Woman in the Mirror
by Jackie Calhoun
Woman in the Mirror
Jackie Calhoun
Bella Books
First thing that must be noted about Woman in the Mirror is that it appeals to ALL lesbians, young, old and in between. I say this because one of the main characters, Annie, is a college-age young woman hell-bent on self discovery (we’ve all been there).
Woman in the Mirror is a story of love, friendship, first-times, self discovery, secrets, pain and relationships intertwined among a series of life-changing events for each and every character.
Actually, to say much more about the storyline would spoil the discoveries Calhoun so perfectly allows the reader to find for themselves as they turn the pages. In fact, I would suggest NOT reading the back of the book cover before reading the book. I’m just one of those readers who would rather discover the intricacies of the story myself instead of having some marketing/PR person do it for me. But, that’s just me.
(Note: We do understand the necessity of marketing and public relations – you’ve got to get the reader to buy the book before they can read it)
Without a doubt, Calhoun is an author to watch out for.
(as published in Family & Friends Magazine in August 2004)
Abby's Passion
by Jackie Calhoun
Abby's Passion
Jackie Calhoun
Bella Books
Lesbian novelist Jackie Calhoun’s latest effort, the 221-page Abby’s Passion, isn’t as good as her previous work. I’m not saying the story isn’t good, because it is. It’s just that this particular work seems rushed, as if the author was trying to meet a deadline.
The biggest reason for feeling this way is that it appears Calhoun may have not done as much research as she should have regarding one of the major characters, Mona. Mona is the sister of main character Abby.
While there is a love story or two behind the book cover, the real story is wrapped around Abby and Mona and their sisterly relationship. Mona has bipolar disorder, which seems to be the basis for all the turmoil. Calhoun paints a completely dysfunctional Mona and blames it entirely on her being bipolar.
Did any of you catch the episode or two of “ER” that featured Sally Field as the bipolar mom of one of the doctors?
Both Field’s character and Mona seem to function only on medication and even then, it’s not a pretty sight. Crazy fits of mania that lead to a massive painting session by Mona seem to push the story along. But, here’s my problem with Mona’s character: I am bipolar, as are many of the folks in the GLBT community, and I don’t know if any one of us is quite as nuts as Mona. At least I know I don’t need my brother looking after me because I can’t be left alone at home.
It’s one saving grace: the character of Shirley/Shawn.
If you read Abby’s Passion as a love story, it’s fair to midland. If you read it and try to understand the characters, good luck.
(as published in Family & Friends Magazine, May 2005)