A must read
Clearly a great start that leads you to want to check out the next novels. Great introduction to all the characters, and page by page welcome into the life of Keir McBride and the beginnings to the life of a downlow brotha.
The Review
Kudos to Mr. Jackson on his fictional debut of a man who is attracted to men but who also loves women."Colorful Matters" takes us on a journey with Keir McBride who
although attracted to men does not want to be associated with being identified as gay. Coupled with his attraction to men is his attraction to females, which leads him to falling in love with Tia, and eventually Troy.
Some of the characters though were sterotypical but in this lifestyle it represented somoene.
Although there were some issues concerning the book I chalk it up to being independently published as the book overall does not take away that Mr. Jackson created a story that speaks to me and for that I am thankful.
And the ending, hmmmmm (lol)...
Juss
Bi-Curious, Bi-Sexual or Gay?
This is the question our main character must answer as he tries to live his life in a world that does not embrace such a difference. COLORFUL MATTERS takes a look into the world and the effects of an African-American man who lives a `down low' lifestyle.Ken Jackson takes us on a journey with Keir McBride as he struggles with his inner feelings and desires beginning in high school. A chance sexual encounter with a classmate begins his sexual identity crisis. From this experience, Keir cannot deny his strong attraction to the same sex but he knows he must keep that part of his life a secret. As Keir matures into his manhood and continues his quest for self-discovery, we start to empathize with his struggle and his fears. When something tragically happens to a former lover from his college days, Keir vows being gay is not the lifestyle he wants to live.
In an effort to live a normal life, Keir meets and falls in love with Tia Loren, a young flight attendant who embodies everything he is looking for in a relationship. As their relationship progresses, Keir thinks his desire for men has been abetted. While his career and life are on an upswing, Keir decides to propose marriage to Tia after a two-year courtship. Initially, Keir is excited about his upcoming nuptials, but after his bachelor's party the old fears and desires resurface and he finds himself in a place emotionally where he doesn't want to be. This is also when he meets Troy Bevies, an attorney who works for the same company and they embark on a friendship, but the friendship develops into much more, and eventually leads to a love triangle. Keir must decide whether he wants to give in to his true desires or do what his family and society deem acceptable.
COLORFUL MATTERS examines the tortured soul of a young man who desires men, but must surrender to what is acceptable by society. Ken Jackson has written a startling, honest and graphic portrayal of a man struggling with his sexuality. Since this is the first in a series, the author sets the stage for its sequel and purposely leaves you with questions. An issue that seemed to plague this story was the narrative voice. In the narrative portions, the voice was a bit awkward; it is difficult to articulate, but it's like a person talking about themselves in third person. Also, this novel is not for those who are squeamish about same-sex love scenes because there are several of them. With a few style changes, Mr. Jackson is on his way to having quite a following with this novel, with the sequel sure to be even more drama filled.
It's About Time
For a change someone is speaking positive about being DL (Down-Low) and illustrating the multi-faceted dimensions of being an African-American Bi-curious/Bi-sexual man in America. Kudos to Ken Jackson for this great fiction novel that had a great flow in addition to real world, real life situations we face as Bi-curious/Bi-sexual African-American men in the black community. I can't wait to read Reconcilable Sacrificies because I'm sure it will be as good as Colorful Matters, if it continues to speak from a straight/bi-sexual perspective rather than a gay perspective.
(4 reviews)
