'The Maintenance Man' raises controversy

by Jeevon Harris
For The Post

In his third and most controversial The Maintenance Man, Michael Baisden explores the underground and not so glamorous life of a male escort.

Malcolm, a Chicago native, decides to become a male escort just to pick up some extra cash. Thirteen years later, he is still in the escort game, not only as a male companion for one evening, but as a lover to several women, some of whom are married. Malcolm remains in the fast life, because he cannot give up the loads of cash that he rakes in every week and the long list of women that he has wrapped around his finger.

Simon, Malcolm's best friend, is a club owner who forever is trying to talk Malcolm out of the male escort business. Malcolm's lifestyle is the last thing that should be on Simon's mind. Let's just say Simon isn't the model citizen. He is involved with a woman that cannot be trusted and cheats with other men.

Theodore, a.k.a. Teddy Bear, is an exotic dancer/gold-digger that uses women as though they are nothing but toys. Theodore has not been faithful in any of his relationships and goes after women who are wealthy and lonely. When he is caught cheating, he manipulates the situation so the victim ends up apologizing to him. In the end, his wild ways get him into trouble.

Lastly, there is Ariel. Ariel is a young, sassy businesswoman that becomes the manager of Simon's club after he discovers that the original manager has been stealing. Ariel is a strong woman who is in search of true love. She goes on several dates and always ends up with "loser" guys without realizing that true love was in her face all the time.

This book should appeal to the masses, because it gives a clear view of what some people have to go through to find true love and survive in the game of life.

Baisden is a master at using each character to show that different people may live different lives, but in the end are on the same journey. Malcolm goes through a lot of heartache and struggle to find out what it really means to love someone. Teddy is portrayed as a playboy who appears to be living for the moment and enjoying his youth. Ariel is the strong black woman. She demands respect and works hard to show that she can hold her own.

By far the novel's most dynamic character is Simon. He realizes that he has made mistakes, but is trying to stay on his path to success by not repeating them. Simon seems to be very naïve in some instances, but that is what makes him real. He knows that he has a lot to learn about life and love and tries to have a forgiving heart. Best of all, despite all of the drama in his life, Simon is still successful in the end.

The Maintenance Man would be an excellent belated Valentine's Day gift. It explores life, love and relationships and makes you appreciate what you have.