Customer Reviews

My Husband Is on the Down Low... And I Know About It

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I have never written a review before, but I felt like I just had to say something about this book. It was just plain awful. The writing was amatuerish and if this was actually based on a true story, the people involved were both selfish and trifling. I found the wife to be highly hypocritical of finding out about her husband's sexual tendencies considering the things that she was into.

The story did not flow well and the writer seemed to jump back and forth, not following any particular timeline. The dialogue was laughable and unbelievable. I only wish that it was possible to give something less than one star.

If you don't mind bad writing and a ridiculous plot, then by all means by this book. Otherwise, save your money.

I wish someone had warned me.

This goofy broad is actually suing the maker of Brokeback Mountain, citing that they copied scenes from her book. Her book was written in what, 2005? Brokeback was written in 2000. If she read the book she would realize that the movie is taken almost strictly from the book, from scene to dialogue. If her book mirrors the movie (instead of the other way around) perhaps she'll soon find herself on the other end of a law suit. This woman is pathetic.

I just completed reading "My Husband is on the Down Low ... And I Know About it". I was absolutely blown away. The way the author approached such a volatile subject indicates that she is both talented and gifted. She definitely challenged my male testosterone driven beliefs.

I sincerely believe that this is truly a "must read" book for all who are in relationships, those who have open relationships, those who are homophobic, those who are sexually adventurous, those who are tolerant, those who don't understand the complexities of nature, sexuality and fidelity, those who have preconceived notions on what is okay and what is not okay in the bedroom, those who just want a good read, those who are curious, those who want a second opinion and of course those who have found themselves in relationship situations where the obvious answers were not there. This book took me on a relationship roller coaster that caused me to hold because of the intrigue.

Although society of today is more tolerant than in yester year, accepting or being tolerant on the issues of homosexuality has its limits. Society will judge a man on many fronts, his income, his education, his profession, his station in life, etc. All of these items are often forgiven when they don't meet with societal norms. The author of My Husband... gives us a different perspective. She takes you to point that makes you ask yourself, "is measuring man's sexuality a good measuring stick for a man's humanity".

It will be a travesty if this book doesn't make the best sellers list. I say this not because of the obvious financial gain for the author but for society's sake at large. The messages that the author provides are thought provoking, soul search, exciting, cleaver, emotional, erotic, heart wrenching, painful and joyous. When I put the put down I had a completely different perspective on what I "thought I knew". Everyone else should have this same experience!

The "down low" phenomenon has hit the bookstores in droves - whether fact or fiction. Scott-Blanton gives the readers a bird's-eye view from a woman's perspective and through countless interviews she tells Annette's story. Annette has decided to come forward and let other women know that even with having blatant signs, how other factors can still cloud one's judgments.



Annette and James were high school sweethearts who turned into college lovers and eventually marry. The twist: Annette is bisexual but has not had an experience with another woman, yet. She decides her relationship should be based on trust and tells James about her desire. James openly accepts her sexuality and suggests they have her first experience together; they do and eventually venture into the "swinging" lifestyle.



Annette is enjoying the openness in her relationship with James, but feels something isn't right. While she is having her cake and eating it too, he is dealing with his own issues and secret attraction to men. Suddenly he starts making odd sexual requests. At first she's not comfortable with them, but eventually gives in to his desires. At some point, James's behavior becomes erratic so Annette decides to become a sleuth and does some investigating. Having a "need to know" mentality, she betrays the trust in their marriage and reads her husband's journal. What she reads almost becomes her demise; it's a double-edged sword. Annette struggles with what to do with the information she now has on her husband. Are you ready for her emotional roller-coaster ride? What would you do if you found out your mate is on the "down low?"



Question: Is he really "on the down low" if you know about it? Isn't the whole premise to being "down low" not knowing? Perhaps the book would have been better titled "My Husband Was on the Down Low...But Now I Know." In telling Annette's story, Scott-Blanton's attempt was good. There were some issues with dialogue, grammar, typos and editing. There was almost an entire chapter dedicated to the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell, which was overkill on the subject. In a nutshell, I can't help wonder if women are being poisoned by books on this particular subject and making them paranoid into believing most men have "down low" tendencies. Perhaps. Some may even feel there's not enough on the subject. Either way, I digress.

Reviewed by Esther "Ess" Mays with Loose Leaves Book Review

Through the novel MY HUSBAND'S ON THE DOWNLOW...AND I KNOW ABOUT IT, Janice Scott-Blanton takes readers into the lives of a couple and their very complicated relationship. James and Annette were high school sweethearts. Initially drawn to Annette's willingness to accept him unconditionally, James knew early on that they were meant to be. The couple thrived through the college years in spite of the fact that they attended different universities. Eventually, they had a child together and were subsequently married. Around that same time, James began his military career. Before the couple married, Annette felt compelled to share a nagging secret with her husband-to-be. This secret, her attraction to other women, would have a marked impact on the path their marriage would take.

James and Annette began to explore the swinging lifestyle, locating other women or couples through magazine ads and the Internet and inviting them into their bedroom. Annette couldn't be happier, she was married to the man of her dreams and he was open enough to not only accept her bi-sexuality, but also to explore and fulfill those sexual urges. All is well until she discovers that in spite of the open nature of their relationship, James is keeping secrets. It is then that she begins to question whether or not her husband is bi-sexual and whether their relationship will survive.

Janice Scott-Blanton has penned a novel, based on true events, that was both educational and entertaining. As someone unfamiliar with swinging and some of the alternative lifestyles presented in the book, I often found myself amazed as the story unfolded. She did an excellent job exploring some of the socio-political issues surrounding homosexuality and bi-sexuality through the characters without sounding preachy or judgmental. Another real strength in the book was in the character development. As I read, I felt I knew enough about James and Annette to understand their decisions and behavior. I would have preferred more dialogue in the story, and there were times when the transitions between various points of view were too abrupt, but overall this was an interesting read.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

"My Husband Is On........" opened the eyes of to so many things that we Americans live and deal with on a daily basis and sexuality is one of the biggest ones. Whether it's you or someone you may know is dealing with an issue that "others" may find disturbing, we deal and live with it. I am glad that Janice Scott-Blanton mentioned the use of "safe-sex in both her books." The author was able to capture the very essence of a relationship, love-story and understanding between individuals and also keep you wanting more all in one. That's a good book!

James and Annette college sweethearts and soul-mates seemed to be a model couple. They had a beautiful daughter named Kynosha, careers and security. Nevertheless, like many of us, battled internally with demons and desires that are unacceptable by society. Through the desires and sexual appetite of Annette, I personally felt Annette was selfish and completely having her cake and eating it too. She was able to live out all her fantasies with her husband's support. A true case of "Having her cake and eating it too." I found myself taking sides with her husband James (I never thought I'd agree with men on anything) because he was closeted with guilt, shame and confusion, while she did everything under the sun.

Reading this book was like being in the book! The transition from one episode to another was sensational. My sympathy and empathy goes out to the real characters in this novel because truly you have a lot to deal with on top of everyday life.

I would like to congratulate the author Janice Scott Blanton on her second book. The first book entitled "Succulent Sex" was very interesting to read, but this one, takes the cake! I thought I was going to be able to read this true story in between working hours, on lunch break, or after the kids were asleep....... DIDN'T HAPPEN! I had to literally seclude myself from the outside world so I wouldn't be disturbed. I felt drawn to the pages as though I was a character in the novel. I could feel their pain, happiness and hunger for more.

I look forward to your next book and I am sure it will out-do all others. Thanks again for a great piece of work.

Sooooo.....about this book "My Husband Is On........" I just finished reading it today....Whew! I couldn't put it down. Very interesting information. Lots of things I had no clue about when dealing with bisexuality, homo, hetero, etc...Definitely an eye opener...And to think this was someone's true story. Oh Dear! I felt sorry for "Annette" after she read the Journal. But then I got to thinking, shoot, why feel sorry for her, how could she not have known???? so I believe she knew in her heart of hearts but was not willing to face the music so to speak. And it wasn't like she wasn't having a ball herself. Shoot, I almost envied her after a while, I thought she kinda had it going on with all the "happenings" she had going on in her 'swinging' lifestyle. The scenes pretty near the end of the book with Reginald and the video taping really had me baffled. I couldn't put the book down, I couldn't even get my work done on my job, I kept putting people on hold while I finished that particular section in the book. Lord, I was stupefied (if there's such a word), Annette kept going for the wine bottle, but I would have been shooting for some straight up 180 Proof Carribbean Rum. Forget the Wine.

Anyway, thanks for enlightening those of us out there who were absolutely clueless in regards to sexual orientation preference... Overall, I enjoyed the book and thought it was very well written. The author gave specific examples of 'being on the down low'...The book was very easy to follow and had a plethora of information that one would have never known about if one did not read the book....I would venture to say that anyone who reads this book will definitely not be dissapointed. It is very well worth every penny of it.
To the Author: Keep doing what you do. Hope to see you on Oprah....soon

This book drew me in and put my imagination in overtime. The graphic descriptions and candid look into the torments of this couple's story made me feel as if I were watching it all unfold. The story line was intriguing, insightful and very informative. I know this book will be enjoyed by many.

Reading this book was like being in the book. This book was a lot a fun reading, very informative, keeps you on the edge of your seat. The transition from one episode to another was sensational. My sympathy and empathy goes out to the real characters in this novel because truly you have a lot to deal with on top of everyday life.

When I first heard about this book, I was sitting at a table with my girlfriends in the Zanzibar in DC. Someone came over to our table and told us an author was there signing copies of this book. I immediately went to purchase my copy. I'd heard it was a good book. I took it out to my car so I wouldn't be tempted to read it sitting in the club. The next morning, which was Saturday, I pulled the book out to begin reading, but realized I had things I needed to do around the house. I decided to wait until Monday when I was on the metro going to work.

Oh my God! I began reading this book on my way to work and could not stop. I couldn't wait to get on the metro to go home so I could finish reading. I missed my stop in DC and ended up almost near Richmond, VA. This story held me captive until the end. I felt like that fly on the wall that most people want to be when something juicy is happening with someone else. In fact, everyone who reads this book will be that fly on the wall, looking into the lives of this couple; seeing what they experienced.

From a male and female point-of-view, this author educates you on the meaning of bisexuality. It made me think about my own soul. It's always a delight for me to read a book with substance and good twists and turns. This book is in no way, shape, or form predictable. When I thought Annette would do one thing, she usually did the opposite. Annette was living her life `like it was golden'. There were times when my heart went out to James. This novel will draw you in and force you to feel the characters emotions. Reading this story was like watching a movie. The details were incredible. I walked to the refrigerator whenever Annette did. I cried when she cried. I laughed when she laughed. I listened when James spoke, etc. It was just that REAL!

Ms. Scott-Blanton, much thanks to you for giving me something DIFFERENT to read. You've made me a fan of your work.