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The Man With the Green Suitcase
What does...
A prostitute,
A corrupt businessman,and
A disfigured young woman
Have in common with a mysterious, old homeless man who carries a green suitcase?
The old man comes into people’s lives because it is important for them to experience the visions that he is somehow able to show them—visions that even he doesn’t understand. But whoever he connects with will go through a transformation that will change the course of their life, for better or worse. The old man has no memory of who he is or even what the suitcase holds. But one day he will find out all about his own secret and dark past…
This story is magical realism, realistic with paranormal elements, a mystery that needs to be solved, and a man and woman who will finally realize that they were meant to come into each other’s lives and remain forever.
A prostitute,
A corrupt businessman,and
A disfigured young woman
Have in common with a mysterious, old homeless man who carries a green suitcase?
The old man comes into people’s lives because it is important for them to experience the visions that he is somehow able to show them—visions that even he doesn’t understand. But whoever he connects with will go through a transformation that will change the course of their life, for better or worse. The old man has no memory of who he is or even what the suitcase holds. But one day he will find out all about his own secret and dark past…
This story is magical realism, realistic with paranormal elements, a mystery that needs to be solved, and a man and woman who will finally realize that they were meant to come into each other’s lives and remain forever.
328 pages, Paperback and Kindle
First published July 30, 2012
80 people want to read
About the author
Dee Doanes
3 books35 followersDee Doanes is the author of The Man With the Green Suitcase, her first fiction novel.
She has previously published short stories and poetry. She has a deep passion for writing and has been writing since the age of five.
Doanes has a background in copywriting, communications, and social media.
She’s active in several charities and conducts a youth poetry workshop for the Atlanta Writers Club Youth Writing Camp, and is the former co-chair of the Writing in the Schools Program for Georgia Writers.
Doanes lives in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys spending time with her daughter and parents. Doanes’ mother encouraged her to read and to be creative while growing up. In her spare time she enjoys attending writing events and workshops, fitness training, collecting art, world travel, and gourmet cooking.
She has previously published short stories and poetry. She has a deep passion for writing and has been writing since the age of five.
Doanes has a background in copywriting, communications, and social media.
She’s active in several charities and conducts a youth poetry workshop for the Atlanta Writers Club Youth Writing Camp, and is the former co-chair of the Writing in the Schools Program for Georgia Writers.
Doanes lives in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys spending time with her daughter and parents. Doanes’ mother encouraged her to read and to be creative while growing up. In her spare time she enjoys attending writing events and workshops, fitness training, collecting art, world travel, and gourmet cooking.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 24, 2013
What is in that suitcase? Why will he risk everything to keep it safe?
Curiosity killed the cat, now read on to find out why.
The bum had not only been dumpster diving in the alley, he was also taking a dump. While he was squat down, he found a diamond wedding ring, a cell phone and some cold, hard cash. He had picked it up and put it in his battered green suitcase, but when he spotted the cops he quickly pulled it out, dropped it and ran to the Open Door Community House. He went inside and immediately headed to the corner. He wanted only to be left alone, to be invisible. Eddie came over to sit with him. If he had a friend, it would be Eddie.
The Z Brothers came in complaining about someone stealing their stash. They had broken into a house, killed someone and hid the stuff. It was the stuff the old man found.
Lee saw he was nervous, but when she touched him, his skin looked like it was bubbling and worms were crawling underneath it. He told her it would be okay, to go ahead and touch his face. Then she would find out what she needed to know. Afterwards a peacefulness she hadn't felt in a long time, washed over her.
Gerald drove around, picking up the rent checks from the lessees. Life had been good to him. Then he runs into the old woman. She accuses him of being the cause of her husband's death and tells him, he'll get his and soon. When Tony, his new partner. says the same thing, almost word for word he can't help but notice.
The nightmare woke him up. He knew he never should have done the deal with Tony. It was blood money. It had felt wrong when they made the deal and he should have paid attention to his gut talking to him.
Gerald drove by the Open Door and felt compelled to turn around and go back. He had no idea why. Before he knew what he was doing, not only did he donate money, he volunteered to work there.
For some reason, listening to Lee describe the house and the residents, Gerald finds himself actually enjoying listening to her. Then he spots the man with the green suitcase. Lee notices the man with the suitcase looking intently at Gerald and is surprised, because he usually tries very hard not to be noticed.
Valerie's life wasn't going the way she had planned. When she came to town, she had dreams, but they were short-lived. Now she was a hooker and she hated it. She had had it with her night job and decided to drive around and look for hiring signs. She stopped when she came to the Open Door and, on impulse, went in to volunteer. She met Gerald, as Lee shows her around.
Gerald ran into the man with the green suitcase and chased him down. He just wanted to talk to him. They both touched the bush at the same time and he had a vision. The old man ran off before Gerald could ask him what it meant.
Back in the Open Door, Gerald ran into Valeria again and asked her out. Over time, they began to feel they may have a future together. They both had the same thoughts running through their heads. They needed to fess up and disclose their secrets or it could ruin the relationship they had been building.
Tony served Gerald with a $15,000,000 lawsuit. He thought there was no way Tony could use the dirt he had on Gerald because he was so dirty himself, but if he did, Valerie would learn his secret. What would she do then?
Gerald was determined to question the man with the green suitcase. He finds out that he has no memory of anything. He doesn't know who he is or how he came to be here. Gerald thinks he and the man have some kind of connection, because he is now having visions even if he isn't near him. The old man is concerned about Gerald. He decides to leave town and buys a bus ticket with the last of his money. He promptly loses it.
Will Lee's vision come true? Will Gerald and Valerie be able to get past their secrets? What will happen when they do fess up? And what about the man with the green suitcase? Who is he? What's in the suitcase?
4 STARS - Would Highly Recommend To Others
The cover is eerie and has a sense of mystery about it. The title is self-explanatory.
You may find yourself losing track of time because the book is well written, easy to read and you will want to know - what is in the suitcase.
This story is about people and their daily lives. It tells about the trials and tribulations of them just trying to get through life with a little bit of peace and happiness. They learn they can't run from the past, but they can change the future. That by giving, they receive so much more than they gave.
It's funny how it can be such a small world. How people's lives can be connected, without them even being aware of it.
Some of the characters start out being pretty bad. Selfish, self-centered, corrupt, petty, pretty much everything you don't want to be. The others just appear to be lost. By making one decision, their lives become so much worse than they had ever anticipated. They redeem themselves as they ride the roller coaster of life and end up helping each other become a better person.
Does it prove the rule, what goes around comes around? Do unto others?
Maybe all those sayings are true. Things happen for a reason. Are we just here and our lives already planned, we just act it out? Is the play written and we are the cast, acting our parts until the story is told? Are somethings meant to stay a mystery?
As I read the story, so many clichés ran through my head, I knew I had to use them. I wanted you to get the same feeling I did as I read the book.
The ending had me laughing, even though it was pretty dark and drear. It was a fit ending and lives up to the cliché: Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.
I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Curiosity killed the cat, now read on to find out why.
The bum had not only been dumpster diving in the alley, he was also taking a dump. While he was squat down, he found a diamond wedding ring, a cell phone and some cold, hard cash. He had picked it up and put it in his battered green suitcase, but when he spotted the cops he quickly pulled it out, dropped it and ran to the Open Door Community House. He went inside and immediately headed to the corner. He wanted only to be left alone, to be invisible. Eddie came over to sit with him. If he had a friend, it would be Eddie.
The Z Brothers came in complaining about someone stealing their stash. They had broken into a house, killed someone and hid the stuff. It was the stuff the old man found.
Lee saw he was nervous, but when she touched him, his skin looked like it was bubbling and worms were crawling underneath it. He told her it would be okay, to go ahead and touch his face. Then she would find out what she needed to know. Afterwards a peacefulness she hadn't felt in a long time, washed over her.
Gerald drove around, picking up the rent checks from the lessees. Life had been good to him. Then he runs into the old woman. She accuses him of being the cause of her husband's death and tells him, he'll get his and soon. When Tony, his new partner. says the same thing, almost word for word he can't help but notice.
The nightmare woke him up. He knew he never should have done the deal with Tony. It was blood money. It had felt wrong when they made the deal and he should have paid attention to his gut talking to him.
Gerald drove by the Open Door and felt compelled to turn around and go back. He had no idea why. Before he knew what he was doing, not only did he donate money, he volunteered to work there.
For some reason, listening to Lee describe the house and the residents, Gerald finds himself actually enjoying listening to her. Then he spots the man with the green suitcase. Lee notices the man with the suitcase looking intently at Gerald and is surprised, because he usually tries very hard not to be noticed.
Valerie's life wasn't going the way she had planned. When she came to town, she had dreams, but they were short-lived. Now she was a hooker and she hated it. She had had it with her night job and decided to drive around and look for hiring signs. She stopped when she came to the Open Door and, on impulse, went in to volunteer. She met Gerald, as Lee shows her around.
Gerald ran into the man with the green suitcase and chased him down. He just wanted to talk to him. They both touched the bush at the same time and he had a vision. The old man ran off before Gerald could ask him what it meant.
Back in the Open Door, Gerald ran into Valeria again and asked her out. Over time, they began to feel they may have a future together. They both had the same thoughts running through their heads. They needed to fess up and disclose their secrets or it could ruin the relationship they had been building.
Tony served Gerald with a $15,000,000 lawsuit. He thought there was no way Tony could use the dirt he had on Gerald because he was so dirty himself, but if he did, Valerie would learn his secret. What would she do then?
Gerald was determined to question the man with the green suitcase. He finds out that he has no memory of anything. He doesn't know who he is or how he came to be here. Gerald thinks he and the man have some kind of connection, because he is now having visions even if he isn't near him. The old man is concerned about Gerald. He decides to leave town and buys a bus ticket with the last of his money. He promptly loses it.
Will Lee's vision come true? Will Gerald and Valerie be able to get past their secrets? What will happen when they do fess up? And what about the man with the green suitcase? Who is he? What's in the suitcase?
4 STARS - Would Highly Recommend To Others
The cover is eerie and has a sense of mystery about it. The title is self-explanatory.
You may find yourself losing track of time because the book is well written, easy to read and you will want to know - what is in the suitcase.
This story is about people and their daily lives. It tells about the trials and tribulations of them just trying to get through life with a little bit of peace and happiness. They learn they can't run from the past, but they can change the future. That by giving, they receive so much more than they gave.
It's funny how it can be such a small world. How people's lives can be connected, without them even being aware of it.
Some of the characters start out being pretty bad. Selfish, self-centered, corrupt, petty, pretty much everything you don't want to be. The others just appear to be lost. By making one decision, their lives become so much worse than they had ever anticipated. They redeem themselves as they ride the roller coaster of life and end up helping each other become a better person.
Does it prove the rule, what goes around comes around? Do unto others?
Maybe all those sayings are true. Things happen for a reason. Are we just here and our lives already planned, we just act it out? Is the play written and we are the cast, acting our parts until the story is told? Are somethings meant to stay a mystery?
As I read the story, so many clichés ran through my head, I knew I had to use them. I wanted you to get the same feeling I did as I read the book.
The ending had me laughing, even though it was pretty dark and drear. It was a fit ending and lives up to the cliché: Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.
I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
April 2, 2016
Dee Doanes’ The Man with the Green Suitcase is the kind of book that creeps up on you. Well, at least was for me. I read a few pages here and a few there, but as I progressed it became harder and harder to put the book down. By the final chapters I was so engrossed in the mystery I wouldn’t consider putting it away until I had finished the last page.
First, I have to say I never expected to like this book so much. I’m a very picky reader and, I mean no offense by saying this, debut pieces aren’t usually this good. Too often I see inexperienced authors get so caught up in their own genius that they give away the story too soon. Not Doanes. Her characters are universally relatable and compelling, their story interesting, and the mystery perfectly paced beginning to end.
The piece leans towards the darker side of lit; corruption, greed, lust, forgiveness, redemption and perception all bound together in the story of a handful of flawed individuals, each running from their own personal demons. Theme alone could have carried this book, but I also found great appreciation for how Doanes balanced the paranormal aspects of her story against the themes without allowing one to overshadow the other.
At the moment, The Man with the Green Suitcase boasts eight five star reviews on Amazon and every one of them is justly deserved. The book is fantastic read that will keep you guessing from the first page to its jaw dropping conclusion.
First, I have to say I never expected to like this book so much. I’m a very picky reader and, I mean no offense by saying this, debut pieces aren’t usually this good. Too often I see inexperienced authors get so caught up in their own genius that they give away the story too soon. Not Doanes. Her characters are universally relatable and compelling, their story interesting, and the mystery perfectly paced beginning to end.
The piece leans towards the darker side of lit; corruption, greed, lust, forgiveness, redemption and perception all bound together in the story of a handful of flawed individuals, each running from their own personal demons. Theme alone could have carried this book, but I also found great appreciation for how Doanes balanced the paranormal aspects of her story against the themes without allowing one to overshadow the other.
At the moment, The Man with the Green Suitcase boasts eight five star reviews on Amazon and every one of them is justly deserved. The book is fantastic read that will keep you guessing from the first page to its jaw dropping conclusion.
September 15, 2012
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author for a honest review. My review is totally honest and is written in the form of a conversation between my various self's.
Judge-a-book-by-its-title Me: The Man with the Green Suitcase? Yes! Finally a change from single word title books. This title intriguers me more than titles like Onyx or Ruby or Spells or Eclipse because it gives a premonition about the book. I know without reading the book that there will be a mystery man with a green suitcase. It provides lot a more information and gives people a lot better chance of deciding weather they want to read the book or not.
Judge-a-book-by-its-cover Me: Dark and Green. It matches with the title, doesn't it? The guy reminds me of Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde for some reason. I can't wait to start reading!
*Starts reading*
Lover-of-words Me (LOWM): This poem. It is so beautiful. Even tough the wording is simple, it shows a lot of diligent effort.
Excitement seeker Me (ESM): And I get excited.
Curious Me (CM): And I am curious as usual.
LOWM: The starting is so good! The writing style is perfect, polished and sophisticated. I just love the choice of words.
Hater-of-excess-adjectives Me (HOEAM): And there are just the perfect amount of describing words. The book is not riddled with them. I hate it when books describe things in too much detail. I want to see things for myself. Imagine them. Not read them described in perfect detail.
CM: I WANT TO KNOW MORE!!! Who exactly is that old guy? What is he doing here? I just read about and I feel crazy to know more. I am reading it right now! Are you with me ESM?
ESM: Yes I am. It is very difficult for me to get excited and I hate to admit it, but I am excited. Let us read!
ESM & CM: *whisper* Wish SM was not so bossy. But we have to listen to her!
*Middle of the book*
ESM: OMG! OMG! OMG! The adrenaline! It is too much to bear. I am very excited. I am getting what I wanted. Yipee!
CM: Oh yes. And I want to know the secret of that suitcase. Why does the old guy never leave it? But wait! Who is the old guy? How does he have the power to show those visions? And how do they come true???? Simply HOW?
CM: No way! I won't leave until I finish reading. I HAVE to find out what happens. All the main characters have appeared by now. I will read real fast. You didn't allow me to read the last weekend. This time, I am going to read, no matter what. Geddit?
ESM: And I support CM. I just love the feel of that adrenaline. I am not stopping until I finish the book. Okay? You can't overcome me this time.
LOWM: I support both of them. Because oh! The beauty of the words! My mind has turned into a huge HD screen and I can see everything being played inside my head. It is too amazing for words. It is as if I am seeing visions for myself.
ESM: Glad that she is gone. Hey, CM! What do you think could be in that suitcase?
CM: I have no idea.. Perhaps it contains some kind of powerful entity. This book is supposed to be paranormal, after all!
ESM: Hmm, that seems plausible.
CM:
ESM: I don't know. But why are you asking me? We could read and find out. Come on, SM is gone. We can read peacefully.
CM: Yeah, let's read.
Judge-a-book-by-its-title Me: The Man with the Green Suitcase? Yes! Finally a change from single word title books. This title intriguers me more than titles like Onyx or Ruby or Spells or Eclipse because it gives a premonition about the book. I know without reading the book that there will be a mystery man with a green suitcase. It provides lot a more information and gives people a lot better chance of deciding weather they want to read the book or not.
Judge-a-book-by-its-cover Me: Dark and Green. It matches with the title, doesn't it? The guy reminds me of Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde for some reason. I can't wait to start reading!
*Starts reading*
Lover-of-words Me (LOWM): This poem. It is so beautiful. Even tough the wording is simple, it shows a lot of diligent effort.
Excitement seeker Me (ESM): And I get excited.
Curious Me (CM): And I am curious as usual.
LOWM: The starting is so good! The writing style is perfect, polished and sophisticated. I just love the choice of words.
Hater-of-excess-adjectives Me (HOEAM): And there are just the perfect amount of describing words. The book is not riddled with them. I hate it when books describe things in too much detail. I want to see things for myself. Imagine them. Not read them described in perfect detail.
CM: I WANT TO KNOW MORE!!! Who exactly is that old guy? What is he doing here? I just read about and I feel crazy to know more. I am reading it right now! Are you with me ESM?
ESM: Yes I am. It is very difficult for me to get excited and I hate to admit it, but I am excited. Let us read!
Sensible Me (SM): You guys seem to forget that I have the dominant hand here. I would love to read more, but be sensible, we have homework to do. Stop.reading.right.now.
ESM & CM: *whisper* Wish SM was not so bossy. But we have to listen to her!
*Middle of the book*
ESM: OMG! OMG! OMG! The adrenaline! It is too much to bear. I am very excited. I am getting what I wanted. Yipee!
CM: Oh yes. And I want to know the secret of that suitcase. Why does the old guy never leave it? But wait! Who is the old guy? How does he have the power to show those visions? And how do they come true???? Simply HOW?
SM: Good question, CM. I really like the way your thoughts are starting to work. But now, excuse me, it is time to sleep.
CM: No way! I won't leave until I finish reading. I HAVE to find out what happens. All the main characters have appeared by now. I will read real fast. You didn't allow me to read the last weekend. This time, I am going to read, no matter what. Geddit?
ESM: And I support CM. I just love the feel of that adrenaline. I am not stopping until I finish the book. Okay? You can't overcome me this time.
LOWM: I support both of them. Because oh! The beauty of the words! My mind has turned into a huge HD screen and I can see everything being played inside my head. It is too amazing for words. It is as if I am seeing visions for myself.
SM: *puts hands above head* All right, all right. I give in. You guys can read and move away from reality. I go into oblivion. You win, I lose. So long.
ESM: Glad that she is gone. Hey, CM! What do you think could be in that suitcase?
CM: I have no idea.. Perhaps it contains some kind of powerful entity. This book is supposed to be paranormal, after all!
ESM: Hmm, that seems plausible.
CM:
ESM: I don't know. But why are you asking me? We could read and find out. Come on, SM is gone. We can read peacefully.
CM: Yeah, let's read.
September 14, 2012
The Man With the Green Suitcase is a story, well, about a man with a green suitcase. He seems to have some supernatural powers which enable him to show people visions of their future. Apart from the fact that he is an old homeless person living in a homeless shelter no one really knows anything about him. In fact his name is not even known. He is very private, very particular about people touching his things and its not just the other people who don’t know anything about him – seems he is just as clueless about himself.
Gerald is a rich entrepreneur who has a lot going on. But the fact that he is being threatening by his ex partner (more like partner in crime), Tony and that he is becoming his worst nightmare is the thing that bothers him most. While he is still figuring out how he feels about this new girl Valerie who is unlike anyone he has ever met, a girl he meets at the homeless shelter, he also has to try and figure out a way to make Tony back off. While at the shelter he meets an interesting old man carrying a green suitcase. And that is when he sees a vision that he cannot understand.
Valerie is a nice girl who has been forced to take up prostitution because of her financial circumstances. She hates the job and she hates being that person those men buy and use. But all her efforts to find a job go to waste. That is when she feels intrigued by a homeless shelter – the same one where Gerald is already signed up as a volunteer. The more she gets to know Gerald during the course of her volunteer work, the more she begins hating her work and falling in love with Gerald, and finally she decides to quit living this two faced life and quits prostitution.
Gerald too begins to waver from his set ways and begins enjoying his time with Valerie and volunteering at the shelter. In comes a young girl called Chantal and ends up being at the homeless shelter – as she turns out to be the daughter of the Shelter Director Lee - this is exactly according to the vision that the man with the green suitcase has shown Lee earlier. But Chantal isn't quite the same young woman who left her mother's home years ago. She is mature and quiet and angrier – something to do with what she had experienced in life at that point.
Soon enough, Valerie sees a vision too, and the old man asks her to tell Gerald about the fact that she was a prostitute. But Valerie cannot seem to find the strength to do it. Gerald realizes a secret about The Man in the Green Suitcase – something that will change his life. I don't think I should say any more about the story line for fear of giving out spoilers, but all the while the mysteries of the green suitcase keep piling up. The novel is beautifully written with a really good plot – and I loved loved loved the ending! Still mesmerized by it!
Gerald is a rich entrepreneur who has a lot going on. But the fact that he is being threatening by his ex partner (more like partner in crime), Tony and that he is becoming his worst nightmare is the thing that bothers him most. While he is still figuring out how he feels about this new girl Valerie who is unlike anyone he has ever met, a girl he meets at the homeless shelter, he also has to try and figure out a way to make Tony back off. While at the shelter he meets an interesting old man carrying a green suitcase. And that is when he sees a vision that he cannot understand.
Valerie is a nice girl who has been forced to take up prostitution because of her financial circumstances. She hates the job and she hates being that person those men buy and use. But all her efforts to find a job go to waste. That is when she feels intrigued by a homeless shelter – the same one where Gerald is already signed up as a volunteer. The more she gets to know Gerald during the course of her volunteer work, the more she begins hating her work and falling in love with Gerald, and finally she decides to quit living this two faced life and quits prostitution.
Gerald too begins to waver from his set ways and begins enjoying his time with Valerie and volunteering at the shelter. In comes a young girl called Chantal and ends up being at the homeless shelter – as she turns out to be the daughter of the Shelter Director Lee - this is exactly according to the vision that the man with the green suitcase has shown Lee earlier. But Chantal isn't quite the same young woman who left her mother's home years ago. She is mature and quiet and angrier – something to do with what she had experienced in life at that point.
Soon enough, Valerie sees a vision too, and the old man asks her to tell Gerald about the fact that she was a prostitute. But Valerie cannot seem to find the strength to do it. Gerald realizes a secret about The Man in the Green Suitcase – something that will change his life. I don't think I should say any more about the story line for fear of giving out spoilers, but all the while the mysteries of the green suitcase keep piling up. The novel is beautifully written with a really good plot – and I loved loved loved the ending! Still mesmerized by it!
October 31, 2012
The green suitcase in question doesn't carry clothes, swimwear and sandals. Instead, it's filled with secrets and magic.
Author Dee Doanes weaves together the stories of several people who cross paths with the homeless man with the green suitcase from the title, and their lives are changed for better and for worse. Though elements of the paranormal move the story along, it's set in Atlanta and grounded in reality (which appeals to the nonfiction fan in me). Her use of language is evocative, describing simple characters and scenes with piercing similes.
The beauty of the language ("he ages before Gerald's eyes like dawn creeping into morning" -- isn't that lovely?) carries to the story itself, a story about forgiveness and redemption. Plus, any book with a character who plays Scrabble is a book for me!
I was fascinated by the use of present tense throughout, which is tricky to pull off successfully. The use of present tense effectively creates closeness with the reader. Though time transitions were sometimes cumbersome ("then," "later"), the writing was vivid and evoked a sense of immediacy. The more I read, the more hooked I became (don't look for a tidy ending however).
Like the suitcase in the story, this book is worth carrying around.
October 19, 2012
The Man with the Green Suitcase:
Dee Doanes
His face is wrinkled, his clothes are tattered and his mind is sharp. This homeless man creates an image that most would shy away from and steer clear of if he came near you. So, why are so many drawn to this man? What about him creates a feeling of warmth, caring and hopeful. As we meet this intriguing man he is walking the streets searching the garbage cans, alleys and streets for something to store in his precious green suitcase. Coming upon some expensive items he quickly locks them away within the confines of his green suitcase. Battered, falling apart yet the most precious item in his life he quickly rushes away from the scene to encounter a police officer. Dropping the items in front of him he explains he thought they might have been stolen leaves them there for the officer to ponder the rest by himself. Moving along even further he finds himself outside of a building he has not frequented for quite some time. Entering what most would call a soup kitchen he and many others hope for a hot meal. Entering he meets Eddie and hears his story, his hopes for a job and the kindness of the new person in charge telling him she will help with that endeavor in any way she can. But, first she seems drawn to our homeless man and requests that he speaks with her in private. What happens will definitely make you wonder just who he is and what kind of power he has to create the visions that come to this woman and thought entering her mind as she touches his face and cannot believe what she sees. Then we meet Gerald Foley whose goal in life is to have a lucrative restaurant business at any cost. Going to a business meeting and collecting tenant rent checks we hear the voice3 of one woman whose life he ruined. A landlord that raised the rent of her husband’s shoe repair shop so high he took his own life rather than lose the business. What she says to him would normally rattle anyone else, but not Gerald. Author Dee Doanes creates the suspense from the first page as the reader wants to know what the connection between the man and all of the rest of the characters might be and how their lives might intertwine.
Gerald meets with his business partner Tony to learn that another one of his enterprises will go forward as one business owner decides to sell to them. But, why as thoughts about his encounter with the old woman drift in and out of his mind. Graft, strong arming, lies, deceit and greasing palms are just some of the high handed business tactics Gerald used as he questions his business partner about their next venture. But, is he in so deep that he won’t be able to see his way out?
Valerie enters our story as a young girl caught in her own web of trying to make money even if it is the oldest business in the world. Clients wanting her attention and in between working another job but she and Gerard are about to meet and their lives will definitely intertwine as his business partner tries to hook them all up. As you hear her thoughts and listen to the interactions you realize that she is not into what she has been doing for 15 years. Reenter Gerard whose nightmares are plaguing him and who realizes he might just need a life change. When Gerard approaches Tony and decides to strike out on his own the threats are heard loud and clear but he’s determined to change his life for the better. Valerie hopes to make a change too but finding a real job does not seem to be happening and making money the way she does is not how she really wants to spend her life. Both Gerard and Valerie are drawn to Open Door and begin volunteering. Gerard donates not only his time but also money and helps repair things and more for Lee and the residents. Valerie is kind and caring and even encourages one man named Ralph to seek out his family knowing that family is vital and important to her and she hopes he will find his way back to his. But, things do not stay the same and both Valerie and Gerard have visions. Gerard after approaching our elusive man with the green suitcase and Valerie thinking about her mother and remembering something she would soon forget. But, fate has drawn these two together but Gerard is now facing another battle that he hoped would not come. As Tony sues him for millions and he has to confess his crimes to his lawyer just what will happen to him and his career still remains to be seen. Gerard is rich and a real estate owner trying to go legit. Valerie is a prostitute trying to change her life. Each chapter is told about one character and sometimes the author blends them together as the narrator relates the events and the reader can experience the incidents first hand as we all wonder just who this man really is and why is he there?
Gerald and Valerie connect and decide to break all ties with their pasts. The visions provided to them by the old man have altered their thinking and changed their perspectives on life. But, Gerald’s past comes front and center in the present and he has one more hard decision to make when he encounters an old girlfriend named Christy who was part of the vision he remembered. But, when he and the old man have the same vision there has to be a reason why their paths and thoughts keep coming together. Added in Valerie recalls her life as a child, her mother’s tirades about her appearance, her school grades and her treatment of her as she learns some harsh truths.
Providing the visions as if he were the medium to their pasts and futures both Gerald and Valerie hope that in the future their choices will be better but first both have to tell each other some difficult truths. Can Gerard tell her about his business dealings and partnership with Tony? Can she tell him about her clients and her relationship with Tony? Sensing the pressure within him the old man decides to take a bus and leave town but what happens at the station is sad, frustrating and yet enlighten more than just the reader but one young lady he meets that his purpose at the Open Door and with Gerald is far from over. The author flashes the scenes between Valerie and Gerald like a weaver intertwines each strand of hair as she creates an extension or weave so delicately and précising you hardly see the openings or where one ends and the other begins.
Observations can be keen and some quite profound to provide the needed ingredients to solve a problem. So, why does the old man want to secretly observe Gerald if he would prefer to steer clear of him? Why did he provide him with more than one vision? Why is he reacting this way?
Returning to Open Door he sees Ralph whose life has finally taken a upward climb and extends a more than just a helping hand to the old man. But, he refuses to accept it. Enter in a young girl named Chantal who finds her way to Open Door and one vision comes true for a special woman. Getting to know this young lady we realize that she has a past that she would prefer to stay hidden. Secrets, lies, betrayals and hopefully forgiveness for those that have wronged others and those that have received the wrath inflicted upon them. A lawsuit that could ruin Gerard and a past that could destroy Valerie and take away any happiness they have as she finally finds a job she can be proud of. The secret about her mother is revealed, her connection with Open Door told and the reader gets to understand the struggles that she encountered and lived through for too long. The author then reveals the harsh realties of what happened to Chantal and why she is so lonely and bitter now. Will she allow anyone to help her?
The old man is the central connection to all of these characters yet he is devoid of any memory of his life except for the last two years. He is sane, he is smart and yet he has no idea who he is but provides the conscience and hope for those who have strayed. You have to look within the souls and at the eyes of each character to really see their inner beings and truths before they are revealed. Whether you consider this paranormal with a touch of psychic injected the Man with the Green Suitcase will definitely make you wonder about yourself the next time you stray and decide to rethink your actions. Can you truly run away from your past and all that you did before? Can you change the way you are and create a more positive life?
As the powerful ending draws this book to a close the revelations made will surprise the reader and hope that the author continues the journey. Just where this man winds up and what happens to all of the characters you will have to read for yourself when you enter Open Door and meet Gerald, Valerie, Lee and of course The Man with The Green Suitcase. Just how far will someone go to release his or her past and have a future? Just how far will someone go to find his or her way?
This is one book that will have you asking these questions and more.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
This book gets FIVE GREEN SUITCASES
Dee Doanes
His face is wrinkled, his clothes are tattered and his mind is sharp. This homeless man creates an image that most would shy away from and steer clear of if he came near you. So, why are so many drawn to this man? What about him creates a feeling of warmth, caring and hopeful. As we meet this intriguing man he is walking the streets searching the garbage cans, alleys and streets for something to store in his precious green suitcase. Coming upon some expensive items he quickly locks them away within the confines of his green suitcase. Battered, falling apart yet the most precious item in his life he quickly rushes away from the scene to encounter a police officer. Dropping the items in front of him he explains he thought they might have been stolen leaves them there for the officer to ponder the rest by himself. Moving along even further he finds himself outside of a building he has not frequented for quite some time. Entering what most would call a soup kitchen he and many others hope for a hot meal. Entering he meets Eddie and hears his story, his hopes for a job and the kindness of the new person in charge telling him she will help with that endeavor in any way she can. But, first she seems drawn to our homeless man and requests that he speaks with her in private. What happens will definitely make you wonder just who he is and what kind of power he has to create the visions that come to this woman and thought entering her mind as she touches his face and cannot believe what she sees. Then we meet Gerald Foley whose goal in life is to have a lucrative restaurant business at any cost. Going to a business meeting and collecting tenant rent checks we hear the voice3 of one woman whose life he ruined. A landlord that raised the rent of her husband’s shoe repair shop so high he took his own life rather than lose the business. What she says to him would normally rattle anyone else, but not Gerald. Author Dee Doanes creates the suspense from the first page as the reader wants to know what the connection between the man and all of the rest of the characters might be and how their lives might intertwine.
Gerald meets with his business partner Tony to learn that another one of his enterprises will go forward as one business owner decides to sell to them. But, why as thoughts about his encounter with the old woman drift in and out of his mind. Graft, strong arming, lies, deceit and greasing palms are just some of the high handed business tactics Gerald used as he questions his business partner about their next venture. But, is he in so deep that he won’t be able to see his way out?
Valerie enters our story as a young girl caught in her own web of trying to make money even if it is the oldest business in the world. Clients wanting her attention and in between working another job but she and Gerard are about to meet and their lives will definitely intertwine as his business partner tries to hook them all up. As you hear her thoughts and listen to the interactions you realize that she is not into what she has been doing for 15 years. Reenter Gerard whose nightmares are plaguing him and who realizes he might just need a life change. When Gerard approaches Tony and decides to strike out on his own the threats are heard loud and clear but he’s determined to change his life for the better. Valerie hopes to make a change too but finding a real job does not seem to be happening and making money the way she does is not how she really wants to spend her life. Both Gerard and Valerie are drawn to Open Door and begin volunteering. Gerard donates not only his time but also money and helps repair things and more for Lee and the residents. Valerie is kind and caring and even encourages one man named Ralph to seek out his family knowing that family is vital and important to her and she hopes he will find his way back to his. But, things do not stay the same and both Valerie and Gerard have visions. Gerard after approaching our elusive man with the green suitcase and Valerie thinking about her mother and remembering something she would soon forget. But, fate has drawn these two together but Gerard is now facing another battle that he hoped would not come. As Tony sues him for millions and he has to confess his crimes to his lawyer just what will happen to him and his career still remains to be seen. Gerard is rich and a real estate owner trying to go legit. Valerie is a prostitute trying to change her life. Each chapter is told about one character and sometimes the author blends them together as the narrator relates the events and the reader can experience the incidents first hand as we all wonder just who this man really is and why is he there?
Gerald and Valerie connect and decide to break all ties with their pasts. The visions provided to them by the old man have altered their thinking and changed their perspectives on life. But, Gerald’s past comes front and center in the present and he has one more hard decision to make when he encounters an old girlfriend named Christy who was part of the vision he remembered. But, when he and the old man have the same vision there has to be a reason why their paths and thoughts keep coming together. Added in Valerie recalls her life as a child, her mother’s tirades about her appearance, her school grades and her treatment of her as she learns some harsh truths.
Providing the visions as if he were the medium to their pasts and futures both Gerald and Valerie hope that in the future their choices will be better but first both have to tell each other some difficult truths. Can Gerard tell her about his business dealings and partnership with Tony? Can she tell him about her clients and her relationship with Tony? Sensing the pressure within him the old man decides to take a bus and leave town but what happens at the station is sad, frustrating and yet enlighten more than just the reader but one young lady he meets that his purpose at the Open Door and with Gerald is far from over. The author flashes the scenes between Valerie and Gerald like a weaver intertwines each strand of hair as she creates an extension or weave so delicately and précising you hardly see the openings or where one ends and the other begins.
Observations can be keen and some quite profound to provide the needed ingredients to solve a problem. So, why does the old man want to secretly observe Gerald if he would prefer to steer clear of him? Why did he provide him with more than one vision? Why is he reacting this way?
Returning to Open Door he sees Ralph whose life has finally taken a upward climb and extends a more than just a helping hand to the old man. But, he refuses to accept it. Enter in a young girl named Chantal who finds her way to Open Door and one vision comes true for a special woman. Getting to know this young lady we realize that she has a past that she would prefer to stay hidden. Secrets, lies, betrayals and hopefully forgiveness for those that have wronged others and those that have received the wrath inflicted upon them. A lawsuit that could ruin Gerard and a past that could destroy Valerie and take away any happiness they have as she finally finds a job she can be proud of. The secret about her mother is revealed, her connection with Open Door told and the reader gets to understand the struggles that she encountered and lived through for too long. The author then reveals the harsh realties of what happened to Chantal and why she is so lonely and bitter now. Will she allow anyone to help her?
The old man is the central connection to all of these characters yet he is devoid of any memory of his life except for the last two years. He is sane, he is smart and yet he has no idea who he is but provides the conscience and hope for those who have strayed. You have to look within the souls and at the eyes of each character to really see their inner beings and truths before they are revealed. Whether you consider this paranormal with a touch of psychic injected the Man with the Green Suitcase will definitely make you wonder about yourself the next time you stray and decide to rethink your actions. Can you truly run away from your past and all that you did before? Can you change the way you are and create a more positive life?
As the powerful ending draws this book to a close the revelations made will surprise the reader and hope that the author continues the journey. Just where this man winds up and what happens to all of the characters you will have to read for yourself when you enter Open Door and meet Gerald, Valerie, Lee and of course The Man with The Green Suitcase. Just how far will someone go to release his or her past and have a future? Just how far will someone go to find his or her way?
This is one book that will have you asking these questions and more.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
This book gets FIVE GREEN SUITCASES
October 23, 2012
Review first appeared on my blog: Book Addict 24-7
I received a copy for review
Dee Doanes's The Man with the Green Suitcase is an interesting story that spans over several characters, rather than the conventional single or double protagonists. The story, though a relatively fast read, was at times hard to follow, but in the end made perfect sense. Doanes explores the complexities of human relationships and the flaws that humanity harbors, while adding a teeny touch of magic and mystery into the mix.
I was constantly surprised by the immense change that some of the characters went through. In a way, it gave me hope that somewhere out there there are people like Doanes's characters. Also, the greed inhabiting some of the characters was disturbing, yet very realistic.
The novel's concept is original and a bit odd. Not in a bad way, but in a I-need-to-get-accustomed-to-this-originality way. Whereas we are used to the typical adult fiction novels full of romance and witty characters, or murderous plots, Doanes's book is simply a collection of different characters colliding in a story full of redemption, hope, and love.
Though the old man isn't mentioned as much as the title would suggest, the story does indadvertedly revolve around him. Stories clash and characters meet, but in the middle of everything is the old man and his green mysterious suitcase.
For a while, after I read the book, I wasn't sure what I thought about this. I mean, if you're title reflects one of the characters in the book, would you not make him more central? But then, I realized, the old man was central to the story line. Without him none of the characters would meet or have inner turmoil. He was the catalyst, the climax for each individual characters' internal struggle or conflict that s/he had to overcome.
The negatives that keep this book from being a five star book, in my opinion, is the need for more editing and the at times awkward dialogue. There were instances where the dialogue felt stilted, overwrought, or too dramatic.
But, keeping to the topic of dialogue, I have to comment on how smoothly Doanes blends the different points of view into a fluid omniscient observation of her world.
The twists and turns in the story the reader does not anticipate create a uniquely mysterious air to the novel. There are a lot, which is ridiculously satisfying. It is nice to know that I've read yet another book where I don't know everything that's about to happen. It's also interesting to have an ever-present tug of curiosity with the open-ended conclusion.
I received a copy for review
Dee Doanes's The Man with the Green Suitcase is an interesting story that spans over several characters, rather than the conventional single or double protagonists. The story, though a relatively fast read, was at times hard to follow, but in the end made perfect sense. Doanes explores the complexities of human relationships and the flaws that humanity harbors, while adding a teeny touch of magic and mystery into the mix.
I was constantly surprised by the immense change that some of the characters went through. In a way, it gave me hope that somewhere out there there are people like Doanes's characters. Also, the greed inhabiting some of the characters was disturbing, yet very realistic.
The novel's concept is original and a bit odd. Not in a bad way, but in a I-need-to-get-accustomed-to-this-originality way. Whereas we are used to the typical adult fiction novels full of romance and witty characters, or murderous plots, Doanes's book is simply a collection of different characters colliding in a story full of redemption, hope, and love.
Though the old man isn't mentioned as much as the title would suggest, the story does indadvertedly revolve around him. Stories clash and characters meet, but in the middle of everything is the old man and his green mysterious suitcase.
For a while, after I read the book, I wasn't sure what I thought about this. I mean, if you're title reflects one of the characters in the book, would you not make him more central? But then, I realized, the old man was central to the story line. Without him none of the characters would meet or have inner turmoil. He was the catalyst, the climax for each individual characters' internal struggle or conflict that s/he had to overcome.
The negatives that keep this book from being a five star book, in my opinion, is the need for more editing and the at times awkward dialogue. There were instances where the dialogue felt stilted, overwrought, or too dramatic.
But, keeping to the topic of dialogue, I have to comment on how smoothly Doanes blends the different points of view into a fluid omniscient observation of her world.
The twists and turns in the story the reader does not anticipate create a uniquely mysterious air to the novel. There are a lot, which is ridiculously satisfying. It is nice to know that I've read yet another book where I don't know everything that's about to happen. It's also interesting to have an ever-present tug of curiosity with the open-ended conclusion.
October 10, 2012
The man with the green suitcase is a great mystery book. It also has the ingredients to be a great fantasy or paranormal novel with a bit of romance to make it even more interesting. A well written book with a solid background. The book presents us a story about redemption, forgiveness, self-discovery and the kind of people we want to be.
The man with the green suitcase doesn’t remember anything about his past. He just wanders around the city carrying nothing more than his suitcase. Gerald is a compulsive worker, with some secrets about shady business and a corrupt partner. And then we have Valerie, an escort with a life she hates.
Gerald, Valeria and the old man are the main characters. Their lives start to intertwine step by step from a starting point different for each one. Is really interesting to read about how their paths end up being one. Each character has a baggage over his shoulders, a past they are trying to run away from. However, being honest about it and forgiving themselves they welcome their new selves. Each secrete that is revealed helps to heal wounds from the past.
The secondary characters, Lee and Chantal are great. Chantal is a very disturbed girl and reading about her make me felt sad. Lee is a powerful character because is one of the best people in the world, generous, loving and with a big heart.
I love the writing style of Dee. She has the ability of really transmit the emotions and to create a world so sad at some points but so hopeful at others. With different points of view we can have a wide sight of the story.
The man with the green suitcase is one of those books that leave you questioning yourself. It makes you reconsider your values and ask yourself what is important in life. It totally deserves a chance from all readers out there.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for a honest review.
The man with the green suitcase doesn’t remember anything about his past. He just wanders around the city carrying nothing more than his suitcase. Gerald is a compulsive worker, with some secrets about shady business and a corrupt partner. And then we have Valerie, an escort with a life she hates.
Gerald, Valeria and the old man are the main characters. Their lives start to intertwine step by step from a starting point different for each one. Is really interesting to read about how their paths end up being one. Each character has a baggage over his shoulders, a past they are trying to run away from. However, being honest about it and forgiving themselves they welcome their new selves. Each secrete that is revealed helps to heal wounds from the past.
The secondary characters, Lee and Chantal are great. Chantal is a very disturbed girl and reading about her make me felt sad. Lee is a powerful character because is one of the best people in the world, generous, loving and with a big heart.
I love the writing style of Dee. She has the ability of really transmit the emotions and to create a world so sad at some points but so hopeful at others. With different points of view we can have a wide sight of the story.
The man with the green suitcase is one of those books that leave you questioning yourself. It makes you reconsider your values and ask yourself what is important in life. It totally deserves a chance from all readers out there.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for a honest review.
February 1, 2013
Disclosure: I was giving a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. (And I must say I am very lucky that I got the chance to read this and be exposed to this amazing work.) Review done for Bex ‘n' Books.
I read this book very quickly. I loved the supernatural nod without it being 'in your face’ about it. It gives you a look at a normal life, with a bit here and there that seems paranormal, giving it just the right amount of supernatural undertone for the story.
From the first words "Do you see him?", to the very last, I found myself trapped in this dark world the author, Dee Doanes, has woven. I felt the suspense building and with a desperate need to satisfy my curiosity on how everything was going to end.
The mystery of the suitcase kept me reading and guessing, but the biggest thing about this lovely book is the realism! How, as a reader, I could find myself relating to the characters and how, as with real life, the characters were on a non-stop journey to achieve their goals, every moment taking them a step closer.
It makes one think even about one’s own life. It takes you into a dark intense world that will have you blocking out the world around you as you become enthralled with this book. One of my favorite aspects about this wonderful read is how it took the lives of the characters and knitted them together along their journeys. This book for sure is a read for anybody and I say it gets a well-deserved 5 wonderful fairies.
I read this book very quickly. I loved the supernatural nod without it being 'in your face’ about it. It gives you a look at a normal life, with a bit here and there that seems paranormal, giving it just the right amount of supernatural undertone for the story.
From the first words "Do you see him?", to the very last, I found myself trapped in this dark world the author, Dee Doanes, has woven. I felt the suspense building and with a desperate need to satisfy my curiosity on how everything was going to end.
The mystery of the suitcase kept me reading and guessing, but the biggest thing about this lovely book is the realism! How, as a reader, I could find myself relating to the characters and how, as with real life, the characters were on a non-stop journey to achieve their goals, every moment taking them a step closer.
It makes one think even about one’s own life. It takes you into a dark intense world that will have you blocking out the world around you as you become enthralled with this book. One of my favorite aspects about this wonderful read is how it took the lives of the characters and knitted them together along their journeys. This book for sure is a read for anybody and I say it gets a well-deserved 5 wonderful fairies.
September 23, 2012
When I first read the blurb the first thing I thought of was the 5 people you meet in heaven. I thought okay this is some sort of play on that story. I couldn't have been further from the truth.
This is a paranormal tale. However unlike most paranormal stories this is the darker side dealing with issues of corruption, greed, lust, along with forgiveness and redemption. The Author's attention to detail added depth to the characters, who each face their own 'real-life' problems. I loved how she connected the different lines in the book without letting us know the mystery too early.
This book kept me reading. I just had to find out what is in that darn green suitcase. I also needed to know how it was that he could show visions to certain people. This books characters are trying to change for the better and they are all connected to the old man. I had no trouble relating to Valerie, Gerald and Chantal. And I do believe that the dialogue between the characters was very believable.
The story flowed nicely and as I said it kept me reading. I do recommend this book to anyone interested in paranormal. I do have to say it was nothing at all like I expected which was a very good thing.
Details/Disclaimer: Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
This is a paranormal tale. However unlike most paranormal stories this is the darker side dealing with issues of corruption, greed, lust, along with forgiveness and redemption. The Author's attention to detail added depth to the characters, who each face their own 'real-life' problems. I loved how she connected the different lines in the book without letting us know the mystery too early.
This book kept me reading. I just had to find out what is in that darn green suitcase. I also needed to know how it was that he could show visions to certain people. This books characters are trying to change for the better and they are all connected to the old man. I had no trouble relating to Valerie, Gerald and Chantal. And I do believe that the dialogue between the characters was very believable.
The story flowed nicely and as I said it kept me reading. I do recommend this book to anyone interested in paranormal. I do have to say it was nothing at all like I expected which was a very good thing.
Details/Disclaimer: Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
January 21, 2013
I know many of you who read my blog will remember that I did an author spotlight on Dee Doanes and her novel The Man With the Green Suitcase. I had not read the book at that time, but was glad to shine the spotlight on this talented Atlanta author. So, when I found myself without anything to read recently, I got the book from Amazon.com (on my new Kindle that I got for Christmas!) and read it. I am glad I did!
Dee Doanes has written an intriguing paranormal romance that captured me from the start and didn't let go until the end. Weaving the stories of her characters together, while shifting the story focus from one to another, she kept me guessing about what would happen next. The homeless man with the green suitcase shows the characters visions that enable the connection between the characters to develop. The ending was unexpected, but, in retrospect, absolutely perfect!
The characters were believable and easy to identify with, the action was timely, and the relationships between the characters ebbed and flowed as events unfold. And the mystery of the green suitcase - well you will just have to read the book to find out!
My Rating: 4 Stars
Dee Doanes has written an intriguing paranormal romance that captured me from the start and didn't let go until the end. Weaving the stories of her characters together, while shifting the story focus from one to another, she kept me guessing about what would happen next. The homeless man with the green suitcase shows the characters visions that enable the connection between the characters to develop. The ending was unexpected, but, in retrospect, absolutely perfect!
The characters were believable and easy to identify with, the action was timely, and the relationships between the characters ebbed and flowed as events unfold. And the mystery of the green suitcase - well you will just have to read the book to find out!
My Rating: 4 Stars
October 16, 2012
A Heartwarming Paranormal Mystery
A paranormal mystery told from the viewpoint of several introspective characters whose lives are pulled together by a reclusive homeless man who always carries a green suitcase. The man has no memory of his life, doesn't even know his own name, but yet is pivotal to the development of each character. At first it seems as if the man is simply able to give people visions to help them on their life’s journey, but as the story develops you soon learn that he plays a much more important role within the story.
Prostitutes, shady businessmen and homeless people are often considered some of the worst dregs of society, but Doanes does a great job illustrating each characters plight and the strength of character and will it requires for them to make positive changes in their lives. From the first pages I found myself rooting for their success and I have to admit I wasn't disappointed, and yet was still surprised at almost every turn. What a great combination.
Doanes has written a wonderful story with relatable characters and an interesting plot with just enough mystery and magic thrown in to keep you turning the pages. I highly recommend this story to anyone looking for a page-turner that won’t give you nightmares.
A paranormal mystery told from the viewpoint of several introspective characters whose lives are pulled together by a reclusive homeless man who always carries a green suitcase. The man has no memory of his life, doesn't even know his own name, but yet is pivotal to the development of each character. At first it seems as if the man is simply able to give people visions to help them on their life’s journey, but as the story develops you soon learn that he plays a much more important role within the story.
Prostitutes, shady businessmen and homeless people are often considered some of the worst dregs of society, but Doanes does a great job illustrating each characters plight and the strength of character and will it requires for them to make positive changes in their lives. From the first pages I found myself rooting for their success and I have to admit I wasn't disappointed, and yet was still surprised at almost every turn. What a great combination.
Doanes has written a wonderful story with relatable characters and an interesting plot with just enough mystery and magic thrown in to keep you turning the pages. I highly recommend this story to anyone looking for a page-turner that won’t give you nightmares.
December 15, 2012
This was a fantastic and captivating read. I really appreciated the writing style and the lucid way the story was delivered; so much so that in reading it, I pledged internally to work with Hosea Feed The Hungry (a charitable entity in Georgia) this year. The book itself is not about helping the homeless, but the key character in the story, who is a homeless man who is the catalyst for interactions between all the other characters, is a homeless man. Dee Doanes descriptive narrating brings you right into the fold of the story and transformations that some characters make are not only surprising at times, but touching. As it turns out, the man with the green suitcase is a fortune-teller of sorts who bestows visions to those in his presence, whether solicited or not. The characters find rather succinctly that what’s done in the dark, always comes to light. For some of the characters, the light is bright…but not always!
January 10, 2013
A title like The Man with the Green Suitcase could do one to two things to a potential reader, it could turn them off because it appears too pedestrian, or it could intrigue them, encouraging them to read further. My advice to any would-be reader is be the latter. This is not just a book with a man who happens to have a green suitcase, it’s a book about karma and the need to accept responsiblity for the actions we take; ultimately, though it’s a book about redemption.
It’s woven together so beautifully that you’ll barely notice the passing of time as you read. I also love characters I can believe in because to me, it’s the characters in a novel that make the story; if the reader can’t resonate with them, feel compassion and a connection at some level, then the story loses it’s capacity to hold you. This, novel, as do some others I’ve read this year, has that believability and authenticity. You won’t be disappointed.
It’s woven together so beautifully that you’ll barely notice the passing of time as you read. I also love characters I can believe in because to me, it’s the characters in a novel that make the story; if the reader can’t resonate with them, feel compassion and a connection at some level, then the story loses it’s capacity to hold you. This, novel, as do some others I’ve read this year, has that believability and authenticity. You won’t be disappointed.
September 7, 2012
I was captivated by Doanes' unique writing style and refreshingly original storyline. The sheer 'what's gonna happen next' factor that is embedded into the plot from the very beginning kept me eagerly turning the pages.
The realistic dialogue and attention to detail add depth to the characters, who each face their own 'real-life' problems. I was fascinated by the way the author connected the different events in the book.
I was amazed by whom the 'bad guy' turned out to be, and I found the ending very satisfying…the way it all came together. This is a great mystery with just the right amount of supernatural.
The realistic dialogue and attention to detail add depth to the characters, who each face their own 'real-life' problems. I was fascinated by the way the author connected the different events in the book.
I was amazed by whom the 'bad guy' turned out to be, and I found the ending very satisfying…the way it all came together. This is a great mystery with just the right amount of supernatural.
November 11, 2012
Mysterious Intriguing Enthralling Absorbing…
The Man With the Green Suitcase is an imaginative story nicely told centering on an eccentric old man and his green suitcase and the affects he has on the characters in the story.
The interactions between the characters and the old man are filled with intrigue. There are some nice surprises entailed in the story.
The elements in this story play out agreeably and the end may surprise you. The Man With the Green Suitcase is well worth the read.
The Man With the Green Suitcase is an imaginative story nicely told centering on an eccentric old man and his green suitcase and the affects he has on the characters in the story.
The interactions between the characters and the old man are filled with intrigue. There are some nice surprises entailed in the story.
The elements in this story play out agreeably and the end may surprise you. The Man With the Green Suitcase is well worth the read.
November 11, 2012
Dee writes beautifully and I fell in love with the realistic characters and the magic within. What I loved more than anything is...I didn't see what was coming at the end! Most mystery books are predictable and you can usually see what is coming, but not this one. To be a good book, the book has to end well and this one did.
Read more of my review at http://specsandginger.wordpress.com
Read more of my review at http://specsandginger.wordpress.com
September 10, 2012
This book was fast-paced and held my interest. It's packed full of surprises. Very good plot that played out well to a great ending I never saw coming. This isn't a typical paranormal book; it's heavy with mystery and has some of romance. Very well done.
October 15, 2012
I finished in one evening! I enjoyed the themes of self-forgiveness, compassion and redemption. It kept my interest as I wondered...what is in that suitcase?!
September 24, 2012
A stunning debut from a talented writer.
Check out my full review here: http://wp.me/p20PAS-cG
Also check out my interview with the author here: http://wp.me/p20PAS-cE
Check out my full review here: http://wp.me/p20PAS-cG
Also check out my interview with the author here: http://wp.me/p20PAS-cE
October 21, 2017
Ms. Doanes does a respectable job with her first attempt at fiction. She provides a couple of aha moments near the end of the book about the old man and the suitcase which propels you to an almost perfect ending. In general, I found the overall premise of the The Man With the Green Suitcase, and the characters Ms. Doanes develops, interesting enough to keep me reading until I finished it.
Just barely.....
What irked me straight away was that the entire book was written in present tense. As a reader and writer of fiction, I expect a special rhythm with the story that present tense may be able to provide, but the writer must be good enough to carry it off. Actually the writer must REALLY, REALLY GOOD, to carry it off. Unfortunately, the entire book read like a screen play, and there are a couple of moments when Ms. Doanes slips from present to past and then back to present tense again. There is a section of the book where the reader gets a present tense, happening now, view of Gerald and Tony speaking with Valerie on the phone and while Ms. Doanes does a respectable job of head hopping, I felt as if I was viewing an old Doris Day, Rock Hudson movie where the producer splits the screen so I can witness both aspects of the scene.
Maybe that's exactly what Ms. Doanes wants the reader to see, but this kind of writing always manages to put me off. The dialogue, although written very well was stuffy and formal and Ms. Doanes spent far too much time telling the story with analogies such as: hearts thundering like wild horses galloping across a plain, and crying rivers.
To her credit it is always difficult to show your story instead of tell it, and when you pick present tense as your vehicle for the entire story it sometimes becomes next to impossible.
In closing I hope Ms. Doanes continues to write and improve her skills. I for one hope to see another of her stories soon, and when I do I will purchase the book and read it.
Keep writing Dee !
Just barely.....
What irked me straight away was that the entire book was written in present tense. As a reader and writer of fiction, I expect a special rhythm with the story that present tense may be able to provide, but the writer must be good enough to carry it off. Actually the writer must REALLY, REALLY GOOD, to carry it off. Unfortunately, the entire book read like a screen play, and there are a couple of moments when Ms. Doanes slips from present to past and then back to present tense again. There is a section of the book where the reader gets a present tense, happening now, view of Gerald and Tony speaking with Valerie on the phone and while Ms. Doanes does a respectable job of head hopping, I felt as if I was viewing an old Doris Day, Rock Hudson movie where the producer splits the screen so I can witness both aspects of the scene.
Maybe that's exactly what Ms. Doanes wants the reader to see, but this kind of writing always manages to put me off. The dialogue, although written very well was stuffy and formal and Ms. Doanes spent far too much time telling the story with analogies such as: hearts thundering like wild horses galloping across a plain, and crying rivers.
To her credit it is always difficult to show your story instead of tell it, and when you pick present tense as your vehicle for the entire story it sometimes becomes next to impossible.
In closing I hope Ms. Doanes continues to write and improve her skills. I for one hope to see another of her stories soon, and when I do I will purchase the book and read it.
Keep writing Dee !
January 20, 2013
This review was originally posted on Melissa's Midnight Musings on January 7, 2013.
The overall concept of this book is really interesting. There's a homeless man who wanders the streets, stopping by a local shelter to get food and a shower, once a week. While there he's connected with several different people, some good, some bad, and he shares visions with them. This man doesn't remember who he is or his past and is pretty much a loner, all he knows is that he must pass on the visions to the people they are intended for.
The interesting thing about this is the way the visions come about. When he is with someone and needs to pass along one of these visions, the energy builds up inside him, and the wrinkles on his face start to change. The energy buildup shines through the man as light.
Of course this special ability makes people want to be around him even more, but he tends to shut people out and do his own thing. There are lots of other characters, but I don't want to talk much about them because I'll give away major plot points if I do. The main focus is on the man with the green suitcase and it's his visions that tie all of the characters in the book together. All of his visions do come true, in one form or another.
As interesting as this part of the plot is, I feel that the writing could have been a lot more polished to help pull the reader into the story more. The writing is somewhat stilted in places. It also feels like the descriptions are somewhat cluttered. I find it odd to be saying that there are too many details given, but that's what this felt like. It just feels like the author is trying too hard to set up the scene for the reader, and that leads the cluttered descriptions and halts the flow. Instead of flowing naturally, these overly descriptive passages feel clunky.
There are a few other weak spots in the structure that pull you away from the reading as well. The book switches tenses often, even in the middle of paragraphs. There are also a lot of instances of repetitive phrasing throughout the story, sometimes one right after the other. There's a section where the story alternates between Valerie and Gerald and they mirror phrases almost exactly, one right after the other. Sometimes this can work, but it didn't quite work here. The alternations with headings, in the middle of chapters was also unsettling. I think that if the story had simply been told from their perspective for the whole chapter it would have been better than alternating between them in the same chapter.
Also, in a lot of sections there are sequences that I think are meant to be told as flashbacks which are all italicized. A few of these interspersed throughout the story would have been okay, but there are several and they are quite distracting.
One element of the book that I really enjoyed was the aspect of volunteerism. The author did a good job of really making it so that you can understand how life as a homeless person can be. It was nice to see characters who really enjoyed volunteering and helping others. There is also a character with mental illness in the story and while there was some description of that, it would have been nice to see that issue touched on a bit more thoroughly, in order to be able to better relate to Valerie's character.
The ending itself made no sense to me. The book was so focused on the man with the green suitcase and his power, that the buildup to his back story and his whole reason for being the way he was felt rushed, and it wasn't revealed until the very end, so I didn't have as strong feelings for him as I might have had I learned more about him sooner. The ending fell flat for me, due to lack of character development.
The story is described as magical realism, and I feel that it was too focused on the magical part to really connect to it.
*I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
The overall concept of this book is really interesting. There's a homeless man who wanders the streets, stopping by a local shelter to get food and a shower, once a week. While there he's connected with several different people, some good, some bad, and he shares visions with them. This man doesn't remember who he is or his past and is pretty much a loner, all he knows is that he must pass on the visions to the people they are intended for.
The interesting thing about this is the way the visions come about. When he is with someone and needs to pass along one of these visions, the energy builds up inside him, and the wrinkles on his face start to change. The energy buildup shines through the man as light.
Of course this special ability makes people want to be around him even more, but he tends to shut people out and do his own thing. There are lots of other characters, but I don't want to talk much about them because I'll give away major plot points if I do. The main focus is on the man with the green suitcase and it's his visions that tie all of the characters in the book together. All of his visions do come true, in one form or another.
As interesting as this part of the plot is, I feel that the writing could have been a lot more polished to help pull the reader into the story more. The writing is somewhat stilted in places. It also feels like the descriptions are somewhat cluttered. I find it odd to be saying that there are too many details given, but that's what this felt like. It just feels like the author is trying too hard to set up the scene for the reader, and that leads the cluttered descriptions and halts the flow. Instead of flowing naturally, these overly descriptive passages feel clunky.
There are a few other weak spots in the structure that pull you away from the reading as well. The book switches tenses often, even in the middle of paragraphs. There are also a lot of instances of repetitive phrasing throughout the story, sometimes one right after the other. There's a section where the story alternates between Valerie and Gerald and they mirror phrases almost exactly, one right after the other. Sometimes this can work, but it didn't quite work here. The alternations with headings, in the middle of chapters was also unsettling. I think that if the story had simply been told from their perspective for the whole chapter it would have been better than alternating between them in the same chapter.
Also, in a lot of sections there are sequences that I think are meant to be told as flashbacks which are all italicized. A few of these interspersed throughout the story would have been okay, but there are several and they are quite distracting.
One element of the book that I really enjoyed was the aspect of volunteerism. The author did a good job of really making it so that you can understand how life as a homeless person can be. It was nice to see characters who really enjoyed volunteering and helping others. There is also a character with mental illness in the story and while there was some description of that, it would have been nice to see that issue touched on a bit more thoroughly, in order to be able to better relate to Valerie's character.
The ending itself made no sense to me. The book was so focused on the man with the green suitcase and his power, that the buildup to his back story and his whole reason for being the way he was felt rushed, and it wasn't revealed until the very end, so I didn't have as strong feelings for him as I might have had I learned more about him sooner. The ending fell flat for me, due to lack of character development.
The story is described as magical realism, and I feel that it was too focused on the magical part to really connect to it.
*I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
December 7, 2012
The characters in the story are a jumbled assortment of people who all end up inter-connected in ways that aren't immediately clear. I liked the suspense element of this book as you're constantly wondering what is in the suitcase? Why doesn't the old man know anything about himself? How is he showing people visions?
I enjoyed how each of the characters has a period of self discovery and personal growth and how they seem to be better for knowing each other in the end.
The twist at the end was a little disappointing for me and I was left feeling like: "that's it?".
I don't know what I was expecting but the build up through the whole story left me a little dissatisfied with the wrap up.
I don't want to put any spoilers in here but if you read the book, you may wonder how someone could go missing with no one noticing.... I won't say any more than that.
Overall I enjoyed reading this story. It kept me engaged and curious and I would recommend for anyone who likes a mystery with a paranormal twist.
I enjoyed how each of the characters has a period of self discovery and personal growth and how they seem to be better for knowing each other in the end.
The twist at the end was a little disappointing for me and I was left feeling like: "that's it?".
I don't know what I was expecting but the build up through the whole story left me a little dissatisfied with the wrap up.
I don't want to put any spoilers in here but if you read the book, you may wonder how someone could go missing with no one noticing.... I won't say any more than that.
Overall I enjoyed reading this story. It kept me engaged and curious and I would recommend for anyone who likes a mystery with a paranormal twist.
August 23, 2014
A business man has been caught up in shady dealings. A woman is selling her body to make rent. Another woman has been physically scarred by fire. The one constant that ties them all together is the man with the green suitcase. Gerald has made some mistakes in his life. Some how he is drawn to help and a homeless shelter. Former prostitute Valerie needs to make a change. Channel was once a singer and a model in France when fire brought her career to a crashing halt. At the shelter they meet an old man with a green suitcase who gives two them visions of the past and the future. The third is destined to take his place.
This is not the usual type of story I pick up. It is a tale of hope and forgiveness. It is also a journey to discover what really matters. The Man With the Green Suitcase, what ever the type, is well told. Once I started, I couldn't put it down.
This is not the usual type of story I pick up. It is a tale of hope and forgiveness. It is also a journey to discover what really matters. The Man With the Green Suitcase, what ever the type, is well told. Once I started, I couldn't put it down.
Read
October 4, 2012I picked up The Man with the Green Suitcase because a story about a man carrying a mysterious green suitcase sounded intriguing. The poem that opens the book also got my attention. I really enjoyed the poem.
My favorite characters were the old man and Valerie.
The inconsistent handling of point of view (POV) throughout the book made it hard for me to ever settle into the story. A few sections were told from a single POV, but many chapters were told with a shifting POV (sometimes shifting in the same paragraph) that left me feeling unconnected to the characters and their story.
The character, Chantal, was very well-drawn.
The end was a cool twist.
My favorite characters were the old man and Valerie.
The inconsistent handling of point of view (POV) throughout the book made it hard for me to ever settle into the story. A few sections were told from a single POV, but many chapters were told with a shifting POV (sometimes shifting in the same paragraph) that left me feeling unconnected to the characters and their story.
The character, Chantal, was very well-drawn.
The end was a cool twist.
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