Thursday, February 2, 2017

Ella's Bookshelf - Cal's Law





As an English major, I have always been fascinated with the concept that there are really only 7 main story structures from which all others are created.  One plot that is quite familiar to most readers is the classic story of transformation, and probably the most recognizable example of this is Pygmalion.  Tracing the story structure to its origins takes us back long before George Bernard Shaw to ancient Greek mythology.





In Shaw's play, the professor of phonetics, Henry Higgins, wagers that he can turn a ragged flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, into a lady by teaching her to speak in a genteel manner.  Even though it was written to mock the English class system of his day, Shaw's work has been revisited many times since, most popularly as the musical, My Fair Lady.





The theme of transformation is at the heart of PK Corey's newest  book, Cal's Law.  In a manner of speaking, the author herself was undergoing a transformation since this newest book of hers was such a departure from her beloved (by me, especially) Cassie series.

Title:  Cal's Law

Author:   PK Corey

Number of Pages:   124

Themes:   Transformation, Societal and Class Division

Main Characters:




  • Cal Bennett - the sheriff of a small college town and only in his late 20's.  He has long suffered under a barrage of rowdy behaviors exhibited by the rich and privileged college students.  The sheriff is a hard-working and honest man who tests a theory about changing the values of one student in particular.

  • Jenny Anderson - a 19 year old, rich college girl who is really more interested in becoming a member of a snooty sorority than in getting an education.  Her disregard for responsible conduct in her interactions with other people and her studies brings her to a showdown with Sheriff Cal Bennett.

  • Kyle Gilbert - the preeminent "frat boy."  Kyle's shallow outlook on life is that money will buy him his life opportunities.  He shirks any responsibility and hopes to convince Jenny that her only goal should be to have fun.

Setting:   a small college town in the low country of North Carolina.





We are all familiar with the plot of a story slowly building toward a climax.  In Cal's Law, however, the author begins the book with a bold originating event.  The 2 central characters meet for the first time in such a novel way.  Cal catches Jenny after she breaks into his house as a sorority prank.  This is such a strong confrontation, and both characters reveal much about themselves and their values during this unique initial introduction.





The premise of the story is set in the very first chapters when Cal decides to offer Jenny an alternative to arrest and jail for her irresponsible behavior.  He lays down his own laws so that she understands from the get go that she will work for Cal, she will study for her classes, and she will be spanked.  He even refers to it as "parole."  And so the theme of transformation begins.  In Pygmalion , it is a bath for Eliza that begins her training  - her rebirth as a lady.  In this book, it is Jenny's first spanking that symbolizes the start of her journey toward a new life and a new set of values.




Even though Jenny is certainly spoiled, I liked her immediately.  Something changes for her even with that very first spanking.  Someone has cared enough to call her on the carpet, and it really feels right.  She begins to question her own behaviors and to recognize that working toward a goal, especially with Cal alongside her, fills an emptiness in her heart.  

I loved listening to her wonder, 

                         "How could it be that being spanked
          and knowing that a spanking was a very real consequence
                         if she messed up, could make her feel
          more like a real woman than anything else in her life?"

PK, this was a brilliant thought and a quote with which most ttwd wives would heartily agree!






Cal is a deep character with a clear picture of right and wrong, honesty, and work ethic.  He is almost ten years older than Jenny, and although he is very attracted to her, doubts that a relationship is possible.  Besides brooding about his age, he sees Jenny as part of a societal class that would look down on his job in law enforcement and a much smaller income.  This is also a common theme in stories of transformation.  Luckily he continues to provide Jenny with the structure to learn responsibility.




Jenny stumbles along this path, but Cal is steadfast and confident even when he spanks her.  "Jenny felt her body was a study in contrast.  She hurt so bad and felt so good in his arms."  Jenny grows to love his easy encouragement and complete forgiveness.  It seems that with each encounter over his knee, the attraction between the two of them grows stronger.


The character of Kyle has a presence through most of the book.  Like a little devil whispering in her ear, Kyle cajoles Jenny to stray from the bargain she has struck with Cal.  When she worries that Cal will ever care for her the way she wants, Kyle becomes a weapon to make Cal jealous.  As much as she wants Cal to see her as a woman, a distance grows between the sheriff and the girl, and Jenny is frustrated.  "They were still doing the same things but there was a wall between them.  She didn't know how to fix what had been broken."





The author has created another strong couple that rival Cassie and Tom.  There are plenty of opportunitys for further adventures and for Cal to lay down the law to Jenny.  Just as Eliza Doolittle emerges as a lady, not only in her speech but in her heart, Jenny is transformed into a young woman capable of loving both Cal and finally herself.





21 comments:

  1. As usual Ellie, a wonderful review of a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this new work by PK.

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    1. I agree. There was something special about these 2 characters. PK does it again.

      Ella

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  2. Excellent review, as always, Ella. I have only one criticism of the book - it was too short! I hope we'll get the next instalment soon. I was amused that Cassie couldn't resist making an appearance.
    Rosie xx

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    1. Oh, yes, Rosie! You are right. I forgot to include that little Hitchcock moment.

      Hugs Across the Pond,
      Ella

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  3. Ella,

    Excellent review, You are really good as these book reviews. Thanks. Haven't started Cal's Law yet.

    Love,
    Ronnie
    xx

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    1. Thanks, Ronnie. You will enjoy it. I am just relieved to know that there is a sequel in the works!

      Hugs Across the Pond,
      Ella

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  4. Ella,
    A great review for a book that is way too short!! I hope that author is writing as I comment here.
    Meredith

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    1. Well, she certainly can't complain about work any longer, so we shall expect great things.

      Ella

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  5. Hi Ella, such a wonderful review as always and I love the comparison to Eliza. Can't wait to start reading this!

    Hugs
    Roz

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    1. I always loved that story of Eliza Doolittle. The similarity just jumped off the page. You will have a good read, Roz.

      Hugs From Ella

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  6. Ella, you are the very best! I love your book reviews whether it's my book or someone else's. Meredith you may be happy to know I was working on the next book for most of the day. It's at a really good place and I'm enjoying writing.

    Thanks again Ella!

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    1. It is my pleasure, PK. Your stories are special to me.

      Get typing, girl!

      Love,
      Ella

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  7. Hi Ella! :) You write the BEST book reports! I always enjoy them very much! I love how you related PK's new book, as well as Pk's change from writing Cassie, to Shaw's theme of transformation. How fun!

    Your report reminded me to dig in to Cal's Law asap! PK's books are always wonderful, and I have no doubt that this one will be a treat to read as well! I have not picked up my kindle for a while, but I think that I will be doing that tomorrow for sure! Great report, Ella! Many hugs,

    <3 Katie t... for a tiny bit of trouble... xox

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    1. Katie t, it's a perfect read for a winter evening. Cocoa, pajamas, and a cozy chair are just the perfect partners. Thanks for the compliment.

      You are loved whether it is a small t or a capital T!

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  8. Since I was a middle school English teacher at one time, I am mortified to have just discovered a spelling error. My red pen would come out in an instant to mark the offending error. Red pens don't work on monitors, though.

    No matter what grade I was teaching, there was a standing policy that if a student pointed out an error I had made, there would be some hefty extra credit applied to the subject of their choice. It really helped the kids pay attention closely to lessons, and sometimes I would do it on purpose.

    So, in the same spirit, please point out the error to which I refer to all the blog world. I have deducted 5% to my own grade!

    Love to All My Readers,
    Ella Definitely Not Perfect

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    1. Let me take this opportunity to let you know, sweet Ella, that the plural of that very word is opportunities! On that note, forgive yourself! You write the best book reports ever, and we can overlook a little spelling situation! Now if you spelled spanky business wrong, that might be a different ballgame! We love our Ella! Many hugs,

      ❤️Katie t

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  9. Hi Ella, you ought to do this for a living! You are the best reviewer ever!
    love Jan, xx

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    1. Oh, that would be a plum of a job. I get to read spanking novels all day! And someone would pay me. Sign me up, Jan.

      Hugs Across the Pond,
      Ella

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  10. I mentioned you should do this for the authors last time! You are so good! I think this is the third time I read this and I'm finally commenting. All PKs books are wonderful! I'm so excited to see she is able to give us more! I love, love Cal!

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    1. Thanks so much, Minelle. I do enjoy the writing very much. Glad you stopped to comment. PK deserves high praise for this one!

      Hugs From Ella

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  11. wonderful review...can't wait to read it... :-) Hugs

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