THE PLAYA'S HANDBOOK - Brenda Jackson
St. Martin's Press
November 2004
SYNOPSIS: There's not a whole lot happening in Gary, Indiana. That is, until nationally renowned relationship expert Lance Montgomery bursts on to the scene. Twice divorced, Montgomery is now on a mission to perfect the art of being single. His tantalizing book THE PLAYA'S HANDBOOK is causing quite a stir
MAINSTREAM FICTION: (4+) Tricia-Anne Blades
REVIEW: The Playa’s Handbook is an excellently crafted, enjoyable, witty and charming novel which deals with the issues of commitment and how they are viewed by each gender. Outlining the themes of betrayal, love, commitment and relationship, Ms. Jackson has not disappointed. In this novel she has woven a tale of four men who are tied together by some form of emotional pain and as the story is developed, Ms. Jackson uses her creative skills to weave an excellent story that is impossible to put down.
Emotional trauma planted in childhood has borne fruit in Dr. Lance Montgomery’s adult life. As a result he has become imprisoned in the inferno of disrespect and disregard of women. His imprisonment has led to his desire to imprison others, who willing take the bait and seek to apply the rules which govern this prison. Lance is soon to recognize that this prison that he has built is about to be broken into but he has become so comfortable in this place that he drives away the only one who holds the key to his freedom.
Dr. Lance impacts on the lives of the other main characters in the novel. It is through him that Sam, Phillip and Marcus, in recognizing their emotional pain, seek to assuage this by playing by the rules. They, however, begins to seriously examine themselves on the journey they have chosen and recognize that it is okay to open themselves to love again and not become imprisoned in the pain of their past. These characters are used by the author to develop a powerful storyline and remind the reader of the power behind pain when handled incorrectly and the healing power of love if one is willing to let it blossom.
The women in the novel provide a striking contrast. In some instances these are the ones who inflicted the pain and henceforth “drove” the men to their game. Mr. Jackson, however, is quick to show that even though they are men who can play the game without flinching, there are still those who believe in holding out for love and commitment. It is through the interactions of these characters that the author injects a little wit and much humor.
The Playa’s Handbook is an excellent read; especially for those who loves the gender banter. Recommended to all!
Tricia@romanceincolor.com (1st December 2004)