Homeless and alone, Angie is taking a close look at her life. Her aspirations to be a writer are being pushed aside as she simply tries to survive in a difficult situation. But when she meets the vivacious Julie, she starts to open up and explore the path that has led her to this place, and begins the fight to escape her predicament. "The Gentlemen's Club" is the story of a woman's growth into a powerful and outspoken advocate for her gender. Told from the perspective of a young struggling write, the story relates how the oppression and fear inflicted by men upon Angie and her friends has eaten away at their self-esteem and self-respect. Eventually, Angie finds her inner strength again with the help of a close friend, and together they work towards guiding other women to the same achievement. Ultimately, Angie researches an article about the Gentlemen's Club, a prominent stripper's bar, and she and Julie set about freeing the women who work there from the histories that have kept them oppressed, cumulating in a powerful act of revenge. Becky Due is a very talented and intelligent writer. While her personal stance is ever-present in the novel, the individuality of each character comes across clearly and intensely. She has a strong message to deliver, and successfully does so with full and effective force. Her empathy with the plight of women is conveyed with great heart and passion, and she fills the characters' lives with enough trials and tribulations to make their present difficult situations believable and understandable. The author is a longtime advocate for women's issues, and volunteers with Victims Services and as a guest speaker. She is educated in both Journalism and Women's Studies. A percentage of the profits from the sale of this book go to `Alternatives to Violence.' With a very decidedly feminist perspective, this book offers a great deal for woman in the way of self-understanding and self-realization. It is a very valuable addition to the increasing mass of feminist literature. Reviewer: Nancy Morris, Allbooks Reviews

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The Gentlemen's Club After years of abuse a young woman takes back her life. Homeless, living in her car after a tortuous marriage to a manipulative and abusive husband, Angie is desperate to turn her life around. With help from shelters and a financial counselor, she gains control over her debt, finds a job, an apartment and a sense of self worth. She even makes a friend, Julie, a self-reliant young musician whose emotional support allows Angie to sift through her difficult past. On a cross-country trip they take together Angie experiences a flood of memories—flashes of early abuse, her mother wilting under pressure from men—and her frustration mounts as she recognizes that her self-esteem issues and suffering have been the compounded result of poor treatment by men. Julie encourages Angie to work out her experiences through writing and, after attending classes at a community college, Angie snags a job at a local newspaper for women’s issues. As she interviews women—from a housewife whose husband, a doctor, forced her to have a hysterectomy then left her for a younger woman to a group of strippers at a local gentlemen’s club—Angie discovers that she is not alone. As each young woman reveals her history, it becomes clear that abuse is congenital, their mothers, grandmothers and sisters having also suffered at the hands of men. While Angie’s journey is generally inspiring— at heart it is an issue book with a powerful message—it is also a compendium of horror stories, each darker than the next. The sheer volume of trauma underscores the author’s intent to reveal the breadth of discrimination suffered by women. There is little humor to break up the darkness and the characters are deeply troubled, but Angie’s story has redemption at its core. Achingly sincere, angry and socially minded.

THE GENTLEMEN’S CLUB: A Story for All Women Kirkus Discoveries, Nielsen Business Media, 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

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Review by: Zénó Vernyik

The black front cover of this average-sized book is dominated by a strange drawing of white, grey and red, but predominantly the first of these colors. It features a strangely telling composition: a woman nailed to a man, as if she were crucified. Shocking as it may seem to some, or even sacrilegious, part of the reason behind its powerfulness is the reference to one of the primary myths of Christianity: the act of self-sacrifice. In this picture, it is a woman who is crucified, or rather Woman, as such. The cross, at the same time, becomes exchanged for Man, that is, it is no longer a symbol of the axis mundi, the World Tree, on which she is crucified, but Man. Women are suffering by and for men; they are crucified on, by, but also for them. Another crucial point can be that Man who stands in for the crucifix is just as powerless as Woman. This is exemplified by the fact that neither one of the two figures is veiled. Our savior, here, is exposed and powerless, but the case of the living crucifix is not much better. Neither one of the two figures is in the position to cover himself/herself . The only way they could perform that action would be made possible if, and only if, the crucifix stopped being a crucifix, and permitted movement for her. The bonding function of the nail also works in both ways: Man is just as inseparably bound to Woman, as it is true the other way around. Furthermore, the calm and peaceful facial expression also suggests an air of comfort and happiness, something that can be or should be achieved through the unity of man and woman that this visual metaphor may also skillfully represent. This complex icon that the book features tells much of what this book sets as its goal: a thorough, painful and direct analysis of all the possible kinds of relationships that are existing in contemporary bourgeois society. The handling of the topic is similar to the treatment of an ulcer by the surgeon: precise, uncompromising and cutting right to the hidden core. And the expertise of the venture is no less professional than the means. This text is visibly and evidently informed both by personal experiences and recollections, and thorough sociological research in the subject matter. What is this book then? A testimony, an analysis, a therapeutic vehicle. But also, first and foremost, a story, and a very good one at it. The storyline is captivating, the text practically reads itself. Basically, it is impossible to put this book down. Those who found Alexandra's Project by Rolf de Heer too didactic, might find this one, just as well over didactic, but let me make clear I am not one of those people, and I found their position fundamentally mistaken. There are issues that must be tackled openly, honestly and bravely, and directly. Just that, does not make a venture didactical, or even worse, political propaganda. Text (book) or subject (person), one cannot leave her ideological capitation behind, and should not attempt to behave as if it were so. What makes this venture particularly honest and successful is its acceptance of its ideological position and its self-criticism. Needless to say, this is definitely not a book for those who wish to find a decorous escape from reality. There is no idealization or compromise in its portrayal of what forms a man-woman "relationship" can take. Be prepared: this book is about rape, both statutory and not, it is about prostitution and about violence both in the family and outside of it. There is suicide and murder, suffering and torture. But for those willing to take this journey, it is definitely worth it: it is empowering and gives a lot of hope. I am not saying that this work is perfect and faultless. There is no such work, of course. Mainly in the second part of the book, it tends to overuse the rather simplistic formula of "Rebecca asked," "I said," or "Julie added." Dialog becomes a bit mechanical and unnatural because of this. Also, the ghost of compulsory heterosexuality seems to linger among the lines and perhaps also a slight hint of hostility towards others, but it seems to be a minor issue compared to the book's enormous achievements. This book is a must-read for those who read and enjoyed Dawn Lyons' The Dry Well, as well as for anyone who is willing to take the troubling journey into the lives of many women who were raped, forced into prostitution or tortured in any other way. It is also a book for those who like powerful storytelling and vivid descriptions, and do not get scared by some "extra message." A percentage of the book's profits will be used to support the cause of the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assaults.

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"The Gentlemen's Club had me laughing and crying, occasionally at the same time. This book made me think about the future of my daughters. There are so many issues in this book that need to be addressed. One is abuse; it is common, it can occur anywhere. The girls of today need to be protected, physically and emotionally. They need to be talked to and heard. We need to keep them on the right path, or too many of them will become a character in this novel. As the author says, women are strong and amazing and we need to support each other. We all need to read 'The Gentlemen's Club'." Cindy Snell

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"In thirty words or less, "Wow!" Everything about it, the colors, the cover says read me...I could not put the book down. Your book has changed my life. I was 48 before I was exposed to the concept that we women should be taking care of each other." Cara Gerstenberger

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"It is AWESOME" Shelly Golemon

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"The Gentlemen's Club is a great read. This book is educational, uplifting and inspiring. It changed the way I view myself and the way I parent my children." H. Bassett

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"You have written a very, very good book - excellent in fact. I had trouble putting it down and kept thinking about it when I wasn't able to get back to it. It really flows well and you have brought forth lots of issues for women and men." M. Amundsen

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"Your book is really powerful with so many messages for women and men. It takes a lot of courage and honesty to write a book like this, and Angie's experiences and rage have been channeled into a story that can make a difference. It is very well done, and just as gripping as any best seller I've ever read. Congratulations!" Judy Seward

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"I found this beautifully written book inspiring. It touched my life to be able to relate to a lot of issues in this story. The author has a true gift and ability to reach out and touch the lives of many women nationwide. A must read for every woman!" Angie Saxton

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"Thank you very much for sharing your book with me. I have read it and am very much affected by it. I will be promoting it in my travels...I admire you for your good work!!" Bill Nelson

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"I sat down at quarter to four yesterday and finished the book this morning at quarter to one. It is very good. I'm ready to read your next book." Judy Preston

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"I became enrapt in the story, and by the end I was amazed by the powerful finish...I respect what you are doing, and you are one talented writer... I fell your book may be a top seller and would make a wonderful movie." B. Zander

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Wow, where do I even begin.... Thank you so much for the package! It was so cute and all I could do was smile. With the candle and the rose pedals, so touching! And your book.... wow, it's amazing! You are a very strong, powerful women! I have about 50 pages left that I look forward to finishing today. It's hard for me to put it down. Thanks again for everything!!! I had started reading The Gentleman's Club when you first sent it to me and got about half way through and got away from reading for awhile...well I started reading it again and I LOVE IT!!!! I will need to get a copy of the others as well.

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You are a life saver and God bless you. Just wanted to let you know I never read a book in my life and I am reading yours thinking wow and this women is helping me?

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I would like to tell you both of your books would make great movies.

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Dear Becky, I gotta tell ya!!! I had a lot on my plate when u 1st sent me your book "The Gentlemen's Club" I am finally reading it now. I must have your other books. I can't download an eBook. Where or how else can I get your books? This one I hate to put down and reading slow because I do not want it to end LOL I am into it. You are a great author. I have the bird book for children also. So talented you are!! Let me know about the books please. I am out of work right now so may have to wait a while to get them. All I know is if you wrote them they have to be good!! Thanks for sharing your talent with me, Becky!!!

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The Gentlemen’s Club by Becky Due is an inspiring and powerful memoir that should touch the heart of all women. There will always be people who think that abuse, rape, and being homeless are what a woman deserves. What this author tells us is that she ended up this way because she didn't know how to change her life. When she hit rock bottom, she went for help and the right person was there to help her. With new found courage she got a job which enabled her to meet some very special women who became close friends. By example and encouragement she was able to show these women that they were in charge of their lives. Most importantly she has shown that we women need each other. This book should be in the reception room of every doctor’s office and Crisis Center in the United States. I will gladly recommend it to my friends. Andra Tracy Out Word Bound Bookstore Indianapolis, IN

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Lessons for all

Reviewed by Cathy Yanda for Reader Views (06/06) "Blue the Bird on Flying" is a wonderful book for beginning readers or for parents to read aloud to younger children. Blue the Bird does not want to fly. When he is young, he can fly on the backs of his friends but later they want to fly with other friends. When Blue the Bird decides to jump on the back to make a new friend, the young bird starts to fall. Blue the Bird realizes his new friend is too young to carry him. Instinctively, Blue the Bird spreads his wings and flies the young bird to safety. Craig Van Wechel beautifully illustrates a lesson in independence and self-esteem for all. The vibrant colors of the pictures will draw any young child into the story and have them coming back for more. It is my hope the author and illustrator collaborate on another book in the near future. While only 38 pages, this precious story will be read and re-read for years by you and your children. The author, Becky Due, is donating a percentage of book sales to Children of the Night, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to assisting children who are forced into prostitution.

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Daughter loves Blue!

My 6 year old is learning to read this year and she really enjoyed reading along with me. First I read the book to her and then she read it to me. She said, "I liked it when Blue learned how to fly, he was afraid and didn't know he could do it all by himself - but he could!". She also enjoyed going back through the book and identifying the colors and shapes on each page. Blue the Bird is also a great reminder to us adults that we can trust and rely on ourselves to succeed in life.