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True Love Story #1
Feels Like the First Time
Previously Published Cover Edition for ASIN B00961VIIM
September, 1975: Shawn meets Dawn, his one true love, when she moves into the vacant house next door. Many people spend their life searching in vain for happiness, but he was lucky; finding it at the age of fifteen.
February 1979: Forbidden to see each other and feeling he is harming her by being in her life, he walks away from the love of his life, apparently forever.
December, 2006: After decades of sadness and mourning the girl that got away, he has a chance meeting with her that might change his life forever… again. Can the sweet bond of first love not only survive, but flourish?
Feels Like the First Time lets you share in the magic of young love in small town America in the 1970s. No matter how much the world changes, some things – timeless music, high school dances, making out in the backseat of a Chevy Vega, and of course true love – will always remain the same.
September, 1975: Shawn meets Dawn, his one true love, when she moves into the vacant house next door. Many people spend their life searching in vain for happiness, but he was lucky; finding it at the age of fifteen.
February 1979: Forbidden to see each other and feeling he is harming her by being in her life, he walks away from the love of his life, apparently forever.
December, 2006: After decades of sadness and mourning the girl that got away, he has a chance meeting with her that might change his life forever… again. Can the sweet bond of first love not only survive, but flourish?
Feels Like the First Time lets you share in the magic of young love in small town America in the 1970s. No matter how much the world changes, some things – timeless music, high school dances, making out in the backseat of a Chevy Vega, and of course true love – will always remain the same.
218 pages, ebook
First published September 5, 2012
357 people are currently reading
2021 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
July 28, 2013
The book began ok, with a flashback to create tension and suspense that kept me reading on long after I lost interest.
At first I couldn't believe a mature man wrote this about himself because it's page after page of adolescent emotions of love, soaring, falling, tears flowing, day dreaming, hoping. It felt like a young adult romance. It's repetitive and too detailed about daily activities but not about more important plot points. It was not logical or understandable why--the crux of the story--Dawn's parents turned so completely against the author, causing them to lie to her about him and creating so much unhappiness. We aren't clear either about his older siblings that live far away. And even after thirty years, Shawn is still making mix tapes for his girlfriend and lip syncing to rock records. When they meet again, it's as if he's a love-sick teenager again, with all the same words of love, blah blah, that he used in the beginning. The many song references were just too much after a while.
One would like to think that in retrospect a mature person would reflect on his first love with perspective and to show some growth.
Now he's written another book with the same story but from Dawn's point of view. It's enough already, way too much already.
I'm really sorry not to like it, and I think I might have if there had been professional editing and deep cuts. Unfortunately it reads like a teenage diary.
At first I couldn't believe a mature man wrote this about himself because it's page after page of adolescent emotions of love, soaring, falling, tears flowing, day dreaming, hoping. It felt like a young adult romance. It's repetitive and too detailed about daily activities but not about more important plot points. It was not logical or understandable why--the crux of the story--Dawn's parents turned so completely against the author, causing them to lie to her about him and creating so much unhappiness. We aren't clear either about his older siblings that live far away. And even after thirty years, Shawn is still making mix tapes for his girlfriend and lip syncing to rock records. When they meet again, it's as if he's a love-sick teenager again, with all the same words of love, blah blah, that he used in the beginning. The many song references were just too much after a while.
One would like to think that in retrospect a mature person would reflect on his first love with perspective and to show some growth.
Now he's written another book with the same story but from Dawn's point of view. It's enough already, way too much already.
I'm really sorry not to like it, and I think I might have if there had been professional editing and deep cuts. Unfortunately it reads like a teenage diary.
November 9, 2012
How can put into words all the emotions this book stirred in me? It's hard. I laughed a lot Shawn was so sweet and swoon worthy. He was adorkable and wonderfully vulnerable. Hard to find since boys always want to be the strong, macho, cool males. I found Shawn and his devotion for Dawn so refreshingly endeering! This boy fell in love and never lost that sweetness toward her. Boys will be boys and though I'm sure there were plenty of naughty thoughts his focus is just on the fact that he loves her through thick and thin.
I think this book is totally sweet and it's even better and sweeter sice it's a real life romance told by a real life romantic who happens to be a man. I can't say enough about how wonderful this book is and hope everyone will read it.
I think this book is totally sweet and it's even better and sweeter sice it's a real life romance told by a real life romantic who happens to be a man. I can't say enough about how wonderful this book is and hope everyone will read it.
March 27, 2013
Five Stars
Anyone who doesn’t appreciate this work has not traveled this path. I received an email from Shawn asking if I’d be interested in giving his book a go. I looked at the title, checked the Amazon page and responded, “it’d be at least a month before I could get to it.” But something caught my eye. He drove a Vega which triggered a memory of a past love that didn’t work out. Needless to say, I was curious. As I started to read it, my eyes and brain became heavily invested as all I could think was, our books are parallels. So, if anyone thinks this review is biased, you would probably be correct. Like Shawn and Dawn, I to had a high school sweetheart I reunited with twenty-seven years later. Sadly, our reunion only lasted seven short months as her cancer returned with a vengeance.
That aside, I can follow Shawn and Dawn’s story with a finite interest, understanding the pain, the hurt, the joy, the longing, the inability to think, the endless hours wondering how she is doing. I completely understand why his second marriage failed. Do you know how hard it is to be in love with someone when your heart is with someone else? It is utter torture, and Shawn does an excellent job in portraying his emotions towards Adinah. I remember the day my ex-bride-to-be wanted me to throw out the memories and pictures I still had of Debbie. I told her, “She came first. If I find any of those memories missing, this marriage is over.” She never broached the topic again.
Is it wrong to pine for someone while we’re with someone else? On the surface, the answer would be yes, but in the long run, our heart, soul and God are controlling which way the course will travel. No one said it would be easy.
Overall, this is an excellent read especially for those who have loved, lost and been given a “second chance,” to correct the mistakes of the past. Thank you for a great story Shawn and of course, Dawn. Without her, this would be just another high school love gone wrong.
Anyone who doesn’t appreciate this work has not traveled this path. I received an email from Shawn asking if I’d be interested in giving his book a go. I looked at the title, checked the Amazon page and responded, “it’d be at least a month before I could get to it.” But something caught my eye. He drove a Vega which triggered a memory of a past love that didn’t work out. Needless to say, I was curious. As I started to read it, my eyes and brain became heavily invested as all I could think was, our books are parallels. So, if anyone thinks this review is biased, you would probably be correct. Like Shawn and Dawn, I to had a high school sweetheart I reunited with twenty-seven years later. Sadly, our reunion only lasted seven short months as her cancer returned with a vengeance.
That aside, I can follow Shawn and Dawn’s story with a finite interest, understanding the pain, the hurt, the joy, the longing, the inability to think, the endless hours wondering how she is doing. I completely understand why his second marriage failed. Do you know how hard it is to be in love with someone when your heart is with someone else? It is utter torture, and Shawn does an excellent job in portraying his emotions towards Adinah. I remember the day my ex-bride-to-be wanted me to throw out the memories and pictures I still had of Debbie. I told her, “She came first. If I find any of those memories missing, this marriage is over.” She never broached the topic again.
Is it wrong to pine for someone while we’re with someone else? On the surface, the answer would be yes, but in the long run, our heart, soul and God are controlling which way the course will travel. No one said it would be easy.
Overall, this is an excellent read especially for those who have loved, lost and been given a “second chance,” to correct the mistakes of the past. Thank you for a great story Shawn and of course, Dawn. Without her, this would be just another high school love gone wrong.
November 11, 2012
Any romance novelist out there who is suffering from writers block has a ready-made plot begging to be stolen in Feels Like the First Time. Although you’ll have to rework it a bit to fit genre conventions (specifically, add the female’s point-of-view), the plot would work great. For women who don’t think men are romantic, Shawn Inmon’s “true life love story” will prove that isn’t true. If nothing else, he’s the exception that proves the rule.
As much as I liked the love story, I also found the nostalgia in the first part of the story almost as much of a draw. Inmon’s a couple years younger than I am and the first part of his story, during his high school and college days in the mid-seventies, brought back memories, both good and bad. For example, the title of the book seems like an obvious (maybe even clichéd, albeit appropriate) title. But when I considered all the references to music from that era, the book title (as well as a chapter title of the same name) is obviously an homage to the hit song from Foreigner’s first (and still best) album, which makes it more than okay. I wouldn’t want to return to the days of silk shirts, bell bottom pants, and getting tongue-tied around beautiful woman (actually, I’m still waiting to grow out of the last one), but the brief visit was fun.
Although it reads much like a novel, with the same structure (plot, story arc, etc.), Inmon’s writing style never left a doubt that the story was real. I kept thinking about that old writing saw about opening a vein and was constantly looking for red splatters on my Kindle.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
As much as I liked the love story, I also found the nostalgia in the first part of the story almost as much of a draw. Inmon’s a couple years younger than I am and the first part of his story, during his high school and college days in the mid-seventies, brought back memories, both good and bad. For example, the title of the book seems like an obvious (maybe even clichéd, albeit appropriate) title. But when I considered all the references to music from that era, the book title (as well as a chapter title of the same name) is obviously an homage to the hit song from Foreigner’s first (and still best) album, which makes it more than okay. I wouldn’t want to return to the days of silk shirts, bell bottom pants, and getting tongue-tied around beautiful woman (actually, I’m still waiting to grow out of the last one), but the brief visit was fun.
Although it reads much like a novel, with the same structure (plot, story arc, etc.), Inmon’s writing style never left a doubt that the story was real. I kept thinking about that old writing saw about opening a vein and was constantly looking for red splatters on my Kindle.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
October 11, 2012
This true story by author Shawn Inmon took me way back to a time in my life that I miss dearly. In his book, Feels Like the First Time, memories flooded my way with his descriptive scenes and mention of music that can only be considered classics of an era gone by. From the cover to the very last page, Shawn takes you through the time period of the 60s through the present, while his story of love unfolds.
Shawn, meets and falls in love with Dawn Adele when her family moves into the house next door. They grew up together and learned things about life and love, before their relationship was halted by Dawn Adele's parents. Three decades later, a chance meeting brings them together again. Can Shawn and Dawn Adele's love pick-up where it left off, so many tears ago? Will you become a believer in fate? Shawn Inmon proves that true love does exist in this wonderfully romantic story of misunderstandings, heartbreak, and finally true happiness.
If you've grown up in the early setting of this book, reading it will be like a walk down memory lane.
Shawn, meets and falls in love with Dawn Adele when her family moves into the house next door. They grew up together and learned things about life and love, before their relationship was halted by Dawn Adele's parents. Three decades later, a chance meeting brings them together again. Can Shawn and Dawn Adele's love pick-up where it left off, so many tears ago? Will you become a believer in fate? Shawn Inmon proves that true love does exist in this wonderfully romantic story of misunderstandings, heartbreak, and finally true happiness.
If you've grown up in the early setting of this book, reading it will be like a walk down memory lane.
November 11, 2012
"Feels Like the First Time" is a true romance story of Shawn and Dawn. If you grew up in the 70's like I did, this book will really hit home for you. With a well written plot, the book is full of emotions and the ups and downs of romance. I was totally captivated from the beginning to end. Highly recommended for everyone that loves a really good true romance story.
This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.
October 21, 2012
This book is a bittersweet love story that I couldn't put down. I cried real tears, especially when they read their wedding vows to each other. Oops is that giving the story away? Well ok i'll put a "spoiler" warning. I also liked the way the author dedicated the book to his sister. She seemed liked such a wonderful and special person.
I rarely give 5 star ratings, and struggled between rating this book 4 or 5 stars. I'd say that this book was 4.5 stars. My only disappointment was that there were no photos in the book. Whenever I read memoirs, its always nice to see photos of the people that you are reading about. Maybe a photo of their prom and KISS II, to name a few. Otherwise a beautiful, bittersweet love story.
I rarely give 5 star ratings, and struggled between rating this book 4 or 5 stars. I'd say that this book was 4.5 stars. My only disappointment was that there were no photos in the book. Whenever I read memoirs, its always nice to see photos of the people that you are reading about. Maybe a photo of their prom and KISS II, to name a few. Otherwise a beautiful, bittersweet love story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2012
I love how simple and un presumptuous this story is. It's a beautiful love story. There isn't a rich debonair millionaire or a seductress woman, but there are 2 teenagers who find love and life circumstances are not in their favor. Love will find a way though and it does in a simple but beautiful way.
February 18, 2016
I didn't feel the love between the two...I didn't care about KISS...I felt like the book was monotonous and anti-climatic. I am happy though, that they are together.
February 9, 2013
Wow!!!
This is not a romance, at least not a typical one. It is a love story. A true one. One that will touch your heart and take you on a ride of innocence, heartbreak and eventually you to a place of contentment and happiness.
I actually picked this book up on accident. I was searching for another book with a similar synopsis but had forgotten the title and I thought this one was it. Even though it wasn't the book I was searching for, I am so glad I found this one.
This book was a great trip down memory lane for me. I also grew up in the 70's and early 80's in a small town. I loved all the musical and time period references. It reminded me of how different life was back then.
Shawn and Dawns story is one of innocence, love, and tragedy. True love found too young at a time when they didn't and couldn't have control over the direction of their own lives. People and circumstances tore them apart. It would be thirty years before chance and Shawn's undying love would eventually put them together again.
This story put me through a wide spectrum of emotions. I laughed, cried, and got angry but mostly this story touched my soul.
Shawn thank you for sharing your story and letting me come along for the ride. I am so happy that you and Dawn got your "Happy Ever After".
This is not a romance, at least not a typical one. It is a love story. A true one. One that will touch your heart and take you on a ride of innocence, heartbreak and eventually you to a place of contentment and happiness.
I actually picked this book up on accident. I was searching for another book with a similar synopsis but had forgotten the title and I thought this one was it. Even though it wasn't the book I was searching for, I am so glad I found this one.
This book was a great trip down memory lane for me. I also grew up in the 70's and early 80's in a small town. I loved all the musical and time period references. It reminded me of how different life was back then.
Shawn and Dawns story is one of innocence, love, and tragedy. True love found too young at a time when they didn't and couldn't have control over the direction of their own lives. People and circumstances tore them apart. It would be thirty years before chance and Shawn's undying love would eventually put them together again.
This story put me through a wide spectrum of emotions. I laughed, cried, and got angry but mostly this story touched my soul.
Shawn thank you for sharing your story and letting me come along for the ride. I am so happy that you and Dawn got your "Happy Ever After".
March 6, 2013
Deeply Touching Yet Authentic
Romance seems far too narrow a term for one man's interrupted courtship, spanning the distance from the moment his eyes first met hers across the yard in Mossyrock, Washington until a chance meeting a lifetime later, that spark still alive inside him, inextinguishable.
Fate reunited them against incredible odds. Of that, Shawn Inmon was certain. But Dawn harbored doubts, held very different recollections of their teenage relationship, influenced by factors beyond her understanding.
Beginning at the end, or rather ending at the beginning, the settings and events are filled in gradually as the years leading up to their tragic separation traces their path and missteps along the way. Set against a backdrop of rock n' roll, small town mores, and a naïve faith that nothing could ever come between them, the author's biographical journal was written on his heart until a promise extracted by his sister brought this account to the light of day.
An astounding first work, detailed and passionate, certain to captivate with its soul-searing honesty, emotion and stark experiences shared by any readers who recall their own star-crossed first love. A testament to faith, hope and the healing power of A True Love Story, as told from author's view.
The sequel promises to recount this incredible journey through Dawn's eyes.
Romance seems far too narrow a term for one man's interrupted courtship, spanning the distance from the moment his eyes first met hers across the yard in Mossyrock, Washington until a chance meeting a lifetime later, that spark still alive inside him, inextinguishable.
Fate reunited them against incredible odds. Of that, Shawn Inmon was certain. But Dawn harbored doubts, held very different recollections of their teenage relationship, influenced by factors beyond her understanding.
Beginning at the end, or rather ending at the beginning, the settings and events are filled in gradually as the years leading up to their tragic separation traces their path and missteps along the way. Set against a backdrop of rock n' roll, small town mores, and a naïve faith that nothing could ever come between them, the author's biographical journal was written on his heart until a promise extracted by his sister brought this account to the light of day.
An astounding first work, detailed and passionate, certain to captivate with its soul-searing honesty, emotion and stark experiences shared by any readers who recall their own star-crossed first love. A testament to faith, hope and the healing power of A True Love Story, as told from author's view.
The sequel promises to recount this incredible journey through Dawn's eyes.
November 13, 2014
I had such a hard time reading this book. I wanted to just put it down and walk away, but that is not my style. So I struggled through it. The story is a true story that takes place in the 70's between Shawn and his slightly younger neighbor whom he eventually marries. The story is layered in memories and music of that era and that may be where he lost me the most. Everything had a song to it. His parents (Mom and Stepfather) really didn't seem to interested in anything he did and her parents used him to take care of their daughter as long as it suited their purposes. When the relationship between Shawn and their daughter progressed, they put a stop to it even though earlier they had encouraged it. I thought the story was touching in a painful way, but could have been written so much better. Shawn and his wife have gone on to write more of their story, but I will pass of them, This one was just too hard to read and keep my interest.
October 2, 2016
Who isn’t a sucker for a good love story? The best thing is that this one is true. Shawn and Dawn meet when they’re too young. They live next door to each other and start out as friends but their feelings slowly grow. Shawn is older and, initially, their parents endorse their close friendship. But one error in judgment and everything falls apart. Dawn’s parents forbid Shawn to see Dawn again. Due to the interference of their parents and a lack of maturity and communication skills, they each make assumptions about the other. It’s over and they go on and live their own lives. 27 years later, they meet by chance. Dawn is cold and indifferent to Shawn, but he doesn’t give up. This is a touching love story. It bogs down a little in the middle, but was still hard to put down.
October 22, 2012
What a emotional read, happy moments and heart breaking moments, made even more real knowing its a true story. Would recommend it to anyone!
November 8, 2012
an honest story of a young love and life, and proof that soulmates do exist
January 21, 2016
Some Spoiler Alert:
This book reads like someone's journal, which is basically what it is. The author wrote in autobiographical form, what he was feeling and his memories of his first love. Then, he began to write it out in a book to be published on an internet site. This explains, possibly, why the writing shows no creativity, to speak of. The topic is interesting enough: a man meets his girlfriend from 25 years ago and they rediscover one another. Most of the story is background material to get the reader to the point of the meeting and the after-effects.
Upsides: the books begins in the present (almost) and then retreats to the past, then back to the present to wrap it up. There is raw emotion sensed throughout. If you came of age during the 70's or 80's the references to songs and other culture of that time can be funny and provoke one's own memories.
Downsides: The author seems to have arrested development, emotionally and mentally. He refers to a mock band that he was a part of, syncing the rock group, KISS, repeatedly. It seems this was a huge event in his life. He has been unstable in relationships and finances and constantly reflects on a season of his past. He stated that he wanted what was best for the girl, Dawn, thus he lets her go, ending the relationship. Then he constantly thinks about Dawn and in later years it is to the point of publishing this book, knowing full well that there was a possibility she would read it or find out about it. He uses this first love as an excuse to justify failed relationships and so forth. (the girl was a mere 14 and 15 years old at the time which justifies her parents putting a limitations on the relationship once they discover it is not a "big brother" type of neighborly fun) He justifies walking out on his current wife and kids because of this chance (or maybe not chance) meeting (not sure if the kids were from the first or the current marriage). He begins and affair with this love from his adolescence, justifying every moment of it, before any divorce has even begun and throughout the divorce proceedings with his wife. He is even planning a wedding with Dawn, and presumably living with her,and so forth, before he is barely out the door from his wife. Additionally, has the audacity to call his wife and tell her he is divorcing her over the phone and previous to that he tells her he is in contact with Dawn, his love from teen years and that he does not intend to stop and does not know where it will lead. His wife calls him a bastard, when he ends the marriage over the phone, and it seems an appropriate designation. She had, apparently, tried to make the marriage work, even somewhat admitted by the author.
Dawn seems a bit weary for the wear, having endured two relationships with severe drug addicts, one of them a marriage. She is more than excited to, possibly, have an opportunity to be with someone other than a meth head. Soon after the "chance" meeting, she begins to say she has always loved him also, just as Shawn had professed to her soon after they saw one another. Strangely, Dawn had no clue who Shawn was when he came through her drive-thru and even when he said they went to school together and told her his name, she had to think for a moment, saying "Shawn? Who?"
It seems that Shawn Inmon uses this relationship from his adolescent life to justify pathetic, irresponsible behavior. While most of us can point to the first love, the first sexual experience, the first passion, we can never return to the past (and why would we want to, honestly), and it should not be used to justify shortcoming and inconsistency in one's life. Definitely, if a spouse was behaving in this manner many would say "there's the door and do not let it hit you when you walk out of it." It would be curious to see where this relationship is in ten years. Maybe it will work out for them, but the reasons that Shawn and Dawn ended up together were obsession and selfish behavior on the part of Shawn.
The premise of the book, a chance meeting of an old flame, was interesting, thus I continued reading. I also like to read autobiographical writing. Yet, the twist this story takes, the justifications for causing chaos to others' lives and the renouncing of marriage vows, in the name of love, tarnished the story. This, unfortunately, left me with a sense of sadness due to the lack of responsibility and integrity that the writer displays while claiming it is for "love." Love is a verb. It does no harm.
This book reads like someone's journal, which is basically what it is. The author wrote in autobiographical form, what he was feeling and his memories of his first love. Then, he began to write it out in a book to be published on an internet site. This explains, possibly, why the writing shows no creativity, to speak of. The topic is interesting enough: a man meets his girlfriend from 25 years ago and they rediscover one another. Most of the story is background material to get the reader to the point of the meeting and the after-effects.
Upsides: the books begins in the present (almost) and then retreats to the past, then back to the present to wrap it up. There is raw emotion sensed throughout. If you came of age during the 70's or 80's the references to songs and other culture of that time can be funny and provoke one's own memories.
Downsides: The author seems to have arrested development, emotionally and mentally. He refers to a mock band that he was a part of, syncing the rock group, KISS, repeatedly. It seems this was a huge event in his life. He has been unstable in relationships and finances and constantly reflects on a season of his past. He stated that he wanted what was best for the girl, Dawn, thus he lets her go, ending the relationship. Then he constantly thinks about Dawn and in later years it is to the point of publishing this book, knowing full well that there was a possibility she would read it or find out about it. He uses this first love as an excuse to justify failed relationships and so forth. (the girl was a mere 14 and 15 years old at the time which justifies her parents putting a limitations on the relationship once they discover it is not a "big brother" type of neighborly fun) He justifies walking out on his current wife and kids because of this chance (or maybe not chance) meeting (not sure if the kids were from the first or the current marriage). He begins and affair with this love from his adolescence, justifying every moment of it, before any divorce has even begun and throughout the divorce proceedings with his wife. He is even planning a wedding with Dawn, and presumably living with her,and so forth, before he is barely out the door from his wife. Additionally, has the audacity to call his wife and tell her he is divorcing her over the phone and previous to that he tells her he is in contact with Dawn, his love from teen years and that he does not intend to stop and does not know where it will lead. His wife calls him a bastard, when he ends the marriage over the phone, and it seems an appropriate designation. She had, apparently, tried to make the marriage work, even somewhat admitted by the author.
Dawn seems a bit weary for the wear, having endured two relationships with severe drug addicts, one of them a marriage. She is more than excited to, possibly, have an opportunity to be with someone other than a meth head. Soon after the "chance" meeting, she begins to say she has always loved him also, just as Shawn had professed to her soon after they saw one another. Strangely, Dawn had no clue who Shawn was when he came through her drive-thru and even when he said they went to school together and told her his name, she had to think for a moment, saying "Shawn? Who?"
It seems that Shawn Inmon uses this relationship from his adolescent life to justify pathetic, irresponsible behavior. While most of us can point to the first love, the first sexual experience, the first passion, we can never return to the past (and why would we want to, honestly), and it should not be used to justify shortcoming and inconsistency in one's life. Definitely, if a spouse was behaving in this manner many would say "there's the door and do not let it hit you when you walk out of it." It would be curious to see where this relationship is in ten years. Maybe it will work out for them, but the reasons that Shawn and Dawn ended up together were obsession and selfish behavior on the part of Shawn.
The premise of the book, a chance meeting of an old flame, was interesting, thus I continued reading. I also like to read autobiographical writing. Yet, the twist this story takes, the justifications for causing chaos to others' lives and the renouncing of marriage vows, in the name of love, tarnished the story. This, unfortunately, left me with a sense of sadness due to the lack of responsibility and integrity that the writer displays while claiming it is for "love." Love is a verb. It does no harm.
November 17, 2018
Enjoyed this true love story. It flowed so well and didn’t feel choppy.
November 11, 2017
A beautiful love story told by the author, reliving the emotions, thoughts and journey he goes through. As a teenage boy, Shawn falls in love with the girl next door Dawn, but before they can make plans for their future, parents intervene and forbid them seeing each other. I can understand the parents' anger in some ways but instead of helping Shawn and Dawn, their solution was to forbid the match. This leads to years of heartbreak and separation. Love wins in the end over thirty years later. I can't imagine having to go through this but it makes the reunion so much more special. A feel-good love story tenderly told and so thrilled that Shawn and Dawn have a happy ending.
January 17, 2016
“Perspective is everything.”
A life, in retrospect, is small, compact and filled with images, smell, sounds and feelings, mingled together into a soap of time. With 20/20 hindsight, facts, results, and conclusions are all laid out before you and what would have been, could have been, and should have been is as clear as a bright summer’s day. Time is a sheet covered in wormholes of opportunity. If you exit one, the chances of returning and picking up the tattered and separated threads of the past, mending them and continuing is very rare; but it happens.
Shawn Inmon was your average, awkward, and innocent teenage boy when he first saw his new next-door neighbor, Dawn Adele Welch, and his life was never the same. Their love is pure and innocent, too young to be practical but as real as any. This love story, though very personal in nature is surprisingly un-unique. Almost every young person has experienced it. It is an intricate part of the human’s physical and mental development.
First loves, though not always successful, are never forgotten. It is the best of times mingled with the worst of times as feelings and the raging hormones of youth wage battle in both sexes. Through the course of most lives, love is found and lost but the first one remains suspended in time, never changing, but forever suspended just out of reach. This is an autobiography and probably serves the writer as a final release and small compensation for all the years spent apart from his life’s intended. The compensation that, though apart, their lives remained productive and gave them five daughters to attest the fact and now fills their lives now that they are reunited.
I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this book. As I read I found myself drawn to the story. Although I am a decade older than the two in the book, the 60,s and 70’s didn’t change so dramatically and our two stories share many similarities. The use of songs is very effective. How many people hear a song from the past and are instantly transported to a time and place long ago? You can picture in your mind’s eye details that you hadn’t remembered in years. Our past is what makes us what we are today; the good, bad, and painful are the building blocks are the mortar that makes us, us. I really enjoyed this story and feel sure it will appeal to the masses; things remain unsaid, will remain unheard.
A life, in retrospect, is small, compact and filled with images, smell, sounds and feelings, mingled together into a soap of time. With 20/20 hindsight, facts, results, and conclusions are all laid out before you and what would have been, could have been, and should have been is as clear as a bright summer’s day. Time is a sheet covered in wormholes of opportunity. If you exit one, the chances of returning and picking up the tattered and separated threads of the past, mending them and continuing is very rare; but it happens.
Shawn Inmon was your average, awkward, and innocent teenage boy when he first saw his new next-door neighbor, Dawn Adele Welch, and his life was never the same. Their love is pure and innocent, too young to be practical but as real as any. This love story, though very personal in nature is surprisingly un-unique. Almost every young person has experienced it. It is an intricate part of the human’s physical and mental development.
First loves, though not always successful, are never forgotten. It is the best of times mingled with the worst of times as feelings and the raging hormones of youth wage battle in both sexes. Through the course of most lives, love is found and lost but the first one remains suspended in time, never changing, but forever suspended just out of reach. This is an autobiography and probably serves the writer as a final release and small compensation for all the years spent apart from his life’s intended. The compensation that, though apart, their lives remained productive and gave them five daughters to attest the fact and now fills their lives now that they are reunited.
I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this book. As I read I found myself drawn to the story. Although I am a decade older than the two in the book, the 60,s and 70’s didn’t change so dramatically and our two stories share many similarities. The use of songs is very effective. How many people hear a song from the past and are instantly transported to a time and place long ago? You can picture in your mind’s eye details that you hadn’t remembered in years. Our past is what makes us what we are today; the good, bad, and painful are the building blocks are the mortar that makes us, us. I really enjoyed this story and feel sure it will appeal to the masses; things remain unsaid, will remain unheard.
July 14, 2016
If my hubby were to write a book about how we met as kids, went steady in high school, went our separate ways after graduation, got engaged to other people, and ended up married to each other for nearly fifty years now, (and counting) I'm sure the book would make me swoon. Our kids and grandkids might like it, too, but the rest of the world? Probably not so much, because it's OUR story, and every single couple in the world has one. Most couples think their story is gold, and sometimes, they're right. Sometimes, it's so unique and inspirational, their story becomes just as memorably golden to everyone else, too. I was truly hoping that in this book, I'd find a heart-warming story that would strike gold with me, but I'm sorry to say I found mostly pyrite.
Maybe it was just me, but I simply couldn't relate. Shawn's love for Dawn bordered on obsession, an obsession that pretty much paralyzed him emotionally for THIRTY years. After all that time, even though he was married and had children, he was still mooning over the girl who'd lived next door to him as a kid. He was still stuck in the past, still listening to the music they listened to together as kids, and still wondering about her and aching for her every single day. He and his pals used to wear the full make-up and costumes to perform KISS-like "concerts" on-stage... you know, lip-singing their tunes? Methinks his life smacked more of Arrested Development.
Yeah, their story has a happy ending. They end up together again, after all those years. As far as I know, they're still together now. I'm happy for them, and hope their reality is even better than what he imagined for so many years.
But their story? I'm sorry, but to me, the book reads like an immature teenager's diary. Not my cuppa tea.
Maybe it was just me, but I simply couldn't relate. Shawn's love for Dawn bordered on obsession, an obsession that pretty much paralyzed him emotionally for THIRTY years. After all that time, even though he was married and had children, he was still mooning over the girl who'd lived next door to him as a kid. He was still stuck in the past, still listening to the music they listened to together as kids, and still wondering about her and aching for her every single day. He and his pals used to wear the full make-up and costumes to perform KISS-like "concerts" on-stage... you know, lip-singing their tunes? Methinks his life smacked more of Arrested Development.
Yeah, their story has a happy ending. They end up together again, after all those years. As far as I know, they're still together now. I'm happy for them, and hope their reality is even better than what he imagined for so many years.
But their story? I'm sorry, but to me, the book reads like an immature teenager's diary. Not my cuppa tea.
June 27, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It tells the story of a young couple who is torn apart because of some misunderstandings and "fate", by after many years of loving each other silently and torturing themselves, they randomly meet and find the strength to reunite and get married, as they should have done so many years ago.
Shawn Inmon's story is autobiographical. (At least I think so.) I really liked his writing style and the way he expressed his feelings and his thoughts. It was so good to see love through a man's eyes, to see how much pain he hided inside him all these years and how life loved him after all, because he ultimately brought him to his one and only love. I also adored the fact that so many titles of songs "danced" throughout the book and how music and poetry played a significant role in the way both of the protagonists expressed their emotions to each other.
Overall, 3 out of 5 stars, because of the fact that it seemed to me that it ended a bit too suddenly. Well, I liked it so much that I didn't want it to end. I recommend it to everyone, but especially to people who enjoy reading romantic stories. It's a perfect read for winter nights. So, yes, if you're up to a light and hopeful read, this book is for you.
P.S. I'll definitely buy more books by Shawn Inmon because he is totally capable of creating a perfect romantic atmosphere and knows what true and pure feelings really mean. :-)
Shawn Inmon's story is autobiographical. (At least I think so.) I really liked his writing style and the way he expressed his feelings and his thoughts. It was so good to see love through a man's eyes, to see how much pain he hided inside him all these years and how life loved him after all, because he ultimately brought him to his one and only love. I also adored the fact that so many titles of songs "danced" throughout the book and how music and poetry played a significant role in the way both of the protagonists expressed their emotions to each other.
Overall, 3 out of 5 stars, because of the fact that it seemed to me that it ended a bit too suddenly. Well, I liked it so much that I didn't want it to end. I recommend it to everyone, but especially to people who enjoy reading romantic stories. It's a perfect read for winter nights. So, yes, if you're up to a light and hopeful read, this book is for you.
P.S. I'll definitely buy more books by Shawn Inmon because he is totally capable of creating a perfect romantic atmosphere and knows what true and pure feelings really mean. :-)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2012
Shawn Inmon's "Feels Like the First Time" inspired laughter and tears alike as I read. Having grown up in a very small town myself, I related to many of the situations (and yes, challenges) that come with an environment where everyone knows everyone and tends to get into your business.
Inmon tells the story of his growing affection for the literal girl next door, Dawn, and how their relationship develops. At one point, her parents demand that he never see her again -- and he doesn't, for thirty years. The book begins with him walking away from Dawn, as directed -- and then he tells the tale of their relationship and what happened when they accidentally found one another again.
Each chapter head is a song title, which lends even more to the nostalgia (the book takes place in the late 1970s). I remembered each and every song and found that some memories of my own were triggered by the music. As a result, Inmon not only put me directly into his world but allowed me to relate it to where I was at the time of the events. Dawn and I were the same age at the time this book took place, and (like her) I had strict parents. I found myself chafed on her behalf as I remembered similar situations from my own life!
This is a true love story, one with drama and delight in equal measure. Highly recommended.
Inmon tells the story of his growing affection for the literal girl next door, Dawn, and how their relationship develops. At one point, her parents demand that he never see her again -- and he doesn't, for thirty years. The book begins with him walking away from Dawn, as directed -- and then he tells the tale of their relationship and what happened when they accidentally found one another again.
Each chapter head is a song title, which lends even more to the nostalgia (the book takes place in the late 1970s). I remembered each and every song and found that some memories of my own were triggered by the music. As a result, Inmon not only put me directly into his world but allowed me to relate it to where I was at the time of the events. Dawn and I were the same age at the time this book took place, and (like her) I had strict parents. I found myself chafed on her behalf as I remembered similar situations from my own life!
This is a true love story, one with drama and delight in equal measure. Highly recommended.
February 20, 2014
I'm ashamed to admit that I like jerky heroes sometimes - especially those with a lot of baggage. Well, Feels Like's hero does carry some baggage, but he's definitely not jerky. He's kind, compassionate, forgiving (man, is he forgiving!), and a self-described dork. Not to mention, he's a real person (in the literal sense of the word). Yet his and "his bride's" story stayed with me for a long time, and I found myself visiting his Facebook page every now and then to "check on" them - just to reassure myself that happily-ever-afters do happen in real life. I got this book for free (it's one of the best surprises from Amazon), and then I got an even better surprise when I found out that it has a companion book, Both Sides Now, which is told in the lovely bride's voice. And I didn't have to wait for months to purchase it! I'm told there's a third book in the works, but sadly, my luck has run out. I'll have to wait for a few months for that one. In every life, a little rain must fall, right?
April 24, 2013
When I read a book I read for the emotional experience not a literary critique. This book was full of emotions. I somehow missed that this book was a true love story until it was over. I loved and hate this book was written by a man. Loved it because it is so rare that you get to see the true heart of a man, his hopes, his fears, his weaknesses, his dreams, and the self-discovery of a boy becoming a man, a husband, a father all just laid out for the world to see. I loved the self-admitted weakness and doubts and his courage to face the pain of the truth. I hated it because his random thoughts of a young adult male of the 70's were not relatable to me BUT these thoughts were great at setting the scene/mental picture of the time which did add to the reading experience. I am so glad that true love did prevail and these two souls have finally joined together as one and I pray they will continue to grow!!!!
May 2, 2013
This story is just amazing. It is written straight from the heart of the author who is writing about true life events and people and by the way he has written it, you can tell it's true. In fact, during the parts where he is the young teenager, it is written with such energy and honesty, that we can see him and hear him in our minds as he writes the events just as they happened.
How many of us have fallen in love with that one person that is our soul mate just to lose them? Lots of us. In this book, we read about just this kind of couple who fall in love and lose each other then find one another by total accident thirty years later.
I highly recommend this story. It's not only honestly written but I think each of us can find some inspiration in the words. As a bonus, we are treated to many memories associated with songs of the seventies and eighties. It all makes it hit so much closer to home!
How many of us have fallen in love with that one person that is our soul mate just to lose them? Lots of us. In this book, we read about just this kind of couple who fall in love and lose each other then find one another by total accident thirty years later.
I highly recommend this story. It's not only honestly written but I think each of us can find some inspiration in the words. As a bonus, we are treated to many memories associated with songs of the seventies and eighties. It all makes it hit so much closer to home!
November 22, 2012
What a wonderful and incredible book. I usually don't read non-fiction but this one caught my eye. I read it in one day; it was that good!
Told from Shawn's point of view, this is an incredible, true love story. When Shawn first laid eyes on Dawn, she was the skinny new kid who moved in next door. We soon learn that he has feelings for her despite that she is much younger than he. The 1970's era is a great backdrop for this story. All the great music brings back plenty of good memories. Soon separated by family and geography, they each go on to live separate lives.
After thirty years apart and a chance meeting, can they find the love that they once had? Painfully and brutally honest, Shawn Inmon captivates readers with a story of true love and restores our faith in our one perfect soul mate.
Told from Shawn's point of view, this is an incredible, true love story. When Shawn first laid eyes on Dawn, she was the skinny new kid who moved in next door. We soon learn that he has feelings for her despite that she is much younger than he. The 1970's era is a great backdrop for this story. All the great music brings back plenty of good memories. Soon separated by family and geography, they each go on to live separate lives.
After thirty years apart and a chance meeting, can they find the love that they once had? Painfully and brutally honest, Shawn Inmon captivates readers with a story of true love and restores our faith in our one perfect soul mate.
April 4, 2013
I could echo so many of the wonderful reviews of this book that I have read here on Goodreads. I loved the book. I love the nostalgia it inspired in me. I remember those days, and the feeling of young desperate, overwhelming, take-over your life love. I am so happy for Shawn and Dawn, that they found their way back to each other, and I am so anxious to hear the story from Dawn's perspective.
Read this book! (Especially if you were a teen in the late 70's or early 80's) Then when your done, go over to Shawn's website and look at the pics!
Wonderful read. Started it at 9pm and finished just after 3am. Couldn't put it down.
Read this book! (Especially if you were a teen in the late 70's or early 80's) Then when your done, go over to Shawn's website and look at the pics!
Wonderful read. Started it at 9pm and finished just after 3am. Couldn't put it down.
April 25, 2013
This was my first non-fiction book. This memoir reads like a novel. Told by Shawn, as he pours his heart out, in this true second chance romance. Since I am a "sucker" for the fiction version a childhood sweetheart story/second chance romance I gave it a shot. I am very glad I did, it was very heartwarming. In the mood for lots of 70's nostalgia and a heartwarming love story, you will like this. Also, after reading, he has a link to pictures to put the story to life. Thanks Shawn and Dawn for sharing your story.
November 9, 2014
3.5 Stars! This is the ultimate real life second chance love story. I was captivated by Shawn's gut wrenching recount of his one true love and the feelings of longing that spanned 30+ years. This book is a memoir with virtually no dialogue but I was still swept away by the decade and the amazing musical references. Although the writing wasn't stellar and it is truly only one side of the story, I did find myself rooting for the HEA of Shawn and Dawn.
January 30, 2015
Feels Like the First Time recounts the real-life, often challenging, love story of two teenagers - the author, Shawn Inmon and his soul mate, Dawn. The two youngsters experience a roller coaster ride of ups and downs as unplanned circumstances, and her parents, create barriers to their happiness. Shawn's memoir, told in an honest, straightforward fashion, will keep the reader anxiously turning pages to see how these two people finally achieve their destiny.
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