Tide and Time: At The Rock

I really like this book, it had a lot of elements and characters I really liked. I really don't read real life stuff if it doesn't have dragons or Zombies smashing about but this story had me hooked. It was a story that completely spell bound me and taught me a few lessons on the difference in peoples lives and not everyone is clearly the same. All I can really say is that this book is beyond UNIQUE it is downright GRAND and EXTRAORDINARY. It really changed my outlook on books from not just reading Fantasy all the time and I cant wait to see this story be on the top rank of Number 1.

On first glance, the subject matter seems at odds with the prerequisites for a good novel, but the author has been very clever in his approach regarding how the work has been constructed and metered out. There is a plethora of interconnected stories and characters which are used to knit together the theme centred around personal development courses. Most people have attended such or similar courses, either privately or through their profession, and the style in which the encounters take place strikes a chord of recognition. There are several chapters left to be written or finalized, but if the same degree of invention is applied to them as in the former chapters, this is become a very good book. Starred highly.

Clive Radford
Doghouse Blues

Tide and Time: At The Rock is a heartwarming and inspirational true-to-life story that should be recommended reading for anyone dealing with troubled young people - or any people for that matter. The author has created an unpretentious roadmap for change, showing how social prejudice for the many can be overcome with the support of a dedicated and compassionate few.
Lenny Banks predicts in his foreword that the reader will identify with the circumstances, hopes and anxieties of the young people portrayed and he is bang on the money. Tide and Time: At The Rock seems a natural choice as an interactive tool for use in personal development courses, in schools, on college campuses, youth detention centres and the like; and a wider readership would benefit from the fundamental insights shared: That a few kind words and simple actions at the right time can have the power to divert a fellow human being from apparently inevitable tragedy; and that you might be surprised at just how many insecurities and affirmations, disappointments and dreams you share with that homeless person or 'hoodie' you crossed the road to avoid.

Hi Lenny i have just read the first four chapters plus chapter ten. It reminded me of when i was on probation and we went to bangor on a character building week it was one of the best weeks of my life even the characters in your story have a lot in common with the people i met at Bangor. I found your book easy to read and even found myself drawn into the activitys as if i was there. when i have room on my shelf i will back your book for now i have starred it highly yours Phil.

Hey I only got through the beginning of your book but I quite enjoyed the concepts.
I love the way you used description, I found it made the novel flow really well.
The character of "Rich" seems to be a very intriguing personality.
I like how you began by introducing all the students, it gets the introductions out of the way and takes out later confusion.
From what I've read, lots of stars. :) (5)
I'd really appreciate if you would give my book a read/rate/comment too.

- Bree

http://www.authonomy.com/books/45811/the-shadow-s-touch/

Hi Lenny
I thoroughly enjoyed 'Tide and Time ; at the Rock. We all imagine what it would be like to be Juan, but to have all the issues these people face described so cleverly, puts it in perspective. Brilliantly written - a compelling read.

The opening chapter sets the stage for the book perfectly. So many young people could use courses like the one Rich offers, and I feel so bad for Juan. He’s been kicked, pushed away, and given so little to build his life with. Maybe we should go back to the days where young people were apprentices in trades, so that when they finish training they’ll be set with a job and a role in society.

I just started to read your book and found it to be fancinating. You build characters along with facts and fiction. I see how it shows both sides of a coin. This book is unique and I hope to get back to read more.
Well done.
Mc
Exposed

At first I felt like I was reading an account from a non-fiction book, then realised that the clear and simple style was actually covering a lot of ground without me realising it. I was soon contentedly reading a story with a very clear idea in my head of the characters and setting. I am no expert, but the subtlety and economy with words makes for very powerful writing.
I have only read the first chapter, but am already curious about the rest. I hope to return. It is a world away from the type of book I have written, but I rate this highly so far.
Matthew

I had to come back for more, the slow burn didn't equate with the books ranking, so following the fifty page rule here I am in chapter four and the story really begins to ramp up, I'm glad I came back, this developing story calls to mind some tales my brother told me from his days counselling in a large town in East Anglia, all true and this book smacks of authenticity - I'm tired and making typo's now - Strange thing Lenny, my brothers name is Rich.

Max

I have read the first few chapters of your work. My brother is in a similar role so I have identified with Rich straight away.
One tiny thing before I begin - third paragraph, two thirds down. 'He now expected to be mugged and was tried' should it be trying?

A challenging subject. Well crafted and realistically portrayed, I have read three chapters and can see the story unfolding as it pushes forwards, I like the way the line near the end of chapter three appears to set new direction, faced with the challenge of keeping them on the course he tells them, 'keep an open mind to everything, because some strange things happen on this course.' Well done.

I wish I had time to read more. If I do, I'll comment further.

Good luck at the desk.

Max

Day after day in the life of some people who want to get their act together, as well as the story of the people who are trying to help. Time and Tide: at the Rock is very compelling. It's a step-by-step look at a program that helps young people who might be headed for trouble without the guidance. The course is organized, the characters are introduced and recruited, and we see just how it works and how it affects them.

I can see why it's so highly rated.

Tony
Kongball

Lenny,

Thanks for inviting me to look at Tide and Time: At the Rock. You've set yourself a challenge, writing a book that falls somewhere between journalism or memoir and fiction. From what I've read, you're off to a good start and definitely have the material to tell an engaging and inspiring story.

Your setting descriptions are very good. I could really see the dingy classroom and rundown street. The story is meant to be positive and uplifting, but you don't shy away from the genuine challenges these young people face, making their successes all the more worthy of celebration.

You might think about the chronology of the early chapters. We begin with the story of Rich meeting Juan, then jump ahead to when Juan is Rich's assistant, then back to the day Rich decided to invite Juan to assist him. It can be effective in this type of story to move around in time like this, but it can also be confusing if there's no clear purpose to the moves. For example, I could see beginning with Juan as an effective assistant, then going back to show how far he'd come, then rejoining the story in progress and going back when necessary to introduce a particular student in the classroom.

Overall the writing is clear and the text is clean. There is occasionally some minor pronoun confusion when two men are in a scene. You frequently connect two or more complete thoughts with commas when they might more effectively stand as sentences on their own. The run-on quality gives it a kind of exhausting breathlessness that doesn't suit the subject matter. One good way to identify natural breaks is to read some aloud (or get someone to read it aloud to you).

I don't suppose you want to change character names too much at this point, but think about rhymes and beginning sounds. In one place, you have Mitch and Rich. Later, you refer to Rich, Ralph and Rob.

I noted a few specific corrections:

Ch 1
Jewellary shop: no need to capitalize "jewelry" in this usage. (I wasn't sure if your spelling was a typo or a regional variant).

. . .and was tried to establish. . . Cut "was"

. . .secured a respectful if only temporary job . . . You want "respectable"

. . .in some cases; sad individuals. . . No semicolon needed; maybe a comma would work.

Ch 2
You tell a lot about the many characters in this scene. Is there a way to show the disagreeable people being disagreeable without overtly saying how they are? This is Rich's judgment based on past experience, so he would have thoughts on the matter, but we're asked to just take his word for it without any evidence.

Ch 3
. . . when he'd recruited, at YESA. No comma needed.

Good luck with the project!

Karen Eisenbrey
CRANE'S WAY
ENDURANCE
TIME SQUARED

Dear Lenny,

"Let's make some history," and all the best to #1.

Good luck.

GK

I have just read these first two chapters. Look forward to reading some more. You have captured the atmosphere and language of the college and bureaucracy really well. The writing flows smoothly carrying the reader along over an account that isn't smooth ...

Ony one negative comment: the brooch that Gillian wears is not spelt properly. I hope you don't mind me mentioning that, it's a very small thing.

Thanks for your message love! I read this and I liked your sense of reality in it. The people were portrayed effectively, and I could relate to them. Wonderful, I hope you reach the editors desk soon!

A well-written story that explores an unfortunate social issue in a sensitive way.

I liked the up-front chapter summary. I should provide something like that with my book "Side Pocket". Like everyone else, my time is limited, and a chapter summary at least gives the reader a notion of where to go and read.

One general editorial remark: Too frequently, there is an ambiguous "he" as the object of a sentence within a paragraph containing two men. I have to pause for a moment to sort out which is the "he". It's like a hiccup.

Hope this helps - - Norma

Unusual subject for a story. The lives of the people on the margins of society are more usually depicted on TV documentaries and in this story, you take a fictionalised look at a grim reality. I have read the first three chapters and so far there is a lot to interest the reader. We are shown how the way society is organised today both marginalises people and ensures they stay on the margins; and how those individuals with the willingness to do something to help are unable to make a difference. It is a self perpetuating system and this is the story to depict this system.

JL (Firebrat)

Lenny
I really like your book and especially the way that you have tackled a number of difficult subjects. You have a good grasp of the psychology involved in repairing seemingly broken people and have skilfully portrayed many varied characters. If I could I would advise you to check and check again as there are some errors (nothing major). Lastly I'm not sure about aiming at a YA audience - I think it could prove a very difficult read for many younger readers.
Overall an excellent book, well written - high stars.
David

Hey,

I read your first two chapters. First of all I thought it was fantastic. You brilliantly painted a dark and gritty picture with the perfect amount of a silver lining. The characters and circumstances are believable and rich, you truly managed to capture the less appealing side of society. Well worth a read and will definitely continue.

Hope you enjoy my book!

Daryl Scott Aitken: Fabled - The War of Antlers

I've read your first 3 chapters, and I do have some ideas for you.
Please keep in mind that this is not my preferred genre, but you asked me to review you, so... there you go!

You have this book categorized under Young Adult. Being a young adult myself, I can hopefully give you a few pointers that will help you refine it for your target audience.

"Greatest Story Never Told"--Lose this tagline. Young adults don't want to be told what to think. Your story has to PROVE this instead of asserting it.
Foreword--I'm sorry to say that the average young adult won't give a crap about your credentials. What they want is a good story that they can relate to. Also, this is a lot of unneeded explanation of what the book will be about that should be in your pitch or in your author bio (in the back) if you put it anywhere. We're going to read the book. The fact that the characters are experiencing tough times should be revealed by the novel itself.
CH.1--You might want to start this from Juan's perspective instead of Rich's. He has more room for character development than Rich does. I was interested to find out more about him, but then the story just flashes forward and we've missed his whole transformation!
CH.2--Rich is too old and portrayed as too goody-two-shoes-perfect to be interesting to a young adult audience. By this I mean... Take a serious look at the ways you describe him. He's attractive, dresses well, and he has a stud in his ear so he's "cool." He "thinks outside the box," he's "strong in character," has "enthusiasm few could match," people "always remembered his ethos," and everyone is jealous of him. In contrast, everyone else is part of the "machine," "manipulative," "false," "stubborn," and their "view of the world is blindered." This makes him seem awfully self-righteous, a wish-fulfillment character more than anything else. I would advise you to be careful about him.
Secondly, so far this is a lot of backstory and board meetings and mundane conversations. I believe the real story will start when Rich walks into the room to begin his new class.

So far I've read 3 chapters, like I said. And nothing has really happened yet. This honestly seems like a story aimed at an older audience, because a young adult unfortunately isn't going to hang on that long waiting!

Hopefully you find this useful in some way. Your writing does flow well and you are clearly passionate about your subject matter.
Hannah S. Denham
The Indigo Forum

Excellent - just what I needed to help me through the day! Will back.

Your story was a nice change of pace for me for what I usually read. The main character was inviting, and the story was developed in a way that the reader wanted to continue on the journey with Rich to see how he would help shape lives. The flow made it easy to read and with a few edits your story should shape up nicely. Overall good work.

Amanda

Hi Lenny,

You have told a heart felt story. At times you abruptly changed pace but I think we are all guilty of that at one point or another. There are a few mild grammar mistakes that an editor will readily help with. Once these few things are tweaked, I believe you stand a wonderful chance of making it to the editor's desk.

Your writing style was warm and honest. At times my heart broke for your characters while reading your story. You have done a wonderful job building them. I will place your book on my shelf and give it high star ranking. Thank you for asking me to read this lovely novel.

A.M. Hunter

Author of The Final Possession and They All Fall Down

Hi Lenny! I read the first chapter and was extremely moved. You write so tenderly about a subject many shy away from But instead of it being a downer, you make the subject matter uplifting by being honest and simple. The character of Rich is compelling, admirable, and fearless as he chooses to reach across society's harsh line to help those less fortunate. Like a few other readers have mentioned, this is not a book that would normally be on my shelf. It is now. And that's where it will stay as reminder to not quicken my steps as I pass that cardboard box - but to slow down. If you have some of the grammar bits buffed up by an editor, it will shine even more.

I usually read thrillers or mystery(fiction), but this story taught me to appreciate the struggles. perils, and adversity of real life. It's tragic and uplifting. I enjoyed reading ch 1-2. I wish you all the best in your pursuit of the editor's desk.- Mark

Lenny,

Ive read the first six chapters and am very impressed with your work. I'm typically drawn to action-packed whodunits so it says a lot about the writing and character development that I'm itching to read further when I have the time. Rich and Juan are well-drawn characters worth pulling for and I look forward to seeing how the class develops. Putting it on my bookshelf, hope you get to the top five!

-Ashley
The Polaris Effect

I must admit when I got your message and after reading the description I was interested by the concept, I'm not normally one to read a book like this but I'm quite glad I did. I'm really not really good at reviews so I will just comment on the things that caught my eye.

You have very firm structure with your writing and its clear and easy to understand which for me is important, though this is easy to understand its not too simple that the description and the dialogue suffers. For me both were perfectly done, as for the story all I can say is wow.

(read chapters one to four) will read more later and will certainly back this.

Fantastic book, really well written and touching on some important issues. The writing style kept me going and the book left me feeling wiser for reading it.

Hi Lenny. An absorbing story. I suppose it’s a yearning as to how other (less fortunate) people live. Well written, good luck. Eric (Fat Fairy). Shelved and backed and rated highly.

It is interesting hearing this from someone who has worked with these youth. You could improve your work with some line editing. For instance, in the 3rd paragraph you use the word "was" unnecessarily, and the first paragraph should be broken into two. You did a good job of capturing the sense of destitution in the room towards the end.

Hi,
Just checked out your manuscript as promised!
This has a lot of potential and captures brilliantly Rich's struggle to help those young adults that, sometimes and usually through no fault of their own, have seen the harsher side of life up close and personal.
It is sobering but also uplifting at the same time.
Keep on writing, you're doing really well.
Nik

Thanks for your comments, an editor is exactly what I need this project started as a reflective process. Not all of us are editorially academic, but I feel I can take credit for the knowledge and the creativity. If I was good at editing, I might take work away from an editor. I am open minded so I will look at the paragraphs as you suggest, sorry it wasn't completely enjoyable, I hope you get a chance to see the finished product.
Kindest Regards
Lenny

I'm thinking some grammar editing might make a difference. Errors stop me from enjoying chapter one. Have you consulted an editor or does that come later in the process, do you think? I'd love to see shortening of paragraphs too...just a suggestion for readablility. Sorry if I sound too much like the English teacher I'm trained to be.

I'm thinking some grammar editing might make a difference. Errors stop me from enjoying chapter one. Have you consulted an editor or does that come later in the process, do you think? I'd love to see shortening of paragraphs too...just a suggestion for readablility. Sorry if I sound too much like the English teacher I'm trained to be.

This is very easy to read and flows well! I havent read much of it yet but ill be back to delve deeper later. Ive had quite a few friends who have been homeless, and been pretty close myself so this does have a rind of familiarity. also I respect your attempt to work outside a popular genre. I have a few projects that dont fit myself. Maybe you could check out my novel, Terrible Lightness, as well.

OK. Found it! I'll take time to read some of your Time and Tide later today...gotta get breakfast first. Take a look at mind: Job Loss: What's Next? So very timely after the sequester junk. Hope a corporation makes it part of its severance package.

Hi Lenny
I've read the opening chapters of both books. I found tide and time an easier read however that isn't to say there is any fault with the second book. The subject matter interests me rest and that makes me want to read on, I would like to read more of tide and time.
Good luck with both books
Ceri

Hi Lenny,

I like "Time and Tide: At The Rock", even though I would normally shy away from reading the real-life novels. Your characters are very well designed and their descriptions are very to-the-point yet detailed - the details make them believable and memorable.

"Being of African decent, she enjoyed dressing in loud ethnic dress that complemented her personality when she was in a good mood."

and

"(...) although Rich suspected she controlled others like puppets in a marionette show."

These two lines in Chapter 2 were pure genius when it comes to creating characters' image, so well done for those.

I feel connected to Rich, too, and I picture the college quite well - it is very well introduced.

Just one minor typo that I found: in Chapter 1 "Laddie, Let battle commence!" - would possibly lose the capital letter?

Overall, I am giving it a high rating and I would recommend it as a good read. Good luck! :)

Hi Lenny - I looked at chapter 14 - Rafting as you suggested.

I could really relate to this as a group of oour children go on a residential once a year. Oh, and those risk assessments, must be a bit of a nightmare with a pregnant youngster.

I liked the way that Gail and Brooke were told they couldn't talk for the first part of the task. Good idea with them being so headstrong. Nice touch when Gail chose Cheryl to be in charge of building the raft.
Switching the designs was brave! I could imagine a mini war breaking out over that one.

"I'm going to remember this forever." said Rob. This sums up what residentials are all about.
With Ross facing his fear of swans and Toby 'finding a voice' at supper to put the others off so he could have seconds, I would summize that it had been a pretty positive day for the group.

A few typos -
"My arms (ARM'S) aching against all this," whimpered Michelle.
"Watch it or your (YOU'RE) next," responded Ross.
'The tug of the rop cause (CAUSED) a bounce of the craft ... '

There is a definite feeling of youngsters working together as part of a team here. I like the way the staff didn't get too involved in the problem-solving and let the groups work out as much as they could for themselves.

Already starred.
Debbie

That's the second time that's happened to me - wrote a nice detailed comment, hit submit and it's totally disappeared.

So in summary:

Loved Ch 1, lot of good descriptive, pulled me in nicely. Felt Ch 2 went off the boil a bit, whilst recognising the need for background.

Still quite a lot of errors that need attention: "was tried to", odd commas and semi-colons where not needed, broach instead of brooch etc..

Think it has great potential as it is so different. Have only had time to read the first two chapters so far but would look forward to coming back and reading some more in the future. Think it deserves to do well, but an edit by a fresh pair of eyes would be useful.

Have so far only managed to read the first two chapters of this. Loved the first chapter, lots of good descriptive, felt I was being pulled into a story I wanted to know more about.

Much has been mentioned about various typos and errors but Ch1 still includes "was tried to" and an unnecessary semi-colon in "in some cases; sad individuals". It would benefit from a thorough editing by fresh eyes to sharpen it up.

For me Chapter Two rather went off the boil a bit. I know background is important but it could perhaps have been dealt with with a little less stilted dialogue and more of the descriptive writing I had so enjoyed in Chapter One.

I think this unusual and highly individual work has great potential, especially because it is so different, and I look forward to popping back and reading some more,, when a few more of the errors have been edited out, such as broach instead of brooch, each group of students are instead of is (group is singular, of course, and one sentence which had me puzzled even though I read it several times: The grubby-footfall footprint on the floor, was not the same as the table layout that presented him. I so nearly know what it means but not quite.

Lenny. Having done a lot of work with students and street kids over the years I enjoyed the insights that you bring to this novel. I read the first six chapters and will read more as time allows. Your character development is good, especially the way you bring out the mistrust, suspicions and wise way Rich empathizes and connects with troubled characters. There is a lot student and youth workers could learn from reading this; not only how to put forward a non-judgmental love that acts, but also how to accept those who get into social work to bolster their own egos. Good luck with it, and God bless.

Not usually interested in these type of books but I like this. You have my backing. :) I can't wait to read more.

Hi Lenny - sorry but so way removed from my own personal life experiences that I simply can't relate. As a result you lost me really early on.
Only constructive suggestions would be to look at punctuation, and I found the speech of the characters somewhat staccato. However - you have written a novel, as opposed to my own collection of short stories, so maybe unfair for me to crit.
Simon Herring
Sorry for that!

Hi Lenny - sorry but so way removed from my own personal life experiences that I simply can't relate. As a result you lost me really early on.
Only constructive suggestions would be to look at punctuation, and I found the speech of the characters somewhat staccato. However - you have written a novel, as opposed to my own collection of short stories, so maybe unfair for me to crit.
Simon Herring
Sorry for that!

Hi Lenny - sorry but so way removed from my own personal life experiences that I simply can't relate. As a result you lost me really early on.
Only constructive suggestions would be to look at punctuation, and I found the speech of the characters somewhat staccato. However - you have written a novel, as opposed to my own collection of short stories, so maybe unfair for me to crit.
Simon Herring
Sorry for that!

Hi Lenny - sorry but so way removed from my own personal life experiences that I simply can't relate. Asa result you lost me really early on.
Only constructive suggestions would be to look at punctuation, and I found the speech of the characters somewhat staccato. However - you have written a novel, as opposed to my own collection of short stories, so maybe unfair for me to crit.
Simon Herring
Sorry for that!

Really great plot. Obviously a lot of forethought went into planning this book out! The reader really gets the sense that multiple story lines are being drawn together in a meaningful, unique way. I'm sure you'll make it into the top 5 soon!

Hi Nigel,
Thanks for your kind words, they are appreciated. It has taken three years to put the story down and nearly a year to polish it with excellent help and advice on here. I know it isn't perfect, so I am hoping an agent or publisher will help me out with the next few steps. Your comments listed my spirits again.
Kindest Regards
Lenny

Anyone who has worked with young people will connect with the story. Reading the first few paragraphs made me instantly think of my own home town. I began to wonder where the book was set, then realised it could be any town or any city. The problems are worldwide and we all need a Rich or Juan to open our eyes.

Anyone who has worked with young people will connect with the story. Reading the first few paragraphs made me instantly think of my own home town. I began to wonder where the book was set, then realised it could be any town or any city. The problems are worldwide and we all need a Rich or Juan to open our eyes.

Lenny,

I was able to read the first chapter.
It's very good, has more of a story feel than a documentary - which is what I hope you intended.

I'm not sure it would be many people's idea of a good read. You would definitley need to be interested, or wanting a pick-me-up from the feel-good style that this has.

Even though we are talking about the most unfortunate of people, there is definitely an up-beat feel to this story.

I found a couple of little things that I felt could be improved, which surprised me for a story that has so many comments.

You wrote "He now expected to be mugged and was tried to establish what his next move should be." There is an extra word, you can lose the 'was' from the middle.

This felt a little clunky: "Rich intuitively knew this young man needed his kind of help; he just needed to find out how he could help." having mentioned that he needed help, you don't need to repeat the phrase at the end. I think "Rich intuitively knew this young man needed his kind of help; he just needed to find out how." would flow a lot better.

When Rich starts telling Juan about the charity and the skills etc he does not mention a course, but Juan's first question is "So, what’s your course about?" This didn't ring true. "So, tell me how!" might be a better response.

Best wishes
Warrick
"Sleeping With God"

Interesting story. Real life is what we live everyday, and we should have more of it. Congratulations Lenny! Will certainly buy a copy when it comes out, or if it is already out :)
Lots of success to you, friend.

Admir

http://authonomy.com/books/50409/light-and-darkness-the-spiritual-dimension-of-near-death-experience-concepts-of-immortality-never-addressed-in-nde-research-/

So far, with chapter one read, I feel this would be something I would add to my own private collection. It tells a story that has always fascinated me. It's a piece I will definitely return to when I have time, so I can offer more thorough feedback.

The story is emotional and heart warming! A group of caring people who want to make a difference in the world.
I am not a real life stories person but I read two chapters. It was touching how the group comes together. I plan on reading more and I will comment each time I do.
I give you high stars!
Tonya

I read the first two chapters and am intrigued by your structure, characters and all that. I shall read more. Keep up the good work.