Becoming Bobbie
Professional Reviews
"Bobbies sincere and good humored approach makes for a highly engaged tale. It's a love story, but it's also a story about being true to yourself. It's hard not to like Bobbies unflinching honesty and appealing lack of pretense...through Steven's warm and engaging account, the sums of its parts add up to something much greater."
-The Lambda Book Report
"Steven's debut novel is exquisitely nuanced. The use of a first-person narrative voice preordains a happy-ever-after ending, but that predictability doesn't diminsh at all the pitch-perfect tone of Bobbie's emotional downs, ups and eventual even keel"
- The Front Page
First-time novelist R.J. Stevens captures the bittersweet memories of growing up different in Becoming Bobbie, an incredibly real novel of a young teen—a tomboy—who is trying to find herself.
Bobbie has always been her father’s daughter. Her ladylike mother is all about fashion, while her mechanic father loves what she loves—rock 'n’ roll, and getting her hands dirty under the hood of a car. Bobbie’s only girlfriends are the strong women she hears on the radio, from Aretha and Diana Ross to Janis and Carol King.
But then she discovers a devastating, shocking truth about her father that explains why she is a “Professional New Kid” who moves from state to state and school to school. As her family falls apart, she finds herself more alone than ever. Her mother disapproves of her, and her peers get enjoyment out of beating her up. The only person who makes Bobbie feel special is her English teacher, Agatha Claraday. Bobbie is immediately attracted to the enigmatic woman, and begins a life-altering journey to really seeing people—and herself—for the first time.
Becoming Bobbie is a powerful and timeless novel
READER FEED BACK:
GOOD STUFF HERE - WELL WORTH THE READ, July 9, 2004
Reviewer: D. Blankenship (The Ozarks)
This author is an excellent teller of stories. I found the book to be delightful. Autobiographical novel or not, it certainly has the ring of one. Excellent story line and a smooth read. I certainly hope we receive more of this author's work. This is one I will probably read again. Again, great stuff and I highly recommend. A very feeling book and story.
A glorious story about the breadth of love, November 20, 2003
Reviewer: "blissengine" (Norfolk, VA USA)
Bobbie took after her dad with her love of cars and music, and after he was taken away, she and her mother found the distance between them had grown. She falls in love with her high school literature teacher, Agatha Claraday, and when the two indulge their mutual attraction, the older woman cannot handle the strain. Bobbie drifts through some more tough times through the 1980s, and when she again encounters Agatha, the two both feel that fate has brought them together again. From this relationship, Bobbie draws strength and is able to confront her past. "Becoming Bobbie" is a wonderful coming-of-age story as well as a journey of self-discovery. With Stevens's skillful writing and compelling story voice, stale plot contrivances come alive and become fresh, drawing readers further. This is a novel that brings hope to its readers, hope for the future and for love and for the breadth of living.
Becoming Bobbie rocks! Thanx to R.J. Stevens for a fab book!, September 14, 2003
Reviewer: A reader
I think that enjoyed this book because it includes emotions that I have felt. I also really enjoyed the plot device of using music to bring vibrancy to each era being addressed. I so agree with the author that Melissa Etheridge and Bruce Springsteen (and other artists as well) write songs that stir the soul. This book also stirs the soul. I enjoy reading books that span a long period in someone's life...sometimes, if you're paying attention, you can learn something in a book without having to go through it yourself. For this reason, I found the main character's life lessons particularly beneficial. I also found the story telling style accessible and engaging...not frilly, just honest and direct. Many thanks to R.J. Stevens for writing this book. Like Melissa Etheridge's songs or finding a soul mate, this book could also save lives. Thank you for writing the novel in the tone of a memoir that tells the truth about one lesbian's experiences and family.
A fantastic story of self-discovery, July 29, 2003
Reviewer: A reader
Although it may be easily comparable to many other coming-of-age novels, this one really pulled me in. I felt connected to the characters and genuinely cared about their futures. The characters were well developed, the story held many surprises, and I had trouble putting it down. I easily finished it in two sittings in a weekend because I always wanted to read more. A day after finishing it, I'm tempted to go back and start again!
R.J. Stevens either knows from experience what it is like to grow up different in the late 70s and 80s, or has done some excellent research. It all felt right on target. You will experience the vast range of emotions right along with Bobbie.
This book won't change your life, but if you're in the mood for a wonderful story about turning what life throws at you into valuable lessons, this is it.
The Best of Friends
Professional Reviews
"The Best of Friends by R.J. Stevens tells the story of four women whose bonds of love and friendship cannot be broken and each working in the fast moving world of emergency services. These are modern women who are cops, paramedics and one is a firefighter. As they go about your lives, you will want to tag along." - Alan Caruba, June 2005
