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Recommend this book:
Promises of Love
David Selby
2015 Honorable Mention
320 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite
Life can be hard, especially in impoverished areas, and that is exactly what Daniel Friend experienced as a child. Promises of Love by David Selby follows the sorrows and successes of Daniel from the death of his young mother from a botched abortion to his old age, introspectively analyzing his life. Raised by his sister, Dee, after their father’s suicide, Daniel strives to succeed academically and professionally, in spite of the negative, defeatist attitudes he had heard constantly up to that point. Becoming a prominent surgeon and returning to the mountain country of his youth, Daniel finally marries, has a family, and continues to strive to be the best he can be. Unfortunately, that means guiding his children according to his plans and dreams even though that path is not necessarily the right one. The question becomes, what is the promise of love when someone is ruled by strong mental will and specific dreams?
Social and cultural expectations change over time and Promises of Love by David Selby offers an intimate look at this process in action. From the post World War II poverty in mountainous Virginia through the protests of the 1960s and beyond, the world changes around Daniel Friend without him really accepting it. Deeply insightful and meticulously detailed, Promises of Love includes you in the main character’s struggles through the years so that you can feel all the pain, hope, disappointment and joy as Daniel lives out his life and pursues his dreams. It is said that the unexamined life is one that is not worth living, but at what point does the examination get in the way of actually living your life? Promises of Love is a well written and engrossing story that provides you with a wonderful opportunity to ponder that question through Daniel’s eyes and leaves you taking a good look at your own opinions and choices. The impact of this story lasts well beyond the last page.
Life can be hard, especially in impoverished areas, and that is exactly what Daniel Friend experienced as a child. Promises of Love by David Selby follows the sorrows and successes of Daniel from the death of his young mother from a botched abortion to his old age, introspectively analyzing his life. Raised by his sister, Dee, after their father’s suicide, Daniel strives to succeed academically and professionally, in spite of the negative, defeatist attitudes he had heard constantly up to that point. Becoming a prominent surgeon and returning to the mountain country of his youth, Daniel finally marries, has a family, and continues to strive to be the best he can be. Unfortunately, that means guiding his children according to his plans and dreams even though that path is not necessarily the right one. The question becomes, what is the promise of love when someone is ruled by strong mental will and specific dreams?
Social and cultural expectations change over time and Promises of Love by David Selby offers an intimate look at this process in action. From the post World War II poverty in mountainous Virginia through the protests of the 1960s and beyond, the world changes around Daniel Friend without him really accepting it. Deeply insightful and meticulously detailed, Promises of Love includes you in the main character’s struggles through the years so that you can feel all the pain, hope, disappointment and joy as Daniel lives out his life and pursues his dreams. It is said that the unexamined life is one that is not worth living, but at what point does the examination get in the way of actually living your life? Promises of Love is a well written and engrossing story that provides you with a wonderful opportunity to ponder that question through Daniel’s eyes and leaves you taking a good look at your own opinions and choices. The impact of this story lasts well beyond the last page.
Recommend this book:
Iron Butterfly
Lisa Wainland
2015 Silver Medal
238 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite
At twenty-nine, Cassie Rappaport's life seems to be coming together, although her job as a newspaper writer could be better. She has finally met the love of her life with Jake Morrow and they intend to be wed. When something happens that jerks her world into a tailspin, it affects not only her life but the lives of everyone around her.
Iron Butterfly by Lisa Wainland is a story that feels so realistic you can imagine these characters could be anyone you know. Lisa Wainland's perceptive descriptions lend a richness to the lives of each character in Iron Butterfly. She breathes life into them in such a way that I felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book. Cassie was oh so easy to relate to, and when she hears devastating news that rocks not only her world but everyone around her, I could easily feel the emotional upheaval that everyone felt. The fear of the outcome was tangible and very realistic. Her worries became mine, and the anxiety of waiting to know the truth of how things would turn out for her compelled me to keep reading. There were some sweetly poignant moments between her and Jake, moments that melted the heart, and showed the depth of love that they had for each other. The stories of Jake and Sandy were also very compelling. The guilt and blame that Jake carried because of something he felt responsible for was heart-wrenching. The issues going on with Cassie allowed him to realize that he needed to deal with the truths of what had happened in the past.
The story between Cassie and Sandy was, sadly, a realistic look at what often happens between siblings. Vivid descriptions allowed me to experience the sights and sounds of the story. I was really touched by the description and symbolism of the butterfly. A richly satisfying novel that makes one realize the ties of family, the strength that we all possess, and how it sometimes takes a scare to make us understand and value what is really important in life.
At twenty-nine, Cassie Rappaport's life seems to be coming together, although her job as a newspaper writer could be better. She has finally met the love of her life with Jake Morrow and they intend to be wed. When something happens that jerks her world into a tailspin, it affects not only her life but the lives of everyone around her.
Iron Butterfly by Lisa Wainland is a story that feels so realistic you can imagine these characters could be anyone you know. Lisa Wainland's perceptive descriptions lend a richness to the lives of each character in Iron Butterfly. She breathes life into them in such a way that I felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book. Cassie was oh so easy to relate to, and when she hears devastating news that rocks not only her world but everyone around her, I could easily feel the emotional upheaval that everyone felt. The fear of the outcome was tangible and very realistic. Her worries became mine, and the anxiety of waiting to know the truth of how things would turn out for her compelled me to keep reading. There were some sweetly poignant moments between her and Jake, moments that melted the heart, and showed the depth of love that they had for each other. The stories of Jake and Sandy were also very compelling. The guilt and blame that Jake carried because of something he felt responsible for was heart-wrenching. The issues going on with Cassie allowed him to realize that he needed to deal with the truths of what had happened in the past.
The story between Cassie and Sandy was, sadly, a realistic look at what often happens between siblings. Vivid descriptions allowed me to experience the sights and sounds of the story. I was really touched by the description and symbolism of the butterfly. A richly satisfying novel that makes one realize the ties of family, the strength that we all possess, and how it sometimes takes a scare to make us understand and value what is really important in life.
Recommend this book:
The Wrath of Karma
Vimal Vaz
2014 Finalist
258 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Michael McManus for Readers' Favorite
Author Vimal Vaz tells us at the outset that his main character, Ashok Choudhary, has changed his destiny by choosing a very different path than the one he chose in The Kiss of Karma. As a result, he finds himself in a future that is more brutal than his past – much more brutal. It is ten years later, and Ash is working for the ruthless Ramesh Rahman, who has built an empire through intimidation, manipulation, and pure greed. Ash’s amoral employer has taken care of him and his mum and sister by providing a high level of financial assistance – in return, the taskmaster has demanded loyalty and obedience. Ash, now twenty-four years old, follows orders and moves through life like a zombie, never allowing himself to feel regret or remorse, only gratitude. However, when Sherifa, the young girl he thought he had lost forever, comes back into his life accidentally, a fire ignites inside Ash. This makes him wonder if he can someday find a different path, one that is wholesome and filled with love. Is there a way out for the lovers, or will they face death while trying to escape? Can Ash ever really divorce himself from his past? Find out in The Wrath of Karma.
Vimal Vaz’s second book is raw and deals with a very seedy side of life. He holds nothing back in describing the baseness of Ash’s different path, one that he chose by his own actions. I loved the way Mr. Vaz gets into the heads of his characters. These are not likable people, but we end up understanding them and even rooting for them to survive and find another way. The plot can only be described as gripping. You will find yourself not able to set it aside for very long. The tantalizing promise of the next chapter will soon bring you back. I highly recommend this book, but you must read The Kiss of Karma first to get the full impact of this intriguing story. This is another fine read from Vimal Vaz - it could find itself on the best seller list very soon.
Author Vimal Vaz tells us at the outset that his main character, Ashok Choudhary, has changed his destiny by choosing a very different path than the one he chose in The Kiss of Karma. As a result, he finds himself in a future that is more brutal than his past – much more brutal. It is ten years later, and Ash is working for the ruthless Ramesh Rahman, who has built an empire through intimidation, manipulation, and pure greed. Ash’s amoral employer has taken care of him and his mum and sister by providing a high level of financial assistance – in return, the taskmaster has demanded loyalty and obedience. Ash, now twenty-four years old, follows orders and moves through life like a zombie, never allowing himself to feel regret or remorse, only gratitude. However, when Sherifa, the young girl he thought he had lost forever, comes back into his life accidentally, a fire ignites inside Ash. This makes him wonder if he can someday find a different path, one that is wholesome and filled with love. Is there a way out for the lovers, or will they face death while trying to escape? Can Ash ever really divorce himself from his past? Find out in The Wrath of Karma.
Vimal Vaz’s second book is raw and deals with a very seedy side of life. He holds nothing back in describing the baseness of Ash’s different path, one that he chose by his own actions. I loved the way Mr. Vaz gets into the heads of his characters. These are not likable people, but we end up understanding them and even rooting for them to survive and find another way. The plot can only be described as gripping. You will find yourself not able to set it aside for very long. The tantalizing promise of the next chapter will soon bring you back. I highly recommend this book, but you must read The Kiss of Karma first to get the full impact of this intriguing story. This is another fine read from Vimal Vaz - it could find itself on the best seller list very soon.
Recommend this book:
The Way Back
Jeffrey Turner
2014 Honorable Mention
314 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
The Way Back by Jeffrey Turner is a powerful novel of love, deception, and mistakes. Jack Elliot is a college professor, teaching a creative writing class. He is also a published author, husband to Claire, and father to Nathan. The day starts ordinarily enough - until they discover they have mice in the attic. What should have been a simple enough task kicks off a chain of events that have the potential to devastate lives and families. Jack discovers a series of emails hidden away in the attic, emails between his wife and another man. Instead of confronting Claire, he decides to investigate first. Meanwhile, things take a nasty turn in his classroom when two students cause serious disruption and end up being escorted off the premises by security. Jack briefly entertains an affair with one of his students, Rachel Pond, not knowing who she is. A series of events conspires to join all parties in one crashing conclusion, drawing on events from the past. With whom did Claire have an affair? Who is Rachel Pond? And what happened so many years ago to kick-start the chain of events?
The Way Back by Jeffrey Turner is a powerful novel. Anyone who reads this may be able to identify with parts of the story - this isn’t just a novel; it’s a real-life lesson and one that many would benefit from reading. Turner kept my eyes glued to the pages as his skillfully written story unwound. At first, it was difficult to see where all the little side stories fitted in, but with a few curve balls thrown in for good measure, it all becomes clear. Great story, exceptionally well written and thoroughly enjoyable, if a little humbling. Would love to see more from Jeffrey Turner.
The Way Back by Jeffrey Turner is a powerful novel of love, deception, and mistakes. Jack Elliot is a college professor, teaching a creative writing class. He is also a published author, husband to Claire, and father to Nathan. The day starts ordinarily enough - until they discover they have mice in the attic. What should have been a simple enough task kicks off a chain of events that have the potential to devastate lives and families. Jack discovers a series of emails hidden away in the attic, emails between his wife and another man. Instead of confronting Claire, he decides to investigate first. Meanwhile, things take a nasty turn in his classroom when two students cause serious disruption and end up being escorted off the premises by security. Jack briefly entertains an affair with one of his students, Rachel Pond, not knowing who she is. A series of events conspires to join all parties in one crashing conclusion, drawing on events from the past. With whom did Claire have an affair? Who is Rachel Pond? And what happened so many years ago to kick-start the chain of events?
The Way Back by Jeffrey Turner is a powerful novel. Anyone who reads this may be able to identify with parts of the story - this isn’t just a novel; it’s a real-life lesson and one that many would benefit from reading. Turner kept my eyes glued to the pages as his skillfully written story unwound. At first, it was difficult to see where all the little side stories fitted in, but with a few curve balls thrown in for good measure, it all becomes clear. Great story, exceptionally well written and thoroughly enjoyable, if a little humbling. Would love to see more from Jeffrey Turner.
Recommend this book:
Maybe Baby
Kim Golden
2014 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Cheryl Schopen for Readers' Favorite
In Maybe Baby by Kim Golden, Laney Halliwell wants a baby and decides to tell her boyfriend of five years, Niklas, that she would like to start trying. To her surprise, he informs her that he had a vasectomy years ago after having two kids with his ex-wife. She asks him to reverse it and he says no. She can’t seem to let the idea go of her becoming a mother, and being step-mom to Niklas’ irritating teenage kids doesn’t count in her mind. So, taking the advice of her friend, she visits an unconventional sperm bank. It never crossed her mind that she would meet someone like Mads and begin falling in love. Suddenly, Laney is torn between two men. Will she stay with Niklas and realize that he has been the love of her life all along? Or will she take a chance with Mads and see if this instant attraction and chemistry between them can be something more?
Kim Golden is an amazing writer and storyteller. She made these characters so completely real; I was so immersed in Laney’s life and I cared so much about what happened to her that I was pretty much devastated that the book had come to an end. Her thoughts and feelings were so genuine. And as with all love triangles, you will most likely pick a side. I am not going to give anything away, but I will say that this story is about following your heart; the tough part is figuring out what your heart wants. I wholeheartedly enjoyed this book, and I definitely recommend it to any fans of romance or women’s fiction. Maybe Baby had it all. It had realistic characters with realistic actions and behavior, a unique and entertaining plot that will keep readers hooked from the first page, and romance that will make your heart flutter and put a smile on your face, making this fantastic book a must-read. I am beyond ecstatic that I found this author. I cannot wait to read more of her stories.
In Maybe Baby by Kim Golden, Laney Halliwell wants a baby and decides to tell her boyfriend of five years, Niklas, that she would like to start trying. To her surprise, he informs her that he had a vasectomy years ago after having two kids with his ex-wife. She asks him to reverse it and he says no. She can’t seem to let the idea go of her becoming a mother, and being step-mom to Niklas’ irritating teenage kids doesn’t count in her mind. So, taking the advice of her friend, she visits an unconventional sperm bank. It never crossed her mind that she would meet someone like Mads and begin falling in love. Suddenly, Laney is torn between two men. Will she stay with Niklas and realize that he has been the love of her life all along? Or will she take a chance with Mads and see if this instant attraction and chemistry between them can be something more?
Kim Golden is an amazing writer and storyteller. She made these characters so completely real; I was so immersed in Laney’s life and I cared so much about what happened to her that I was pretty much devastated that the book had come to an end. Her thoughts and feelings were so genuine. And as with all love triangles, you will most likely pick a side. I am not going to give anything away, but I will say that this story is about following your heart; the tough part is figuring out what your heart wants. I wholeheartedly enjoyed this book, and I definitely recommend it to any fans of romance or women’s fiction. Maybe Baby had it all. It had realistic characters with realistic actions and behavior, a unique and entertaining plot that will keep readers hooked from the first page, and romance that will make your heart flutter and put a smile on your face, making this fantastic book a must-read. I am beyond ecstatic that I found this author. I cannot wait to read more of her stories.
Recommend this book:
The iCandidate
The Michael Bennit Series
Mikael Carlson
2014 Silver Medal
359 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Samantha Rivera for Readers' Favorite
Mr. Bennitt isn’t your average high school history teacher. He’s a teacher determined to make a difference in his students’ lives and the lives of everyone in America. What begins as a simple bet with his students over their grades turns into something much bigger than any of them could have ever imagined. Running an entire political campaign with no true opinions on the issues and no face-to-face meetings with constituents may seem like a set-up to fail, but it’s actually a match made in heaven for the socially connected world we live in. The iCandidate by Mikael Carlson is the story of a man who is determined to teach a lesson to the masses.
Michael Bennitt is the type of character anyone can relate to. He’s a seemingly normal man with his own quirks and failings, just like everyone else, but he’s also a driven man. He’s someone who is determined that the world really could be a better place if the American people were only willing to stand up and do things rather than sit back and allow things to happen. Unfortunately for all of us, standing up and doing means putting down the social media we all love so much. But it doesn’t mean putting down this amazing book. The iCandidate is one of the best books that I have read in a long time and the characters and twists will keep you reading long into the night. I will recommend this book to my friends and family and I'm sure anyone else who reads it will do the same.
Mr. Bennitt isn’t your average high school history teacher. He’s a teacher determined to make a difference in his students’ lives and the lives of everyone in America. What begins as a simple bet with his students over their grades turns into something much bigger than any of them could have ever imagined. Running an entire political campaign with no true opinions on the issues and no face-to-face meetings with constituents may seem like a set-up to fail, but it’s actually a match made in heaven for the socially connected world we live in. The iCandidate by Mikael Carlson is the story of a man who is determined to teach a lesson to the masses.
Michael Bennitt is the type of character anyone can relate to. He’s a seemingly normal man with his own quirks and failings, just like everyone else, but he’s also a driven man. He’s someone who is determined that the world really could be a better place if the American people were only willing to stand up and do things rather than sit back and allow things to happen. Unfortunately for all of us, standing up and doing means putting down the social media we all love so much. But it doesn’t mean putting down this amazing book. The iCandidate is one of the best books that I have read in a long time and the characters and twists will keep you reading long into the night. I will recommend this book to my friends and family and I'm sure anyone else who reads it will do the same.
Recommend this book:
October Snow
Jenna Brooks
2014 Gold Medal
364 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite
In Jenna Brooks's October Snow, a woman who was a battered wife witnesses the death of one too many battered wives, murdered by her husband. May, Josie’s friend, dies in her arms and the moment changes Josie forever. She steels herself to putting an end to the abuse that continues to plague the women she is trying to rescue. She must do this before the same fate that took May's life catches up with them. Josie knows exactly how to make a bully wish he had never crossed her path. When Jack, her friend Samantha's abusive husband, reveals that Samantha’s baby by him is a tool for manipulating her, Josie has had just about enough. She steps in to take care of the problem. Will she rid Sammy of her problem permanently or does she have some other tricks up her sleeve to defeat the abuser?
October Snow is a brilliantly written piece that digs deep into the soul and psyche of an abused woman who has been able to set herself free from the controlling and manipulative bondage of an abuser. It digs deep into the characters involved in the struggle in such a way that the reader will feel as if they are living the nightmare themselves. The plot is expertly designed to keep the reader on the edge of their seat and turning pages in order to discover what new twist the story will take. It is a deep look into abuse, control, battering, and the struggle that women endure in order to survive. The character development is superb. This is not a story for a light-weight reader, but rather a harsh look into the reality of this horrible injustice. You will feel the terror, the anger, and the vengeance.
In Jenna Brooks's October Snow, a woman who was a battered wife witnesses the death of one too many battered wives, murdered by her husband. May, Josie’s friend, dies in her arms and the moment changes Josie forever. She steels herself to putting an end to the abuse that continues to plague the women she is trying to rescue. She must do this before the same fate that took May's life catches up with them. Josie knows exactly how to make a bully wish he had never crossed her path. When Jack, her friend Samantha's abusive husband, reveals that Samantha’s baby by him is a tool for manipulating her, Josie has had just about enough. She steps in to take care of the problem. Will she rid Sammy of her problem permanently or does she have some other tricks up her sleeve to defeat the abuser?
October Snow is a brilliantly written piece that digs deep into the soul and psyche of an abused woman who has been able to set herself free from the controlling and manipulative bondage of an abuser. It digs deep into the characters involved in the struggle in such a way that the reader will feel as if they are living the nightmare themselves. The plot is expertly designed to keep the reader on the edge of their seat and turning pages in order to discover what new twist the story will take. It is a deep look into abuse, control, battering, and the struggle that women endure in order to survive. The character development is superb. This is not a story for a light-weight reader, but rather a harsh look into the reality of this horrible injustice. You will feel the terror, the anger, and the vengeance.
Recommend this book:
Chasing Invisible
Karen Pokras Toz
2013 Silver Medal
306 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Natasha Jackson for Readers' Favorite
Julia Alexander is the quiet girl we all know who simply doesn’t know how great she is, no matter how many times you tell her. She’d rather hang out with a few dusty books and her nearest and dearest instead of sitting in a crowded smoky college bar. Unfortunately it is just one of those dark crowded rooms where she meets Chase, an aspiring musician with dreams of stardom. How, you wonder, will Chase and Julie end up anywhere near a relationship? Let’s just say it is a well-crafted story from Karen Pokras Toz.
I’ll admit that I had some hesitation about this story, thinking it’d be another incredibly gorgeous and rich celebrity playing the ‘woe is me’ card during a whirlwind romance filled with jewels and exotic vacations, but I was wrong. Really wrong. The truth of the matter is that "Chasing Invisible" is aptly titled because you feel just how badly Julia just wants to be more than normal, but invisible. Given the current state of the paparazzi it is safe to say Julia would be happy to know she missed the worst of it by a decade. Nevertheless "Chasing Invisible" is an incredible story of getting what you want and having it all blow up in your face. Karen Pokras Toz does a fantastic job of sucking the reader right into Julia’s psyche allowing you more than to peek at her pain. At times her need to be invisible is so visceral that I had to take a few moments away from the story to gather my bearings. With an ending you won’t see coming, Pokras Toz has a winner on her hands with the compelling tale of Julia and Chase.
Julia Alexander is the quiet girl we all know who simply doesn’t know how great she is, no matter how many times you tell her. She’d rather hang out with a few dusty books and her nearest and dearest instead of sitting in a crowded smoky college bar. Unfortunately it is just one of those dark crowded rooms where she meets Chase, an aspiring musician with dreams of stardom. How, you wonder, will Chase and Julie end up anywhere near a relationship? Let’s just say it is a well-crafted story from Karen Pokras Toz.
I’ll admit that I had some hesitation about this story, thinking it’d be another incredibly gorgeous and rich celebrity playing the ‘woe is me’ card during a whirlwind romance filled with jewels and exotic vacations, but I was wrong. Really wrong. The truth of the matter is that "Chasing Invisible" is aptly titled because you feel just how badly Julia just wants to be more than normal, but invisible. Given the current state of the paparazzi it is safe to say Julia would be happy to know she missed the worst of it by a decade. Nevertheless "Chasing Invisible" is an incredible story of getting what you want and having it all blow up in your face. Karen Pokras Toz does a fantastic job of sucking the reader right into Julia’s psyche allowing you more than to peek at her pain. At times her need to be invisible is so visceral that I had to take a few moments away from the story to gather my bearings. With an ending you won’t see coming, Pokras Toz has a winner on her hands with the compelling tale of Julia and Chase.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/along-the-watchtower&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51UXOaVF7UL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Along the Watchtower" is the story of Lieutenant Freddie Williams who was severely injured by an IED when he was on patrol with his group in Iraq. The story proceeds on two levels: we follow along as he recovers from his injuries in the VA hospital and begins an intensive course of physical therapy to regain the use of his legs; and we are also pr...){kind=link}
Along the Watchtower
David Litwack
2013 Bronze Medal
214 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
"Along the Watchtower" is the story of Lieutenant Freddie Williams who was severely injured by an IED when he was on patrol with his group in Iraq. The story proceeds on two levels: we follow along as he recovers from his injuries in the VA hospital and begins an intensive course of physical therapy to regain the use of his legs; and we are also privy to his dreams, wherein he is the Dauphin, heir to a kingdom, a role he has been in training for all his life. Now that his father, the King, is dead, he must pass a series of challenges and trials. The survival of the kingdom and all its inhabitants is dependent on his successful completion of these tasks. In his waking life, in addition to the challenges he faces as he regains his ability to walk, Freddie carries a load of grief and regret, both for the loss of his comrades back in Iraq and the premature deaths of his parents and brother.
David Litwack's "Along the Watchtower" is a remarkable and timely novel that should appeal to a wide-ranging audience. The parallel stories grab the reader from the introductory paragraphs and keep them enthralled as Freddie progresses through the challenges and trials he faces. "Along the Watchtower" explores the extreme hardships faced by veterans whose physical injuries are often accompanied by brain injuries and emotional trauma. I was particularly interested in Freddie's interactions with the hospital staff and his fellow patients. Choosing the Cape Cod area also adds a lot to the work. From the ocean-front home Freddie shared as a child with his family to the ice-sculptures he visits during his convalescence, the environment is beautifully presented and adds to the enjoyment of the reader. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading more of Litwack's books.
"Along the Watchtower" is the story of Lieutenant Freddie Williams who was severely injured by an IED when he was on patrol with his group in Iraq. The story proceeds on two levels: we follow along as he recovers from his injuries in the VA hospital and begins an intensive course of physical therapy to regain the use of his legs; and we are also privy to his dreams, wherein he is the Dauphin, heir to a kingdom, a role he has been in training for all his life. Now that his father, the King, is dead, he must pass a series of challenges and trials. The survival of the kingdom and all its inhabitants is dependent on his successful completion of these tasks. In his waking life, in addition to the challenges he faces as he regains his ability to walk, Freddie carries a load of grief and regret, both for the loss of his comrades back in Iraq and the premature deaths of his parents and brother.
David Litwack's "Along the Watchtower" is a remarkable and timely novel that should appeal to a wide-ranging audience. The parallel stories grab the reader from the introductory paragraphs and keep them enthralled as Freddie progresses through the challenges and trials he faces. "Along the Watchtower" explores the extreme hardships faced by veterans whose physical injuries are often accompanied by brain injuries and emotional trauma. I was particularly interested in Freddie's interactions with the hospital staff and his fellow patients. Choosing the Cape Cod area also adds a lot to the work. From the ocean-front home Freddie shared as a child with his family to the ice-sculptures he visits during his convalescence, the environment is beautifully presented and adds to the enjoyment of the reader. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading more of Litwack's books.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-magnificent-mary-ann&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41jg2aXWdkL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="The Magnificent Mary Ann” by Philip Kraske is a fascinating look at how one event that may seem minor to one person changes the course of events for another. Rarely do we know the effect our words or actions have on others. Sitting next to a young girl on a flight to Chicago Hal offered up words of wisdom. Never had anyone taken the time or ener...){kind=link}
The Magnificent Mary Ann
Philip Kraske
2013 Finalist
178 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
"The Magnificent Mary Ann” by Philip Kraske is a fascinating look at how one event that may seem minor to one person changes the course of events for another. Rarely do we know the effect our words or actions have on others. Sitting next to a young girl on a flight to Chicago Hal offered up words of wisdom. Never had anyone taken the time or energy to talk to Mary Ann. Hal had no means of knowing her circumstance or the result of his advice. Mary Ann was only eleven years old. She was a run away, escaping an abusive father and brothers. She listens intently to every word Hal utters, absorbing it all. She follows his advice and is successful. “Do what you like most. What you need isn't a lot of money or background, what you need is a dream. If you have a dream, everything else will take care of itself. Sure, there are people who dance for a living. It’s extremely difficult to get into, of course — you have to be the best. But if you train hard, and you come to rehearsal ready to work every day, you’ll make it. The pay isn't all that great, but you’ll get along.” Now at twenty it is her desire to locate the man with curly blonde hair named Hal. By coincidence, Ruth, a flight attendant, finds Hal and urges him to call Mary Ann.
I really enjoyed this tale. Philip Kraske is a talented author having created two diverse but fascinating characters. It was interesting to watch Hal and Mary Ann as they matured and changed. As soon as the author introduced Mary Ann’s family into the plot it was easy to see why she ran away from home. Ruth was a secondary character but as I read her dialog, which I thought was humorous, I was reminded of a few scatter brained people that I know. The plot moved along at a smooth pace and is not high action but tends to be more introspective. "The Magnificent Mary Ann” will encourage readers that they can succeed no matter what circumstances they have to overcome.
"The Magnificent Mary Ann” by Philip Kraske is a fascinating look at how one event that may seem minor to one person changes the course of events for another. Rarely do we know the effect our words or actions have on others. Sitting next to a young girl on a flight to Chicago Hal offered up words of wisdom. Never had anyone taken the time or energy to talk to Mary Ann. Hal had no means of knowing her circumstance or the result of his advice. Mary Ann was only eleven years old. She was a run away, escaping an abusive father and brothers. She listens intently to every word Hal utters, absorbing it all. She follows his advice and is successful. “Do what you like most. What you need isn't a lot of money or background, what you need is a dream. If you have a dream, everything else will take care of itself. Sure, there are people who dance for a living. It’s extremely difficult to get into, of course — you have to be the best. But if you train hard, and you come to rehearsal ready to work every day, you’ll make it. The pay isn't all that great, but you’ll get along.” Now at twenty it is her desire to locate the man with curly blonde hair named Hal. By coincidence, Ruth, a flight attendant, finds Hal and urges him to call Mary Ann.
I really enjoyed this tale. Philip Kraske is a talented author having created two diverse but fascinating characters. It was interesting to watch Hal and Mary Ann as they matured and changed. As soon as the author introduced Mary Ann’s family into the plot it was easy to see why she ran away from home. Ruth was a secondary character but as I read her dialog, which I thought was humorous, I was reminded of a few scatter brained people that I know. The plot moved along at a smooth pace and is not high action but tends to be more introspective. "The Magnificent Mary Ann” will encourage readers that they can succeed no matter what circumstances they have to overcome.
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