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Spin the Plate
January 2013 - fully updated, expanded, and revised. Now a FREE amazon Kindle. E-book is also available free from iTunes, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.
Jo is a survivor of a bleak and abusive childhood. She channels her pain and rage into weight training and roams the city streets at night as a powerful vigilante. While she is more than capable of defending herself against physical danger, she is defenseless against the memories of the past that torment her.
Francis is a mysterious man she meets on the subway train. He doesn’t have a regular job and is still living at home. But he is gentle, likeable, friendly, intelligent, sensitive, respectful, generous, patient, and understanding. Just what a brave, but damaged soul like Jo needs.
In this story, the average-guy hero battles to win the battered heart of the wary, edgy, less-than-perfect heroine.
“Spin the Plate is a fast-paced, edgy, darkly comic tale of resilience, romance, and redemption that breaks over you in waves. All you can do is gasp, stay afloat, and enjoy the ride.”
-- Holly Robinson, author of The Wishing Hill and Sleeping Tigers
Jo is a survivor of a bleak and abusive childhood. She channels her pain and rage into weight training and roams the city streets at night as a powerful vigilante. While she is more than capable of defending herself against physical danger, she is defenseless against the memories of the past that torment her.
Francis is a mysterious man she meets on the subway train. He doesn’t have a regular job and is still living at home. But he is gentle, likeable, friendly, intelligent, sensitive, respectful, generous, patient, and understanding. Just what a brave, but damaged soul like Jo needs.
In this story, the average-guy hero battles to win the battered heart of the wary, edgy, less-than-perfect heroine.
“Spin the Plate is a fast-paced, edgy, darkly comic tale of resilience, romance, and redemption that breaks over you in waves. All you can do is gasp, stay afloat, and enjoy the ride.”
-- Holly Robinson, author of The Wishing Hill and Sleeping Tigers
232 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 3, 2011
Spin the Plate is about Jo, an incest survivor, and Francis, the weird Christian stalker who decides to take Jo under his wing. Though positive, the ending felt off and incomplete. I've come to realize this is how I feel about the entire book overall.
This book is one of those borderline books, unlikely to fully please readers either solidly in generalized left or right wing camps, something which I am afraid will not help the author. Hardcore Christians will more than likely experience an array of problems with the book. Non Christians will at best be indifferent towards the preaching, at worst totally thrown off, especially since the religious dialogue was typical.
And now for a whole different animal, there will be people who either have firsthand knowledge of abuse or have provided support for someone who does. I am now approaching seriously touchy ground and the last thing I want to do is offend anyone but this book did not accurately portray most aspects of abuse in my opinion. I'm tempted to capitalize that last bit but I promised myself no yelling in this review.
While hugely sympathetic towards Jo, I was constantly puzzled by her actions. I understand that it is possible for families such as Jo's to hide abuse, to act as though it never happened, to expect the abused to partake in family functions with big plastic smiles plastered on their faces. This has never made sense to me and never will and I wish the author had addressed this more than a comment or two from Francis after the fact. Jo's instant acceptance of Francis and willingness to share her most private and concealed secrets I could only believe if the story were about two mentally healthy people who experience what they think might be love at first sight, something which I happen to believe in, but in this story, I found it impossible to believe that Jo would act as she did considering her history and mental and emotional state. I do not remember counseling being mentioned. I also feel the author provided an overly simplistic and erroneous account of what someone going through the court system in an abuse case will encounter. Many steps were missing and I can not imagine any client/attorney meeting taking place as it did here.
I want to mention that this book is daring for mainstream Christian fiction. The author attempted open-mindedness and I appreciate what I consider a sincere effort but much can be read between the lines. I remember a comment about a "heavily pierced" girl. The connotation of the description was not positive considering the character's purpose in the story. Why point it out? There were other off putting comments but I'm reigning in the rant before it starts.
I liked both of the characters more towards the beginning. Francis started out as a wonderfully icky stalker but once that creepy vibe disappeared, his character was ho-hum interesting, which is still interesting at least. I find it funny that the character of Jo would be likely to throw off most hardcore Christians near the beginning. I did not care much for Jo at times but I can appreciate that she was a truly unique female character.
Some of my other issues include how Jo was suddenly so accepting and wanting to be a Christian though she did not seem to have an understanding of the concept, had not gone to church, not prayed once. Basically, for her to experience what she did, I found it difficult to swallow. Just my opinion. I did not like how everything suddenly kept happening with no explanation and time progression being awkward.
1 1/2 stars. The half star is for effort, since, in all honesty, I did not like this book, but I appreciate and respect the author's ideas and messages involving a subject that is difficult for anyone to approach. I greatly appreciate being given a copy of this book thanks to Goodreads first-reads and will try to pass the book along to someone who will enjoy it more than me.
This book is one of those borderline books, unlikely to fully please readers either solidly in generalized left or right wing camps, something which I am afraid will not help the author. Hardcore Christians will more than likely experience an array of problems with the book. Non Christians will at best be indifferent towards the preaching, at worst totally thrown off, especially since the religious dialogue was typical.
And now for a whole different animal, there will be people who either have firsthand knowledge of abuse or have provided support for someone who does. I am now approaching seriously touchy ground and the last thing I want to do is offend anyone but this book did not accurately portray most aspects of abuse in my opinion. I'm tempted to capitalize that last bit but I promised myself no yelling in this review.
While hugely sympathetic towards Jo, I was constantly puzzled by her actions. I understand that it is possible for families such as Jo's to hide abuse, to act as though it never happened, to expect the abused to partake in family functions with big plastic smiles plastered on their faces. This has never made sense to me and never will and I wish the author had addressed this more than a comment or two from Francis after the fact. Jo's instant acceptance of Francis and willingness to share her most private and concealed secrets I could only believe if the story were about two mentally healthy people who experience what they think might be love at first sight, something which I happen to believe in, but in this story, I found it impossible to believe that Jo would act as she did considering her history and mental and emotional state. I do not remember counseling being mentioned. I also feel the author provided an overly simplistic and erroneous account of what someone going through the court system in an abuse case will encounter. Many steps were missing and I can not imagine any client/attorney meeting taking place as it did here.
I want to mention that this book is daring for mainstream Christian fiction. The author attempted open-mindedness and I appreciate what I consider a sincere effort but much can be read between the lines. I remember a comment about a "heavily pierced" girl. The connotation of the description was not positive considering the character's purpose in the story. Why point it out? There were other off putting comments but I'm reigning in the rant before it starts.
I liked both of the characters more towards the beginning. Francis started out as a wonderfully icky stalker but once that creepy vibe disappeared, his character was ho-hum interesting, which is still interesting at least. I find it funny that the character of Jo would be likely to throw off most hardcore Christians near the beginning. I did not care much for Jo at times but I can appreciate that she was a truly unique female character.
Some of my other issues include how Jo was suddenly so accepting and wanting to be a Christian though she did not seem to have an understanding of the concept, had not gone to church, not prayed once. Basically, for her to experience what she did, I found it difficult to swallow. Just my opinion. I did not like how everything suddenly kept happening with no explanation and time progression being awkward.
1 1/2 stars. The half star is for effort, since, in all honesty, I did not like this book, but I appreciate and respect the author's ideas and messages involving a subject that is difficult for anyone to approach. I greatly appreciate being given a copy of this book thanks to Goodreads first-reads and will try to pass the book along to someone who will enjoy it more than me.
August 7, 2010
I can't think of another book that features characters as unique as Jo and Francis. Yet author Donna Anastasi places them so convincingly in the world we know that it makes you take a fresh look at the people you pass on the street and wonder about what back story they may be hiding. Every character in this book, including the minor ones, has a distinct personality and practically jumps off the page into your world.
It's also a story of an amazing personal transformation for a woman who seemed to have built the walls around herself so high that no one could ever bring them down, neither with violence nor with kindness. Yet deep inside Jo's hard exterior there is a caring soul, and it is this soul that eventually, inevitably, is touched by the one power that can overcome any obstacle: love. First the love of a man, Francis, and finally, God's love, breaches Jo's defenses and heals her. It is a beautiful story of love turning a person away from what seemed like a bad path.
It is both lucky and tragic that this book is only 200 pages long. Lucky, because once you begin, you will not be able to put it down; and tragic, because you will miss these characters when the book is done. I hope there will be a sequel!
It's also a story of an amazing personal transformation for a woman who seemed to have built the walls around herself so high that no one could ever bring them down, neither with violence nor with kindness. Yet deep inside Jo's hard exterior there is a caring soul, and it is this soul that eventually, inevitably, is touched by the one power that can overcome any obstacle: love. First the love of a man, Francis, and finally, God's love, breaches Jo's defenses and heals her. It is a beautiful story of love turning a person away from what seemed like a bad path.
It is both lucky and tragic that this book is only 200 pages long. Lucky, because once you begin, you will not be able to put it down; and tragic, because you will miss these characters when the book is done. I hope there will be a sequel!
August 7, 2010
I finished Spin the Plate several days ago and as I was driving the Mass Pike today, I found myself scanning the side of the highway looking for Jo and her dogs….suffice it to say the novel stuck with me.
Definitely edgier than I originally expected and I enjoyed following the twists of plot along the way. Early on, I thought that perhaps Francis was a “heavenly” character here on Earth looking for the next Messiah.
Another thought I had as I finished this book is that the state of Massachusetts and city of Boston are, in fact, characters in the book. Much as Francis is the power behind Charles Davis, the sights and sounds of Boston and Mass drive the story and impact and influence the plot.
Definitely edgier than I originally expected and I enjoyed following the twists of plot along the way. Early on, I thought that perhaps Francis was a “heavenly” character here on Earth looking for the next Messiah.
Another thought I had as I finished this book is that the state of Massachusetts and city of Boston are, in fact, characters in the book. Much as Francis is the power behind Charles Davis, the sights and sounds of Boston and Mass drive the story and impact and influence the plot.
January 9, 2011
I don't know how to start this review. I'm left almost speechless. I had no idea what I was going to get when I cracked this open. I'd read the description, found it interesting, and did want to read the book, but honestly, it didn't jump up into the front for me right then. There have to be - at least - a hundred or more books where I've loved the description and I still haven't gotten to read them.
This jumped up to the front when I talked to Anastasi. My nervousness did too. My reviews are always honest. I can't fudge one "just a little" because I want to be able to come back years down the road to see what I thought about a book. (My memory is severely lacking.) At the same time, I hate telling an author I hated their book. So, the nervousness.
Anyway, I opened the book and was immediately engaged. Jo is me. I wasn't abused. I'm not a fighter although I suppose some would call me confrontational at times. I wouldn't have been as open to Francis as Jo was. I can count more differences but still, Jo is me. Right now, at this point in my life. If I had known the author before she wrote this book I would have swore she pulled Jo from me and added a few differences in for effect. I've never read a book like that.
Another reviewer mentions this and I agree - I don't recall ever reading a book with such unique characters. Ever.
This is Anastasi's first novel, besides writing a couple animal care guides, this is her first fiction. (That was something else that played into my nervousness. I didn't want to hate it so much I had to stop.) Oh, I was nervous for nothing.
There is a religon aspect to the book, a strong one that I want to touch on. Not sure if anyone else has because I didn't read the reviews all the way through. I shy away (that's putting it lightly) from "religious" books. And that's ALL books to even mention religion. I know what I believe, I'm comfortable in what I believe, and I don't like hearing about any religon (even my own) and I definitely don't like being preached to. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is another area where I was impressed.
The religon is a "side" story to Jo and Francis' and at the same time it's a strong one. There are even a few passages included. Passages that I read! Someway, somehow, Donna Anastasi managed to write this book and included those passages without making me feel preached to. Here is something I CAN remember - the only other book I got through, that could be said to have a religious tone to it, was a self-help book about parenting, received through FirstReads. Two. Two books in alllllll of the books I've ever read. No small feat, believe me.
I'd ask anyone who finds out about the religon, that happens to be like me in that area, to not forget about the book because of it. Give it a chance.
Not everyone will love this book. There is no book everyone will love. There will be negative reviews, some detailing actual little "wrong" things. Give it a chance. If you have even a slight chance of feeling like I felt reading this, it's worth it.
I love the cover! Freaking awesome cover!
Also, I'm, such a crappy Googler. I wanted to see if Black Rose Writing is self-publish and I just can never make myself bring up Google. I have an idea that it is. If it IS I want to say that this is, by far, the most professional self-published book I've ever seen in my entire life. That's not to say there aren't a few editing mistakes. There are, but few. And the cover, the text, all very professional.
If it IS NOT self-published then they need to work on the editing but it's still better than the average self-pub or urban fiction out there.
Donna Anastasi, I can't message you, there is no tab on your page, you must have the feature turned off. I would suggest turning it on - I think you're going to have readers wanting to contact you if at all possible.
I want to say that I sincerely hope you're still writing. Animal care guides (I'm the biggest animal lover in the world!) are important, but this is you. This is your thing. A sequel could come from this. I hate sequels. And series. And prequels. And usually companions too. Unless it works. It works here.
Thank you Donna, for a fantastic book.
This jumped up to the front when I talked to Anastasi. My nervousness did too. My reviews are always honest. I can't fudge one "just a little" because I want to be able to come back years down the road to see what I thought about a book. (My memory is severely lacking.) At the same time, I hate telling an author I hated their book. So, the nervousness.
Anyway, I opened the book and was immediately engaged. Jo is me. I wasn't abused. I'm not a fighter although I suppose some would call me confrontational at times. I wouldn't have been as open to Francis as Jo was. I can count more differences but still, Jo is me. Right now, at this point in my life. If I had known the author before she wrote this book I would have swore she pulled Jo from me and added a few differences in for effect. I've never read a book like that.
Another reviewer mentions this and I agree - I don't recall ever reading a book with such unique characters. Ever.
This is Anastasi's first novel, besides writing a couple animal care guides, this is her first fiction. (That was something else that played into my nervousness. I didn't want to hate it so much I had to stop.) Oh, I was nervous for nothing.
There is a religon aspect to the book, a strong one that I want to touch on. Not sure if anyone else has because I didn't read the reviews all the way through. I shy away (that's putting it lightly) from "religious" books. And that's ALL books to even mention religion. I know what I believe, I'm comfortable in what I believe, and I don't like hearing about any religon (even my own) and I definitely don't like being preached to. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is another area where I was impressed.
The religon is a "side" story to Jo and Francis' and at the same time it's a strong one. There are even a few passages included. Passages that I read! Someway, somehow, Donna Anastasi managed to write this book and included those passages without making me feel preached to. Here is something I CAN remember - the only other book I got through, that could be said to have a religious tone to it, was a self-help book about parenting, received through FirstReads. Two. Two books in alllllll of the books I've ever read. No small feat, believe me.
I'd ask anyone who finds out about the religon, that happens to be like me in that area, to not forget about the book because of it. Give it a chance.
Not everyone will love this book. There is no book everyone will love. There will be negative reviews, some detailing actual little "wrong" things. Give it a chance. If you have even a slight chance of feeling like I felt reading this, it's worth it.
I love the cover! Freaking awesome cover!
Also, I'm, such a crappy Googler. I wanted to see if Black Rose Writing is self-publish and I just can never make myself bring up Google. I have an idea that it is. If it IS I want to say that this is, by far, the most professional self-published book I've ever seen in my entire life. That's not to say there aren't a few editing mistakes. There are, but few. And the cover, the text, all very professional.
If it IS NOT self-published then they need to work on the editing but it's still better than the average self-pub or urban fiction out there.
Donna Anastasi, I can't message you, there is no tab on your page, you must have the feature turned off. I would suggest turning it on - I think you're going to have readers wanting to contact you if at all possible.
I want to say that I sincerely hope you're still writing. Animal care guides (I'm the biggest animal lover in the world!) are important, but this is you. This is your thing. A sequel could come from this. I hate sequels. And series. And prequels. And usually companions too. Unless it works. It works here.
Thank you Donna, for a fantastic book.
September 26, 2010
Spin The Plate is Donna Anastasi's first attempt at writing fiction and I must say she hit a home run with this book!
The protagonist Juliana Orsiano,who goes by the name of Jo, puts up a very tough front, she dresses in baggy bib overalls and wears hiking books to her job as a tattoo artist. Every time she leaves the house she puts on her "fuck off " attitude to keep people from approaching her,men in particular. The reason she has has this tough girl exterior is simple, she was hurt badly as a child, her father started molesting her at the age of 4 and didn't stop until she turned 14, when she was sent to juvie hall for some infraction that happened at school. Being tough, and keeping herself physically and emotionally exausted, keeps her from remembering those episodes, because she remembers each, even has them numbered.
On the inside Jo has a caring heart, but she only lets her animals see it, sure she is good at her job as a tattoo artist, but she still holds herself aloof, not wanting to form any real relationships,but when she goes home she becomes the kind hearted person who lives with an assortment of animals that she has rescued, and often at night she takes her two massive dogs Rufus and Ben and walks the streets looking for abandoned animals she can rescue and re home.When she takes her dogs out at night she uses their street names Titan and Cain thinking this will further intimidate strangers.
When she meets Francis on morning on the subway she does her best to "scare him off" but he becomes intrigued with her, he had been unhappy in his work and had been having reoccurring dreams of a warrior woman who rescues him and he believes Jo is this woman. Can he convince her of that, and break down the protective wall that she has built up around her heart?
This book for me was something I couldn't put down, Jo is a very strong character, it was amazing to see her grow and develop thru the course of this story, the author does an amazing job of making Jo's character seem so real that her pain and loneliness jump off the page at you. Francis was a quirky character but honestly for all his little idiosyncrasies he truly turned out to be a knight in shining armour. The way that he approached Jo was perfect.
A profoundly touching story, that you wont be able to put down. On a scale from one to five I would give this book a six it is just that good!
The protagonist Juliana Orsiano,who goes by the name of Jo, puts up a very tough front, she dresses in baggy bib overalls and wears hiking books to her job as a tattoo artist. Every time she leaves the house she puts on her "fuck off " attitude to keep people from approaching her,men in particular. The reason she has has this tough girl exterior is simple, she was hurt badly as a child, her father started molesting her at the age of 4 and didn't stop until she turned 14, when she was sent to juvie hall for some infraction that happened at school. Being tough, and keeping herself physically and emotionally exausted, keeps her from remembering those episodes, because she remembers each, even has them numbered.
On the inside Jo has a caring heart, but she only lets her animals see it, sure she is good at her job as a tattoo artist, but she still holds herself aloof, not wanting to form any real relationships,but when she goes home she becomes the kind hearted person who lives with an assortment of animals that she has rescued, and often at night she takes her two massive dogs Rufus and Ben and walks the streets looking for abandoned animals she can rescue and re home.When she takes her dogs out at night she uses their street names Titan and Cain thinking this will further intimidate strangers.
When she meets Francis on morning on the subway she does her best to "scare him off" but he becomes intrigued with her, he had been unhappy in his work and had been having reoccurring dreams of a warrior woman who rescues him and he believes Jo is this woman. Can he convince her of that, and break down the protective wall that she has built up around her heart?
This book for me was something I couldn't put down, Jo is a very strong character, it was amazing to see her grow and develop thru the course of this story, the author does an amazing job of making Jo's character seem so real that her pain and loneliness jump off the page at you. Francis was a quirky character but honestly for all his little idiosyncrasies he truly turned out to be a knight in shining armour. The way that he approached Jo was perfect.
A profoundly touching story, that you wont be able to put down. On a scale from one to five I would give this book a six it is just that good!
August 22, 2011
Spin the Plate is a good little weekend read.
I was worried that I would be put off by the “Christian themes” that this book was going to present. I do greatly appreciate being forewarned that it included a religious aspect so that I did not feel blindsided. I thought that the Christian facet of this book was not overdone and could be appreciated and even enjoyed by someone from any or no religious denomination.
Despite Anastasi being a first time novelist, I thought this was a very well told story. Spin the Plate is an empowering tale of Jo, a overweight tattoo artist who after suffering numerous sexual abuses as a child has given up on the human race. Jo tries to drown her demons in her art and animal rescue to prevent them from overtaking her daily life. Until one day she is spotted on the subway by Francis who is immediately drawn to her regardless of her tough facade. This is the story of how Jo and Francis together form an albeit unconventional yet lasting bond, and work together to conquer her past and make the world a better place.
I thought the character of Jo was intriguing and even on some levels relatable. At first impression she was mean and hard, but her love for animals really showed that she had a soft side. Studying sumo and braving the streets late at night in search of animals that needed her help, Jo truly was a warrior.
For some reason I did not really like or relate to the character of Francis. I couldn’t ever quite put my finger on exactly why not. Part of it might have been that I find it hard to believe that a strong woman like Jo would be interested in a weaker personality like Francis. But, I guess the fact that opposites attract in this book has come into play. I did like how parts of Francis’ personality complimented nicely the shortcomings in Jo’s. But regardless it was still hard for me to picture them together.
I am going to paraphrase a line from the book because I don’t have it sitting next to me to quote it word for word. But I found this amusing: ‘If I was God, with all that power at my fingertips, there would be a lot more smiting.’ That made me laugh out loud.
Anyway, all in all I thought this was a good read. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for strength to deal with past abuse.
Thank you Donna Anastasi, and Goodreads for the free copy of this book. I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I was worried that I would be put off by the “Christian themes” that this book was going to present. I do greatly appreciate being forewarned that it included a religious aspect so that I did not feel blindsided. I thought that the Christian facet of this book was not overdone and could be appreciated and even enjoyed by someone from any or no religious denomination.
Despite Anastasi being a first time novelist, I thought this was a very well told story. Spin the Plate is an empowering tale of Jo, a overweight tattoo artist who after suffering numerous sexual abuses as a child has given up on the human race. Jo tries to drown her demons in her art and animal rescue to prevent them from overtaking her daily life. Until one day she is spotted on the subway by Francis who is immediately drawn to her regardless of her tough facade. This is the story of how Jo and Francis together form an albeit unconventional yet lasting bond, and work together to conquer her past and make the world a better place.
I thought the character of Jo was intriguing and even on some levels relatable. At first impression she was mean and hard, but her love for animals really showed that she had a soft side. Studying sumo and braving the streets late at night in search of animals that needed her help, Jo truly was a warrior.
For some reason I did not really like or relate to the character of Francis. I couldn’t ever quite put my finger on exactly why not. Part of it might have been that I find it hard to believe that a strong woman like Jo would be interested in a weaker personality like Francis. But, I guess the fact that opposites attract in this book has come into play. I did like how parts of Francis’ personality complimented nicely the shortcomings in Jo’s. But regardless it was still hard for me to picture them together.
I am going to paraphrase a line from the book because I don’t have it sitting next to me to quote it word for word. But I found this amusing: ‘If I was God, with all that power at my fingertips, there would be a lot more smiting.’ That made me laugh out loud.
Anyway, all in all I thought this was a good read. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for strength to deal with past abuse.
Thank you Donna Anastasi, and Goodreads for the free copy of this book. I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
September 2, 2010
This was a free book I recently received from the author. Although the synopsis had sounded interesting, I wasn't really certain what to expect from this author's first novel.
I must say I was pleasantly surprised.
Most first novels can be pretty elementary--the author may jump around; the characters may not be developed; and the sentence structure can read like a fifth grade primer. That was not the case in this book.
I immediately felt drawn to the central character, Jo. Although an incest survivor, Jo is a strong woman, and her career as a tattoo artist played out well in the book.
Her connection and growing relationship with Francis was well-paced, and I liked Francis' character as a privacy-seeking philanthropist.
One thing...I would have liked to see the part of the story where her father gets his due expanded upon a bit. This was the part of the story where she finally gets to fight back, and I felt it was covered too quickly.
In summary, though, I really enjoyed this book and finished it in an afternoon. It's a good book and a very quick read.
Suggestion to the author: I would probably change the cover of the book. The font doesn't work too well and the cover is too dark to grab attention. Make the image of the girl a bit bolder.
I must say I was pleasantly surprised.
Most first novels can be pretty elementary--the author may jump around; the characters may not be developed; and the sentence structure can read like a fifth grade primer. That was not the case in this book.
I immediately felt drawn to the central character, Jo. Although an incest survivor, Jo is a strong woman, and her career as a tattoo artist played out well in the book.
Her connection and growing relationship with Francis was well-paced, and I liked Francis' character as a privacy-seeking philanthropist.
One thing...I would have liked to see the part of the story where her father gets his due expanded upon a bit. This was the part of the story where she finally gets to fight back, and I felt it was covered too quickly.
In summary, though, I really enjoyed this book and finished it in an afternoon. It's a good book and a very quick read.
Suggestion to the author: I would probably change the cover of the book. The font doesn't work too well and the cover is too dark to grab attention. Make the image of the girl a bit bolder.
August 18, 2010
Wow, I absolutely loved this book; it is a very quick read and an awesome love story. Fans of romance should love this one. I was fortunate enough to win a copy thru Library Thing. This book reads more like a character study with the main character, Jo trying to overcome serious relationship issues that started when she was molested by her father. Luckily she meets a man named Francis who changes her for the better. This was a great first novel!
August 4, 2010
I have read four books so far this week, and this is by far the best! I was so happy to find that Jo was able to find a place for her hurt, anger, and hate. That she was able to find love in her heart was a miracle in and of itself. I have to say the Bible passage for the wedding scene was the same one used at my wedding. Great job, Donna!
April 11, 2013
Jo’s not like everyone else. She’s big and wears baggy clothes, so stranger’s think she’s lazy and fat. Then she stands up to them, sumo-wrestler strong and perfectly balanced, and strangers flee. It makes her feel good. It’s what she wishes she’d done to her abuser when she was a child.
Francis is not like everyone else either. “Jesus love you, you know,” are his first words to Jo, which probably confuse the both of them. But Francis’ secrets are different, and he hides them very well.
An odd mix of shy determination, wounded sincerity, and genuine love brings these two characters together, and the reader learns slowly who both of them are, through separate chapters on their separate lives. The tattoos Jo designs for her customers beautifully symbolize their lives, but her own life is a black hole spinning off to infinity—nicely illustrated in the novel’s cover image. Still, from another point of view, that spinning hole might be something beautiful.
Slowly Jo’s viewpoint changes as she stands up to her past, recognizes her present, and moves toward the future. A heartwarming love story of woman denied the touch of human affection, a man of mystery and mission, and a faith that might spin plates even if it doesn’t seem to move mountains, Spin the Plate is genuinely different and unconventionally pleasing.
Dark situations may turn some readers off and an ill-guided reference to chess might annoy chess-players. But the writing’s smooth, the different points of view make sense and build the characters perfectly, and the Christian themes are well-blended into thoughtful conversation rather than altar calls.
Disclosure: I was given a free copy and asked for an honest review.
June 11, 2011
I really enjoyed Donna Anastasi's book! The book was very thought provoking and really made me self analyze how I approached things. Anastasi took an extreme character and turned that character's life completely around in 194 pages. She wrote the inner conflicts that Jo (the main female character) goes through in a way that was very believable and you ache for Jo. Francis (the main male character) was an odd character in different ways from Jo but they both helped save each other from a lonely, sad life. I liked the message that even the most unlikely, odd person can be loved and life does not have to be lived in the past. You can move forward from the scars of the past..and you deserve to move on with your life. I was impressed that Anastasi was able to write Francis' beliefs without making the book a "Bible Beater" book. It was a realistic way to express someone's beliefs without forcing them to believe they same way. I also enjoyed that Anastasi included current TV shows, people, events, etc. I know that it may date the book but it was enjoyable to be able to relate the story to today's time.
Overall, I was incredibly surprised by this book. It was so much deeper than I expected and it really made me look at life. I found myself relating to both characters, Jo and Francis. I also loved the idea of the Spin the Plate story in this book. I have used that philosophy since reading this book. This will be a book I never forget because I will continue to remember the Spin the Plate story in this book!
Overall, I was incredibly surprised by this book. It was so much deeper than I expected and it really made me look at life. I found myself relating to both characters, Jo and Francis. I also loved the idea of the Spin the Plate story in this book. I have used that philosophy since reading this book. This will be a book I never forget because I will continue to remember the Spin the Plate story in this book!
March 18, 2013
This book is unlike anything else I have ever read before! From start to finish, the reader is shown Jo, a woman who strives to be strong in every way possible. By building up her body and her defenses against other people, particularly men, she seems to succeed most strongly in ostracizing other people. Yet I love how we can see the softer side in her, too, the part of her that allows her to feel for others and that would expand if only someone came into her life to show her a way to cope with what happened to her when she was a child.
Spin the Plate has an amazing cast of characters. Francis, the man that Jo meets on the train, isn't a perfect person, either, which is definitely made evident during their first meeting. Donna Anastasi takes her novel to an entirely new level by showing that Jo isn't the only one who needs to heal and help herself. She isn't portrayed as some helpless woman now, either. The background integrated into the narrative shows the important points of Jo's life that led to her becoming the woman that we see in that first scene, on the train.
I think that Spin the Plate holds an important message for anyone. Even if you cannot relate to Jo's personal experiences, you can still feel her emotions and the writing is so cleverly styled that you feel as though you really are getting to know her as a real person. I love this book and I know that people who pick it up will find great messages about strength, courage, and love.
Spin the Plate has an amazing cast of characters. Francis, the man that Jo meets on the train, isn't a perfect person, either, which is definitely made evident during their first meeting. Donna Anastasi takes her novel to an entirely new level by showing that Jo isn't the only one who needs to heal and help herself. She isn't portrayed as some helpless woman now, either. The background integrated into the narrative shows the important points of Jo's life that led to her becoming the woman that we see in that first scene, on the train.
I think that Spin the Plate holds an important message for anyone. Even if you cannot relate to Jo's personal experiences, you can still feel her emotions and the writing is so cleverly styled that you feel as though you really are getting to know her as a real person. I love this book and I know that people who pick it up will find great messages about strength, courage, and love.
February 22, 2013
Spin the plate is not a book that is for the faint of heart. The content is of course emotional and gripping with the past the Jo has. However for every bit of darker emotional edge you also see a spirit that is a fighter one that despite everything she has been through wants to battle back and find sense of normalcy again. In Jo you find a character that you can really admire. She has been through so much and yet she is a fighter both in the thought of the word and literally with her vigilante justice she serves out.
The book is well written and a really good read. I like a book that gets me emotionally involved and this one does it. While I connected more with Jo I think Francis is also a good character and very relate able for readers which always makes for a great read. I would recommend this one for anyone who likes a story that not only has a romantic angle, because it does have that. Francis is a great guy trying to win the heart of his battered lady. But a story about fighter who take abuse that she has suffered and comes back in a very kick ass way. The writing is solid and the plot takes a nice progressive curve with the pacing. So as long as your not scared of a little bit of the dark side with some dark comedy wrapped around it, give Spin the plate a try, I promise you will not regret it.
The book is well written and a really good read. I like a book that gets me emotionally involved and this one does it. While I connected more with Jo I think Francis is also a good character and very relate able for readers which always makes for a great read. I would recommend this one for anyone who likes a story that not only has a romantic angle, because it does have that. Francis is a great guy trying to win the heart of his battered lady. But a story about fighter who take abuse that she has suffered and comes back in a very kick ass way. The writing is solid and the plot takes a nice progressive curve with the pacing. So as long as your not scared of a little bit of the dark side with some dark comedy wrapped around it, give Spin the plate a try, I promise you will not regret it.
July 4, 2010
This was an interesting story. When I agreed to review it, I was told it was edgy. Not kidding there. My eyebrows raised about twenty times, and for me that's a lot of brow twitching. I wasn't expecting strong swear words, or detailed scenes of child abuse, though they did make the story more emotionally powerful. I did enjoy the story overall, though their was some head hopping and a few tangents that took away from the overall quality of the novel. If the point of view had been more solid and the swearing toned down, it would have been a stronger book. However, the story was still good and I could see the author's heart for the hurting people in this world--especially young, abused women--so I commend her for that. It's not an easy beach read, but it does have a powerful message. Hearts don't get much harder than Jo's, but sometimes God will send along the very person who can soften that heart and heal it from the overwhelming pain caused from being victimized by someone who was supposed to love you and protect you. That's what Francis did for Jo. He set aside his own wants and needs to minister to her. It was a beautiful love story in that regard. The ending was touching, too. I enjoyed it.
October 28, 2010
The novel opens with a humorous scene on the subway. Yet, it evolves to explore serious and thought-provoking issues, while often resuming its sense of fun. This book also flows really quickly, as a series of unusual situations unfold. I read this in a single afternoon!
Jo is haunted by memories of sexual molestation by her father. She keeps busy, to try to run from the memories of her past. Her rich and varied life not only distracts her, but provides the reader with a number of mini-stories. Can she make the right tattoo? How did she get into Sumo wrestling? Who's that weird guy following her? All those stories add up, not just to reveal Jo's personality, but to help us see how she can face greater challenges.
Francis is also unique and fascinating, from his passion for Jo, to his secret life with the rich and famous. Much of the entertainment comes from the interaction of these two highly unusual individuals.
The novel touches on a number of interesting social issues, including stray animals, rape and the legal system, and, even, a fanciful journey through the world of conspiracy theories.
In summary, it's quite a pleasure to watch so much unfold in such a quick read!
Jo is haunted by memories of sexual molestation by her father. She keeps busy, to try to run from the memories of her past. Her rich and varied life not only distracts her, but provides the reader with a number of mini-stories. Can she make the right tattoo? How did she get into Sumo wrestling? Who's that weird guy following her? All those stories add up, not just to reveal Jo's personality, but to help us see how she can face greater challenges.
Francis is also unique and fascinating, from his passion for Jo, to his secret life with the rich and famous. Much of the entertainment comes from the interaction of these two highly unusual individuals.
The novel touches on a number of interesting social issues, including stray animals, rape and the legal system, and, even, a fanciful journey through the world of conspiracy theories.
In summary, it's quite a pleasure to watch so much unfold in such a quick read!
February 27, 2013
This is a real book. You can feel Jo's hurt. It's like she punches you in the face as you read her story. Not all books can do this. I really wanted to give Jo a hug, even if it meant I'd get a beat down for trying. Her story is AMAZING.
I love this book- even if the cover did nothing for me. I can't even imagine what her life would be like, but Donna has done a wonderful job of developing her characters and the story so it doesn't matter that I can't. I want to know through the words. I want to feel like I'm in the room with them as they watch American Idol for the first time and see it all happen- see that little notch in her armor happen.
The story kind of throws you in the beginning. Nothing is clear and everything is hidden and veiled in old memories and unspoken words. But as you go, it blooms for you. It offers you an amazing story that feels real and honest.
This is the kind of book you should read because it doesn't beat around the bush. It lays it all out of the line and tells you that it doesn't give two cents whether you care because it happened whether you want to believe it or not! I love that!
It's a great read. I definitely recommend that you read it.
I love this book- even if the cover did nothing for me. I can't even imagine what her life would be like, but Donna has done a wonderful job of developing her characters and the story so it doesn't matter that I can't. I want to know through the words. I want to feel like I'm in the room with them as they watch American Idol for the first time and see it all happen- see that little notch in her armor happen.
The story kind of throws you in the beginning. Nothing is clear and everything is hidden and veiled in old memories and unspoken words. But as you go, it blooms for you. It offers you an amazing story that feels real and honest.
This is the kind of book you should read because it doesn't beat around the bush. It lays it all out of the line and tells you that it doesn't give two cents whether you care because it happened whether you want to believe it or not! I love that!
It's a great read. I definitely recommend that you read it.
August 28, 2011
"SPIN THE PLATE" BY DONNA ANASTASI
This was an amazing book, Jo, also known as Julianne has long held back her feelings about the sexual and physical abuse she suffered as a child at the hands of her father. Now much older and working as a tattoo artist at a local shop, she has amazing talent as an artist and she spends her free time searching the streets for animals that have been mistreated. There are moments when the finds turn into altercations that give her the chance to get her anger out in the open by way of physical violence. Jo soon meets a man named Francis that shows her the light of God and helps her bring her father to justice for the crimes he committed against her at such a tender age.
This is a story about acceptance, finding love, the courage to do what's right, and the will to accept your life and let go of the past. Wonderfully written with more than one beautiful and important message. You should read this book!
-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club
This was an amazing book, Jo, also known as Julianne has long held back her feelings about the sexual and physical abuse she suffered as a child at the hands of her father. Now much older and working as a tattoo artist at a local shop, she has amazing talent as an artist and she spends her free time searching the streets for animals that have been mistreated. There are moments when the finds turn into altercations that give her the chance to get her anger out in the open by way of physical violence. Jo soon meets a man named Francis that shows her the light of God and helps her bring her father to justice for the crimes he committed against her at such a tender age.
This is a story about acceptance, finding love, the courage to do what's right, and the will to accept your life and let go of the past. Wonderfully written with more than one beautiful and important message. You should read this book!
-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club
Read
March 25, 2013Spin the Plate is a novel that gets the reader to think. To think about life, past experiences, the future, faith and a myriad of serious issues. Jo is a tattoo artist and a very troubled young woman. She has low self esteem issues due to her abusive childhood. A father who repeatedly rapes her, a mother who distances herself to this. Jo is anti social and goes out at night to rescue the downtrodden, be they animals or people. One of the people who befriends her is Francis, a young man whom Jo finds interesting but strange. He portrays himself to be homeless, but not all is what it seems to be. Their relationship blossoms and with Francis's patience and persistence, Jo evolves into a self assured woman, in spite of her past.
I found this book to be a bit disturbing at first, especially when Jo is recounting her rapes by her father, but as the story moved along, I was intrigued by how the author weaved together Jo and Francis's story and loved how it all came together at the end. A story of faith and love.
I found this book to be a bit disturbing at first, especially when Jo is recounting her rapes by her father, but as the story moved along, I was intrigued by how the author weaved together Jo and Francis's story and loved how it all came together at the end. A story of faith and love.
September 26, 2011
This book is a great example of why you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. To me, the cover isn't all that catchy at first glance, but when you read the story it makes more sense. Spin the Plate is a very serious and thought provoking novel. Jo is a great main character and you really get the feeling like you know her. The author did an amazing job describing her and telling her story in less than 200 pages. As a child, she suffers horrible sexual abuse at the hands of her father, and as an adult she takes out that anger on anyone who looks at her the wrong way. Meeting Francis provokes a great change in her life and their story together is nothing short of amazing. I read this book on a recommendation from a friend here on Goodreads, and I am glad I had the chance to read it!
http://sheenathebookgeek.blogspot.com...
http://sheenathebookgeek.blogspot.com...
August 8, 2011
I won this book from goodreads in a first-reads giveaway. After reading the synopsis I was looking forward to reading more! Now that I have read the entire book I have to say that it just wasn't for me. My dislike has nothing to do with the topic of incest, Christianity or the bad language. I was well aware of what this book was about before I decided to read it.
My biggest problem is that I was left wanting more, and not necessarily in a good way. The characters of Spin the Plate are interesting but somewhat unrealistic and underdeveloped, in my opinion. Both of the main characters have unique quirks that go unexplained for the entirety of the book, and many plot points that seem to be important are merely glossed over. While the writing itself is not bad, it simply is not enough for me.
My biggest problem is that I was left wanting more, and not necessarily in a good way. The characters of Spin the Plate are interesting but somewhat unrealistic and underdeveloped, in my opinion. Both of the main characters have unique quirks that go unexplained for the entirety of the book, and many plot points that seem to be important are merely glossed over. While the writing itself is not bad, it simply is not enough for me.
January 14, 2012
As a reader, this is an interesting, absorbing story. As an editor, I see much potential if a developmental edit were done on it: much of the story is rushed, some descriptions and details are distracting rather than adding to the story, and some of the back story and timelines are a little confusing or contradictory. However, while working on these things would make the book better, it is quite readable and powerful as it stands.
Donna Anastasi's characters are rich and interesting, and the picture she paints in the reader's mind is vivid. She tackles some tough situations that happen in our world every day, which we need to be reminded of, and she does it without being preachy. Spin the Plate is a worthy read!
Donna Anastasi's characters are rich and interesting, and the picture she paints in the reader's mind is vivid. She tackles some tough situations that happen in our world every day, which we need to be reminded of, and she does it without being preachy. Spin the Plate is a worthy read!
September 14, 2010
The story of Jo, a young woman who survived an incestuous relationship with her father. It was interesting to see how Jo worked through her relationship issues and how her life changed when she met Francis.
October 5, 2010
I absolutely loved this book! I loved watching Jo's transformation from being a tough ass and not letting anyone into her life and then ending up in love with someone who was totally different then her. I could not put this book down! It was so good that I sat and read it in one night!
December 22, 2010
this book looks amazing I am at the begining and really like it ..its a hard read having been abused myself but I love it I read it all almost in one sitting it was so good
March 22, 2012
10th book read in 2012.
Number 163 out of 242 on my all time book list.
Follow the link below to see my video review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyTQO6...
Number 163 out of 242 on my all time book list.
Follow the link below to see my video review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyTQO6...
November 14, 2011
The book is 3 1/2 stars for me, it is a book worth reading, especially if you want to read a book about the consequences of child abuse and how one can overcome it.
The novel follows Julianne or Jo, a woman who has suffered sexual abuse at her father's hands as a child and preteen, till - due to several circumstances- she ended up in Juvie and gradually started to take control of her own life. She is working as a tattoo artist, one who is known for her unique ability to capture every client's wishes in her designs. She is able to extrapolate from her client's words and stance, exactly what kind of design would be perfect for them. Her only friend seems to be Keisha, the co-owner of the tattoo shop. However, there is more to Jo and by night, taking advantage of her mass (she is extremely tall and well- built, even a little bulky)she saves strays from animals to people and punishes the rude, the criminals and anyone she deems as a threat. Along the way, she receives the attention of a young man, Francis, who is not only intrigued by the way she is trying to shut everybody out, but also fascinated by the way she sheds her hard exterior and exposes her warmer, softer side when at night she is a self-proclaimed protector/vigilante.
I have to admit that I really appreciated the premise of this story. It is not an easy issue. On the contrary it is a very delicate one and the author handled this issue of child sexual abuse with competent respect and devotion. I could tell she had researched the whole thing, what with the numbering of the episodes Jo has resorted to, in order to always remember and categorize what has happened to her. It was extremely painful to read about her remembering the instances of abuse and referring to them as episodes (128 in all)where there were various kind of abusive acts, with or without actual penetration, but always emotional and psychological scaring.
Of course, knowing that Jo has suffered so much and survived it, you are inclined to sympathize with her and feel for her. Root for her, if you like. Being unable to protect herself as a child from the molestation that happened to her, she feels deep shame, regret and of course, anger.
It is really horrific to know that your own father could do this to you, under false pretenses and even try to present it as a special type of love. I think I literally cringed at the point where Jo remembers that once her father made her a pink dollhouse, only to take it back and destroy it, when Jo refused to "repay his kindness" in "kind". What is even more disturbing is that her own mother knew about it (as I have read it happens in some cases), but refused to actually acknowledge it. It made my heart cry when Jo herself said that at one point, the look her mother gave her said: "Why can't you just be a good girl and take it, without causing any trouble?".
How a mother can, actually or implicitly, ask this of her own flesh and blood is beyond me, so Jo's lack of bonding with her mother, didn't surprise me. It actually made me feel a strange satisfaction, that maybe her mother towards the end saw the error of her ways.
I also liked the fact that Jo is self-sufficient and has learned to rely on herself for virtually anything and she takes time to enjoy the things she likes. It made for good character development and showed that a victim could move on with her life.
On the other hand, this same development felt a little incomplete to me, or maybe a bit skewed, in the sense that Jo focused almost exclusively on the practical, the physical. Naturally, she didn't want to feel like a victim or even a potential victim, and as she was big and heavy, she decided after meeting Nick (and his personal trainer wife), as a client at the shop, to capitulate on her assets and start exercising using several sumo wrestling, ballet etc techniques. As a result, she was still quite imposing and big, but now she was, swift, agile and strong as well, with lean muscles to prove it.
But, instead of using this to feel better about herself, safer, she has taken it a step further by continuously seeking to assert herself on others. Provoke them into reacting nastily towards her, so that she can literally "stand up" and intimidate them. This is how the book started, with her managing to get to a bus seat faster than a random man - causing him (wrongly of course, on his part) to be angry at her and make a nasty comment, so that she can "retaliate". And this is how Francis finds her, who is not intimidated at all, but he somehow sees through the facade, just like that (because he has had dreams of a female warrior he is supposed to help) and tries to offer her guidance and encouragement through "Jesus" phrases. (like Jesus loves you or Jesus sees the real you and you are beautiful).
I think for a woman as tormented and as angry as Jo was, it was disappointing for me to see that she didn't take a stand against her father until the very end, whereas she was strong enough and well, she had nothing to lose. Then again, this simultaneous vulnerability and strength made for a fascinating read. A person who has gone through an ordeal like that, probably doesn't exactly think like the rest of us, as she/he might have fears and weaknesses we might not be able to grasp.
(This was also shown by her internal conflict of whether to let her father just "rot" in jail or keep visiting him. It surprised me how she made a decision, but her way of thinking was a measure of her tormented and fragmented psyche, torn between being his victim and being his dutiful daughter who was supposed to take care of him in his old age)
I would have liked to see Jo be a bit angrier at her dad and less at random people, although since she was really young, this childlike weakness might have stuck with her. I mean her father was supposed to protect her, she was supposed to be able to look up to him, but he himself shattered his own image and this alone is an utmost betrayal, one a child (and later on a woman) can hardly get over. Maybe this was why Jo, seemed unable to form any kind of meaningful relationship, even with Keisha. Sure, they were supposed to be friends, but apart from when they were at work ,they didn't seem to interact much (if you exclude the Nick thing). I would have liked to see Jo be a closer friend to Keisha, seek consolation and comfort in her, but then again every person copes differently with loss, anger and pain.
Francis, on the other hand was a character that initially came across as weak and that made me think that he wouldn't appeal to Jo, but somehow this seeming fragility of his, seemed to work and made him endearing to her. I loved that their relationship progressed really slowly and in an unorthodox way, because it made sense with a person as broken as Jo. The start of their relationship though, with Jo accepting his going out proposal out of the blue, seemed a bit abrupt, because she was very cautious and didn't seem like the impulsive type at all.
I blame this to the whole fragility and "puppy-eyed" quality that Francis projected.
He really seemed harmless and maybe that was why she agreed.
Francis had faced a tragedy of his own, losing his affluent parents at an early age. He was a secret billionaire - philanthropist, who used David as a frontman. He wanted to maintain his privacy, so that he could be unassuming and continue with his charity work.
I liked how his father's philosophy of being frugal and smart with money was instilled into him, fact which allowed him to appreciate the value of money, especially as he kept into perspective how people were dying of famine and poverty, whereas he could have whatever he wanted.
Also, his attachment and sweet feelings towards Jo were very heart-warming and meaningful.
However, for a man that had initially spent three years after his parents died, squandering his money away on toys and parties, just because he then could (not under his father's strict hand anymore), he was overly naive and innocent. Surely, after all the things he had seen in the duration of those three years, yes he would achieve a new kind of appreciation on money and its importance, but he should also be able to look a woman in the eye without blushing or acting like a teenager. This was at times endearing and at times unappealing. It didn't seem as likely.
But if you overlooked that, you could actually see that the two of them actually worked and their relationship progressed in a very sweet and believable way, leading to the very sweet end.
Overall, Spin the Plate was a very intense experience of a read, which I would recommend to anyone enjoying this genre.
Thanks go to the author for allowing me to read her novel. :)
The novel follows Julianne or Jo, a woman who has suffered sexual abuse at her father's hands as a child and preteen, till - due to several circumstances- she ended up in Juvie and gradually started to take control of her own life. She is working as a tattoo artist, one who is known for her unique ability to capture every client's wishes in her designs. She is able to extrapolate from her client's words and stance, exactly what kind of design would be perfect for them. Her only friend seems to be Keisha, the co-owner of the tattoo shop. However, there is more to Jo and by night, taking advantage of her mass (she is extremely tall and well- built, even a little bulky)she saves strays from animals to people and punishes the rude, the criminals and anyone she deems as a threat. Along the way, she receives the attention of a young man, Francis, who is not only intrigued by the way she is trying to shut everybody out, but also fascinated by the way she sheds her hard exterior and exposes her warmer, softer side when at night she is a self-proclaimed protector/vigilante.
I have to admit that I really appreciated the premise of this story. It is not an easy issue. On the contrary it is a very delicate one and the author handled this issue of child sexual abuse with competent respect and devotion. I could tell she had researched the whole thing, what with the numbering of the episodes Jo has resorted to, in order to always remember and categorize what has happened to her. It was extremely painful to read about her remembering the instances of abuse and referring to them as episodes (128 in all)where there were various kind of abusive acts, with or without actual penetration, but always emotional and psychological scaring.
Of course, knowing that Jo has suffered so much and survived it, you are inclined to sympathize with her and feel for her. Root for her, if you like. Being unable to protect herself as a child from the molestation that happened to her, she feels deep shame, regret and of course, anger.
It is really horrific to know that your own father could do this to you, under false pretenses and even try to present it as a special type of love. I think I literally cringed at the point where Jo remembers that once her father made her a pink dollhouse, only to take it back and destroy it, when Jo refused to "repay his kindness" in "kind". What is even more disturbing is that her own mother knew about it (as I have read it happens in some cases), but refused to actually acknowledge it. It made my heart cry when Jo herself said that at one point, the look her mother gave her said: "Why can't you just be a good girl and take it, without causing any trouble?".
How a mother can, actually or implicitly, ask this of her own flesh and blood is beyond me, so Jo's lack of bonding with her mother, didn't surprise me. It actually made me feel a strange satisfaction, that maybe her mother towards the end saw the error of her ways.
I also liked the fact that Jo is self-sufficient and has learned to rely on herself for virtually anything and she takes time to enjoy the things she likes. It made for good character development and showed that a victim could move on with her life.
On the other hand, this same development felt a little incomplete to me, or maybe a bit skewed, in the sense that Jo focused almost exclusively on the practical, the physical. Naturally, she didn't want to feel like a victim or even a potential victim, and as she was big and heavy, she decided after meeting Nick (and his personal trainer wife), as a client at the shop, to capitulate on her assets and start exercising using several sumo wrestling, ballet etc techniques. As a result, she was still quite imposing and big, but now she was, swift, agile and strong as well, with lean muscles to prove it.
But, instead of using this to feel better about herself, safer, she has taken it a step further by continuously seeking to assert herself on others. Provoke them into reacting nastily towards her, so that she can literally "stand up" and intimidate them. This is how the book started, with her managing to get to a bus seat faster than a random man - causing him (wrongly of course, on his part) to be angry at her and make a nasty comment, so that she can "retaliate". And this is how Francis finds her, who is not intimidated at all, but he somehow sees through the facade, just like that (because he has had dreams of a female warrior he is supposed to help) and tries to offer her guidance and encouragement through "Jesus" phrases. (like Jesus loves you or Jesus sees the real you and you are beautiful).
I think for a woman as tormented and as angry as Jo was, it was disappointing for me to see that she didn't take a stand against her father until the very end, whereas she was strong enough and well, she had nothing to lose. Then again, this simultaneous vulnerability and strength made for a fascinating read. A person who has gone through an ordeal like that, probably doesn't exactly think like the rest of us, as she/he might have fears and weaknesses we might not be able to grasp.
(This was also shown by her internal conflict of whether to let her father just "rot" in jail or keep visiting him. It surprised me how she made a decision, but her way of thinking was a measure of her tormented and fragmented psyche, torn between being his victim and being his dutiful daughter who was supposed to take care of him in his old age)
I would have liked to see Jo be a bit angrier at her dad and less at random people, although since she was really young, this childlike weakness might have stuck with her. I mean her father was supposed to protect her, she was supposed to be able to look up to him, but he himself shattered his own image and this alone is an utmost betrayal, one a child (and later on a woman) can hardly get over. Maybe this was why Jo, seemed unable to form any kind of meaningful relationship, even with Keisha. Sure, they were supposed to be friends, but apart from when they were at work ,they didn't seem to interact much (if you exclude the Nick thing). I would have liked to see Jo be a closer friend to Keisha, seek consolation and comfort in her, but then again every person copes differently with loss, anger and pain.
Francis, on the other hand was a character that initially came across as weak and that made me think that he wouldn't appeal to Jo, but somehow this seeming fragility of his, seemed to work and made him endearing to her. I loved that their relationship progressed really slowly and in an unorthodox way, because it made sense with a person as broken as Jo. The start of their relationship though, with Jo accepting his going out proposal out of the blue, seemed a bit abrupt, because she was very cautious and didn't seem like the impulsive type at all.
I blame this to the whole fragility and "puppy-eyed" quality that Francis projected.
He really seemed harmless and maybe that was why she agreed.
Francis had faced a tragedy of his own, losing his affluent parents at an early age. He was a secret billionaire - philanthropist, who used David as a frontman. He wanted to maintain his privacy, so that he could be unassuming and continue with his charity work.
I liked how his father's philosophy of being frugal and smart with money was instilled into him, fact which allowed him to appreciate the value of money, especially as he kept into perspective how people were dying of famine and poverty, whereas he could have whatever he wanted.
Also, his attachment and sweet feelings towards Jo were very heart-warming and meaningful.
However, for a man that had initially spent three years after his parents died, squandering his money away on toys and parties, just because he then could (not under his father's strict hand anymore), he was overly naive and innocent. Surely, after all the things he had seen in the duration of those three years, yes he would achieve a new kind of appreciation on money and its importance, but he should also be able to look a woman in the eye without blushing or acting like a teenager. This was at times endearing and at times unappealing. It didn't seem as likely.
But if you overlooked that, you could actually see that the two of them actually worked and their relationship progressed in a very sweet and believable way, leading to the very sweet end.
Overall, Spin the Plate was a very intense experience of a read, which I would recommend to anyone enjoying this genre.
Thanks go to the author for allowing me to read her novel. :)
December 19, 2019
One of the best books I've ever read. 5 Stars. A Good Read.
August 13, 2011
I won the book Spin the Plate by Donna Anastasi from goodreads first-reads giveaway. Thank you Goodreads and Mrs. Anastasi!
I liked the premise of the book but I think the author needed to put a little more into it to make it believable. It's just me, I have that problem with all short stories and I usually avoid them. I did not realize this was a short story when I entered the giveaway. However I did enjoy it and I am glad that I read it. Faith isn't always defined in nice neat little packages with pretty bows. We all have different levels of faith, how we define it, as well as practice it.
I am glad that the author made Jo into a champion, rising above the bad and not letting her childhood horrors imprison her. Personally, I wanted to reach into the book to shred her sick, twisted father and her spineless, pathetic excuse of a mother into small pieces and stomp on them. Thankfully something happens though.
I wish Francis had a little more, I don't know, umph or more-ness. It was a little creepy with the stalking thing. Francis seems so bland next to Jo as such a strong character. I don't understand the eating issue with him. I do like how committed Francis is in his faith. Although he is religious, the book is not a platform for any certain belief. More like a story of how two people meet, fall in love and grow together as one. During that process a faith that is deeply buried in Jo starts to grow and she learns that while some men ARE bad, some ARE good, wholesome and CAN be trusted.
Jo and Francis adopt 5 girls in the end which I love. Sadly, older children are usually left out of the adoption loop. I know some will think it weird with Francis foreseeing this personal revelation but this is a book on faith and that is apart of Francis's faith.
There is swearing which will turn some away. Authors always feel it is needed, like it adds dramatic flair but it just takes away from the book, regardless of the genre. It seems the world is stuck on a few four and five lettered words as the only form of expression.
And who doesn't like the hero roaming the night taking care of small injustices besides the perpetrators? Kick some more bad guy bootie Jo!
Overall, I personally would have liked the book Spin the Plate to have been more developed, longer in form and content, that is why I gave it 3 stars. I did enjoy reading it and look forward to more reads by the author, Donna Anastasi.
I liked the premise of the book but I think the author needed to put a little more into it to make it believable. It's just me, I have that problem with all short stories and I usually avoid them. I did not realize this was a short story when I entered the giveaway. However I did enjoy it and I am glad that I read it. Faith isn't always defined in nice neat little packages with pretty bows. We all have different levels of faith, how we define it, as well as practice it.
I am glad that the author made Jo into a champion, rising above the bad and not letting her childhood horrors imprison her. Personally, I wanted to reach into the book to shred her sick, twisted father and her spineless, pathetic excuse of a mother into small pieces and stomp on them. Thankfully something happens though.
I wish Francis had a little more, I don't know, umph or more-ness. It was a little creepy with the stalking thing. Francis seems so bland next to Jo as such a strong character. I don't understand the eating issue with him. I do like how committed Francis is in his faith. Although he is religious, the book is not a platform for any certain belief. More like a story of how two people meet, fall in love and grow together as one. During that process a faith that is deeply buried in Jo starts to grow and she learns that while some men ARE bad, some ARE good, wholesome and CAN be trusted.
Jo and Francis adopt 5 girls in the end which I love. Sadly, older children are usually left out of the adoption loop. I know some will think it weird with Francis foreseeing this personal revelation but this is a book on faith and that is apart of Francis's faith.
There is swearing which will turn some away. Authors always feel it is needed, like it adds dramatic flair but it just takes away from the book, regardless of the genre. It seems the world is stuck on a few four and five lettered words as the only form of expression.
And who doesn't like the hero roaming the night taking care of small injustices besides the perpetrators? Kick some more bad guy bootie Jo!
Overall, I personally would have liked the book Spin the Plate to have been more developed, longer in form and content, that is why I gave it 3 stars. I did enjoy reading it and look forward to more reads by the author, Donna Anastasi.
November 4, 2010
The messages in the book are powerful and well-timed. The protagonist is a hard woman with a lot of emotional baggage due to sexual abuse by her father. She's developed a tough outer shell yet feeds her humanity by rescuing abused animals from the streets or inappropriate homes. By rescuing, I mean she puts the rates the animals well being far above the human well-being. Not that I blame her, I'm just disconcerted by her maverick approach. Basically, she likes to cause bodily harm.
Somewhat tangential at times, the author gives the protagonist different aspects that could have very easily been expounded upon yet seem out of place and extraneous. I guess I didn't see the connection between being a tattoo artist, a dog rescuer, a sumo trainer, and a head basher and the story she had to tell. If I were left on my own to connect the dots, I would probably go with the fact that Jo, the protagonist, clings to her hard exterior with all her might in order to escape her past. Yet, in the cloak of darkness, Jo's humanity for animals is free to develop.
Edgy? Absolutely. In fact, without warning the reader feels assaulted by the strong language and vivid description of her abuse. I think what I really want to express is that it didn't flow freely for me. The details were jagged and incomplete.
That said, the author paints a perfect picture of the conflicted relationship between an abusive father, a distant mother, and a tormented grown daughter. I found the relationship Jo chose once her father could no longer hurt her to be poignant and very real. She comes to terms with the nightmare he was to her yet accepts the tenderness she feels for him as a broken and hurting human being.
At the core of the story, however, is that of letting go of fear, anger, and trusting in God to heal.
Somewhat tangential at times, the author gives the protagonist different aspects that could have very easily been expounded upon yet seem out of place and extraneous. I guess I didn't see the connection between being a tattoo artist, a dog rescuer, a sumo trainer, and a head basher and the story she had to tell. If I were left on my own to connect the dots, I would probably go with the fact that Jo, the protagonist, clings to her hard exterior with all her might in order to escape her past. Yet, in the cloak of darkness, Jo's humanity for animals is free to develop.
Edgy? Absolutely. In fact, without warning the reader feels assaulted by the strong language and vivid description of her abuse. I think what I really want to express is that it didn't flow freely for me. The details were jagged and incomplete.
That said, the author paints a perfect picture of the conflicted relationship between an abusive father, a distant mother, and a tormented grown daughter. I found the relationship Jo chose once her father could no longer hurt her to be poignant and very real. She comes to terms with the nightmare he was to her yet accepts the tenderness she feels for him as a broken and hurting human being.
At the core of the story, however, is that of letting go of fear, anger, and trusting in God to heal.
May 19, 2011
I am pleased that the author has asked me to review this book--looking forward to reading it!
Spin the Plate introduces us to Jo, a woman haunted by her abusive childhood, who looks for the lost and abandoned, both human and creatures. Private by nature but large in stature, she captures the attention of Francis, who appears not much more than a religious down-on-his luck admirer. He gradually earns her trust and in doing so, helps her change her life.
I was truly caught up in Jo's quiet world--her tattooing shop, her apartment filled with strays, her forays into the evening to enact a bit of vigilante justice for the creatures and girls of the night. It reminded me very much of PUSH by Sapphire, of a woman beaten down by parental abuse, but able to rise above and maintain love in her heart.
My few complaints are these: The cover is far too dark and the graphic a bit too vague for the overall novel. I like the colors of the e-story better. Even so, my eyes look for books with interesting colors, so I feel this does a disservice to the book.
The ending, while sweet, seems to take an odd turn and tone from the rest of the book. I liked it, but something about it left me with a lingering befuddlement. It's the only reason I deducted a star from an otherwise pleasurable and plausible read.
Overall, I am genuinely glad to have read this and look forward to Anastasi's future works.
Spin the Plate introduces us to Jo, a woman haunted by her abusive childhood, who looks for the lost and abandoned, both human and creatures. Private by nature but large in stature, she captures the attention of Francis, who appears not much more than a religious down-on-his luck admirer. He gradually earns her trust and in doing so, helps her change her life.
I was truly caught up in Jo's quiet world--her tattooing shop, her apartment filled with strays, her forays into the evening to enact a bit of vigilante justice for the creatures and girls of the night. It reminded me very much of PUSH by Sapphire, of a woman beaten down by parental abuse, but able to rise above and maintain love in her heart.
My few complaints are these: The cover is far too dark and the graphic a bit too vague for the overall novel. I like the colors of the e-story better. Even so, my eyes look for books with interesting colors, so I feel this does a disservice to the book.
The ending, while sweet, seems to take an odd turn and tone from the rest of the book. I liked it, but something about it left me with a lingering befuddlement. It's the only reason I deducted a star from an otherwise pleasurable and plausible read.
Overall, I am genuinely glad to have read this and look forward to Anastasi's future works.
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