Official Review: Lately Lesbian by J. D. Simmons

Monet_va · Post by **Monet_va** » 27 Aug 2019, 03:46

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Lately Lesbian" by J. D. Simmons.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Lately Lesbian by J. D. Simmons is a story that will touch the heart of anyone who has known love before, and what it is to live without it.

Her memoir tells the story of Jenna’s life. Starting from the earlier memories of her family, J.D. Simmons expresses her admiration for her parent’s marriage and the ideal of marriage that she developed while growing up. She married in her early twenties to a man after only a few short months together. Their struggles as a couple began after they welcomed the arrival of their first child, who died only two years later. When Jenna meets Jessie, a much younger mutual friend, she feels something that she’s never experienced before. As the years pass, an attraction develops between the two and they can’t keep away from each other, leading to an affair. But life has other plans for them both and they are constantly separated and brought back together again.

In the preface, J.D. Simmons claims that she was nervous about writing her book and telling her story. While homosexual love stories are becoming more and more popular among Young Adult audiences, I have not seen a story written by a middle-aged woman before – especially a true story. Simmons shows that you are never too old to find love, to start over or to leave a situation where you are not happy.

Not only does she share her experience of homosexuality and her story of how she came out to her family and friends, but she also provides scientific facts about homosexuality. She references several studies and articles written by professionals who have studied the brains of heterosexual and homosexual individuals and she explains the differences found between them. I really enjoyed these chapters because it is based on scientific fact, which some people may need to better understand the story and relate to the character.

This is not just a story for gay people. Anyone who has been in a relationship that was less than what they wanted will be able to relate to Jenna’s story. At times, she left me in tears, because her story was so relatable and moving. I would highly recommend this book to everyone – even those who are against homosexual relationships. They may not welcome the story, but there is definitely something to learn here.

I am rating this book 4 out of 4 stars. It was an easy read and I couldn’t get enough of her story. The grammar was also excellent, and this book was clearly professionally edited.

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Lately Lesbian
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Dee_218 · Post by **Dee_218** » 28 Aug 2019, 13:11

Its great to see young adults emerging in their creative ways and become authors. Everyone has a story worth telling. Sounds like a compelling book and a must read. Thank you for the recommendation.

Meg98 · Post by **Meg98** » 28 Aug 2019, 17:48

This sounds like a compelling read! I applaud the author for sharing her story publicly; how very brave. I might just check this one out. Thanks for this great review!

MatereF · Post by **MatereF** » 29 Aug 2019, 06:14

I can relate with the authors story, and yes its never too late to find love. I also love the authors honesty. Great review!

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 29 Aug 2019, 13:23

It takes a great deal of courage to leave a relationship that is no longer working - talk more of coming out as gay. I admire the author's courage.

Erin Painter Baker · Post by **Erin Painter Baker** » 29 Aug 2019, 13:49

I remember when my best friend started dating her wife. For her, the process of "coming out" was different for just about every person she needed to come out to. This sounds like it is a great book that explores what it is like to finally find yourself later in life and how that impacts the life you have already built.

Post by **Radiant3** » 29 Aug 2019, 14:56

The book seems well written and interesting. The author's courage is very admirable. Great review.

Laila Hashem · Post by **Laila Hashem** » 03 Sep 2019, 15:16

I have always loved books that discuss struggles and serious issues, but have a light-hearted tone nonetheless, making me relate to it more. Thanks for the great review!

Post by **Chelsey Coles** » 09 Sep 2019, 20:36

Thank you for reviewing this book. I appreciate that you mentioned the rarity of a middle-aged woman expressing her homosexuality, which I agree is rare in non-fiction. Sounds like a lovely, touching read.