REVIEW Book: “Yes Daddy” by Jonathan Parks-Ramage
I grew up in Westerville (Ohio), a suburb north of Columbus. This small town is primarily known for two things. The town is known for two things: first, it was the birthplace of the Prohibition movement, and second, an excessive number of millionaires live there.
I was not one of those. In the days before home computers, my mother earned a decent living as a computer programmer. We weren’t poor, but we didn’t have Lamborghini cash.
However, I went to school with many students whose parents had impressive net worths. Despite having more money in their pockets, these peers were mostly normal. Simple. Simple. There were some students whose socioeconomic status set them apart.
These kids belonged to families with a certain wealth, which brings a certain mystery.
The tall stone walls of the impressive estates seemed to be their only existence. Most of us couldn’t understand the lives they led. They lived lives that most of us could not understand.
Even though I had a persistently overactive imagination, even with their privacy, I assumed they were doing things that were… fairly normal. Now I wonder if it was a good idea to suppress that niggling feeling that there was something different about these ultra-wealthy people. In this novel, what the rich and famous did behind walls to protect themselves from not only intruders but also prying eyes, was far beyond the norm.
Jonah was a relatively wealthy young man, thanks to his father’s financial success as the leader of their church. Jonah’s parents found out that their son was hiding a secret. He “suffered” from same-sex attractions, a condition that he must be helped to overcome.
Jonah was unable to escape this demon despite his parents’ fervent attempts. His lifestyle choices ultimately lead to the financial and emotional collapse of his family.
Jonah, now grown up and realizing that being gay is not a sin in the first place, is trying to establish himself as a writer in New York City. As many before him have discovered, and as many will discover after him, making a living in the city can be difficult. It is a constant struggle to earn enough money to pay for the high rents of the apartments in the slums that are rented to those who don’t have the financial means to afford them.
Jonah, however, sees an alternative. Richard, a playwright older than him who is both famous and has amassed an impressive fortune, becomes his target. Jonah gets an idea when he sees Richard at an event with a young homosexual man who looks similar to Jonah. He could become Richard’s arm candy. He can become Richard’s arm candy.
Jonah is unaware that Richard isn’t who he appears to be. Jonah may have to pay a steep price to achieve his dreams. Worse, it could be too late for him to escape by the time he realizes what it will cost.
You haven’t read anything like this book, I can tell you that. Jonathan Parks Ramage’s stunning debut created a world that was tragically twisted and filled with flawed characters.
The use of the second-person perspective by Parks-Ramage is a particularly effective aspect of this novel.
The majority of the book was written from the perspective of Jonah. However, the perspective changes relatively regularly throughout the novel. These sections of the second-person pose are among the most powerful and effective.
Parks-Ramage almost forced his readers into the story by having Jonah talk to an unknown “you”. They were then forced to imagine that they had committed a crime. The novel’s traumatizing experiences were so intense that readers could not separate themselves from them.
Reflecting on the book I read, my only criticism is that it was inconsistent in its pacing. The pacing was inconsistent in some parts of the book. Some sections were given a lot of attention while others were barely touched upon. I can’t say, however, that it negatively affected my enjoyment of this novel. This is a book that I will never forget.
Yes Daddy This is a book I recommend wholeheartedly. However, if you’re offended or squeamish by graphic sex descriptions, then this may not be for you. Be prepared to be astonished by the gritty, raw, and uncensored nature of this book.
Do you have a favorite point of view or perspective? I’m a big fan of the 3rd-person, but I also appreciate intimacy that can only be achieved in the 1st-person. Comment below and tell me your favorite POV.
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I was given a copy of this book by the publisher
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