pain, and torment, and takes you right into their lives.
February 3, 2013
I Loved "Don't Ask Don't Tell" by T.R. Stoddard. I believe Ms. Stoddard handled the LGBT issues with much class and dignity. I was very impressed with the writing style and the overall AWESOMENESS of the book. I have read alot of LGBT books and was very pleased with this one. It covers family acceptance, bullying, homophobia, family acceptance and/or rejection and all the other things that are important in the LGBT community. I would definetly recommend this book to everyone! Don't Pass up this GREAT READ!
September 1, 2012
Very powerful story. It's very powerful because it's not that unlikely at all. The way things have been going, this is not very far fetched. The thought of this becoming real, or something like it is a terrifying one.
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Edit: Very powerful idea of a story. The characters seemed a bit stiff, though. I should learn to keep my ideas to myself, eh?
____
Edit: Very powerful idea of a story. The characters seemed a bit stiff, though. I should learn to keep my ideas to myself, eh?
August 30, 2012
Review in the works. :D
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews