Potty Talk


Non-Fiction - Short Story/Novela
8 Pages
Reviewed on 09/28/2023
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

Potty Talk is a short story by Valerie Allen that explores the little details that can make or break a relationship. While cleaning a restroom, Daine overhears two women talking about their divorces. One of the women, Iris, discloses that after leaving the courthouse, she could not wait to turn the toilet paper roll in her house, while the other, Amanda, confesses that she threw out her ex-husband's fishing gear immediately after their divorce. The ladies continue talking and agree that the small things their men did eventually built up and led to their divorces. The more Diane listens, the more she thinks the women are complaining about petty things. Unfortunately, the moment she returns home, Diane starts to notice the little irritating things her partner does and realizes that her situation may not be as different from that of the ladies she encountered in the restroom.

Potty Talk was fun to read because the story has a message that is easy to understand. Valerie Allen addresses the topic of divorce from a unique perspective. I loved the familiar scene of ordinary women discussing a topic in a restroom because it made the story realistic. Within the first sentences, she lets the reader understand the character’s motives and opinions, which makes them relatable. Diane’s awakening and character development make up the core of this story. Sometimes we learn life-changing lessons without even realizing it. The book is well-written and structured, and I enjoyed reading it. I hope to read more from this author because she has a unique and effective way of teaching life lessons.