9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Sex, Lies, and Wiretaps, July 4, 2008
This review is from: Jealousy (Paperback)
Author Marsha Jenkins stated her sophomoric novel, Jealousy, is a fictional account of a true story. She also stated jealousy can make people do strange things and thanks to a jealous cousin who made her life miserable for many years, she was able to write a novel that will intrigue many readers.
Dakota North lived the glamourous life. She invited her cousin, Rochelle Jackson, to be a part of the scene. Rochelle, one who describes herself as not having the "pretty genes" latches on to Dakota and the glamourous life. Rochelle is makes herself over and with the help of makeup, she enhances her face. With money that does not necessarily belong to her, she also buy clothes to make herself more fashionable. Rochelle enjoys being a part of the "in group"; then Dakota falls on hard times. With her marriage over, Dakota has no choice but to return to Michigan and live with her father.
All along, while pretending to be Dakota's sisterfriend, Rochelle
secretly harbors resentment towards Dakota. Once Dakota returns to Michigan, she begins her plot to attack her. With the help of her mother,Val, Dakota's sister-in-law, Elly, and her best friend, Tara, Rochelle puts her plans in action. Unbeknowst to Dakota, Rochelle has her home bugged and uses all the information she over hears to ruin Dakota's friendships and her relationship with her boyfriend, Chauncey.
There were many different storylines in this novel that captivated this reader. Dakota and Chauncey's developing relationship, Rochelle's exploration of her sexuality, and Chauncey's many, many secrets, to name a few. While the writing could have been tighter, (sometimes the author was narrating other times giving a play by play account.) the story was good. If you are looking for a summertime suspenseful read, you may enjoy this one.
Jeanette
APOOO BookClub
Motown Review Book Club
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Green-eyed Monster!, April 9, 2008
This review is from: Jealousy (Paperback)
I loved Dakota. Beautiful and kind, she is the kind of person who could charm a snake without trying. With all the changes that took place, she remained the most positive character in the book. I thought she could have still met Chauncey without having to be so down on her luck. I felt like she needed an ally against everyone else (even strong people don't cut themselves off that much). But the message that was being portrayed was well received. Now, Ro was the character we loved to hate like Joan Collins on Dynasty. Just when you start to like her she does something evil. I would have liked to see more development on Dante just because a lot of people might not have picked up on the fact that you just don't cross a gay man! When you are good to them, they are good to you. But if you cross them, you are in trouble! Of course, I hated Val, because she was just an evil bitter woman and she took it out on her child. Rodney for just the opposite and not taking up for his daughter. But these things made Rochelle who she was and moved the book along very well, so I wouldn't have changed it. I did want to find out if Rochelle went to jail or the mental hospital, but I'm sure we'll find out in the next book. Same thing with Chauncey. And what about Elly, the brother's wife and the brother and the other contributors to Ro's evil campaign, they need to be dealt with. I can't wait. In the end, though, if you notice, everything I have mentioned was what we were supposed to get from the book. So, I don't think changes can (or should) be made. Hopefully, when people read it, if they have self-esteem issues, it will help them see how being jealous can turn into an illness. The book can help shine a light on several topics: domestic abuse, child abuse, insecurity and still entertain. What a great read!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Jealousy, an all consuming emotion..., March 1, 2011
This book is about family relations, the good the bad and the "jealous". Dakota was a young woman who most believed had it all and they were sick of watching and hearing about it. However, their was one family member named Rochelle who wanted Dakota to pay for getting all the attention and she was going to do anything and everything to dethrone her into misery. There are numerous reasons why Rochelle "hated" her cousin and I can't give them away but, feeling less than, being lonely and struggling with the fact that without makeup she could be mistaken for a man are a few!
The book in some parts are just plain slow. Rochelle's antics went on too long for my taste. After awhile I just didn't care and wanted all of it to end. The book could've been about 50 pages shorter and would've been kept tight and concise. The premise of the book is excellent. This kinds of stuff happens everyday and people allow it to, like it's okay to hurt others by gossiping or plotting because of their own inadequacies. All in all it was a good read.
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