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Simon Says
Winner! 2013 International Book Awards in category Gay & Lesbian.
Simon, a gay ex-cult member, battles substance abuse in a desperate search for love on the darker avenues of Hollywood
Simon Powell escapes the Unification Church of self-proclaimed messiah, Sun Myung Moon, and becomes a successful Hollywood film distributor. Unable to overcome the emotional turmoil that brought him to Reverend Moon's congregation, Simon's despair leads him down a dark path of drug abuse, plagued by religious hallucinations stemming from his fear that, in betraying his faith, he is doomed to a life of suffering. Seldom reflecting on the causes of his self-loathing, Simon embarks on a string of broken relationships that threatens his mental and physical health, until the appearance of Thad, who brings Simon to the realization that love can provide meaning to his life.
A profound journey of self-discovery and acceptance, Simon Says offers a probing look into the darker reaches of the human psyche and the renewing power of love.
Simon, a gay ex-cult member, battles substance abuse in a desperate search for love on the darker avenues of Hollywood
Simon Powell escapes the Unification Church of self-proclaimed messiah, Sun Myung Moon, and becomes a successful Hollywood film distributor. Unable to overcome the emotional turmoil that brought him to Reverend Moon's congregation, Simon's despair leads him down a dark path of drug abuse, plagued by religious hallucinations stemming from his fear that, in betraying his faith, he is doomed to a life of suffering. Seldom reflecting on the causes of his self-loathing, Simon embarks on a string of broken relationships that threatens his mental and physical health, until the appearance of Thad, who brings Simon to the realization that love can provide meaning to his life.
A profound journey of self-discovery and acceptance, Simon Says offers a probing look into the darker reaches of the human psyche and the renewing power of love.
348 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 2012
About the author
William Poe
6 books50 followersWilliam Poe is the author of the Powell Legacy Series—a quartet of award-winning literary novels exploring identity, belief, addiction, and personal transformation. A former member of the Unification Church, Poe writes with unflinching honesty, drawing from his own life as a gay man who fought for self-acceptance in the face of religious and societal pressures.
He holds degrees in art and anthropology and worked with the Smithsonian Institution before dedicating himself fully to writing and painting. His creative work has appeared in juried exhibitions and galleries across the U.S. He lives with his husband, embracing a life shaped by compassion, truth, and artistic freedom.
He holds degrees in art and anthropology and worked with the Smithsonian Institution before dedicating himself fully to writing and painting. His creative work has appeared in juried exhibitions and galleries across the U.S. He lives with his husband, embracing a life shaped by compassion, truth, and artistic freedom.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 26, 2012
I really enjoyed reading Simon Says, it's more than just another coming of age or coming out story. Simon's story is one that I think a lot of us in the baby boom can identify with as he looks to come to terms with who he is and tries to make a place for himself in the world of LA in the mid-1980's.
Perhaps one reason I found Simon's story to be so engaging is that, like Simon, I too am from the American South and grew up in a small town/rural setting. So I can understand Simon's ambivalence about where he comes from as he reflects on his home town, a place where he never had a true sense of belonging, and his less than fulfilling relationships with his family. The emotional emptiness that can come from such an early life and Simon's resulting quest for love and fulfillment is what I see driving Simon's story. And yet, it's clear that Simon, like all too many of us I fear only poorly understands himself and others.
Having left his family to join Rev. Moon's religious following, the story picks up after Simon has fled the church and is trying to make a life for himself in Calfornia. Though a lucky coincidence he lands a small job with a film distributor that allows him to learn the skills and build the contacts needed for him to start his own distribution business. Through small vignettes and episodes we slowly meet and learn about Simon's social and professional circles. It's not entirely a story for the faint of heart! Simon moves from dealing with film and business professionals to making buys and hanging out with drug dealers, drag queens, and gay hustlers in the seedier side of L.A.'s gay underground. Given his emotional needs and naivety, Simon makes the mistake we all do of often mistaking physical attraction for romantic love. And given the insecurity of his background, he too often is willing to reject people as they start to become too close to him or he ends up using them to further his business interests. And of course sex and drugs are escapes that are all too available in the L.A. scene!
Even though Simon's escapades can often leave you exasperated, this novel always held my interest and I was always looking forward to what the next chapter would bring. I think anyone who has had to make their own way in the world can identify with Simon's emotional quest and the terrible burden of being torn by looking for love and yet also wanting to avoid being hurt by not allowing others to truly know us. One gets to meet a large cast of characters as Simon navigates his way through his many underground haunts and the beautiful California gay scene and film world. My favorite character is Simon's quasi-guardian angel, an obese bar tender, with the hilarious nickname "Twiggy!"
Simon finally comes to understand that he has to leave California and his hedonistic life style if he's ever going to realize his true dream of becoming an artist. That unfolds in the final portion of the story and includes a journey back to Arkansas that's both heart-breaking and affecting, and yet seems to signal Simon's first true awareness of what is required if he is to become a true, emotionally-open, loving adult.
So if you're looking for an interesting read that presents a well-realized and colorful picture of one man's quest to come to terms with himself and his history and find a place for himself in the world, by all means give "Simon Says" a try!
Perhaps one reason I found Simon's story to be so engaging is that, like Simon, I too am from the American South and grew up in a small town/rural setting. So I can understand Simon's ambivalence about where he comes from as he reflects on his home town, a place where he never had a true sense of belonging, and his less than fulfilling relationships with his family. The emotional emptiness that can come from such an early life and Simon's resulting quest for love and fulfillment is what I see driving Simon's story. And yet, it's clear that Simon, like all too many of us I fear only poorly understands himself and others.
Having left his family to join Rev. Moon's religious following, the story picks up after Simon has fled the church and is trying to make a life for himself in Calfornia. Though a lucky coincidence he lands a small job with a film distributor that allows him to learn the skills and build the contacts needed for him to start his own distribution business. Through small vignettes and episodes we slowly meet and learn about Simon's social and professional circles. It's not entirely a story for the faint of heart! Simon moves from dealing with film and business professionals to making buys and hanging out with drug dealers, drag queens, and gay hustlers in the seedier side of L.A.'s gay underground. Given his emotional needs and naivety, Simon makes the mistake we all do of often mistaking physical attraction for romantic love. And given the insecurity of his background, he too often is willing to reject people as they start to become too close to him or he ends up using them to further his business interests. And of course sex and drugs are escapes that are all too available in the L.A. scene!
Even though Simon's escapades can often leave you exasperated, this novel always held my interest and I was always looking forward to what the next chapter would bring. I think anyone who has had to make their own way in the world can identify with Simon's emotional quest and the terrible burden of being torn by looking for love and yet also wanting to avoid being hurt by not allowing others to truly know us. One gets to meet a large cast of characters as Simon navigates his way through his many underground haunts and the beautiful California gay scene and film world. My favorite character is Simon's quasi-guardian angel, an obese bar tender, with the hilarious nickname "Twiggy!"
Simon finally comes to understand that he has to leave California and his hedonistic life style if he's ever going to realize his true dream of becoming an artist. That unfolds in the final portion of the story and includes a journey back to Arkansas that's both heart-breaking and affecting, and yet seems to signal Simon's first true awareness of what is required if he is to become a true, emotionally-open, loving adult.
So if you're looking for an interesting read that presents a well-realized and colorful picture of one man's quest to come to terms with himself and his history and find a place for himself in the world, by all means give "Simon Says" a try!
September 8, 2012
I am halfway through Simon Says. It's an interesting portrait of life in the 80s. I love to read during my lunch break at work. Before I know it, my lunch is over and I have to put the book down. Can't wait to see what happens to Simon next! Each chapter leaves me wanting to know more about him! Very entertaining page turner! May have to bring this book back home so I can finish it sooner!
9/08/2012. I finished the book. Wow. Poor Simon had big troubles. And poor friend choices. I guess that's what happens when drugs control your life. But it sure made for an interesting story. I was thoroughly captivated by this life-on-the-wild-side book! Good job, William! Now bring on the rest.
9/08/2012. I finished the book. Wow. Poor Simon had big troubles. And poor friend choices. I guess that's what happens when drugs control your life. But it sure made for an interesting story. I was thoroughly captivated by this life-on-the-wild-side book! Good job, William! Now bring on the rest.
September 8, 2012
I noticed this today at Midwest Book Review
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/rbw/...
Simon Says
William Poe
Privately Published
9780615559575, $14.95, www.amazon.com
For many young gay individuals, trying to understand life's destiny is often quite difficult. "Simon Says" tells the chronicle of Simon Powell, escaping the damnation of eternal hellfire his church has put upon him, and trying to face his family as well as being dragged into the world of hustling, drugs, and illicit sex, all while trying to find something that makes life matter. A coming of age story of finding what really matters, "Simon Says" is a choice read, not to be overlooked.
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/rbw/...
Simon Says
William Poe
Privately Published
9780615559575, $14.95, www.amazon.com
For many young gay individuals, trying to understand life's destiny is often quite difficult. "Simon Says" tells the chronicle of Simon Powell, escaping the damnation of eternal hellfire his church has put upon him, and trying to face his family as well as being dragged into the world of hustling, drugs, and illicit sex, all while trying to find something that makes life matter. A coming of age story of finding what really matters, "Simon Says" is a choice read, not to be overlooked.
December 22, 2021
“Destroy the old life and build a new one on the remains"
Author/artist William Poe earned his degree in art from the University of Arkansas and his degree in anthropology from the University of Nebraska and worked at the National Museum of American Indian. The poignancy of his poetry and novels is directly related to his own history he shares in his biographical note – ‘He grew up in the American heartland and joined the Unification Church of Reverend Sun Myung Moon at eighteen. He stayed there for nearly ten years, all the while struggling to reconcile his identity as a gay man with Moon's teachings. Poe eventually left the group and pushed back against the ideology he'd at first embraced and then rejected. After recovering from drug addiction, Poe began to find peace and understanding in his art.’
This excellent book is the initial volume of Poe’s SIMON series – SIMON SAYS, SIMPLE SIMON, and SIMON’S MANSION. William’s facility with language reflects his poetic sense as he shares these ‘autobiographical’ influences, sculpted into a novel – a story that rates very high in the LGBT genre as well as in the fine contemporary author arena. From the opening paragraphs of this novel the essence of the main character is revealed – ‘After ten years on a spiritual journey, I was again living in the same old house in Sibley, Arkansas, where I grew up. As I lay on the familiar four-poster bed one afternoon, I recalled the time my childhood friend, Ernie, and I were caught fooling around during a sleepover. My mother told us that if we didn’t behave ourselves, we would grow up to be homicidal. Even then, we knew the correct word was homosexual, but the situation was no longer a laughing matter. Mother’s eyes told us we were sinners. Our bodies told us a different story.’ Few writers have equaled Poe’s distillation of gender identity as well as this brief opening.
The story proceeds as follows – ‘Simon Powell escapes the Unification Church of self-proclaimed messiah, Sun Myung Moon, and becomes a successful Hollywood film distributor. Unable to overcome the emotional turmoil that brought him to Reverend Moon's congregation, Simon's despair leads him down a dark path of drug abuse, plagued by religious hallucinations stemming from his fear that, in betraying his faith, he is doomed to a life of suffering. Seldom reflecting on the causes of his self-loathing, Simon embarks on a string of broken relationships that threatens his mental and physical health, until the appearance of Thad, who brings Simon to the realization that love can provide meaning to his life.’
Tender, incisive, and altogether memorable, this is a very fine book that explores that journey through gender identification and the stumbling blocks – and rewards – that accompany it. Very highly recommended.
Author/artist William Poe earned his degree in art from the University of Arkansas and his degree in anthropology from the University of Nebraska and worked at the National Museum of American Indian. The poignancy of his poetry and novels is directly related to his own history he shares in his biographical note – ‘He grew up in the American heartland and joined the Unification Church of Reverend Sun Myung Moon at eighteen. He stayed there for nearly ten years, all the while struggling to reconcile his identity as a gay man with Moon's teachings. Poe eventually left the group and pushed back against the ideology he'd at first embraced and then rejected. After recovering from drug addiction, Poe began to find peace and understanding in his art.’
This excellent book is the initial volume of Poe’s SIMON series – SIMON SAYS, SIMPLE SIMON, and SIMON’S MANSION. William’s facility with language reflects his poetic sense as he shares these ‘autobiographical’ influences, sculpted into a novel – a story that rates very high in the LGBT genre as well as in the fine contemporary author arena. From the opening paragraphs of this novel the essence of the main character is revealed – ‘After ten years on a spiritual journey, I was again living in the same old house in Sibley, Arkansas, where I grew up. As I lay on the familiar four-poster bed one afternoon, I recalled the time my childhood friend, Ernie, and I were caught fooling around during a sleepover. My mother told us that if we didn’t behave ourselves, we would grow up to be homicidal. Even then, we knew the correct word was homosexual, but the situation was no longer a laughing matter. Mother’s eyes told us we were sinners. Our bodies told us a different story.’ Few writers have equaled Poe’s distillation of gender identity as well as this brief opening.
The story proceeds as follows – ‘Simon Powell escapes the Unification Church of self-proclaimed messiah, Sun Myung Moon, and becomes a successful Hollywood film distributor. Unable to overcome the emotional turmoil that brought him to Reverend Moon's congregation, Simon's despair leads him down a dark path of drug abuse, plagued by religious hallucinations stemming from his fear that, in betraying his faith, he is doomed to a life of suffering. Seldom reflecting on the causes of his self-loathing, Simon embarks on a string of broken relationships that threatens his mental and physical health, until the appearance of Thad, who brings Simon to the realization that love can provide meaning to his life.’
Tender, incisive, and altogether memorable, this is a very fine book that explores that journey through gender identification and the stumbling blocks – and rewards – that accompany it. Very highly recommended.
November 4, 2012
I guess it was a stretch for a straight girl to read this book in the first place. From a pure literary stand point, it was good. It had good writing and a decent story line. I never felt as if there was any rising action to a climax, but read more like a real person's diary with normal everyday trials and tribulations, not a Hollywood screenplay where you're waiting for the two star-crossed lovers to come together or the bomb to be detonated. I can't say I would recommend this book to anyone, but I can see it as a trash romance novel (like you get at the grocery store) for homosexual men. Not a bad book, just not something I would read again.
December 23, 2021
Simon Says (LGBT Series Book 1) by William Poe takes us into the world of Simon Powell and lets us experience the adventure and turmoil the character faces as he tries to come to terms with who he is and where he fits into the world. Simon is a gay man who escapes from a religious cult knows as the Unification Church. Upon leaving he can begin to embrace who he is and stop hiding behind the life that the Church gave to him. As he gets older, he starts a successful career in film distribution, but this leads him to embrace the dark side of Hollywood and soon he is doing drugs. The drugs fuel hallucinations that make him question his sexuality and his fate. It will take meeting an amazing person to get Simon to realize his true value as a person.
This book does a fantastic job of setting up the characters for a series. I think there are lots of people who are going through harsh treatment by friends, family, or society because of who they are and the life they want to live. Books like these can help show them that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and there is value in what they are doing. The characters are relatable and the narrative moves at a steady pace.
This book does a fantastic job of setting up the characters for a series. I think there are lots of people who are going through harsh treatment by friends, family, or society because of who they are and the life they want to live. Books like these can help show them that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and there is value in what they are doing. The characters are relatable and the narrative moves at a steady pace.
December 27, 2021
The book revolves around Simon, a gay, who is afraid to disclose his identity to his parents, who in his opinion are his world, but wont be able to bear the truth of their son's sexual orientation. It puts him into a lifelong self struggle. He tries to seek refuge in religion and even marries a sweet Japanese girl, and later drowns himself in drugs. To make matter worse, whomever he connects with are having their own struggles and either end up in grave or shun him in the name of religion. Yet, one man's love change the whole thing and bring the happiness that every individual deserves.
The book highlights the struggles and pains suffered by a homosexual person and demands empathy from the readers.
The book highlights the struggles and pains suffered by a homosexual person and demands empathy from the readers.
January 6, 2022
Intense and sometimes tough to read, Simon Says is a novel about a gay man that, in essence, battles with his identity and tries to reconcile the life he created for himself with the man he developed to be. The story itself is not terribly original, it has familiar checkpoints throughout; the struggle, the fall, hitting rock bottom, twist, getting back up, rebuilding... But, it is told remarkably well, with fleshed-out characters, believable emotions, and good writing. It is sometimes darker and grittier than I expected, but that was very welcomed and shook things up a bit where it seems like the book is cruising in neutral. Loved the ending too, it gives a lot of potential for the next installments in the series. Absolutely recommended, check it out.
January 14, 2022
Fiction, thrill, and suspense give birth to the incredible book: Simon Says (LGBT Collection Book 1). Written by William Poe, Simon Says is a rollercoaster ride that takes readers into the life of Simon Powell and allows them to witness his journey and chaos. Simon is a homosexual who runs away from a spiritual group and starts to accept who he really is.
But, it is not as easy as it sounds. As he grows older, he develops a profitable profession in movie distribution. However, this causes him to adopt Hollywood's evil side, and the adventure begins. Poe has done an outstanding job while penning Simon Says. Highly recommended!
But, it is not as easy as it sounds. As he grows older, he develops a profitable profession in movie distribution. However, this causes him to adopt Hollywood's evil side, and the adventure begins. Poe has done an outstanding job while penning Simon Says. Highly recommended!
December 29, 2021
Simon is a troubled man who has a dark past. This is the first of a series of books that chronicle his journey of self-discovery. Showcasing his ups and especially his downs, his flirting with many types of drugs and his self-destructive behavior, as he attempts to deal with his emotional trauma from his years with the Unification Church.
This was a deep book; it is not lighthearted as it shouldn’t be. The topic of self-identity and the issues this can cause you is handled very well. I highly recommend getting all three books in this series.
This was a deep book; it is not lighthearted as it shouldn’t be. The topic of self-identity and the issues this can cause you is handled very well. I highly recommend getting all three books in this series.
January 14, 2022
Simon says is a coming-of-age story about Simon Powell an ex cut member who is battling substance abuse. He becomes a successful Hollywood film distributor but still struggles with the all too familiar sought for love and self-redemption. The premise discusses mental health, abuse, religious hallucinations, and the struggles of Simon finding himself. The story is filled with scenes that are enjoyable to read and keep you intrigued. I understand that being accepted is hard especially when you feel so differently than others, I recommend this book to gay fiction readers.
February 19, 2013
GOOD BOOK
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews