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Even Numbers
A single mother with a daughter. The man she loves. His treacherous secret.
144 pages, Paperback
First published November 20, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 13, 2011
In 144 pages, my soul was traumatized!
144 pages?
Yep 144 pages filled with drama and misery moved me to the point of irreconcilable frustration. The author was successful in detailing the cyclic effects of child molestation and low self esteem in this unique book titled Even Numbers.
Have you ever wanted to be a fly on the wall? I know I did. And I think it’s safe to assume that Author Barbara Grovner did too. As Even Numbers is told from the perspective of a fly you can’t help but feel as helpless as the fly did as the story unfolds. His wings were tied just like my hands, as I read a story that made me want to be the protector of all children against the child predators of the world.
James, Dominga and Olivia lend a hand to the author in painting a picture of an enormous amount of needy women that ignore or are unaware of the consequences their low self esteem attributes to. As the reader follows the predator through the dark world of desperation for his next victim, the author drops clues and hints to the mindset of such a creature.
Since this book is a quick read, I won’t tell much of the story line, but I will say that on a grand scale of things this narrative has multiple purposes. Not only does it entertain but it educates, it serves to be a channel for many girls and women to be able to relate without negative connotations, guilt or shame and to serve as a reminder that there is a need for everyone to be vigilant against the secret society of pedophiles.
144 pages?
Yep 144 pages filled with drama and misery moved me to the point of irreconcilable frustration. The author was successful in detailing the cyclic effects of child molestation and low self esteem in this unique book titled Even Numbers.
Have you ever wanted to be a fly on the wall? I know I did. And I think it’s safe to assume that Author Barbara Grovner did too. As Even Numbers is told from the perspective of a fly you can’t help but feel as helpless as the fly did as the story unfolds. His wings were tied just like my hands, as I read a story that made me want to be the protector of all children against the child predators of the world.
James, Dominga and Olivia lend a hand to the author in painting a picture of an enormous amount of needy women that ignore or are unaware of the consequences their low self esteem attributes to. As the reader follows the predator through the dark world of desperation for his next victim, the author drops clues and hints to the mindset of such a creature.
Since this book is a quick read, I won’t tell much of the story line, but I will say that on a grand scale of things this narrative has multiple purposes. Not only does it entertain but it educates, it serves to be a channel for many girls and women to be able to relate without negative connotations, guilt or shame and to serve as a reminder that there is a need for everyone to be vigilant against the secret society of pedophiles.
April 27, 2011
I really enjoyed this book.It was real and I was really able 2 relate to this book on a personal level,by me also having a daughter and me being a young mother mad me to be more aware when it comes to my daughter.Not to trust any one not even her father.This world is really sick and the reality of it is that people are really doing this and its becoming more known.As you watch the news and things it lets you know to dont be trusting any one be very careful who u let in your life thank you very much Barbara.
May 7, 2012
Even Numbers, by Barbara Grovner, is a controversial novel that takes the reader into the psyche of a child molester and his victim. After being abandoned by her first husband, Dominga believes she has found the man of her dreams. While not the most attractive man, James is charming, financially secure and embraces Dominga's daughter, Olivia, as if she were his own. There's just one thing - James has a sick fascination with little girls and fantasizes about their "...small innocent bodies and their soft, tender, warm flesh. He can't wait to touch them, smell them, and violate them..."
Undoubtedly, the author knows the damaging results of molestation and how the secrecy fosters shame and guilt. As a result, the spirit of innocent children is destroyed. Kudos to Mrs. Grovner for exposing a danger that is a reality for countless innocent victims!
The author makes an interesting choice to tell the story from the viewpoint of a fly. While I understood the "fly on the wall" reference and found it quite humorous, I personally think this choice minimizes the seriousness of her message. Maybe the fly was needed to give mental relief from such a dark story. Fly or no fly, the author's narrative gift more than makes up for this choice.
Even Numbers courageously brings a taboo subject to the forefront. It is a wake up call to mothers everywhere who may be blinded by love at the expense of their child(ren). Sexual predators are male and female, all races and ethnicities, young and old. They are conniving and manipulative. If this book opens just one mother's eyes, it can potentially save a life. A child deserves to be a child without the threat of abuse.
J'son M. Lee, Reviewer
Undoubtedly, the author knows the damaging results of molestation and how the secrecy fosters shame and guilt. As a result, the spirit of innocent children is destroyed. Kudos to Mrs. Grovner for exposing a danger that is a reality for countless innocent victims!
The author makes an interesting choice to tell the story from the viewpoint of a fly. While I understood the "fly on the wall" reference and found it quite humorous, I personally think this choice minimizes the seriousness of her message. Maybe the fly was needed to give mental relief from such a dark story. Fly or no fly, the author's narrative gift more than makes up for this choice.
Even Numbers courageously brings a taboo subject to the forefront. It is a wake up call to mothers everywhere who may be blinded by love at the expense of their child(ren). Sexual predators are male and female, all races and ethnicities, young and old. They are conniving and manipulative. If this book opens just one mother's eyes, it can potentially save a life. A child deserves to be a child without the threat of abuse.
J'son M. Lee, Reviewer
February 5, 2010
This is a great, debut novel by Barbara Grovner. She has taken the delicate issue of pedophilia and child abuse and how a mother turns a blind eye to the entire situation. This book gives a chilling account how man can be so deceptive and cunning to get what he wants, which are young girls. In this story, Dominga truly thinks James is the perfect man for her, so she ignores the warning signs that he is more interested in her young daughter.
This is a short, quick read book. I believe this is a book that all parents (especially single mothers with daughters) should read along with their children. And, this book should be discussed with each other in a frank, open conversation. Grovner sheds light on an issue that only gets discussed when it is too late and the damage is already done.
I would highly recommend this book to others. I look forward to reading what Barbara Grovner will write next.
Dream 4 More Reviewer,
Tiffany M. Craig
4.5 stars, Wooed Us Dream!
* This is the opinion of the reviewer in which it does not reflect any views of Dream 4 More Literary Consulting Firm. Dream 4 More Reviews has received a copy of the book from the author for a book review.
This is a short, quick read book. I believe this is a book that all parents (especially single mothers with daughters) should read along with their children. And, this book should be discussed with each other in a frank, open conversation. Grovner sheds light on an issue that only gets discussed when it is too late and the damage is already done.
I would highly recommend this book to others. I look forward to reading what Barbara Grovner will write next.
Dream 4 More Reviewer,
Tiffany M. Craig
4.5 stars, Wooed Us Dream!
* This is the opinion of the reviewer in which it does not reflect any views of Dream 4 More Literary Consulting Firm. Dream 4 More Reviews has received a copy of the book from the author for a book review.
April 14, 2011
EVEN NUMBERS by Barbara Grovner held me hostage for 4 hours. I craved page after page, refusing to put my kindle down until I was done! While I was thoroughly entertained with the story, I kept waiting to hear more from Mr. Fly. To pen a tale narrated by a fly on the wall is creative genius. It's what grabbed my attention.
Despite my desire to hear more from Mr. Fly, I thoroughly enjoyed EVEN NUMBERS and would highly recommend it. It's been a while since I've read a book in a day but EVEN NUMBERS kept my attention and I'm sure it'll keep yours, too. You won't be disappointed.
Despite my desire to hear more from Mr. Fly, I thoroughly enjoyed EVEN NUMBERS and would highly recommend it. It's been a while since I've read a book in a day but EVEN NUMBERS kept my attention and I'm sure it'll keep yours, too. You won't be disappointed.
January 5, 2013
A very good book!!! I'm looking forward to more from Grovner!!!
September 15, 2013
The fly on the wall starts to narrate the story, how it sees devastating things happening to young girls in the home, behind the walls, and willing to tell us. Later, we go back into Dominga past, marries Reese who impregnates her and not shortly later leaves for another woman (older woman at that named Theresa), and had to move back in with her cousin. She goes into desperation for the second time in her life, what disturbs me the most is that she keeps it inside and doesn't tell anyone to see internal help. Second time around, remarries but wonder how if her first husband never dissolved their marriage or contacted her thereafter his adulterous encounter. So how could this marriage legally be consummated? Dominga also doesn't clearly see the ultimate plan that James has and real reason for marriage; wonder if depression displays a gullible and naivete woman's reason to ignore the obvious signs. She has been once molested herself that she never confessed either to no one. I hope someone will break the cycle.
Moreover, we see how James obsession escalates with other young girls and evident that his sexual illness labels him as a pedophile. He has no idea of the damage that it does to these young girls over time.
I typically haven't read books with mostly narration in a long time, but the storyline is worth reading. It is a short read as well, even would give to an older teen to read and grasp the concept that has happened to many girls in our societies, and other countries. No longer needs to be overlooked (no blind eye).
Adrienna Turner
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
Dream4More: www.dream4more.org
Moreover, we see how James obsession escalates with other young girls and evident that his sexual illness labels him as a pedophile. He has no idea of the damage that it does to these young girls over time.
I typically haven't read books with mostly narration in a long time, but the storyline is worth reading. It is a short read as well, even would give to an older teen to read and grasp the concept that has happened to many girls in our societies, and other countries. No longer needs to be overlooked (no blind eye).
Adrienna Turner
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
Dream4More: www.dream4more.org
March 30, 2013
An odd beginning, an abrupt ending, but the core of this book is more real than almost any other book I've ever read related to pedophilia and/or child molestation.
James, an emergency room doctor, has a keen eye for vulnerable women. This allows him to easily connect to single parents of young girls. After marrying Dominga, who is also someone he uses his ability to manipulate and brainwash in order to gain control of her life, James quickly begins paving the way for grooming his longstanding victim, his stepdaughter, Olivia. Both of these characters are victims of James' as he lies, cheat, and schemes through their lives and many others.
This is, again, a great read about the way pedophiles work. James' thought processing, actions, reasoning, and even his means of protecting his secret are evidenced here. The impact on the various victims is demonstrated in the writing, and the plot becomes more interesting as Olivia gets older and the abuse turns into much more than just a game of Even Numbers.
James, an emergency room doctor, has a keen eye for vulnerable women. This allows him to easily connect to single parents of young girls. After marrying Dominga, who is also someone he uses his ability to manipulate and brainwash in order to gain control of her life, James quickly begins paving the way for grooming his longstanding victim, his stepdaughter, Olivia. Both of these characters are victims of James' as he lies, cheat, and schemes through their lives and many others.
This is, again, a great read about the way pedophiles work. James' thought processing, actions, reasoning, and even his means of protecting his secret are evidenced here. The impact on the various victims is demonstrated in the writing, and the plot becomes more interesting as Olivia gets older and the abuse turns into much more than just a game of Even Numbers.
July 25, 2010
This book is an excellent read and I would recommend it to anyone! This story is started out being narrated by a fly on the wall (if we could all be, the stories we would tell) who takes us to the very beginning of this family and how they get to where they are today. Dominga is a product of a family that spoils you with love but when her parents die and she is shipped off to live with cousins and this is where all of her troubles begin! She let her desire to be loved make her make some very bad decisions and the circle of life is a vicious circle. Even Numbers is a very good book, a little disturbing to read but it is reality. If you can read and stomach PUSH, then you will have no problem with Even Numbers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2012
" Even Numbers" by Barbara Grovner was short and straight to the point. It is the story of Dominga and her daughter,Olivia. Being a single mother is a struggle for Dominga...that is until she meets her knight in shining armor..or so it seems.
Even Numbers delves into the world of one of the sickest people to walk the Earth, a sexual child abuser. This book was an eye opener, especially for single mothers looking for love in all the wrong places.It was a quick read told by a fly on the wall. At times it was overly descriptive. I loved the information that was presented at the end of the book. Looking forward to reading more from this author. 4.5 stars
~Black Faithful Sisters and Brothers Book Club~
Even Numbers delves into the world of one of the sickest people to walk the Earth, a sexual child abuser. This book was an eye opener, especially for single mothers looking for love in all the wrong places.It was a quick read told by a fly on the wall. At times it was overly descriptive. I loved the information that was presented at the end of the book. Looking forward to reading more from this author. 4.5 stars
~Black Faithful Sisters and Brothers Book Club~
May 21, 2012
This book is full of information on how a sexual predator grooms the parent(s) as well as any child who is the object of his twisted affection.
This was Ms Grovner's first book and the writing is impeccable. She's gone on to more fiction without such a heavy topic, which many will find more enjoyable. I commend her for taking on this subject and dealing with it openly.
The only thing I might have done differently is to let the people tell their own story rather than the fly on the wall.
However, I delighted how it ended on an uplifting note when the fly took revenge in the end for everyone who'd been wronged.
This is definitely worth your time and should make you more aware of what to look for and how to defend yourself and your children.
This was Ms Grovner's first book and the writing is impeccable. She's gone on to more fiction without such a heavy topic, which many will find more enjoyable. I commend her for taking on this subject and dealing with it openly.
The only thing I might have done differently is to let the people tell their own story rather than the fly on the wall.
However, I delighted how it ended on an uplifting note when the fly took revenge in the end for everyone who'd been wronged.
This is definitely worth your time and should make you more aware of what to look for and how to defend yourself and your children.
January 8, 2012
Although the topic of this book was a difficult one for me to read, child molestation, I was able get through it because of how well the story was told. I loved how the story was told from the Fly on the walls point of view. I also enjoyed how we were given the background on the character Dominga. James was a low life calculating snake who preyed on weak single mothers. Being a single mother myself the thought of a man preying on women like this boils my blood. Anyway this was a great read and I will recommend it to everyone I know. Great job Barbara.
June 20, 2011
This book was short, but straight to the point. The story is told by a fly on the wall, which is a different and interesting perspective and shows the horrors of a pedophile who goes after single mom's to get close to their daughters. I finished this book within a few hours and it was well worth the read!
February 24, 2012
This was a really good book that grabbed my attention from the beginning. Molestation is a major problem in society and definitely needs to be addressed. I believe the Dominga had a feeling what was going on in her home but could not risk going back to where she was before meeting James. I was expecting a little more from the ending. I feel like I had so many questions left at the end
May 19, 2012
Even Numbers by Author Barbara Grovner is a must read for all.
Child molestation is hard for everyone.
I loved how the story was told from the Fly on the walls point of view. I also enjoyed how we were given the background on the characters.
Child molestation is hard for everyone.
I loved how the story was told from the Fly on the walls point of view. I also enjoyed how we were given the background on the characters.
June 2, 2011
A real eye-opener...
February 12, 2020
OMG!!! Never do I ever usually finish a book in a day but THIS BOOK HERE HAD ME SEEING RED🤬
Told from the narrative of a lil spying housefly…”Even Numbers” gives a very detailed and eye opening account of the sickening and calculated manipulation of a sexual predator. James’ TWISTED MOTIVE was preying on insecure and needy single mothers to get to their innocent daughters. MONSTER!!!
This is my first time reading Barbara Grovner’s work and most definitely not my last! She doesn’t just tell the story…Barbara cleverly flips the script and shows readers through the eyes of a housefly.
This read is not for the faint at heart but I definitely suggest you 1-CLICK, READ AND TAKE HEED TO THE MESSAGE. Beware. Talk to your children. Ask questions. LISTEN AND PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN. #BreakTheCycle
Ebony
EyeCU Reading Approved & Recommended
Told from the narrative of a lil spying housefly…”Even Numbers” gives a very detailed and eye opening account of the sickening and calculated manipulation of a sexual predator. James’ TWISTED MOTIVE was preying on insecure and needy single mothers to get to their innocent daughters. MONSTER!!!
This is my first time reading Barbara Grovner’s work and most definitely not my last! She doesn’t just tell the story…Barbara cleverly flips the script and shows readers through the eyes of a housefly.
This read is not for the faint at heart but I definitely suggest you 1-CLICK, READ AND TAKE HEED TO THE MESSAGE. Beware. Talk to your children. Ask questions. LISTEN AND PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN. #BreakTheCycle
Ebony
EyeCU Reading Approved & Recommended
January 24, 2016
Wow is all I can say. This story was so overwhelming and the mother involved really worked my nerves you talk about gullible or in serious denial. It was a great read but very disturbing because it was so real.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews