Joe: A personal friend of mine who occasionally uses the sight to read (she's not an author) recommended your book to me. After reading three chapters, the adjectives I would use to critique it would be: engaging, unassuming, endearing, honest, funny, heartfelt. It doesn't try to be more than it is (which I fear my book does). It is a story that draws the reader in. We probably have the prose style to blame for that - LOL. The character development of spud is excellent. He quickly becomes a fascinating and complex figure. The first taxi story in India is telling and highly amusing. The shtick about Spud: fat - bald - crazy is hysterical, and again telling. I used that word twice (telling) because the reader gets a view into the DNA of Indian society, not just a great read. This adds to the value of the book, for me. I almost forgot, "Then, he ran into a sacred cow." - really funny.
I'm not sure if it's the best work I've seen on the site (I joined in September, but only uploaded my book in mid October), having read only three chapters, but it's certainly among the top two or three - it may yet turn out on top! I will say this; it's the most publishable. It will appeal to almost everyone. Great job. Be well.
Bob view book

This is a work of depth in terms of both the psychological and the plotline. The fecund mind of the protaganist as well as her psychological longings are palpable. The historical perspective is on target, successfully capturing the flavor of the era. I haven't used these superlatives often in my assessments of other books, but this ain't chicklit. This is the real deal - literature in name and essence! view book

Kaychristina: I chanced across your book scrolling the site. As I've always had an interest in Native American history, I decided to check it out.
The prose indicate a strong command of the language in terms of vocabulary and sentence structure. The flavor of the period (late 19th century American southwest) is captured wonderfully. The protaganist, Annacara, is highly empathetic and complex. Her attraction to the new officer in chapter one is juxtaposed well with her unsaid feeling that any relationship with him is only the stuff of fantasy. It is also indicative of her daring nature. Her desire to play piano gives us a glimpse into her aching soul and can be seen as either a means of escape from her most unpleasant reality, or a desire to expand her horizons and seek new experience and knowledge. These desires, in turn, could foreshadow future behavior not common among Apache women in the years following the final surrender of Geronimo in 1886.
This is one of the very best reads I've found since I've been on Authonomy. Six stars based on the opening. I'm also watchlisting it for now, as my bookshelf is full. But I'm sure it will end up on my shelf. Will return soon. Be well.
Bob
This is great stuff imbued with the view book

I've only just started the book, but was intrigued by the the name of the former ruthless African dictator, Bokassa, in the title. The innocent mistake the protaganist makes which leads to a series of events that leave Everton traumatised are easy to relate to. We've all done stupid things that we had to pay for later on. This makes it easy for the reader to empathise with him. My curiosity is piqued to find out the connection between Bokassa and the events in the alley way. The writing is clear and the book seems to flow naturally. I'm giving it high stars now and watchlisting it as my shelf is full at the moment. Great job.
Bob view book

One Wrong Turn is a riviting read. From the start Delaney draws us in to a story that is harrowing. For me, the fact that a series of events such as those depicted in the opening pages could easily happen in the real world makes the book all the more fascinating. The writing style is taut and tough which perfectly fits the genre in general and this book in particular. I found mysely empathising with the protaganist and his visceral emotions as events veer wildly out of control. Phil is caught in a whirlwind of horror that leaves the reader speechless. I'm giving this six stars now, based on the opening. I'm also watchlisting it, as my bookshelf is full at the moment. When there's room, I'll shelve it. Great job! view book

Diana: The sensitive and tender prose perfectly fit the mood of the story and the characters. The dialogue between the grandfather and grandson is both moving and poignant. The older man is able to answer the difficult questions asked of him by the young lad. Though not educated, he has become wise with age, realizing the complexity of issues and successfully distilling said complexity to the boy in a way he can understand. He is giving the boy a most valuable lesson: Issues, such as the ones discussed, are usually complex - and simple answers would do the boy no favors. Being a history buff, I like the fact that a good deal of Spanish history is being weaved into the narrative. I love the hook at the end of chapter one - last sentence. Great Job. I'll star it now, and when I can, I'll add it to my bookshelf.
Bob view book

Charles: Your book is intriguing from the begining. The writing style fits the genre perfectly. The reader's attention is piqued early through the opening scenes and dialogue. I've only read the begining as I was called out of town recently concerning a family matter. I am anxious to read on - I was captivated. Backed with pleasure and six stars, so far. Be well.
Bob view book

Jack: This is a very strong work. The prose are a perfect fit for the excitement in the prologue. At the same time, your writing is gracefull and elegant. The suspense builds quickly, and the reader feels both Jack's pain and his dedication to the task at hand. Nice hook at the end of the prologue. The promise of weaving some archeology into the plot offers the possibility teaching us something, as well. Watchlisted. I'm giving it high stars.
Bob - Operation Phoenix. view book

Joshua: I'll say at the outset that this not a genre I normally read. That's why I was surprised to find myself thoroughly enjoying it. I found The Withering to be a highly compelling and imaginative work. The prose are clear and crisp without being dry. There is emotion, sadness, and most importantly, mystery. As a bonus, the proofreading is just about perfect. This is interesting stuff which has succeded in piquing my interest in a serious way. What a delight! Watchlisted with six stars coming as soon as I finish this comment.
Bob view book

Phil: I was anxious to finish the chapter. So far, the pace is perfect. The end of the chapter is an excellent hook.
"Why?" "These are the men that killed your father." Uh oh, I've got a strange feeling that this may not go down too well with our sweet, innocent, naive, and angerless hero. It's going to hit the fan. Let's see if he is as smart as he is tough, or will the speed screw up his head, and put him on the losing end.
Bob view book

Phil: I wanted my comments public, and I think I put them in the wrong place. This is an example of great writing . The prose and semi stream of consciousness style (I'm not sure how else to define it) perfectly depicts the protagonist's character and lifestyle. It shows us his mindset and the dark underbelly of the world he lives in. He is eminently believable as a character type. One can taste and smell the atmosphere. It's a style of writing that may not appeal to some due to the graphic language and griity masculine writing. But, those who cannot initially relate to it would do themselves a huge favor by opening their minds to writing styles outside of the mainstream. I believe every writer should learn to appreciate styles other than their own and the classic types. This is an example of pure excellence that people shouldn't cheat themselves out of appreciating. The protaganist is drawn to perfection. I'm avidly looking forward to getting back to it. Consider this a rave review. When My shelf opens, you're second up. I already promised the next spot to someone, and I don't like breaking my word. In the meantime, 6 stars and watchlisted. Be well
Bob view book

Stark: This is anexcellent book in every way. The prose are superior. The plot and characters are sophisticated, and the story moves along at a great clip. I believe this is headed for publication - 6 stars. All that, plus the book is a noble effort for obvious reasons - allowing us an insight into the horrors of Katrina. I'm looking forward to continue my reading.
Bob view book

Stark: This is anexcellent book in every way. The prose are superior. The plot and characters are sophisticated, and the story moves along at a great clip. I believe this is headed for publication - 6 stars. All that, plus the book is a noble effort for obvious reasons - allowing us an insight into the horrors of Katrina. I'm looking forward to continue my reading.
Bob view book

Dane: I'm sorry abt. puttung my earlier comments in the wrong section. Unlike you, I'm easily confused navigating the site. I'm primitive in this regard. I hope this is the right section. If not, please advise. I want to do the right thing. I can't figure out the difference between the 2 sections. Anyway, chapter 2:
Your greatest asset is your all-imprtant ability to express the raw feelings of the characters. This is drawn very very well. I say this is crucial because the more I can feel them, the more empathy I have. This, in turn, increases my desire to discover what will happen to these people I care for.
Some grammatical and syntax stuff:
1. "...I say good humored." Rather," I say with good humor," or "I say in a humorful way (manner.).
2. "What I can't tell." You need a comma here or the meaning is completely different than what you are aiming for. Should read, "What, I can't tell.
3. I think better is, 'the only emotion I feel..."
4. "My parents, however, are an entirely different story." This is kind of reititious. You said a moment earlier that dad never refused a hug from me. I'm not sure abt. this, but.....
5. I was confused when the boy kicks out toward dad. You seem to be calling the kick, a punch - as we know they are different. Anyway, I had to re-read those lines to seek clarity.
6.".... a three year old - he must be me." I'm not a reader of the young adult genre, so I could be off here. To me, it was painfully obvious (and I mean painfully in the positive sense that I truly felt his pain) that we are talking about the protaganist. I don't think "he must be me" is worthy. But, again these are young folks, and maybe things need to be spelled out very cleary.
6. "Ignoring Mode" why capital letters?
That's it for now. And thanks again for your comments. Welcome to my bookshelf. Be well.
Bob view book

Mike: I stumbled across your book, quite by accident. I saw we had much in common. I, too grew up in queens, N.Y. My father also is a WW2 vet. He too is a high school guy educated way beyond his formal education.
I think you're a natural writer. Your references to the psychological resonate with me. I taught psychology in CUNY years ago.
I read your synopsis and first chapter. I must say, I became rivited by the prose and the hard-core emotions. Emotions might be the most difficult thing for a writer to successfully express. Oh hell. Let me just say it. You've been through it all right - something unimaginably painful. As I read , I felt a tear well up in my eye. This type of thing usually does NOT happen to me. You express it all with a kind of low key dignity that cuts deep. That's what I guess good literature should do. I didn't feel clobbered. I felt touched.
I'll put it on my watchlist for now. My bookshelf is full at the moment, but I know for sure it's ending up there. I'm rating it 6 stars now, even though I've only scratched the surface. I can always downgrade it later - just kidding. I'm looking forward to delving deeper. Be well.
Bob view book

Brian: Finished the first chapter of Mute - but only have time to comment on part of it now.
To begin with, the cover is excellent. It grabbed me. In the synopsis you say that what she witnessed rendered her mute. I have a background in psychology (used to teach it) and this reaction to trama is referred to by Freudian shrinks as a "hysterical reaction." I like it.
I truly like your writing style - the country dialect seems real, the sentences and dialogue are strong, and I think your sense of wit and description are impressive.
ex. "He guarded the animals like a stubborn child hoarding candy bars."
"Nut huggin khakis"
"might have been a seizure. No such luck."
"Wouldn't bet on nature doing shit."
" He had company all right."
"living limbs didn't look like that."
"ass must have been mighty sweet when it had blood running through it." That's my Kane.
I realize I didn't speak of plot yet - but I'll get to it. I've reviewed a half dozen other openings on authonomy in my short time here. This is the best writing I've seen. No shit. Also, it's carefully proofread (shows attention to detail). Very strong, so far! I don't throw compliments around easily. I prefer honesty - but this is f-ing good.
These are very cool lines AND they give clear insights into the protaganist's psyche and personality.
A personality that I like. That's all for now. Be well
Bob view book

David: Came across your book scrollong for historical fiction. I've looked at it briefly, and I'm liking the plot and the writing. I'm a bit of a Churchil buff - not to mention the great one liners he coined. I'll try to get into it a bit more over the weekend. Backed with pleasure.
Bob view book

Alan: It appears our books have something in common (Mossad.) Are you still active on the site?
Thanks, Bob view book

Avraham, it appears our books have something in common (Mossad). Are you still around the site?
Bob view book

Hey Bob, though I've only been able to read your pitches, I think this would make a great movie. Who knows maybe a producer or director will happen to check out authonomy. I will have a look at it once it comes back up. If by chance you get time, I would like for you to check out my bk. Words God Gave Me. Though we have different writing tastes, maybe it will say something to you. It's true life mixed with poetry.
Monica Pride

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