Call Home the Child

I just finished reading three chapter and must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Jo is such a wonderful character in all ways. Her attraction to Penny only solidifies that children, no matter color, can win over an adults heart. I could not find any fault in the writing and or dialogue. Everything seem to flow effotlessly. I was saddened when I read the mothr had HIV.
Overall this is an engaging book and I hope to get back to read more.
MC
Exposed

Bill, I read the first four chapters and hope to come back and finish this engaging story. You have a distinctive voice here, and an intriguing start. The characters are clearly drawn and the only lack I feel in this opening is more about Penny - I only see her through the eyes of adults. Does she ever speak for herself, or have more focus later on? Hope so. Wish you success with this - Frances.

Bill,
I read the first three chapters. I love it. You are such a fine writer. Your Jo reminds me of my granddaughter, big, beautiful inside and out.
Will read on later, have to find out how it developes.
Christine

I have read the first 3 chapters so far. I am really enjoying your style of writing. It is wonderfully descriptive without distracting us from the story. I am looking forward to reading how things pan out for Jo and Penny. Six stars and on my watch list for future backing.
Best wishes, Olive.

Hay Bill very good work.

Couldn’t actually find any faults to pick. You have a strong descriptive style that flows very well and I have no trouble imagining a clear voice for Nancy. For me she has a soothing mid west sound a bit like the female version of Old red from the shawshank novel.
Happy to back and top starts I’m sure you will do well.

All the best
Nathan

Truth Asset

Bill, Wow what a read. So impressed with this book I did actually break my strict three chapter rule. Now this is a book I would part with my hard earned cash for. Brill story, superb flow, mega good narrative character voice and knowing how to use it too. Well done mate. Brilliant and scores massive for me.
Sean Connolly British Army on the Rampage. (B.A.O.R) Please consider me for a read or watch list wont you? Many thanks... Sean

Bill,
I wanted to pause in my reading of your book to go ahead and give you some immediate feedback. I've read the first five chapters.
My main compliment to you is in your pacing of the story. You keep it moving, compelling the reader to turn the next page. That is not easily accomplished. And I suspect you hold that tempo throughout the book.
You've done a good job of weaving multiple plot lines into your story, although it almost feels like too much to keep up with. What helps is your characterization, creating sharply defined characters which makes it easier to remember them.
I don't know about other folks on this site, but I only keep book on my bookshelf for about a month, wanting to move others in so they, too, will be noticed. I will be shifting books around this week and will be backing yours. I wish you much success.
Of course I would appreciate a return read of my book "Tucker's Way." Your feedback will be much appreciated.
-David Johnson

This is truly emotional and written exceptionally well. You are to the point - no messing around, which is a style that I like. It remains detailed throughout however- never a dull moment. That is why I keep coming back to it. reading on!!!!

Bill, this is fabulous. I enjoyed the picture you paint here with the characters, their emotions and setting. The pacing and descriptions are wonderful. As soon as I have space I'll move it from my watch list and to my book shelf. --emarie Jackson Jacob Henry Brown, III.

I just read a couple of chapters. I am very impressed with your style. The tempo feels rather fast to me somehow, like I'm having to hurry when I read it to keep up. Yet, you still manage to get all of the little details in there. It reminds me of another writer...but for the life of me, I can't put my finger on who at the moment. Harper Lee maybe? Almost, but I think your a little bit faster than that even.

I digress! Either way, you have a unique style. I find it interesting that characters like Jo Putney exist, and we encounter them...breezing into and through our lives, yet we rarely endeavor to try and write about them. Lacking motivation that is easily understood, they simply don't seem 'real' enough, do they? And yet I know any number of them. Well done, sir.

Bill - this is truly exceptional... I'm taking more time to read and less time to comment these days, but I did read a few chapters of your book and was swept away into story...

I'm not sure how many more heart-breaking stories i can read! This is doing a number on my head...

anyway, i loved it. thank you.

Jaclyn x
It Never Happened

Bill, if you don’t mind, I’d like to respond to your message in the comment section. As I said, I’m now only backing books that I’ve read completely. I haven’t read all of Sara Stinson’s FINGER BONES that’s on my shelf, but that’s because after I read all her six chapters, she lengthened her story. But I’ll get to it. I’m halfway through Kate Malone’s TWELL, then I’ll read Ben Daniel’s FRANKY FROG’S WORLDWIDE TRAVELOGUE. Then FINGER BONES and then your collection of short stories.

I did indeed read all of CALL HOME THE CHILD and it helped me understand why you wrote THE DOCTOR OF SUMMITVILLE the way you did. It even helped me understand you better. Psychopathy, insensitivity to others, comes in many forms. Racism is one of the many forms of it. You didn’t choose the twenties and thirties in DOCTOR, when racism was running rampant, to write about it. You chose 1988 in CHILD, when racism was bubbling out of existence, to write about it. You can write about psychopathic behavior as well as anyone, but you only go as far into it as you need to move your story. Your satire in CHILD is expressed in the dying embers of racists’ rants and ends in a soothing swell of humanity.

“Beauty” is a word that’s popping up in my mind now. You like things that are beautiful. You enjoy being positive because that’s beautiful. And rather than wallow in the misery of human existence, you’ve chosen to embrace our evolution into a higher realm.

Andrew

This is wonderful, intriguing and heartbreaking/ Top stars!!

This is lovely. Beautifully written; within a paragraph I was right there, watching the little girl and afraid, too, that she would fall in the water. Your writing is the best I've read on here an that is saying something because there are a lot of good books here. I feel convinced this book will get into print.
Andrea

Bill...oh, my stars! Thank you for posting all of your book...it blew me away. So many twists and turns...such heartache. Such a stunning body of work. This should be a movie!
((Hugs))
Linda

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Oh, Bill...What an amazing story you've created. You weave your words into feelings...and beauty...and hope. I love Jo...she's a woman of wealth with a desire to do wonderful things. I'm at the end of the third chapter and can clearly see the background she's fighting against. I also know that George is part of her reason for wanting to adopt Penny...but something tells me Penny will become more than a means to an end. I'll be back to read as time allows, to be sure! I am giving it the highest stars and will put it on my watchlist....I'm sure it will reach the desk in a twinkling, for it's that good.
God bless...
Linda

Bill,
Read the first couple chapters. This is very tight writing, and I can picture the scenes clearly in my mind. I will mention that in the first chapter, the paragraph starting 'As I look back' pulled me out of the story a bit, after you had so cleverly pulled me in within a handful of paragraphs. I'm also wondering if Nancy would have heard the horse before she looked away from Penny.

Those were the only things that gave me pause as I read. The squalor of the Wilson house, along with the hopelessness of the situation, made these characters pitiable and real, and Jo's matter-of-fact way in which she goes about making food for the kids and orders groceries makes her likable. She does it without condescension as if it is the most natural thing for her to do.

Well done, and high stars from me.
Kate

Bill read the first couple of chapters. You have "lightning in a bottle" again with this story. This one is going to go up quick to the desk.

Great character development with Nancy, Jo, and Penny early on. I see them as real people and they feel organic. The story with these defined characters moves in a great direction rather than having stilted characters dragged to a contrived plot point.

You capture the atmosphere of Richmond quite well and I feel like I'm back there right now with your descriptions.

The finally paragraphs in chapter one and two provided the hook needed to continue my curiousity and I will read on.

I truly am enjoying this book. Great job so far Bill. I'll continue to read and review some more but you have my full support already. I'll get it on my shelf shortly.--JL "The Devil Of Black Bayou", "The Wings of the Seraph", & "Shadow Ghosts of the Moonlight"

Hey Bill, looking at your work again...a good read it is.

Bill,

I read the first two chapters of your book, it really is excellent reading.

How do you write with such sensitivity? The sick mother, the darling child and the sympathetic ladies make for a very appealing read.
Everything seems to be in the right proportion, description, dialogue and action, nothing overdone or overplayed.

Best wishes
Warrick
"Sleeping With God"

Dear Bill, I've just had the pleasure of reading several chapters of Call Home the Child. I was totally hooked and immensely impressed with this powerful and engrossing, masterfully-written story which unfolds under your usual deft touch. Lucid and intelligent and with sensitive characterisation. I expect this will follow hot on the heels of the good Doctor and deservedly so too! I really want to finish every page of this book and when I do I'll send much more in-depth comments.
Connie x

Hi Bill, I took a look at chapter 4. I found this account facinating, it felt like I was on a horse next to Nancy going through teh same experiences. This is very well written and makes writing look easy. I couldn't find any faults and found the stroy really enjoyable. Well Done.

Kindest Regards and Best Wishes
Lenny Banks - Tide and Time: AT The Rock.

Dear Bill,

A brilliant opening chapter! I just came across your book in my newsfeed, when my friend Jenny backed it. Wow...this is wonderfully written in every way. Your characters are truly captivating, authentic, dynamic individuals. Penny is precious, and the reader immediately wants the best for her. I love your imagery, too. You have such beautiful sensory details ("floating pink flower," "maple keys spiraled," and "flock of blackbirds..."). Giving high stars to this beautiful piece of fine literature.

All the very best,
Faith Rose
Now To Him

Call Home the Child. Love that title. It has such an evocative ring to it.

Ch.1. Would it be best to say merely 'she must have taken the long deer trail to the estate'?
What a poignant opening - suspenseful, yet promising hope. A fitting first chapter.

Ch.2. I am drawn to Jo. You show her practicality, her matter-of-fact manner and innate goodness. But she is quite domineering and likes to organise.

Ch.3. And that's a profound answer to Nancy's question at the end.

Ch.4. Do you really teach a beginner in the US how to make a horse go backwards at her first lesson? And Nancy must be an amazing person to master posting at the trot at the first go! I taught riding for many years and nobody achieved that for me...
You write in comfortable fashion, and it is pleasant to sit in front of my screen as your story unfolds, with its little happenings, picturesque scenes, smalls and the horses.

Ch.5. I'm afraid I dont get the significance of the 'Ho-hum Silver' in relation to the name 'Putney.' But that description of Jo entering the office is vivid indeed. And a little romance to add spice to the tale, even if Ralph does rush rather. His suspicions dont seem to be based on anything, and I'm not sure I like the way he presents his motives for going along with Jo's wishes.

I must tear myself away from your book now, but I've read enough to know that you have another gem here. Let's hope it wont take as long to get to the ED as the Dr.!

Jane.

Hi Bill,
A very well structured first chapter...your characters are already living! It's obvious you've accomplished a lot in life and I was not surprised at all to see that you're already a gold medal winner here...Your straight to the point approach, use of language, and understanding of human psychology is clearly reflected on the pages. You don't exhaust your readers with unnecessary details. I admired your flawless style when it comes to description and the empathy you build with your target audience makes you stand out from the bulks. This is my first impression on Chapter 1, and would like to make more comments as I read on.
Stay well,
Lucette-Ten Deep Footprints

Bill,

A vivid and intriguing first two chapters, and I will keep reading. I like the first person POV and the way the dialogue reaches out with crystal clarity, like you're eavesdropping on a conversation. The only thing that puzzles me is Nancy's suggestion to Mrs. Wilson that she contracted AIDS by getting blood on her chapped hands from blood on soiled linen. I couldn't find any confirmation that the HIV virus can be transferred through indirect contact. In any case, I believe your writing compares to Robert Olen Butler. I'm putting this book on my bookshelf and will rate it once I've finish reading. I look forward to seeing this story reach the Editor's Desk.

Andrew Parker

Hi Bill, I've come back for more. I'd like to start by saying thank you for your continued support of my book.
Now, on to you... Besides the minor typos listed below, your descriptions are vivid, the flow of the dialogue is wonderful, the character development is great and I still find it interesting that you have chosen to use Nancy's point of view to tell the story as opposed to say Jo's. I'm interested to see how that aspect of your story plays out. I think you have done a fabulous job so far and I look forward to reading more. Best wishes, G.W.

chapter three; you'll probably want to address these typos- nothing major.
It was hard to keep track of paragraph #'s, but I'm sure you'll find them okay.
The maid came thorough swinging doors... you just added an extra o
what is s-h-q-t? Not sure if you didn't want to actually use the word? I assume you meant s-h-i-t...
I had a sudden yen to take lessons... again, maybe yen is a word I am unfamiliar with, although maybe you meant yearning?

Hi Bill, well I've read your first three chapters and you've drawn me in enough to want to read the rest, which I will get to during this week.
Can I first say that for a man of your years, and you writing so far out of your comfort zone, I'm really impressed. You must have amazing insight and empathy with the human condition. This important, social narrative is well written (particularly the dialogue which is very natural and rythmic) and gives us a different slant on the usual stories of racial difference.
I guess that anyone reading this will feel as you, the author, intends them to feel, and you have chosen a narrator to get this across. I squirmed with recognition in some areas, felt slightly uncomfortable in others. Had to keep telling myself that this is fiction, when my mind knows the truth. I feel this is set to be an important book, Bill, and I'll add more after I finish reading. Julie x

Just finished. I fon;t think this is a book that you can say was an enjoyable read but it was a captivating read. I couldn;t stop i had to know what Jo's motives where. And even though i finished i still can't fully comphrehend them. It is very well written and dose what any good book should. Transports me to a world totally apart from my own. Thank you and great writting.

Howdy Again Bill. Up to chapter 12 now and the only two things i picked up on is when Ralph writes that letter for Nancy isn't it high ho silver not ho hum silver and
you mention Nancy's cologne several times and but shouldn't it be perfume.
stil very intrigued. What are Jo's motives.
Abbie

hi bill
i just started reading your book and went to read the first few and now find myself up to the 6th chapter. IT's a very nicely flowing read that's hard to put down. I am very intrigued and need to know how it ends. I'll write another comment when i finish. Thanks for the really enjoyable read.
Abbie Wallace Medically Mystifying

I enjoyed your story very much. I feel like it's set in the sixties rather than the eighties, but I know that racism is present even today. Virginia, however, was a landmark state for dealing with racism with Virginia v. Loving in 1967. Also, I think in 1988 you could still smoke inside a government bldg. Read through Chapter 5 and could have read much more. Very interesting. Good job. Lots of stars!

Bill,

I've read the first three chapters, so far. First of all, let me saying the writing itself is lovely. Your words flow easily from the page and I never had to stop and re-read anything because it didn't make sense the first time.

Great job drawing me in from the first paragraph by putting the child in mild peril (I must read on to ensure her safety) and then by letting me follow her home with her unlikely savior. The story continues at a nice steady pace, inviting me to follow the interesting characters as they go along.

It did seem as though some of the characters were in a bit of a time-warp. Jo strikes me as a sort of 70's love child, while her parents seem to be stuck in ... well, I don't know ... sometime well before the late 80's.

The unchallenged and casual prejudice of Jo's parents at the dinner table scene (feeling a bit more like the 50's or 60's era prejudice) was a bit hard to swallow. From what I remember of the late 80's, while prejudice was very much alive, it was being actively discouraged, and those who voiced any did so with either a 'take it or leave it' attitude or a 'I dare you to stop me' one. This viewpoint could, of course, be tainted by my geographical location (northern U.S.A). I am assuming this takes place in a more southern venue? I can't remember if you gave a specific setting....

Overall, I found your light style of writing engaging and want to see more of it.

April Gray
The Illusion

i meant to add that i think the cover and title are excellent....
j

this piece involves the reader. with such great ability to tell the tale, the author engages us effortlessly and we move along with ease into this story. you leave nothing out here, and have a wonderful command of the english language and a skill for story-telling. these days moving toward the editor's desk is difficult. and given the time you have been on this site, you still have far to go. but it think this just shows the weakness of the authonomy rating system.
j
what every woman should know

Call Home The Child is obviously a much better book than its current rank [1334] suggests, a point made 700+ days ago by Roger Thurling, but worth repeating... [Paradoxically, while admiring it technically, I am not a particular fan of the book itself, being personally uncomfortable with the subject of adoption in general, and certainly as one to read about for recreation (which is why I discreetly sidestepped it, until the second time you asked)]... This book explores themes of prejudice and 'ism-ism' in many forms: racisim, classism, sexism, gayism, ruralism, horsyism, phonyism, fatism,etc.; some blatant, others latent.

The most obvious Big Theme, race, was to me batted aside somewhat by the discombobulated prejudices of the narrator, the 'Nancy The Social Worker' character, although it was not clear if all of them were intentional, (also, some of these ideas might not work so well in Britain, where class pigeon-holes are much less related to money than in the USA). For instance, when Nancy (the social worker-narrator) says something about Jo (the 'upper-upper-class' [rich] would-be adopter) along the lines of... 'there was a clash between her willingness and capability [when cooking eggs], and my view of the idle rich'.... and then describes Jo's parents as... 'surprisingly gracious and unassuming', and their outlook one of 'landed gentility, conservative and unchanging'..., the 'clash' and the 'surprisingly' perhaps say more about the onlooker than the observed. Nancy keeps quiet about their 'old-fashioned attitudes' to the official adoption-mongers, (the would-be grandfather is blatantly racist), yet the weighty chip she harbours on her own shoulder is comparable; and later, in her 'head, we hear her 'think' the words 'the bullet head, the stocky frame, the heavy Negroid features'. Nancy seems a most uncomfortably faux-worthy and rather unpleasant narrator... (all in first person too!).

The rustic homestead of the child's own ('real') family, with its sunflowers, chickens and woodburning stove, and a tyre hanging off a tree for the children to muck about on, sounded rather more charming and less deprived than perhaps it was supposed to; but the scenario conveniently permitted the reader (this one at least) to root for the child's natural family quite doggedly, with only a little domestic tidying up needing to be done, and maybe a helpful job offer from Jo's father... I will not delve into the plot any further and be a plot spoil-sport, since most of the other comments under this book relate only to the first couple of chapters, but I must say that there is something very specific in Nancy's very first description of Jo that made me think, 'either this is a... or...' from the outset. Might be worth pruning that one... ['Secret' message exchange about this later?]. There were a few Americanisms, cliches (riding a 'white stallion'!) and unconvincing details horse-wise (including the actual word 'horseback') which grated just a little (to British horsy and/or country ears only perhaps), and some tiny nits too; but this is a carefully composed and believable story, with a competent and professional completeness about it. [I knew a real-life version of this tale, minus the ending, but in 1970s horsy and country Suffolk... It was not a great success.]

I must say I liked the first chapter very much. It has plenty of tension and paints an interesting, vivid picture. Already I feel involved with penny's future. I'd like to back this book.
David

Bill, I've only just begun to read this story, and already I am invested in your Miz Dean, Jo, and this little girl, Penny. It's a stunning introduction, stunning yet so quiet, a memory for Miz Dean that we know will never fade.

I have to read more, of course, but had to pause and voice some admiration! For now, I can only star this work and back it, knowing I have some fine reading ahead.

Kay xx
(*The Ragged Yellow Ribbon*)

Rich, dense narrative, short snappy chapters - and even dipping in (as I did today) the pieces I read were full of sights and smells and emotion.

The writing is not showy, not flashy - it is there to tell the story, but each word is chosen well.

I have gathered up the 'atmosphere' of the work. I will go back and read from word one and savour the unfoldng story that I have only nibbled at.

Highly starred and on my watch list for later.

Hi, Bill. I have only just begun reading Call the Child Home, but so far so good! You have a great skill with dialog, and are able to quickly establish character in a few words. I thought your use of dialect was authentic, and having spent a big chunk of my life in North Carolina, I often cringe at poor imitations. Great work! I look forward to finishing the story.

By the way, sounds like it's been up for a while -- never give up! Eventually the best work will float to the top of the pool!

Bill, if I had but just one word, it would be... captivating. However, I am not limited to just one so I'd like to say that after reading the first and second chapter I'm so impressed. You have pulled me right into your story and unlike many of the other books I've read on this site (which isn't many yet) I want more. My one concern is that you have chosen first person narrative and I'm curious to see how you'll address that in later chapters. The case worker cannot always be present right? In order to address this burning question I will be back for more. Your work shows much promise and because I have enjoyed it so much, I'm making room on my shelf for this lovely piece of work.
On a side note, I too have a book that I've been trying to get others to read, comment, and rate. If you can spare a little time it would be greatly appreciated. G.W. 2012 ~ Escaping Shady Lane
Best wishes

Roger wrote his assessment of your beautiful book 2 years ago, and the conclusion he draws is, alas, stil all too true. It was then ranked in the two-thousands after eight months on the site, and today - it's still there.
Of course, it may have been in the shadow of your other graphic story,"The Doctor of Summitville", which also endured long neglect.
If only Roger's recommendations could be followed.
I'm here to back and "Call Home" ths book, as I did for " The Doctor".
David Grant
"Pompey Chimes"

Roger wrote his assessment of your beautiful book 2 years ago, and the conclusion he draws is, alas, stil all too true. It was then ranked in the two-thousands after eight months on the site, and today - it's still there.
Of course, it may have been in the shadow of your other graphic story,"The Doctor of Summitville", which also endured long neglect.
If only Roger's recommendations could be followed.
I'm here to back and "Call Home" ths book, as I did for " The Doctor".
David Grant
"Pompey Chimes"

Roger wrote his assessment of your beautiful book 2 years ago, and the conclusion he draws is, alas, stil all too true. It was then ranked in the two-thousands after eight months on the site, and today - it's still there.
Of course, it may have been in the shadow of your other graphic story,"The Doctor of Summitville", which also endured long neglect.
If only Roger's recommendations could be followed.
I'm here to back and "Call Home" ths book, as I did for " The Doctor".
David Grant
"Pompey Chimes"

Roger wrote his assessment of your beautiful book 2 years ago, and the conclusion he draws is, alas, stil all too true. It was then ranked in the two-thousands after eight months on the site, and today - it's still there.
Of course, it may have been in the shadow of your other graphic story,"The Doctor of Summitville", which also endured long neglect.
If only Roger's recommendations could be followed.
I'm here to back and "Call Home" ths book, as I did for " The Doctor".
David Grant
"Pompey Chimes"

I love your opener. It has a beauty of your descriptions and the thrill of the danger mixed in to it.
You have a good pace that keeps the reader interested while reading.
You have a good gift of words here in your book.
Good work.

Shelby Z./Driving Winds

P.S. When you have time, please take a look at my pirate adventure Driving Winds.

Hi Bill, powerful stuff. You have, like in your other work, a good consistent flow of story telling. On WL for now.

jim

Dear Bill

I have read the best part of your first five chapters and I am wondering why this book is not doing well in the rankings.

It has a compelling plot, excellent characterisations, good pacing, realistic dialogue. There is nothing wrong with it, no typos and nothing I would worry about changing. Let us see if a top rating can change your fortunes. Writing of this quality and consistency is rare and deserves to be recognised.

What is more, you seem to write equally well about and for men and women, which is an unusual talent and reassuring. I sincerely hope we see a rapid upturn in your fortunes here.

All the best

Fran Macilvey, "Trapped"

Dear Bill

I have just finished reading three chapters of "Call Home The Child" which is an engrossing, well drawn and emotional read for me. Something about it just gets to my heart, the realism perhaps, or the undertow of defeatism in a beautiful country. Another fine tale from your pen, which I shall be reading more of when time allows. Well worth rating highly. On my WL.

Fran Macilvey, "Trapped"

Call Home The Child / BILL CARRIGAN


I can't believe in all the times I'd opened Bill's bio page I'd never moved down further than The Doctor of Summitville to see that this wonderful book was there as well.

I'm just going to say it; THIS BOOK COULD WIN THE PULITZER and I couldn't argue that it didn't deserve it. There is nothing to critique, it's perfect in every way!!!!

In a nutshell, this is a powerful story that will reach your inner core.