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Widow, Virgin, Whore - A Novel (2011)

by Deanna Lynn Sletten(Favorite Author)

4.04 of 5 Votes: 1

languge

English

genre

Fiction

publisher

Deanna Lynn Sletten

review 1: I didn't expect to enjoy this this novel. I didn't expect to finish it. I've heard enough about AIDS through the years. Was this reallyhow I wanted to spend my weekend? However, by page 3 or 4, I knew my expectations were wrong. I couldn't put it down. I couldn't help but feel for these characters - Katherine, Denise, Darla and their extended circle and circumstances seems so real. Human feelings - and flaws - jump off the pages! Be warned - keep tissues close at hand.
review 2: OMG!!! I so loved this book! This story focuses on the relationships between Katherine, a new widow; Denise, her best friend for over 20 years; and Darla, Denise's wild child slut puppy sister, once it is discovered that Darla is suffering with full blown AIDS. Admittedly in the beginni... moreng, I was perturbed by the way Katherine treated and spoke to Darla, granted she deserved it, but I thought it was beyond rude the way she spoke of her, the way she was so judgmental. She grew on me, just like her temper and her feisty behavior that I liked. Denise got on my nerves because she seemed so naïve most of the time, clueless and weak-minded and still holding a grudge about some slight that took place back when she was in high school. Woman you are 36, its time to let go and move on! Now Darla was a hot ass mess, a crappy excuse of a woman, an even worse mother and friend, but at times you could she wasn't a fool. There were times she'd say stuff that whether you wanted to admit it or not, that she was right about. Despite how Katherine felt about Darla, she immediately jumped in to help Darla in any way she could, serving as her main caregiver, researching about HIV/AIDS, looking for support groups, alternative medicine, everything. So you get to see their friendship grow as everyone in the house comes to terms with Darla's diagnosis. The characters in the book were great, the doctors, the support group Darla joined, and the man she met and fell in love with. I know this book was written back when there were still so many unknowns about HIV/AIDS and when attitudes about the disease were very strongly negative and folks discriminated against and shunned people suffering with the disease. I don't know much, but I felt like this book was a good representation of the issues and people's reactions back when. It was a very sad read, sprinkled with some happy and funny moments. It was great to see this woman who didn't appreciate much before learning to appreciate what she had and not take it for granted anymore. It was great watching how so many relationships were fortified during this book and how Katy and Darla set out to try to spread the word about AIDS and educate as many folks as possible. I don't have to tell you, keep your tissue close, this was a great book, I thoroughly enjoyed it, from the moment I read the title, it pulled me in and I am glad that I read it. It reminds you, whether you have a terminal illness or not, we all need to enjoy our lives to the fullest, love and care for ourselves, and be ever thankful for the people that are apart of them. I strongly suggest this read to anyone, it's well worth it!! less

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