Review: It's Lonely at the Pole
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 11, 2014
***Be aware, some spoilers***"The Lonely Pole" is an impressive read from the talented Takerra Allen.In my youth, I often thought that stripping was degrading and despicable.  Now that I'm wiser, I've come to realize that the majority of women stripping do so to either support themselves or ascertain a goal.In the case of Athena a/k/a "Pure", life is ideal until the untimely death of her beloved mother.  Athena (affectionately called Baby) is forced to take drastic measures in order to pay for her tuition at the prestigious Julliard School.  In the first installment, there's no true indication that Baby has become "tarnished" due to her stripping.  Luckily, she still radiates youthfulness.Portia, not wanting to be a burden on her wealthy brother, becomes a stripper in order to maintain the lifestyle she was accustomed to, prior to her husband's untimely death. Sadly, Portia believes that she's "unique" because although she strips, she remains sophisticated and untainted as the self-proclaimed money maker at Club Dreamz.Nyema is the epitome of why a young women chooses to become a stripper.  She's the mother of three when a deadbeat ex-boyfriend, Bay, who tossed her aside for a younger and leaner woman.  Of the four women, she's the one that I sympathize with most.  Although, there were options, Nyema needed money quick, fast and in a hurry to support her family.Then there's Rocsi, the product of abuse from her foster parents.  Although beautiful, Rocsi's self-esteem is nonexistent.  Having to depend on a man (Sheek) to survive she has become enslaved to Sheek's malicious behavior.  Unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel, Rocsi continues to be beaten and broken by the man she loves.Fortunately, there are decent males featured as well.  Trip, Portia's younger brother and Baby's love interest, is handsome and extremely successful on a street level. Rayshone, Baby's friend from Julliard, has been secretly desiring Baby since they met.  He'd like to take their relationship to the next level, however, Baby's desire for Trip, eludes her.  Of the two men, Rayshone could care less that Baby is a stripper.  He's willing to accept her as is.What's truly ideal about this read is that an individual can never judge another if they haven't walked in his or hers shoes.  As human beings, we must take into consideration  that stripping places food in the bellies of starving children.  It also provides the necessary funds for a young woman to obtain a college degree in Engineering or Psychology.  "The Lonely Pole" is obstinate in  illustrating both the sordid and the positive aspects of life of a stripper without romanticizing the lifestyle.I can't wait to read the 2nd installment at the end of the month.  I'm sure it's worth the wait.Favorite Character:  RayshoneLeast Favorite Character: SheekFavorite Scene:  Trip and Baby's initial meetingLeast Favorite Scene: Rosci's physical abuseFinal Rating: Four golden stars (five golden stars if it were ONE full length novel)