Just Say Yes by Judith McDaniel

Just Say Yes

Judith McDaniel

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From Publishers Weekly

This simplistic novel goes for titillating erotica while providing only superficial characterization and plot development. It tells of the loves of Lindsey, a 28-year-old lesbian waitress working in a seaside summer resort town in Massachusetts. Lindsey flits between two lovers: Ra, a sexually sophisticated teacher in her 30s, instructs Lindsey about the darker side of sex, while Carol, a wholesome 20-something ex-nun, offers a loving relationship. Lindsey’s affairs unfold against incidents of gay-bashing (a boy is stabbed to death on the beach and the word ‘FAG’ is carved on his chest) and drug-related killings. Angered by this violence, Lindsey becomes involved in political organizing on behalf of the gay community. Although McDaniel’s lovemaking scenes are sensual, her plot is marred by preaching about homophobia (an organizer describes the dead boy as ‘a symbol of gay oppression’) and the need for gay solidarity. The dialogue never rises above the pedestrian, and McDaniel ( November Woman ) presents readers with a frustratingly limited perspective.

Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Lindsey spends her summer break from graduate school as a waitress in Provincetown, where ‘we came to just be gay and find out whatever else it is we need to know about ourselves.’ Between the time spent working and lying on the beach, she discusses politics, the arts, and the meaning of life with her roommates, who are helping to organize a gay community response to a homophobic, drug-related murder. She explores her sexuality with sultry, exotic Ra but falls in love with Carol, a nun who works for Legal Aid. Told in alternating first- and third-person voice, Lindsey’s search for herself combines musings about ‘politically correct’ thought with romance and eroticism. A good choice for reading on the beach this summer.

– James E. Cook, Dayton & Montgomery Cty. P.L., Ohio

Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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