This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Danelle Petersen for Readers' Favorite
Jane Doe #9: How I Survived R. Kelly by Lizzette Martinez and Keelin MacGregor is the harrowing tale of how 17-year-old Lizzette survived the famous R&B singer’s abuse. Lizzette, who was an aspiring singer, knew that Kelly could help her break into the music industry– in fact, it was a promise he dangled in front of her repeatedly. So, under the premise that he was going to turn her into a star, the immensely talented Lizzette fell for all his lies. But, while at a party, Lizzette was violently raped by Kelly, thus forcing a traumatic bond between the two. But when she finally found the courage to escape Kelly’s clutches, she was met with abuse by his female fans and media outlets looking for just another sensational story with a victim’s well-being as the last thing on their minds. Once again, Lizzette found herself spiraling. But resolute in her determination to find justice, Lizzette refused to hide. Telling her truth brings tears as it is obvious she was just an innocent girl dreaming of being the star she knew she had the potential to be. Jane Doe #9 is but one of the women whose dreams were crushed by the sick and twisted R. Kelly.
I was shaken to the core by Kelly’s total disregard for women and the abuse to which he could so easily subject a young and impressionable girl. Like a true predator, he played on her hopes and dreams, and at times, I found Lizzette’s story difficult to read. What she and the other victims went through is horrendous and difficult to fathom. I realize that speaking up about it took a huge amount of bravery and I am grateful to Lizzette for taking that monumental step. By having decided to write Jane Doe #9, Lizzette is not only helping plenty of other women who are in similar situations but also the other Jane Does who chose to stay silent for fear of being harassed and ridiculed. I was extremely disappointed in the women who couldn’t look past a man’s singing ability and see him for the vile predator that he was; the hurt and pain Lizzette further had to endure due to these women is incredible. Fortunately for Lizzette, Kelly got what he deserved, and I hope that all his victims have been able to move forward from their horrific experiences.
