A Slice of Life

D. C. Johnson
Dar J Publishing (2004)
ISBN 1930847912
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (7/06)

 

“A Slice of Life” is a great sequel to “Camille’s Dilemma.”  In her first book, Johnson took Camille from her troubled childhood through young adulthood.  In this story, she covers a smaller area of Camille’s life.  Now her son, Calvin, is in high school.

Camille finds herself attracted to a man named Billy. She starts a relationship with him.  His behavior leads her to believe that he is married.  She is shocked to discover that he is married to a close straight friend of hers and that their sons are good friends.  Around the same time, she also discovers that she is pregnant.  Camille chooses to do the right thing and end her relationship with Billy.  She also distances herself from his wife Georgia.  Georgia already has suspected that Billy, or the man she calls “William,” has been unfaithful again.   Georgia also has a friend that was shot after her lover discovers her infidelity to him.

I really enjoyed how Johnson develops her characters. You will love them or despise them.  It is interesting to follow Camille as she deals with telling her son that she is gay, getting pregnant from a man, unbeknownst to her, that is married to her friend, and issues with co-workers.  I admire her character.  I also like that Johnson keeps the adultery issues serious and painful.  She is not promoting adultery, she is addressing the mixed emotions that come with it.  This includes how Billy’s son deals with suspecting his dad and how his wife deals with her emotions.  She loves Billy and wants to believe that he will do the right thing by her, but how can she really trust him again?

This is a novel that will be enjoyed by all.  Straight or gay, there is something in there that everyone can relate to.  I also recommend it to reading groups that deal with sexual orientation issues and college classes that also cover this subject.  I learned a lot about issues with which gay people have to deal with.  As a college instructor, I feel that I gained insight that will help me with understanding what some of my students are going through.   I look forward to reading the third book in this series.

 

Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (6/06)

“A Slice of Life” is the continuing saga of now 34-year old Camille Jenkins who dubs herself with the title of Professional Lesbian.  This book is the sequel to “Camille’s Dilemma” and my favorite of the series by D.C. Johnson.  Because failed relationships have left Camille a bit skeptical, she is apprehensive to follow her heart and chooses to keep her feelings close.  Then, suddenly and surprisingly, the dashing writer, Billy Winters, enters Camille’s world and life throws her a curve ball.  Camille finds herself yearning for what only a man can provide, and she wants it all from Billy Winters.

Camille also meets some new friends in this second book, Georgia and Beverly, at a poetry slam and finds their company very comforting and refreshing.  Camille is at first attracted to Georgia but vows to squash any romantic interest she feels because both ladies are heterosexual.  Georgia has been happily married for 16 years to William and has 17- year old son William Lee, to show for it, while Beverly lives unhappily with boyfriend, Aaron.

Camille finds herself falling helplessly in love with Billy and wonders if her life is beginning to take a more traditional turn with her romantic feelings for a male.  But just when Camille believes Billy could be just the guy to make her go straight, she learns that Billy is a married man.  In addition, Billy is married to Camille’s new best friend, Georgia. And to make matters even crazier, Camille’s 17- year old son, Calvin, and Billy and Georgia’s son, Willie Lee, are best friends and teammates on the school football team.  The yarn unravels and once again, Camille finds herself confused.  One thing she is sure of though, and that is her decision to prioritize a friendship with Georgia and the respect of her son, Calvin over a dead end relationship with Billy.  Since Georgia knows nothing of Billy’s affair with Camille, Camille plays along with the “story” he feeds Georgia about how he and Camille are acquainted.  Camille soon realizes that Billy has no intention of giving up his married life with Georgia, hence his slice of life, so Camille will give up her life with Billy to keep the peace.

More craziness abounds throughout the pages of this story, be assured, but I do not want to reveal too much.  My suggestion is to pick up a copy and read the book to learn the additional quandaries. 

D.C. Johnson writes in such a way that some readers may find her work offensive.  The target audience is probably young adults who hold looser views on what a relationship between two adults really should be, especially in a marriage.  If you believe sexual relationships should be entered into only between a male and a female in the bonds of marriage, I suggest passing on this book.  However, if you question your sexual preference and do not take marriage vows with the seriousness God intended, you may enjoy this one. 

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