Becoming Bobbie

First person narratives often put me off bcause of the limited point of view, but the only way this story can work is in the first person. Bobbie has been a gifted auto mechanic since she was a very young girl. This is enough to make her an outsider even if her family's frequent moves hadn't made her a "professional new kid" in school. A lot of things make Bobbie's adolescence difficult - not the least of which is that she discovers that she is a lesbian and acts on it. Bobbie's "revelations" help her to survive and grow up relatively emotionally healthy. Stevens gets inside the heart and emotions of this young woman and makes the reader care deeply about her.I was some put off by the fact that her teacher succumbed to temptation and went after Bobbie, but was amazed at the strength it took to back off and keep her hands and heart to herself (for both of them. This is the first of Stevens' books I've read, but it won't be the last.

Bobbie took after her dad with her love of cars and music, and after he was taken away, she and her mother found the distance between them had grown. She falls in love with her high school literature teacher, Agatha Claraday, and when the two indulge their mutual attraction, the older woman cannot handle the strain. Bobbie drifts through some more tough times through the 1980s, and when she again encounters Agatha, the two both feel that fate has brought them together again. From this relationship, Bobbie draws strength and is able to confront her past. "Becoming Bobbie" is a wonderful coming-of-age story as well as a journey of self-discovery. With Stevens's skillful writing and compelling story voice, stale plot contrivances come alive and become fresh, drawing readers further. This is a novel that brings hope to its readers, hope for the future and for love and for the breadth of living.

I think that enjoyed this book because it includes emotions that I have felt. I also really enjoyed the plot device of using music to bring vibrancy to each era being addressed. I so agree with the author that Melissa Etheridge and Bruce Springsteen (and other artists as well) write songs that stir the soul. This book also stirs the soul. I enjoy reading books that span a long period in someone's life...sometimes, if you're paying attention, you can learn something in a book without having to go through it yourself. For this reason, I found the main character's life lessons particularly beneficial. I also found the story telling style accessible and engaging...not frilly, just honest and direct. Many thanks to R.J. Stevens for writing this book. Like Melissa Etheridge's songs or finding a soul mate, this book could also save lives. Thank you for writing the novel in the tone of a memoir that tells the truth about one lesbian's experiences and family.

Wow what a book! I could'nt put it down. I was hoping it would not end. You go through all of a persons emotions, making you feel everything she is feeling. This is one of those books you cant get enough of. Excellent author, cant wait for the next one!

Although it may be easily comparable to many other coming-of-age novels, this one really pulled me in. I felt connected to the characters and genuinely cared about their futures. The characters were well developed, the story held many surprises, and I had trouble putting it down. I easily finished it in two sittings in a weekend because I always wanted to read more. A day after finishing it, I'm tempted to go back and start again! R.J. Stevens either knows from experience what it is like to grow up different in the late 70s and 80s, or has done some excellent research. It all felt right on target. You will experience the vast range of emotions right along with Bobbie.This book won't change your life, but if you're in the mood for a wonderful story about turning what life throws at you into valuable lessons, this is it.