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Author
Bio:
T.R.
Stoddard is the author of her own wild imagination. Psychological thrillers and
unique young adult fiction are her forte, but she hopes to one day make a contribution
to each major genre. Stoddard has two novels and one short story currently in
circulation, and spends her free time creating more. She lives in Orlando, Fl
with her boyfriend and their rescue dog Harry PAWter.
Synopsis:
Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell is an anti-gay policy sweeping the Bible Belt portion of the nation.
Freshman journalism student Rachael Ainsley goes undercover as a high school
senior named Cassie Rae for a tell-all exposé, hoping to drastically alter the
Gay Rights Movement. She instantly befriends the gayest boy in school. Imagine
his surprise when he finds out who she really is. Can she stick to her
deadline, or will she be discovered before she has a chance to change the lives
of the students attending Mooreville High?
Reviews:
“T.R.
Stoddard has done it again! Don't Ask, Don't Tell takes you right back to high
school, to a life of cliques, horrible teachers, and best friends. In a prose
that makes you feel as if you're one of the kids sitting in Reformation Hall,
you're catapulted through a busy few weeks of Rachael Ainsley's life as she
goes undercover at a high school where a Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy is in the
works and where she deems it her job to break the story to get her journalism
career off with a bang. What she doesn't realize is that she will befriend some
of the best people possible, yet they're also the ones the school
administration is trying to abandon. Yet again a page-turning read, you will be
sucked in and you seriously will not want the ride to end.”
– EffinNikktastic (Amazon)
“College
freshman Rachel goes undercover posing as "Cassie" to do a story on a
heinous "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy at a high school in Bible Belt,
USA. What she finds is a school where you are "punished" for being,
looking
Or
acting in a "gay" manner. This was a great book, full of harsh
reality. was a very emotional read for me, having so many gay friends and
family members, and knowing this kind of hatred really does exiist. I loved the
ending, and I commend Ms. Stoddard for writing this book!!!”
– Tonya (Amazon)
“As
the title might suggest, this book tackles the issue of gay rights in the
school system. The main character is a journalism student who decides to
infiltrate a local high school so she can find out more about this policy. The
program itself is meant to punish and rehabilitate wayward students with
homosexual tendencies, speech, appearance, or any other traits that make the
people around them uncomfortable. Through the course of her attendance she
meets several young people who are all unique in their own way. Those who make
it to Reformation Hall are not all gay and many are simply supporters of equal
rights.
I
beta read this book a couple of months ago and I was impressed with how the
author respectfully portrayed members of the LGBTQ community and reinforced the
importance of unity and strength in numbers. Each student in Reformation Hall
is incredibly unique and memorable but the shining star for me was Zane but I
was also a fan of the open-minded Barbie doll relationships his younger sister
had later on in the story. There are several sweet moments intertwined with the
darker issues of bullying and abuse gay and lesbian students currently face and
it is done very well.”
– Jennifer J Albert (Amazon)
“T.R.
Stoddard's latest novel, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is an intriguing story
about gay rights, something that is close to my heart for obvious reasons.
The
novel starts off with college freshman Rachael Ainsley, trying to find that
perfect story every journalism major needs to further his or her career.
What
she finds is all that, and more, when she discovers the absurd "Don't Ask,
Don't Tell" policy being implemented at a high school in the Bible Belt,
USA. The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is a new way of
"controlling" homosexuality, by issuing warnings and reprimands for
any student who even "acts" gay, or shows predilection for the same
sex in any way.
Rachel
[undercover name Cassie] infiltrates the school, makes some great friends along
the way, and learns that standing up for yourself is better than keeping quiet.
Overall,
a wonderful read that deals with all of the truths, lies, and ludicrous
consequences of being gay in present-day America.”
– Jason (Amazon)
“For
a second book, I'd say T.R Stoddard hit this one out of the park. At the very
beginning of this novel you find yourself following college freshman Rachel
Ainsley to Mooreville High School where she will be under the alias Cassie Rae
to find out information about the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy that had been
enforced. It starts out as just a journalism project for Rachel but you slowly
learn that it turns into so much more. Every chapter I found myself becoming
engrossed in the relationships that were forming throughout the story. From
best friends to boyfriends you'll want to root for these outcasts to rise above
the harmful policy. There are many twists and turns throughout that leave you
wanting to know more. The author really hit some important issues in the LGBTQ
community and sends the messages that one person really can change it all with
enough support and ambition. There are many times where I found myself smiling,
laughing or crying, it takes you on a real emotional roller coaster that you
will want to ride out until the end. I'd highly recommend this book to anybody,
it's a quick read with a powerful message.” –Ginny (Amazon)
“I
Loved Don't Ask Don't Tell by T.R. Stoddard. I believe Ms. Stoddard handled the
LGBT issues with much class and dignity. I was very impressed with the writing
style and overall AWESOMENESS of this book. I have read alot of LGBT books
before and was very pleased with this one. It covers acceptance by friends,
bullying, homophobia, family acceptance and/or rejection and all other things
that are important in the LGBT community. I would definitely recommend this
book to everyone! Don't pass up this great read!” –Faye (Amazon)
“High
School is hard enough when you have to face the ridicule of other students but,
when the faculty is dead set against you, it is even worse. Rachael Ainsley, a
college student, is looking for the story that will open doors for her. When
she goes undercover at a high school to investigate a heinous social policy,
she opens up the eyes of the public.
The
High School's incredibly prejudiced Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy is taken to
extremes by the faculty. Landing anyone with "gay tendencies" and
their sympathizers in a place called Reformation Hall. When Rachel finds
herself among those who are banished from the regular school, she has the opportunity
to meet the kids there and her mission to write a story, turns into a mission
to change the world.
Taking
a step from her usual dark passage, T.R. Stoddard has set out to enlighten the
world with Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Zane and Vinnie's journey through a life
other's don't always understand will break your heart and Rachael's will to
help those around her will leave you in awe. I salute Ms. Stoddard for telling
a story of substance that will have your eyes glued to every page.” -Catherine
(Amazon)
“This
is a story about a young woman reporter who goes undercover at a high school
where there have been rumors that the principal has been encouraging students
to bully and harass gays and other students who are different. She finds out
the rumors are true and she exposes the whole thing to the public. This is a
bittersweet tale that will keep you reading until the very last page.” –Patricia
N (Amazon)
