Review of Don’t Poke the Bear

[Patty Allread]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Don’t Poke the Bear" by Robin D’Amato.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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Don't Poke the Bear by Robin D'Amato peeks in on three thirty-something women living in New York City during the mid-90s. Allie, Rihanna, and Natia struggle to earn an income, meet men, and have relationships with them. D'Amato follows each woman in their day-to-day life. She also tells the story of Allie's boyfriend, Pest, a wannabe rock star. Written in seven parts, we see how life is for them now and how it was when they were younger.

I enjoyed the way D'Amato writes dialogue because it is very natural and conversational and helped me get a feel for these women and their thoughts and emotions. She subtly blends snippets from their past with stories of what is happening now to help explain how they view life. Often, the linear storylines matter less than their responses as young women moving into and through adulthood. The author included many musical references, and I took the time to listen to most of the songs she mentioned. The music helped set the story's mood, especially Allie and Pest's relationship.

I kept reading well past one-third of the book, looking for a solid central storyline that was not to be found. Each woman has her own story, but not much happens in this book besides their boyfriend, work, and family troubles. I continued reading, hoping for something with more substance or purpose. I didn't find it. I wondered if that was the author's point and why she gave the book its title. By the end of the book, I found Pest to be a more interesting character than the women. Despite his dubious sense of morals, he was at least persistent in pursuing his career.

D'Amato has talent as a writer, and I suspect she intended to convey more in Don't Poke the Bear than I could perceive. I believe this author has more ability than what she shows here. The main issue with the book is that these characters needed to be fully developed and have more self-motivation or drive. The three women were supposedly friends, but their interaction with each other was minimal. This angle could have been an avenue for a much more meaningful storyline. The book was well edited with only a few errors, but because of these other shortcomings, I rated this book three out of five stars.

The book contains sexual content and references to drug and alcohol abuse. I recommend it to adult women who enjoy emotional drama, like what you find in a soap opera.

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Don’t Poke the Bear
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[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

I think some of the interactions between these three women are interesting and fun. While Allie's boyfriend is included, how about Rihanna and Natia's boyfriend? Do they have one? Thanks for sharing this intriguing review!

[Patty Allread]

I think some of the interactions between these three women are interesting and fun. While Allie's boyfriend is included, how about Rihanna and Natia's boyfriend? Do they have one? Thanks for sharing this intriguing review!

Rihanna and Natia so have boyfriends! Thanks for your comments, Hazel.

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

I think some of the interactions between these three women are interesting and fun. While Allie's boyfriend is included, how about Rihanna and Natia's boyfriend? Do they have one? Thanks for sharing this intriguing review!

Rihanna and Natia so have boyfriends! Thanks for your comments, Hazel.

You are very welcome, Patty! It's so good to share thoughts and support with co-members here.

[Diana Lowery]

I love the title of the book, but I am sorry that it fell short of your expectations. I hope the author takes your advice about character development.

[Patty Allread]

I love the title of the book, but I am sorry that it fell short of your expectations. I hope the author takes your advice about character development.

I love the title too. Thanks for visiting and commenting!

[Oluchi23]

I love the title of the book and so, I need to add the book to my bookshelf as soon as possible so as to enjoy the book in it's full details. Thanks for the review.

[Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu]

I like how you set up yourself in the music environment too. That was full commitment to the cause ahah sounded like a story that goes nowhere? Just relates to few characters lives? Great review by the way.

[Patty Allread]

I like how you set up yourself in the music environment too. That was full commitment to the cause ahah sounded like a story that goes nowhere? Just relates to few characters lives? Great review by the way.

Yes, I wanted to get as much out of the book as possible. Thanks for visiting and commenting, Sara!

[Laney K]

The title alone is enough to make me want to read this book, but the lack of developed characters is a bit of a downside. Thanks for the informative review!

[Patty Allread]

I agree; the title is intriguing! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

[Alice Heritage]

So something like Sex and the City? It's a shame the women's friendship was lacking because that's somehow important for the emotional appeal of stories like this.

Nevertheless, thank you for the introduction to something that seems to have potential at least!

[Patty Allread]

So something like [Sex and the City? It's a shame the women's friendship was lacking because that's somehow important for the emotional appeal of stories like this.

Good catch! I think this book was promoted on Amazon as Sex and the City without the expensive shoes and nightclubs.

[Jack A]

Yeah Patty, I could see how an author could loose the story line if they have several threads running at the same time. I also see that you pointed out the author has is talented. I wander if she has other books out?
I appreciate your view of the book like the plot or the character development. I just tend to read the book and if I don't like it I drop it...

[Patty Allread]

I wonder if she has other books out?

Yes, I believe she has one called "Somebody's Watching You." Thanks for visiting and commenting.