Third Girl From the Left – by Martha Southgate

Third Girl From the Left
By:  Martha Southgate
Published:  2006
Pages:  272

 

 

Martha Southgate is releasing a new novel, The Taste of Salt, on September 13, 2011.  So today, I will be posting my review of her sophomore novel, Third Girl From the Left.

Third Girl From the Left follows three generations of African-American women; Angie, her mother Mildred, and Angie’s daughter Tamara. 

The protagonist, Angie, feels suffocated in her small Tulsa town and runs away to Los Angeles to become an actress.  She struggles to find her way in a new and exotic town that doesn’t live up to her child-hood fantasies of fame and fortune.  Mildred grew up in a more conservative era, which provides for an often tumultuous relationship with her daughter.  And Tamara desperately searches for the secrets of her family’s past.

This family saga takes you on a historical journey from the 1921 Tulsa race riots to the blaxploitation of the 1970’s film industry.  It masterfully weaves the reader through the coming of age, of sorts, of an entire family.   

There is an underlying lesbian sub-plot regarding Angie’s relationship with Sheila, but it doesn’t overshadow the main story line. 

Brilliantly crafted novel of a family searching for themselves and for each other.

Unbearable Lightness – Portia de Rossi

 Unbearable Lightness:  A Story of Loss & Gain
 By:  Portia de Rossi
 Published:  2010
 Pages:  320
 Genre:  Biography

 

Model and Ally McBeal actress, Portia de Rossi, gives us a candid description of her struggles with anorexia in her biography Unbearable Lightness.  Her brutal honesty about the destructive thought processes that accompany this disease was courageous and hopefully cathartic for her as well.  But with her only sustainable relationship being with food, it was very one-dimensional.  Maybe that was the point, to show how all-consuming it was.  But the constant ritual of yogurt and exercise became monotonous and boring. 

Her popularity and platform could have been better used to help inspire young women, especially those who struggle with the same disease.  Instead, it reads more like a How-To book for girls who desparately want to be thinner. 

For the Ellen fans out there who had hoped that this book would shed some light on their relationship, the only mention of her relationship with Ellen is in the epilogue where she refers to Ellen as saving her.  It makes you wonder if she has really won the battle against this disease.  Someone else can’t save you from your demons.  Only you can save yourself.

Sing You Home – by Jodi Picoult

Sing You Home
By: Jodi Picoult
Published: 2011
Pages: 466
Genre: Fiction



There has been much debate over this book already. I think it’s safe to say that if you lean more to the liberal side, you will probably like it. If you lean more to the conservative side, you probably won’t like it. I loved it!!

I was both anticipating and dreading the release of Sing You Home. Most lesbian related literature and cinema have completely failed to capture the true nature of a lesbian relationship. However, I am happy to report that Jodi Picoult’s book is decidedly different.

What may have made a difference in the tone of this novel is that during her research and writing, her son, Kyle, told her he was gay. WOW!! She wrote this book in the context that she did because she wants the world to be a better place for him. Visit Jodi Picoult’s website for more background on this extraordinary gay rights novel.

Each chapter is written in first person by one of the main characters. I was initially confused by the font change signalling the change in speakers, but I caught on after the first few chapters. The main characters are Zoe, Vanessa and Max. And they are all endearing in their own way…..even Max.

Zoe is a music therapist. She was married to Max for 9 years. (I’m not sure why because they don’t seem to have much in common.) After a string of unsuccessful IVF attempts, their marriage finally comes to an end. In the midst of a deep depression over her life, Zoe meets Vanessa. Eventually she starts feeling more than just friendship. And when they kiss for the first time, she finally realizes what has been missing her whole life.

Zoe is compassionate, witty, progressive and speaks her mind. She could easily be my best friend. :)

Vanessa is a high school counselor. She asks Zoe to work with one of her students, and she soon realizes that she has a crush on a straight woman. Oy vey!!

Vanessa is funny, sincere and down-to-earth.

Max is Zoe’s husband/ex-husband. He’s insecure and irresponsible, but for some reason, you just can’t help kind of liking the guy.

Picoult’s portrayal of Zoe and Vanessa as a loving and committed family unit was refreshing. As she delves into the issue of Christianity vs. Gay Rights, she touches upon many of the unethical and immoral tactics used by the right wing to justify their belief that “the homosexuality movement is going to ruin America” and that it leads to the “destruction of family values.”

As Zoe and Vanessa weave their way through the legal system, we witness their strength and determination in their journey to be true to who they are in spite of those who say they are wrong.

It’s a beautifully written novel from beginning to end. It will have you laughing out loud, wiping away tears and spitting nails. And maybe, as Jodi hopes, it will change a few perspectives on same-sex relationships.