Red Light

Most contemporary authors in this genre are good at writing an enjoyable story with likable characters and engaging plots. However, few write what this reader would consider classic and enduring fiction. JD Glass is one of those few. There is no question that this story is very deep and requires the reader's full attention. That is not to say it is difficult to read, it is not. The story is simply multi-faceted, has a variety of characters, and tackles some difficult topics. Not a sequel, but a companion piece to Glass' earlier books, `Red Light' is quality reading with something for everyone. Tori is a wonderful character with a complicated life. Anyone who has had a failed relationship can relate to this woman as she fights her way back from heartache and headache. She struggles to improve her station in life while dealing with questionable support from her mother. Fortunately, she has cousin Nina to turn to as her life falls apart. Bottom Line - I haven't read a book this deep or this well-written in a long time (probably since my last read from Glass). Not one to be missed. In fact, her entire repertoire is strongly recommended by this reader.

This is a book where the characters are so alive you feel they might leap off the page into your life. The book has multiple levels interlaced throughout - the EMT training and rescues, the search for love, the extended family support system, and the underlying dark antecedents of several of the characters. The book is a great read, liberally laced with torrid sex, yet the last few pages caused me to go back and re-read sections just after finishing the book. I have found each of JD Glass's books to be interesting and involved reads. This one is the best so far and leaves you waiting anxiously for the continuation of the saga of the Monte Negron family.

I'm not going to go too far into the story but the primary cast consists of Tori, and EMT from Staten Island, NY, Trace a respiratory tech, Jean a paramedic, and Tori's cousin Nina and her partner Sam. For those who have read Punk Like Me and Punk And Zen, you will enjoy seeing a bit of the future lives of Nina and Sam...a bit of frosting on the cake of this amazing book. As a retired EMT/Firefighter I found the medical terms, EMS lingo and scenes, as well as the personal interaction between the medics/EMT's to be true to life. Without talking down to the reader, JD Glass manages to bring a bit of light to the profession so many of us hold so dear. The plot line involves the growth and coming into her own of Tori, with some well illustrated struggle and angst. There are plenty of light and loving moments as well, balancing things out and keeping this from becoming too dark of a story. A great read for anyone interested in a well paced, emotional story with engaging, true to life characters. The only negative I have to add about this book is that it ended...and now I have to wait for her next book!

Sometimes romance is right under our nose, and we don't even know it. Sometimes we hook up with the wrong woman, and we don't discover it until it's too late. That's what happened to Tori in Red Light by JD Glass, an uncommon romance crafted for all generations. Red Light is bold, sexy, gritty and real life. The book deals with some very serious issues while conveying a convincing romance. Glass has created her own formula as a storyteller that is in your face gutsy and down to earth. She describes Staten Island and the life of an EMT with a raw passion from someone who has been there. She knows what she is writing about, and better than that, she communicates it beautifully in novel form. In Red Light, we do not find any flowery language as Glass does not mince words. She tells it to us straight from the gut and heart. She exposes the ugly side of life when Tori becomes involved with a woman that abuses her emotionally and physically. Glass lets us know that manipulation, as well as the use of the date rape drug GHB, can happen in the lesbian community too. Rather than the reader getting turned off by this story though the author flawlessly blends in a heart wrenching romance that obliges us to read on. Tori does not lose hope and neither do we. Glass continually does what few authors can do well - write in the first person and still let us know what all of the characters are thinking and feeling. The ending expertly ties up the first three books Glass has published (Punk Like Me and Punk and Zen), and also leads us right into American Goth, due out January, 2008. Red Light is definitely a must read.

First there was Punk Like Me, then Punk and Zen and now Red Light. Whoever said "three is a charm," was right on target with JD Glass's Red Light. From the very first word to the last, Red Light, weaves a fascinating story of life, love and family. The Monte Negron family continues to grow from Nina and her partner Samantha to Victoria Scotts (Tori). Tori is a young, head strong, arrogant driven women. She is also Nina's cousin. Tori is no stranger to the familiar high expectation of the Monte Negron family. Stress, struggles and circumstances encompass her daily life. The story's back drop is one where Tori prepare to take her practicum to achieve her EMT certification for NYC. Her daily struggles and attempting to deal with what she believes is a permanent relationship, makes her goals seem unachievable. Tori must first learn who to trust. As she matures, her assessment of who wants to be her friend or more is displayed. Tori is surrounded by a support group of family and friends, who keep her strong. She is stubborn and makes some poor choices leaving her friends and family to be idle observers. As they wait to see what perils will not only affect Tori but also those that hold her dear. JD Glass makes you feel as if you are "in the moment" with each character. She brings to this book incredibly accurate detail of an EMT's life, both professional and personal. JD's ability to pull you into Tori's energy rush is matchless. Hang on for the ride of your life. Glass's third book is a charm! Actually any book with her name on it will be a winner.