What do you think?
Rate this book
Sweat, Glamour and Light Sins
The story depicts a project that develops within a gym in California when Rhonda, a fashion designer for plus size ladies, decides to hold a fashion show. The characters that intervene unfold a story of physical effort, grief, overcoming financial dire straits and commitment to body image preservation for the sake of love.
67 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2011
3 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 20, 2013
This is one of those books I approach with a slight anxiousness, because it doens’t belong to any of the genres I usually read… actually, it is a genre I do not like very much… and I was afraid that might throw a shade on my evaluation of the story.
And I was pleasantly surprised.
The story started just as I expected, with a light tone, light situations… in a few words, it seemed to be nothing more than a way to spend a few pleasant hours reading.
As I went on, however, as I got to know Rhonda, Issi, Jack and all the other characters much better, I gradually became aware of the true value and potential of the book, and of the talent Alex Cantòn has as a writer.
For in this 49 pages there are more different layers and there is more depth than I have found in many more ponderous tomes.
What fashinated me… so gradually it took me a little while to become aware of what was happening… was not only the way Alex delved into the personal history and problems of each character, but also the way he explored the human mind using those characters as models through which to exemplify different situations and the way they overcame their difficulties.
From Issi’s (apparently) silly problem of getting rid of an embarassing name, to Jack’s more serious problem of getting involved into something that might mar his reputation and Marcos way of carving a place in life for himself, the reader travels through a microcosm that in a very subtle way prompts some inner evaluation and bring his/her own problems into perspective.
While somewhat original, the style in which the book is written is brilliant too, and perfectly complements the development of the plot.
I have only one question… how it is that Jack Russells have suddendly become so popular? LOL
And I was pleasantly surprised.
The story started just as I expected, with a light tone, light situations… in a few words, it seemed to be nothing more than a way to spend a few pleasant hours reading.
As I went on, however, as I got to know Rhonda, Issi, Jack and all the other characters much better, I gradually became aware of the true value and potential of the book, and of the talent Alex Cantòn has as a writer.
For in this 49 pages there are more different layers and there is more depth than I have found in many more ponderous tomes.
What fashinated me… so gradually it took me a little while to become aware of what was happening… was not only the way Alex delved into the personal history and problems of each character, but also the way he explored the human mind using those characters as models through which to exemplify different situations and the way they overcame their difficulties.
From Issi’s (apparently) silly problem of getting rid of an embarassing name, to Jack’s more serious problem of getting involved into something that might mar his reputation and Marcos way of carving a place in life for himself, the reader travels through a microcosm that in a very subtle way prompts some inner evaluation and bring his/her own problems into perspective.
While somewhat original, the style in which the book is written is brilliant too, and perfectly complements the development of the plot.
I have only one question… how it is that Jack Russells have suddendly become so popular? LOL
October 14, 2012
ABUELO SAVES THE DAY
Sweat, Glamour and Light Sins, by Alex Canton-Dutari, gives us a glimpse into the gym life of a retired therapist (affectionately known as Abuelo, or grandfather). While most dread the gym and "get in and get out", Abuelo utilizes the gym for mental support and quickly realizes that the gym's subculture has changed since he was young. Most notably, people are "...less private about their personal information." As a result of the gym's inner core, Abuelo becomes privy to the personal lives of many of the participants. In turn, he introduces the reader to several colorful characters including Rhonda (a fashion designer and boutique owner catering to "slightly overweight women"), Issi (a beauty pageant hopeful) and Jack (a handsome college student with a few "light sins").
This novella was a slow start for me and I found the setting quite mundane. Despite these hindrances, the author still manages to weave an interesting storyline. Sweat, Glamour and Light Sins is a light-hearted novella that you will find endearing. As much as Abuelo tried to distance himself from the role of therapist, he still found himself acting as an advisor and confidant. It was abundantly clear that he was well-respected in the gym setting and a good listener who gave sound advice when solicited.
Given the ending of the story, I think Abuelo can give himself a huge pat on the back. While his days in an office setting may be over, this grandfather's days of therapy are far from over!
J'son M. Lee, Reviewer
Sweat, Glamour and Light Sins, by Alex Canton-Dutari, gives us a glimpse into the gym life of a retired therapist (affectionately known as Abuelo, or grandfather). While most dread the gym and "get in and get out", Abuelo utilizes the gym for mental support and quickly realizes that the gym's subculture has changed since he was young. Most notably, people are "...less private about their personal information." As a result of the gym's inner core, Abuelo becomes privy to the personal lives of many of the participants. In turn, he introduces the reader to several colorful characters including Rhonda (a fashion designer and boutique owner catering to "slightly overweight women"), Issi (a beauty pageant hopeful) and Jack (a handsome college student with a few "light sins").
This novella was a slow start for me and I found the setting quite mundane. Despite these hindrances, the author still manages to weave an interesting storyline. Sweat, Glamour and Light Sins is a light-hearted novella that you will find endearing. As much as Abuelo tried to distance himself from the role of therapist, he still found himself acting as an advisor and confidant. It was abundantly clear that he was well-respected in the gym setting and a good listener who gave sound advice when solicited.
Given the ending of the story, I think Abuelo can give himself a huge pat on the back. While his days in an office setting may be over, this grandfather's days of therapy are far from over!
J'son M. Lee, Reviewer
May 24, 2012
If you like 'people watching', then a gym is as good a place as any to do it.
In this short story, the astute observer of people is a 'mature' gentleman, known as Abuelo (Grandpa), a well-established attendee who spends much of his time there. This gym is certainly an active one – it not only hosts its usual array of stomach-crunching, peck-enhancing apparatus, but provides a stage for fashion shows and Cirque du Soleil-type displays.
Through Abuelo’s eyes, we meet some fun and entertaining characters, amongst them the exuberant (and plump) Rhonda, the somewhat reticent and well-toned Jack Russell (I wasn’t sure about a character having the same name as the breed of his own dog – but this is just typical of Alex’s sense of humour), and the beautiful Issi. Abuelo’s seniority and wisdom make him the perfect confidant, as well as a thoughtful and careful assessor of character. There is more to each of them than meets the eye and Alex, in his own inimitable style, weaves flamboyance, poignancy, a little pathos, but above all tongue-in-cheek humour into this little tale.
There certainly is plenty of sweat and glamour in this gym. As for the ‘light sins’ (can a sin be light?) - well, you’ll just have to find out for yourselves.
In this short story, the astute observer of people is a 'mature' gentleman, known as Abuelo (Grandpa), a well-established attendee who spends much of his time there. This gym is certainly an active one – it not only hosts its usual array of stomach-crunching, peck-enhancing apparatus, but provides a stage for fashion shows and Cirque du Soleil-type displays.
Through Abuelo’s eyes, we meet some fun and entertaining characters, amongst them the exuberant (and plump) Rhonda, the somewhat reticent and well-toned Jack Russell (I wasn’t sure about a character having the same name as the breed of his own dog – but this is just typical of Alex’s sense of humour), and the beautiful Issi. Abuelo’s seniority and wisdom make him the perfect confidant, as well as a thoughtful and careful assessor of character. There is more to each of them than meets the eye and Alex, in his own inimitable style, weaves flamboyance, poignancy, a little pathos, but above all tongue-in-cheek humour into this little tale.
There certainly is plenty of sweat and glamour in this gym. As for the ‘light sins’ (can a sin be light?) - well, you’ll just have to find out for yourselves.
September 20, 2011
This is a very different novella to anything i have ever read.It is excellently written and very well put together.
Set within a gym in California this story is an insight of life seen through the eyes of a new member, Abuelo ‘the grandfather’, who, along with the exuberant Rhonda, is the main character and narrator.
The novella is light hearted, entertaining and often hilarious with a touch of sexual content which is fitting to the storyline. However , as the plot and characters unfold there is also grit, determination , grief and even nutrition lessons to be found, along with fashion designing, dance, a beauty pageant and much more! This is a short story packed with goodies!
Having read other works from this author i have come to expect hidden messages within his books and even though this novella was more light hearted than his previous books , they were there for the reader to find!
My one criticism is that i sincerely hope this will not be the last we see of these characters as i personally felt we have unfinished business with them. A follow up is required please!
Set within a gym in California this story is an insight of life seen through the eyes of a new member, Abuelo ‘the grandfather’, who, along with the exuberant Rhonda, is the main character and narrator.
The novella is light hearted, entertaining and often hilarious with a touch of sexual content which is fitting to the storyline. However , as the plot and characters unfold there is also grit, determination , grief and even nutrition lessons to be found, along with fashion designing, dance, a beauty pageant and much more! This is a short story packed with goodies!
Having read other works from this author i have come to expect hidden messages within his books and even though this novella was more light hearted than his previous books , they were there for the reader to find!
My one criticism is that i sincerely hope this will not be the last we see of these characters as i personally felt we have unfinished business with them. A follow up is required please!
September 25, 2011
Alex 'Abuelo' Canton once again breaks the partition between genres and shakes the rigid definition of 'fiction'.
This novella, or story, is very refreshing and is a page turner! The plot is light; the characters are sufficiently depicted; the ending is sweet.
Well done! Keep 'em coming!
This novella, or story, is very refreshing and is a page turner! The plot is light; the characters are sufficiently depicted; the ending is sweet.
Well done! Keep 'em coming!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews