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Sighs Too Deep For Words
SIGHS TOO DEEP FOR WORDS is the story of a man in prison who falls in love, through lengthy correspondence, with a woman he's never met. Getting out, he goes to find her and discovers that the love letters he's received were written not by a woman but by a closeted gay man -- a small town minister. Not only did the minister deceive the prisoner, but he sent a photograph of his sister (who lives with him) as a picture representing himself. And not only is the sister unaware of the ruse, but she herself happens to be a lesbian. The ex-prisoner has fallen in love physically with a woman who doesn't know he exists, and mentally with a man he doesn't know how to love. Set in the scenic Texas Gulf Coast fishing village of Rockport, SIGHS TOO DEEP FOR WORDS is a darkly humorous and contemplative examination of the parameters of love, sex, sexuality and cultural perspective.
- GenresM M Romance
314 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2012
43 people want to read
About the author
William Jack Sibley
3 books9 followersAward-winning William Jack Sibley is a fifth generation Texas rancher and a versatile writer whose work has spanned from the likes of writing dialogue for television’s Guiding Light to serving as a contributing editor at Andy Warhol’s Interview Magazine, to seeing his plays produced off-Broadway and regionally. Sibley is the author of a dozen screenplays, nine stage plays, and three novels (Any Kind of Luck, Sighs Too Deep For Words, and Here We Go Loop De Loop).
Sibley’s previous works have won the National Indie Excellence Book Award and USA Best Book Award while succeeding as a finalist in the Lambda Literary Award, Foreword Reviews Book of the Year, and more. Sibley currently is the Secretary of the Texas Institute of Letters, as well as a member of The Dramatist Guild and the Writers Guild of America. He lives in San Antonio. For more, visit www.williamjacksibley.com.
Sibley’s previous works have won the National Indie Excellence Book Award and USA Best Book Award while succeeding as a finalist in the Lambda Literary Award, Foreword Reviews Book of the Year, and more. Sibley currently is the Secretary of the Texas Institute of Letters, as well as a member of The Dramatist Guild and the Writers Guild of America. He lives in San Antonio. For more, visit www.williamjacksibley.com.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 19, 2013
This review refers to the NetGalley edition.
I don't normally include a plot summary, but I couldn't resist with this one. Lester gets released from prison and heads off to find the woman he's been pen pals with for four years, Laurel. It turns out that Laurel doesn't exist, and that the person who's been writing to him is actually Philip, a closeted gay minister. The image Lester has had in mind (planted by a photograph Philip sent) is of Philip's sister Luz, who is a lesbian.
Let's stop there for a second. The above summary describes the book I THOUGHT I was getting myself into. I was intrigued by the exploration of how a person falls in love via the mind and heart versus physical attraction and lust. But that's not really the book that Sibley wrote. It's not that simple.
On his way into town, Lester meets Melanie and Daniel. Melanie is young, beautiful, wealthy, and about to be married to a man she doesn't love. She wants to sleep with Lester, but he isn't interested. Daniel is also young and beautiful - and openly gay. He also wants to sleep with Lester, and he DOES. Their parents, Yvonne and Bob, have their own secrets. Yvonne had an affair with an employee of her husband's, Eddie, and her husband has secretly knocked up the housekeeper, Rosa. But Rosa's baby just might belong to another man - a friend of Eddie's named Dave. Confused yet?
Daniel and Lester don't really "click." On a random night out, Daniel meets Philip (the closeted minister) and falls in love with him, but Philip is in love with Lester. Lester gets taken in by Otis the gas station owner in town, whose son Otis Jr is apparently ALSO closeted and gay. We find this out because apparently he used to sleep with Philip when they were in high school.
Lester gets pushed to the side for most of the book, but then he almost drowns in the Gulf. He is rescued by a man named Royce, who takes Lester back to his home to recover where Lester meets Leland, Royce's longtime partner. Seeing this happy, open couple causes Lester to face the feelings he has for Little Ray - a man he became attached to while in prison.
*sigh too deep for words*
I'm giving this book 3.5 stars because while it is well-written and entertaining, it could have been so much more than what it was. The constant influx of drama made it feel like an episode of a reality show and I found it distracting from the underlying themes of what love is and what sexual orientation means. But like most red-blooded Americans, I enjoy some gratuitous drama every now and then and this story has plenty with which to scratch that itch.
Fans of Sellevision by Augusten Burroughs are likely to enjoy this, as would anyone who likes an outlandish plot with lots of characters or readers who are intrigued by the idea of Texas being a hotbed for underground gay culture. But if you're expecting or looking forward to a serious exploration of love and attraction, you will be left wanting. The author doesn't spend as much time in the characters' psyches to really delve into those issues. The story is truly plot-driven, not theme-driven.
Overall this was an enjoyable read, but I found nothing groundbreaking contained in its pages.
I don't normally include a plot summary, but I couldn't resist with this one. Lester gets released from prison and heads off to find the woman he's been pen pals with for four years, Laurel. It turns out that Laurel doesn't exist, and that the person who's been writing to him is actually Philip, a closeted gay minister. The image Lester has had in mind (planted by a photograph Philip sent) is of Philip's sister Luz, who is a lesbian.
Let's stop there for a second. The above summary describes the book I THOUGHT I was getting myself into. I was intrigued by the exploration of how a person falls in love via the mind and heart versus physical attraction and lust. But that's not really the book that Sibley wrote. It's not that simple.
On his way into town, Lester meets Melanie and Daniel. Melanie is young, beautiful, wealthy, and about to be married to a man she doesn't love. She wants to sleep with Lester, but he isn't interested. Daniel is also young and beautiful - and openly gay. He also wants to sleep with Lester, and he DOES. Their parents, Yvonne and Bob, have their own secrets. Yvonne had an affair with an employee of her husband's, Eddie, and her husband has secretly knocked up the housekeeper, Rosa. But Rosa's baby just might belong to another man - a friend of Eddie's named Dave. Confused yet?
Daniel and Lester don't really "click." On a random night out, Daniel meets Philip (the closeted minister) and falls in love with him, but Philip is in love with Lester. Lester gets taken in by Otis the gas station owner in town, whose son Otis Jr is apparently ALSO closeted and gay. We find this out because apparently he used to sleep with Philip when they were in high school.
Lester gets pushed to the side for most of the book, but then he almost drowns in the Gulf. He is rescued by a man named Royce, who takes Lester back to his home to recover where Lester meets Leland, Royce's longtime partner. Seeing this happy, open couple causes Lester to face the feelings he has for Little Ray - a man he became attached to while in prison.
*sigh too deep for words*
I'm giving this book 3.5 stars because while it is well-written and entertaining, it could have been so much more than what it was. The constant influx of drama made it feel like an episode of a reality show and I found it distracting from the underlying themes of what love is and what sexual orientation means. But like most red-blooded Americans, I enjoy some gratuitous drama every now and then and this story has plenty with which to scratch that itch.
Fans of Sellevision by Augusten Burroughs are likely to enjoy this, as would anyone who likes an outlandish plot with lots of characters or readers who are intrigued by the idea of Texas being a hotbed for underground gay culture. But if you're expecting or looking forward to a serious exploration of love and attraction, you will be left wanting. The author doesn't spend as much time in the characters' psyches to really delve into those issues. The story is truly plot-driven, not theme-driven.
Overall this was an enjoyable read, but I found nothing groundbreaking contained in its pages.
April 23, 2013
William Jack Sibley has achieved the unimaginable with his second novel: He has made Republicans from Texas likable.
For all of their bitchiness, surface superficiality and forgivable flaws, some of the characters in "Sighs Too Deep for Words" are also funny and humane people at heart, despite their politics and 1 percent ways.
That's not to say Sibley doesn't take a lot of things to task in this heartwarming tale, including America's health care system, Hollywood, Tea Party members and oil companies. There are outlandish zingers, some hilarious one-liners, very original similes and plenty of surprises as a group of residents in the small coastal fishing village of Rockport, Texas, come to know one another through chance and coincidence.
At the heart of the story is Lester, an ex-con who has come to town seeking the love of his life, a woman he has never met who has won his heart by writing to him during his nearly four-year incarceration. When he tracks her down, Lester not only gets the surprise (and disappointment) of his life, he also discovers the life he was meant to lead as a circle of people—including a closeted Episcopal minister and his sister, a couple of spoiled rich kids, a kindly and wise gas station attendant and the town's elite summer residents—befriend him while he continues to seek the love that will make his new life complete.
Sibley's characters are a little too clever, the comebacks a little too quick, the plot a little too treacly and the reader can see the ending coming from a hundred miles away. Despite all of that, I really liked this book. There is a deeply religious and spiritual component that you don't often find in this genre and a profoundly existential undercurrent that runs through the pages. It opens with a quote from Romans that gives the novel its title—"Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words"—and God's unpredictable plan is a theme that recurs in the book, which has been nominated for a Lambda Literary Award,Balcones Fiction Prize and the ForeWord Reviews Book of The Year.
Sibley, a playwright and screenwriter, has a caustic wit, but the author's good heart shines through in the way he treats his characters and the way they treat one another with acceptance and respect. So what if it's a little too soap opera-ish? In Sibley's hands, that's not a bad thing.
For all of their bitchiness, surface superficiality and forgivable flaws, some of the characters in "Sighs Too Deep for Words" are also funny and humane people at heart, despite their politics and 1 percent ways.
That's not to say Sibley doesn't take a lot of things to task in this heartwarming tale, including America's health care system, Hollywood, Tea Party members and oil companies. There are outlandish zingers, some hilarious one-liners, very original similes and plenty of surprises as a group of residents in the small coastal fishing village of Rockport, Texas, come to know one another through chance and coincidence.
At the heart of the story is Lester, an ex-con who has come to town seeking the love of his life, a woman he has never met who has won his heart by writing to him during his nearly four-year incarceration. When he tracks her down, Lester not only gets the surprise (and disappointment) of his life, he also discovers the life he was meant to lead as a circle of people—including a closeted Episcopal minister and his sister, a couple of spoiled rich kids, a kindly and wise gas station attendant and the town's elite summer residents—befriend him while he continues to seek the love that will make his new life complete.
Sibley's characters are a little too clever, the comebacks a little too quick, the plot a little too treacly and the reader can see the ending coming from a hundred miles away. Despite all of that, I really liked this book. There is a deeply religious and spiritual component that you don't often find in this genre and a profoundly existential undercurrent that runs through the pages. It opens with a quote from Romans that gives the novel its title—"Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words"—and God's unpredictable plan is a theme that recurs in the book, which has been nominated for a Lambda Literary Award,Balcones Fiction Prize and the ForeWord Reviews Book of The Year.
Sibley, a playwright and screenwriter, has a caustic wit, but the author's good heart shines through in the way he treats his characters and the way they treat one another with acceptance and respect. So what if it's a little too soap opera-ish? In Sibley's hands, that's not a bad thing.
February 21, 2013
Original review here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2013/02/sighs-too-deep-for-words-blog-tour.html
Sighs Too Deep For Words is a story that follows a man named Lester who has just been released from prison. He is at a loss in the new world and is trying to adjust. His first priority though is to surprise a woman named Laurel. Lester and Laurel have been writing each other back and forth for the past four years while he was in jail. He loves her and he knows she loves him too, so a surprise visit will be a great way to finally meet. But Lester is let down when he finds out Laurel may not be who he thought she was. She may be a he. That he being her minister brother Philip who isn't quite out of the closet yet and not really comfortable with himself. As you can imagine, Philip is not Lester's favorite person right now. So Lester has to figure out how to make Laurel want him and yet still try to figure out where he fits in the scheme of things.
This is going on my favorites list of 2013. Goodness gracious what a great read. The characters, the dialogue, and the story came together so beautifully. This book will make you go through every emotion possible. It was such a roller coaster ride. Full of laughs, deceit, misunderstandings, and downright craziness.
I absolutely loved the characters. Lester was a great lead character. He was definitely trying to find his place in the world after being in jail. While he was in jail, things definitely happened and it may have changed him even though he doesn't want to admit it. I loved following him on his journey along with the people he met. I loved Otis. He had me laughing so hard, but I love how much we learn about his son and where he fits into the story which I found interesting. Then we have the Wheelwrights. Oh my goodness is this one hell of a family. Yvonne is the mother. I have to admit, I didn't think I would like her. I thought she was one of those snooty moms that care for nothing but their looks. But I was wrong. She knew things and never let them bring her down or tear her a part. Well mostly anyway. Then we have dad named Bob who loves his boats. So much so, that it seems he has neglected his family. But he is dealing with some huge issues of his own that I didn't expect. But again, I couldn't hate him. I felt sorry for him.
Then we have their children, Melanie and Daniel. They are both wild and eccentric and easily the most fun characters in this book. Daniel is gay and doesn't hold back. He knows what he wants and he goes after it. Melanie is the same way, but she shouldn't be considering she is set to be married. She is getting all of her angst out before she ties the knot to someone she may not love. It seems more like she wanted him for his money and his lifestyle not much. She definitely has her own revelations in this book that she needed to make. My goodness, the stunts this girl can pull will have you in shock and/or just laughing nervously out loud. I love how Lester's meeting with them changes things big time. They both were crushing hard on Lester. I won't even mention where that goes.
I just love how things played out. Philip wasn't ready to get out of the closet given his occupation, but he really was lonely. All he had was his sister who happens to be a lesbian herself which Lester doesn't know about yet. It was nuts to say the least. But Lester's arrival starts such a domino effect, it was amazing. They weren't kidding about that six degrees of separation thing, were they? I won't lie, the meetings between these characters were just a little too convenient, but given where it ended up, I won't complain. Well except with Bob's predicament. I wanted a little more tension there even if the ending is still the same. I think everything should have been laid out first and see where it went then. He got let off a bit to easy for my taste. Nonetheless, I won't spoil you guys, just know I loved the ending.
This is a must read for me. The story kept me enthralled. It was just very human. You don't really see gay, straight or in between. You don't see religion, society, lies, mistakes, or secrets. You see all that makes them human. The things they have to face. The inner demons they all have to battle themselves and admit to those closest to them no matter how much it may hurt. I just loved this read. It is definitely a more adult look at the modern day family and modern life, but still manages to be a little light so it doesn't feel like some Lifetime movie (Good Lord nooooooooo!) This is such a beautifully written book. It is heartfelt, thought-provoking, and emotional. This will leave you smiling. Highly recommended.
Sighs Too Deep For Words is a story that follows a man named Lester who has just been released from prison. He is at a loss in the new world and is trying to adjust. His first priority though is to surprise a woman named Laurel. Lester and Laurel have been writing each other back and forth for the past four years while he was in jail. He loves her and he knows she loves him too, so a surprise visit will be a great way to finally meet. But Lester is let down when he finds out Laurel may not be who he thought she was. She may be a he. That he being her minister brother Philip who isn't quite out of the closet yet and not really comfortable with himself. As you can imagine, Philip is not Lester's favorite person right now. So Lester has to figure out how to make Laurel want him and yet still try to figure out where he fits in the scheme of things.
This is going on my favorites list of 2013. Goodness gracious what a great read. The characters, the dialogue, and the story came together so beautifully. This book will make you go through every emotion possible. It was such a roller coaster ride. Full of laughs, deceit, misunderstandings, and downright craziness.
I absolutely loved the characters. Lester was a great lead character. He was definitely trying to find his place in the world after being in jail. While he was in jail, things definitely happened and it may have changed him even though he doesn't want to admit it. I loved following him on his journey along with the people he met. I loved Otis. He had me laughing so hard, but I love how much we learn about his son and where he fits into the story which I found interesting. Then we have the Wheelwrights. Oh my goodness is this one hell of a family. Yvonne is the mother. I have to admit, I didn't think I would like her. I thought she was one of those snooty moms that care for nothing but their looks. But I was wrong. She knew things and never let them bring her down or tear her a part. Well mostly anyway. Then we have dad named Bob who loves his boats. So much so, that it seems he has neglected his family. But he is dealing with some huge issues of his own that I didn't expect. But again, I couldn't hate him. I felt sorry for him.
Then we have their children, Melanie and Daniel. They are both wild and eccentric and easily the most fun characters in this book. Daniel is gay and doesn't hold back. He knows what he wants and he goes after it. Melanie is the same way, but she shouldn't be considering she is set to be married. She is getting all of her angst out before she ties the knot to someone she may not love. It seems more like she wanted him for his money and his lifestyle not much. She definitely has her own revelations in this book that she needed to make. My goodness, the stunts this girl can pull will have you in shock and/or just laughing nervously out loud. I love how Lester's meeting with them changes things big time. They both were crushing hard on Lester. I won't even mention where that goes.
I just love how things played out. Philip wasn't ready to get out of the closet given his occupation, but he really was lonely. All he had was his sister who happens to be a lesbian herself which Lester doesn't know about yet. It was nuts to say the least. But Lester's arrival starts such a domino effect, it was amazing. They weren't kidding about that six degrees of separation thing, were they? I won't lie, the meetings between these characters were just a little too convenient, but given where it ended up, I won't complain. Well except with Bob's predicament. I wanted a little more tension there even if the ending is still the same. I think everything should have been laid out first and see where it went then. He got let off a bit to easy for my taste. Nonetheless, I won't spoil you guys, just know I loved the ending.
This is a must read for me. The story kept me enthralled. It was just very human. You don't really see gay, straight or in between. You don't see religion, society, lies, mistakes, or secrets. You see all that makes them human. The things they have to face. The inner demons they all have to battle themselves and admit to those closest to them no matter how much it may hurt. I just loved this read. It is definitely a more adult look at the modern day family and modern life, but still manages to be a little light so it doesn't feel like some Lifetime movie (Good Lord nooooooooo!) This is such a beautifully written book. It is heartfelt, thought-provoking, and emotional. This will leave you smiling. Highly recommended.
October 21, 2022
Sighs Too Deep for Words is a darkly humorous contemporary drama about people learning and embracing who they are. The main character, Lester Briggs, is a 27-year-old ex-con out on early release for the non-violent crime of stealing a church. Though the incident gets only a few sentences, an entire novel could--and probably should--be written about that. The only thing he regrets leaving behind in prison is Little Ray, his cell mate and “lover of convenience.” He hitchhikes to coastal, small-town Rockport, Texas, hoping to meet Laurel Jeannette Yancey, his prison pen pal whom he’s come to love.
This is where the first plot twist comes in. Laurel Jeannette is actually Father Phillip Yancey, a buttoned-up, closeted gay Episcopalian priest, who, after becoming involved in prison ministry, corresponded with Lester in the guise of a woman and when pressed for a picture, sent one of his sister, Luz, a down-on-her-love-luck lesbian. To quote the blurb, Lester has “fallen in love physically with a woman who doesn’t know he exists and mentally with a man he doesn’t know how to love.”
In lesser hands, the plot could’ve been a disaster, but Jack Sibley makes the most improbable situations totally believable, and he treats his imperfect characters with such perfect love and respect I couldn’t help rooting for them.
Lester meets and is befriended by a plethora of people who have problems and heartaches of their own. Nevertheless, they happily insert themselves into the ex-con’s life, and he begins to figure out who he is. Every character Lester meets, other than a young wife and mom hoping for some good-time company while her husband is working on an offshore drilling rig, has a profound positive influence on Lester's life. And each of these characters become integral to the plot.
If that’s not enough, there’s this. After having imported pigeon for dinner one night, Luz revolts against her brother’s gourmet meals and Beaujolais and demands Frito pie for dinner the next day. Here's how that went:
“Philip winced, but only slightly. ‘All right. That’s Fritos, cheese, chili—‘
[Luz] ‘Wolf Brand, in a can, with beans. Grated rat cheese only. Half a chopped-up yellow onion on top. Period.’”
That, dear readers, is how you make Frito pie and is only one example of the quirky humor with heart found throughout this novel.
This is where the first plot twist comes in. Laurel Jeannette is actually Father Phillip Yancey, a buttoned-up, closeted gay Episcopalian priest, who, after becoming involved in prison ministry, corresponded with Lester in the guise of a woman and when pressed for a picture, sent one of his sister, Luz, a down-on-her-love-luck lesbian. To quote the blurb, Lester has “fallen in love physically with a woman who doesn’t know he exists and mentally with a man he doesn’t know how to love.”
In lesser hands, the plot could’ve been a disaster, but Jack Sibley makes the most improbable situations totally believable, and he treats his imperfect characters with such perfect love and respect I couldn’t help rooting for them.
Lester meets and is befriended by a plethora of people who have problems and heartaches of their own. Nevertheless, they happily insert themselves into the ex-con’s life, and he begins to figure out who he is. Every character Lester meets, other than a young wife and mom hoping for some good-time company while her husband is working on an offshore drilling rig, has a profound positive influence on Lester's life. And each of these characters become integral to the plot.
If that’s not enough, there’s this. After having imported pigeon for dinner one night, Luz revolts against her brother’s gourmet meals and Beaujolais and demands Frito pie for dinner the next day. Here's how that went:
“Philip winced, but only slightly. ‘All right. That’s Fritos, cheese, chili—‘
[Luz] ‘Wolf Brand, in a can, with beans. Grated rat cheese only. Half a chopped-up yellow onion on top. Period.’”
That, dear readers, is how you make Frito pie and is only one example of the quirky humor with heart found throughout this novel.
February 19, 2013
Lester is in his late twenties and has just spent the last four years in prison. He started corresponding with Laurel Jeanette, telling her his deepest darkest secrets and fell in love with her. When he is unexpectedly released, he heads to her hometown to surprise her. But it's Lester who gets the surprise when he discovers there is no Laurel Jeanette. The letters had been written by Philip, who as a minister has kept his homosexuality a secret. He had sent Lester a picture of his sister, Luz. Leroy is physically in love with Luz and determined to woo her ... but Luz is a lesbian and has no interest in him other than being friends.
Melanie and Daniel are the rich spoiled children of Yvonne and Bob. Melanie is engaged to Brian and wants to have one last summer of fun. Daniel is openly gay and just wants to have fun. Their housekeeper, Rosa, is pregnant with Bob's baby but Yvonne doesn't know her husband is having an affair. Bob loves both women and is hoping it's all going to work out.
Lots going on, eh? The book has all these characters (and more!) interacting in each other's lives.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it. I liked the writing style and it moved quickly. I liked the characters ... they were all kind of wacky in their own way. It's not your traditional love story, that's for sure. I was happy with the ending. The language and activity was mature at times.
The only problem I had was when Lester discovers (right away) that it was Philip who was writing the letters. Had it been me, I would have freaked out (especially since Lester had just gotten out of prison) if I found out that the love of my life doesn't really exist.
If you are looking for a different kind of love story, you should check this out ... I'd recommend it.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/02...
Melanie and Daniel are the rich spoiled children of Yvonne and Bob. Melanie is engaged to Brian and wants to have one last summer of fun. Daniel is openly gay and just wants to have fun. Their housekeeper, Rosa, is pregnant with Bob's baby but Yvonne doesn't know her husband is having an affair. Bob loves both women and is hoping it's all going to work out.
Lots going on, eh? The book has all these characters (and more!) interacting in each other's lives.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it. I liked the writing style and it moved quickly. I liked the characters ... they were all kind of wacky in their own way. It's not your traditional love story, that's for sure. I was happy with the ending. The language and activity was mature at times.
The only problem I had was when Lester discovers (right away) that it was Philip who was writing the letters. Had it been me, I would have freaked out (especially since Lester had just gotten out of prison) if I found out that the love of my life doesn't really exist.
If you are looking for a different kind of love story, you should check this out ... I'd recommend it.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/02...
February 6, 2013
Sighs Too Deep For Words is a wonderful story of love, friendship, inspiration and self-discovery.
Lester Briggs, although a little intimidating, is a compassionate, warm-hearted man whose only goal after being released from prison, is to find the one person who reached out to him while he was incarcerated. Laurel Jeanette gave him hope that love and life exists outside of Diboll. But Lester soon discovers that not all is as it seems, and his life weaves a different path bringing him unexpected friendship and the emotional realization of the love he so desperately seeks, in the form of someone he already shares a deep connection with.
There are many quirky characters throughout this story and it was interesting to see how each relationship panned out. I particularly enjoyed Melanie and Daniel. Although I would have run a mile the minute I met them (because they are both crazy), they brought a certain fun and light element to a story that contained some serious subject matter.
Family secrets, mixed signals and Lester’s hunt for love made for an exciting read. It was emotionally charged and pulled at my heart strings as I walked the journey with Lester, hoping against hope that he’d find happiness. The ending was a pleasant surprise and I was satisfied with turning the last page knowing that all would be right in Lester’s world.
Because sometimes it takes your world falling to pieces to truly find what you are looking for.
Lester Briggs, although a little intimidating, is a compassionate, warm-hearted man whose only goal after being released from prison, is to find the one person who reached out to him while he was incarcerated. Laurel Jeanette gave him hope that love and life exists outside of Diboll. But Lester soon discovers that not all is as it seems, and his life weaves a different path bringing him unexpected friendship and the emotional realization of the love he so desperately seeks, in the form of someone he already shares a deep connection with.
There are many quirky characters throughout this story and it was interesting to see how each relationship panned out. I particularly enjoyed Melanie and Daniel. Although I would have run a mile the minute I met them (because they are both crazy), they brought a certain fun and light element to a story that contained some serious subject matter.
Family secrets, mixed signals and Lester’s hunt for love made for an exciting read. It was emotionally charged and pulled at my heart strings as I walked the journey with Lester, hoping against hope that he’d find happiness. The ending was a pleasant surprise and I was satisfied with turning the last page knowing that all would be right in Lester’s world.
Because sometimes it takes your world falling to pieces to truly find what you are looking for.
January 9, 2013
When I first started this book I had low expectations. Hecate had also gotten a copy to review and finished it before me. She didn’t like it all too well and it made me a little worried but then again she can be rather picky with her reading (it’s true don’t hate me!)
I was actually excited to read this book because it was LGBT related and the plot line looked really interesting. The story was interesting enough but by the time I was reading the last half of the book I wasn’t sure where the story was going to go. I was hoping it end in this happy romance and everyone get’s with the person they want, etc. etc. But as a real word type of novel I knew this wasn’t going to go exactly the way I wish it would – c’est la vie.
I was really happy by the end though, just the last page made everything fit perfectly. Sure it wasn’t what I was expecting but the feeling behind the words and the characters made the ending page perfect for me. This is a love story, not the typical one our society has written where the guy get’s the girl at the end or what not. This is a real life love story. The one where a guy learns what love is all about. It takes all these strange life events to realize that the person he loved most was there all along.
I was actually excited to read this book because it was LGBT related and the plot line looked really interesting. The story was interesting enough but by the time I was reading the last half of the book I wasn’t sure where the story was going to go. I was hoping it end in this happy romance and everyone get’s with the person they want, etc. etc. But as a real word type of novel I knew this wasn’t going to go exactly the way I wish it would – c’est la vie.
I was really happy by the end though, just the last page made everything fit perfectly. Sure it wasn’t what I was expecting but the feeling behind the words and the characters made the ending page perfect for me. This is a love story, not the typical one our society has written where the guy get’s the girl at the end or what not. This is a real life love story. The one where a guy learns what love is all about. It takes all these strange life events to realize that the person he loved most was there all along.
May 25, 2013
Sighs Too Deep for Words
is a solid piece of work, a well-written study of convoluted relationships as each of half-a-dozen different characters try to figure out their places in life, where they belong and what they're looking for. After finishing the novel I have to say that I'd be more than interested in reading other works by the author, but I believe he only has one other book in print (Any Kind Of Luck). Apparently he's been focusing on the theatre and screenplays instead of novels, which is a pity in my mind because I'd like to read more of his work!
One of the things that I liked most about the book is the fact that I had NO IDEA where the story was headed at any given moment. We've all read books where we can pretty much say exactly what is going to happen by the end, after reading only the first couple of pages. Oh, there's nothing wrong with that---it's how the journey proceeds that determines if a novel is engrossing or a bit of a bore, not necessarily how predictable the plot is. But in this case---nope, didn't have a clue as to what would happen next.
Definitely worth a read, for sure---recommended.
One of the things that I liked most about the book is the fact that I had NO IDEA where the story was headed at any given moment. We've all read books where we can pretty much say exactly what is going to happen by the end, after reading only the first couple of pages. Oh, there's nothing wrong with that---it's how the journey proceeds that determines if a novel is engrossing or a bit of a bore, not necessarily how predictable the plot is. But in this case---nope, didn't have a clue as to what would happen next.
Definitely worth a read, for sure---recommended.
January 24, 2013
I had high hopes for this book until about halfway through. I don't want to include spoilers, so let's just leave it at the fact that there were too many "coincidences" for me with the characters. I was really disappointed since I think the writing is actually very good. I read a Netgalley version, so there were a few typos and such, but I read quite a few beautifully crafted passages. The ending was also wrapped up a bit too nicely for my taste. It is like the Hallmark channel joined up with the Logo channel for movie of the week. I sigh deeply for what could have been in this story.
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