Review of Dancing with Panthers

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Dancing with Panthers" by Patrick C. Notchtree.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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In Dancing with Panthers by Patrick C. Notchtree, Mark Martin, the main character, is an unhappy 14-year-old boy. After his family’s divorce, he is taken to a new city to start a new life, but he hates it. His relationship with his mother and older sister is strained. He used to have a close bond with Tony, but now, the two are separated. He misses the times when he and Tony did homework together, played together, and explored each other in a physically intimate way. Mark’s life is isolated and empty. One day, a man, who has been following the boy for some time, approaches him and offers five pounds. The money is far more than the amount he can earn from a Saturday job, but the encounter is undoubtedly shady, and Mark is getting into situations he does not fully understand due to his adolescence. Mark still has to go to school, but he experiences adulthood as he explores his sexual identity and earns money to elevate his and his mother’s living standards.

Mark is a relatable character. Anyone who has faced significant life changes, loneliness, and newfound responsibilities as an adult can easily empathise with his struggles and feelings. Everyone can relate to the desire for connection and financial security. Moreover, sexuality is a sensitive, confusing topic. There is nothing black and white about this matter, so Mark's journey is great for readers to engage with the matter safely and reassure themselves that they are not alone.

While Mark's character arc is great, the story contains explicit situations that could make some readers uncomfortable. The author also notes that the book has a couple of instances where racially stereotypical terms are used because the story is set in the early 1960s. However, they do not affect my rating.

To sum up, Dancing with Panthers appeals to readers who are interested in coming-of-age stories and homosexual relationships between males. The only drawback of this book is the editing. I found many typos and grammatical mistakes while reading, so the editing needs improvement. Therefore, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

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Dancing with Panthers
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[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

"Dancing with Panthers" is a fascinating work that explores themes of resilience, identity and the challenges of human relationships. The story is full of vivid imagery and emotional depth, drawing readers into a world where the metaphor of dancing with dogs symbolizes the delicate balance of danger and beauty in life.

The characters are well developed, each bringing their own struggles and triumphs to the forefront. The author deftly weaves their stories together, creating a tapestry of interlocking lives that reflects the breadth of human experience. The dialogue is lively and honest, incorporating all the facts of the story.

A notable feature of the book is its examination of personal growth. The hero’s journey is connected and inspiring, as they navigate challenges and face their fears. The writing is lyrical, with a poetic quality that enhances the emotional resonance of the story.

Overall, "Dancing with Panthers" is an inspiring read that encourages reflection on the quality of courage and the beauty that can be found in accepting life's uncertainties. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and connects us to our own experiences and to each other. Whether you are drawn to characters or metaphors, this book is sure to make a lasting impression.

I wouldn't say that the writing is "lyrical" because it doesn't have heavy purple poetic prose, which is nice.

[Nneka Bridget]

The themes of loneliness and self-discovery in "Dancing with Panthers" by Patrick C. Notchtree sound compelling, especially as Mark navigates his sexual identity and the challenges of adolescence. While the explicit content may be sensitive for some readers, the story’s exploration of connection and financial struggle seems relatable. It’s unfortunate that editing issues affected your reading experience, but the character development and emotional depth seem to make it worthwhile for fans of coming-of-age stories.

[Priya Murugesan]

I am not interested in such genres exploring sexuality. I think I will pass this book! Thanks for sharing your review!

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

I am not interested in such genres exploring sexuality. I think I will pass this book! Thanks for sharing your review!

Glad to help you decide if the book is for you. The first few chapters can make people feel uncomfortable.

[Gerry Steen]

I hope that the author does another round of editing as you suggested. According to your review, this story could have a 5-star rating if the editing was better.

[Julie Marie Basil]

Based on your review, I don't think I will read this story as I prefer to read books that don't contain a lot of sexual content. Thanks for your honest and informative review!

[Stephen Christopher 1]

Once again, a potentially excellent book ruined by typos and errors. However, based on the subject choice, I'm willing to give this one a go. Thanks for introducing it to me.

[Anu Anand]

I enjoy exploring different mindsets and perspectives, and I'm curious about how Mark navigated new responsibilities and life changes. The explicit content and editing issues seem like drawbacks, though. Thanks for sharing this insightful review!

[Amy Luman]

I am not really interested in a book of historical fiction. Although the situations that Mark faces are timeless, I am very uncomfortable with any derogatory racial statements. No matter te time period from which they come. Thanks!

[Neha Panikar]

This book is not the usual kind I read, so I'll pass. But I like your review, how succinct and objective it is. Another round of editing will certainly help increase a star in the rating!
Thanks for sharing the review.

[Jeff Kanda]

I think I would relate to mark, I see so many similarities between us. I believe I would enjoy reading this book.
Thanks for the engaging review!

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

This book is not the usual kind I read, so I'll pass. But I like your review, how succinct and objective it is. Another round of editing will certainly help increase a star in the rating!
Thanks for sharing the review.

I'm glad you like the review style. I do my best to show what you can expect from the book without spoiling.

[Seetha E]

Adolescence is challenging as it is; the other factors only compound the impact. It is sad when a book seems to lose out due to errors. I hope the author takes note of it. I would have loved to read about how the protagonist navigates various challenges and how much it impacts his personality. The explicit content is the reason I will pass this one. Nonetheless, you have provided a great overview and provided enough caution. Thanks!

[NetMassimo]

This doesn't seem like my kind of stuff, but with proper proofreading, it might become an important reference for the kind of readers who can identify with Mark and his complex self-discovery. Thank you for your great review!