Behind Closed Doors: Violence in the American Family

Rating:
Summary: This book wasn't as bad as some of the reviews claimed!
Review: This was very good book I think for a first timer. First of all Karen and Regina were good friends. But Marilyn was something else, a staight up back stabber. I couldn't believe the mess she did to Regina and the way she went about doing it. But hey Larry got taught a lesson, cause he thought the grass was greener on the other side. I am so glad Karen and John stayed together and worked their situation out and I am so proud of Regina for not going back to doggin Larry. This is a good book, so pick it up!

Rating:
Summary: Fair to Middlin'
Review: Definitely not the best book that I've read, but it was a pretty good effort for a first novel. The characters, especially Regina, were not all that likable or interesting. Regina and Karen both seemed to be overly interested in having perfect lives and seemed a little shallow. I must agree with the other reviewers about the name dropping, which was a little irritating after a while. I'm glad to read that Ms. Roby's seond and third offerings are better, and will definitely give her another try.

Rating:
Summary: All right, No Fireworks
Review: After reading Casting the First Stone, Kimberla Roby's 2nd novel, I had to read her 1st, Behind Closed Doors. For a first attempt at writing a novel, this book was acceptable. The storyline was excellent, but her use of language and point illustration were below average. Her brand-name droppping brought her writing style down even more i.e., "She placed her Coach purse in the lower-right hand drawer and sat her black Coach briefcase on the floor." Everytime a handbag, among other things, was mentioned, the brandname was sure to follow. Spare me! Less is more sometimes. Furthermore, her sentences did not flow very well. It was as if she was writing for her junior high english teacher and afraid of getting her paper back full of red marks. Each sentenced was structured "too perfectly." However, if you look over the writing style and focus on the storyline you will find a very entertaining story of two friends going through the trials and tribulations of being "thirtysomething." What do you do when you have what you've always dreamed of -- perfect house, perfect careers, loving husbands, etc., and things go awry? Read and find out....

Rating:
Summary: NICE FIRST EFFORT
Review: THIS WAS DEFINITELY A VERY GOOD FIRST EFFORT, AND I DID ENJOY THE BOOK. THIS THE THIRD BOOK BY THIS AUTHOR THAT I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF READING. TO ANYONE WHO READS THIS REVIEW, I STRONGLY SUGGEST READING "BEHIND" FIRST AND THEN GOING ON TO THE OTHERS. HER SOPHOMORE THEN JUNIOR EFFORTS WERE A LOT BETTER THAN THE FIRST. THIS ONE GOT A LITTLE LONG WINDED AND TIMES WHEN IT CAME TO DESCRIBING THE CARS, JEWELS, CLOTHING, HOUSE, ETC. NOT WITHSTANDING ALL OF THIS, IT WAS ENTERTAINING, I READ IT IN 3 HOURS.