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The Singing Sand Story #1
Singing Sand
"Every year in early August the Nelson family leave Chicago and head to the small town of Oak Creek, Wisconsin for seven fun-filled days of fishing, hiking, hunting and camping. For the second time Jamal Lewis - the adopted son of Ruth and James Nelson - will join the family on its trip. Jamal's dark and troubled past has been the cause of anguish and hostility since he arrived in their lives eighteen months ago.
After a devastating encounter forces the Nelson family to fight for its survival, each family member has to decide who they can trust and what they're willing to do to make it out alive."
After a devastating encounter forces the Nelson family to fight for its survival, each family member has to decide who they can trust and what they're willing to do to make it out alive."
114 pages, ebook
First published October 19, 2013
6 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
David Chattaway
9 books25 followersAdelaide-born David Chattaway has been writing since he was a teenager but only took his passion to the next level when he released his debut novella 'Singing Sand' in October 2013. Its sequel 'Quietus' quickly followed, released in February 2014, and not long after Chattaway re-released the books as one, complete volume - 'The Singing Sand Story'.
'Singing Sand' received warm reviews - even making it into Amazon's Top Ten thriller list.
recently released, Chattaway's newest novella - 'Blind Servitude' - is a step above his first books, with hand-drawn custom illustrations by a local artist. The young adult book explores a boy's search for inner strength in the face of adversity and manages to linger on the magical while pulling at the heartstrings.
Although his already released works are being well-received, Chattaway views them as a warm-up of sorts to his masterpiece 'Mal'akh' which is set to be released later this year. The supernatural fantasy opens the reader to a new world within our own and the endless battles and psychological warfare that ensues when good and evil collide amongst mankind.
Chattaway resides in Melbourne.
'Singing Sand' received warm reviews - even making it into Amazon's Top Ten thriller list.
recently released, Chattaway's newest novella - 'Blind Servitude' - is a step above his first books, with hand-drawn custom illustrations by a local artist. The young adult book explores a boy's search for inner strength in the face of adversity and manages to linger on the magical while pulling at the heartstrings.
Although his already released works are being well-received, Chattaway views them as a warm-up of sorts to his masterpiece 'Mal'akh' which is set to be released later this year. The supernatural fantasy opens the reader to a new world within our own and the endless battles and psychological warfare that ensues when good and evil collide amongst mankind.
Chattaway resides in Melbourne.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 12, 2020
Jamal Lewis is the adopted son of Ruth and James Nelson. Jamal had an extremely troubled childhood before he was adopted. Having lost both his parents, Jamal’s start to childhood was not like other children’s and he would carry the mental scars with him for life.
Each year in August, the Nelson family leaves Chicago and heads to Oak Creek, Wisconsin, for their annual camping vacation. It was time for the family to relax and do the things they like the most, whether it be just lying around enjoying the sun or spending the day fishing, hiking or hunting.
But all of a sudden, something happens and the holiday of relaxation becomes a moment when the family has to fight to survive.
The Singing Sand is a debut novel by David Chattaway. I have had this story sitting on my Kindle for a while and I'm not sure what took me so long to read it, but I'm so glad I finally did. A quick and very entertaining read. Recommended.
Each year in August, the Nelson family leaves Chicago and heads to Oak Creek, Wisconsin, for their annual camping vacation. It was time for the family to relax and do the things they like the most, whether it be just lying around enjoying the sun or spending the day fishing, hiking or hunting.
But all of a sudden, something happens and the holiday of relaxation becomes a moment when the family has to fight to survive.
The Singing Sand is a debut novel by David Chattaway. I have had this story sitting on my Kindle for a while and I'm not sure what took me so long to read it, but I'm so glad I finally did. A quick and very entertaining read. Recommended.
March 31, 2014
Jamal Lewis has had a short but troubled childhood.
More traumatic situations have happened to him than what occur to most people during their entire lives.
Ruth and James Nelson end up fostering Jamal who along with their natural children, Mary and Daniel complete the Nelson family.
Even though he feels awkward at times with the dynamic of the Nelson family and struggles to be accepted by his adoptive sister, Jamal is slowly coming to terms with his situation. It seems that perhaps for the first time in Jamal's life he has finally found some sort of safe and loving environment.
One lesson Jamal has learnt quickly in his short and tumultuous life is that life can be unfair. Just as things seem to be on the up and up for him, Jamal and his new family go on an annual camping trip.
In a situation that should be fun, adventurous and something different for the group, it soon becomes a roller coaster ride of terrifying proportions.
Jamal must overcome his fears and break a cycle of behavior that saves him from these threatening situations but riddles him with guilt afterwards.
Singing Sands is the highly anticipated debut novel from author David Chattaway. David is a masterful story teller able to depict a tale that is compelling, entertaining and rhythmic in it's motion. The book starts off as a quick paced jog which by the end has increased into a dramatic sprint. I read the last chapter very quickly and with great ease as the book flowed brilliantly especially in the last part of the book.
I love the way the book flashes back to Jamal in a period of his life where he is undoubtedly a fish out of water. It shows the true nature of the boy and why he is the way he is, I don't think anyone can be critical of Jamal's timid nature after what he has been through. The character development in this book is well done and from Jamal's perspective, exceptional.
This is a novella and quite a quick read due to the initial pace and the increase of tempo throughout the book. David Chattaway has arrived and I have a feeling that his work is going to get progressively exciting. I highly anticipate future work from this author, his future releases here on good reads look nothing short of amazing.
More traumatic situations have happened to him than what occur to most people during their entire lives.
Ruth and James Nelson end up fostering Jamal who along with their natural children, Mary and Daniel complete the Nelson family.
Even though he feels awkward at times with the dynamic of the Nelson family and struggles to be accepted by his adoptive sister, Jamal is slowly coming to terms with his situation. It seems that perhaps for the first time in Jamal's life he has finally found some sort of safe and loving environment.
One lesson Jamal has learnt quickly in his short and tumultuous life is that life can be unfair. Just as things seem to be on the up and up for him, Jamal and his new family go on an annual camping trip.
In a situation that should be fun, adventurous and something different for the group, it soon becomes a roller coaster ride of terrifying proportions.
Jamal must overcome his fears and break a cycle of behavior that saves him from these threatening situations but riddles him with guilt afterwards.
Singing Sands is the highly anticipated debut novel from author David Chattaway. David is a masterful story teller able to depict a tale that is compelling, entertaining and rhythmic in it's motion. The book starts off as a quick paced jog which by the end has increased into a dramatic sprint. I read the last chapter very quickly and with great ease as the book flowed brilliantly especially in the last part of the book.
I love the way the book flashes back to Jamal in a period of his life where he is undoubtedly a fish out of water. It shows the true nature of the boy and why he is the way he is, I don't think anyone can be critical of Jamal's timid nature after what he has been through. The character development in this book is well done and from Jamal's perspective, exceptional.
This is a novella and quite a quick read due to the initial pace and the increase of tempo throughout the book. David Chattaway has arrived and I have a feeling that his work is going to get progressively exciting. I highly anticipate future work from this author, his future releases here on good reads look nothing short of amazing.
November 16, 2013
"Singing Sand" is a giant book in a small package. David Chattaway's first public "offering" packs a powerful punch. I found myself grateful it was short in length; I don't think I could have put the book down if I'd wanted to.
Jamal Lewis is having a bad life. Robbed of both parents simultaneously by violence, his existence only marginally improves while living in a modernized version of a Dicken's orphanage. Bad luck seems to follow young Jamal. Even when he catches a lucky break and is taken in by his loving godparents, he finds himself once again staring down the barrel of problems because he's not as welcome in the home as one might expect. It seems that there are those in the family - most notably the young "princess" of the house - who take offense at sharing space with a boy of "color." Her distain for her new "brother" begins to wear a hole in the fabric of the family. Jamal - being an exceptionally decent sort of kid - vows to leave before causing any further problems.
He does have one ray of hope; the family vacay. In his typically unselfish fashion, he hopes the trip will provide a bonding experience for mother and daughter (whose relationship is strained to the point of breaking because of Jamal) Perhaps, just perhaps, he thinks, if all goes well, there might be room at the table of familial love for him, as well. He has no way of knowing what was to come. Relationships definitely change and bonds are certainly forged, but not for the reasons any of them could have predicted.
The book is solid as a rock, emotionally charged and action packed. The characters are drawn with a deft hand and the scenes painted with a descriptive yet restrained brush. I will add David Chattaway to my list of authors to watch for and anxiously await his next book.
Jamal Lewis is having a bad life. Robbed of both parents simultaneously by violence, his existence only marginally improves while living in a modernized version of a Dicken's orphanage. Bad luck seems to follow young Jamal. Even when he catches a lucky break and is taken in by his loving godparents, he finds himself once again staring down the barrel of problems because he's not as welcome in the home as one might expect. It seems that there are those in the family - most notably the young "princess" of the house - who take offense at sharing space with a boy of "color." Her distain for her new "brother" begins to wear a hole in the fabric of the family. Jamal - being an exceptionally decent sort of kid - vows to leave before causing any further problems.
He does have one ray of hope; the family vacay. In his typically unselfish fashion, he hopes the trip will provide a bonding experience for mother and daughter (whose relationship is strained to the point of breaking because of Jamal) Perhaps, just perhaps, he thinks, if all goes well, there might be room at the table of familial love for him, as well. He has no way of knowing what was to come. Relationships definitely change and bonds are certainly forged, but not for the reasons any of them could have predicted.
The book is solid as a rock, emotionally charged and action packed. The characters are drawn with a deft hand and the scenes painted with a descriptive yet restrained brush. I will add David Chattaway to my list of authors to watch for and anxiously await his next book.
October 27, 2013
"Singing Sand" by David Chattaway is a very impressive debut novel about Jamal, the adopted son of the Nelson family. With a scaring family background of his own and traumatic experiences from his times at an orphanage / half way house Jamal is by no means an easy character. add to that the hate his step sister Mary has for him and you have the promising premise for a powerful read and that is long before the story really begins.
The entire Nelson family go on a camping trip together and soon they find themselves in a very unexpected yet life threatening situation that brings their strength as a unit to the test.
Interspersed with flashbacks to Jamal's past the narrative moves very fast and makes for a rather compelling page turner of a book. This is a well written action packed thriller with some great psychological insight in to the minds of the characters. It is also a great family story that defines the terms of family ties and human bonds, there is a thoughtful and pleasing message embedded in all of this. To quote from the book: Jamal has been dealt a very tough hand but he will not give up and not make anyone suffer. A great leading character, supported by several others. It is amazing how easily and yet thoroughly Chattaway has established his cast. This is very good.
The entire Nelson family go on a camping trip together and soon they find themselves in a very unexpected yet life threatening situation that brings their strength as a unit to the test.
Interspersed with flashbacks to Jamal's past the narrative moves very fast and makes for a rather compelling page turner of a book. This is a well written action packed thriller with some great psychological insight in to the minds of the characters. It is also a great family story that defines the terms of family ties and human bonds, there is a thoughtful and pleasing message embedded in all of this. To quote from the book: Jamal has been dealt a very tough hand but he will not give up and not make anyone suffer. A great leading character, supported by several others. It is amazing how easily and yet thoroughly Chattaway has established his cast. This is very good.
November 18, 2013
Singing Sand is a fast-paced joyride which covers a lot of ground between it's covers. It's perfect for a novel of it's size, taking the reader on an emotional, action-packed journey that explores the natural diversities of a modern family faced with an unavoidable, incomprehensible tragedy. Whether you're a fan of thrillers or just looking for an entertaining read - Singing Sand is an absolute must for any bookshelf! Do yourself a favor and get ready to eagerly await this author's next piece of work!
January 15, 2014
This is a quick read, under an hour for me. It started out kind of slow, but picked up at about the 40% mark.
The family goes on a camping trip that turns into a nightmare.
Each chapter starts with a backstory about Jamal, who parents were murdered. The backstory details the time Jamal spend in a halfway-type house, waiting to be placed with his godparents. There are a few chapters about the family dynamic and getting ready to leave, which were just so-so. When they arrive at the campsite, the story really starts to get interesting and I was engrossed.
I wish it had been just a bit longer, it wrapped up so quickly and I wanted to see a little of how the family dealt with the aftermath.
The family goes on a camping trip that turns into a nightmare.
Each chapter starts with a backstory about Jamal, who parents were murdered. The backstory details the time Jamal spend in a halfway-type house, waiting to be placed with his godparents. There are a few chapters about the family dynamic and getting ready to leave, which were just so-so. When they arrive at the campsite, the story really starts to get interesting and I was engrossed.
I wish it had been just a bit longer, it wrapped up so quickly and I wanted to see a little of how the family dealt with the aftermath.
November 18, 2013
Singing Sand is an amazing book by first time author Chattaway. The story was encapsulating and an intriguing read from beginning to finish. In short time the author develops the characters in such a way that although they have been through some unimaginable things in life they are still very relatable and you cant help but to fall in love with them. The style of writing makes the book easy to read and hard to put down once started.
In summary a great book by a good up and coming author.
In summary a great book by a good up and coming author.
May 12, 2014
I bought this book from the cafe downstairs at work to "support a local" and low and behold, it was a DAMN GOOD BOOK!
An easy read that has a lot of emotion, suspense and excitement. The only thing I could really say I didn't like was that it wasn't set in Australia.
Congratulations David Chattaway!
I'm now reading Quietus and am looking forward to anything else you publish.
Oh and we miss your coffees too. Lol
An easy read that has a lot of emotion, suspense and excitement. The only thing I could really say I didn't like was that it wasn't set in Australia.
Congratulations David Chattaway!
I'm now reading Quietus and am looking forward to anything else you publish.
Oh and we miss your coffees too. Lol
December 4, 2013
Loved it!
Even though its a short story, it kept me captivated from the beginning and I just wanted to know more! The characters were great, the descriptions made me feel like I was also part of the story, and the plot was very intriguing and fascinating!
Even though its a short story, it kept me captivated from the beginning and I just wanted to know more! The characters were great, the descriptions made me feel like I was also part of the story, and the plot was very intriguing and fascinating!
March 10, 2014
Wow. A lot of gruesome in this 114 page novella! Tastefully gruesome, if that makes sense?
Nightmare after nightmare occurs as a family runs into some bad characters on a camping trip. Also told is the backstory of the main character, Jamal, who as a young boy had woken up to hear his parents killed in the room across the hall from his. His mental wounds are slowly healing after being placed with old family friends - the nice family he is out on the campout with. Jamal has been through a lot but resolves not to allow another family go down again if he can do anything to help it.
Pretty satisfying ending, but the book has left me feeling jarred. It was entrancing, bringing me in at the beginning paragraphs and never letting me go. Though several times I wanted out of the madness, I also couldn't force myself away from it.
Kind of frustrating though is that there was never a resolution to the original crime, the deaths of Jamal's parents. No one knows why they were murdered, who did it and why they left Jamal behind alive. He was actually renamed for his own protection before he is sent to his new home. There could be another great story scenario with Jamal now going on to investigate and redeem his parents' killers??
If you like horror, I would recommend this as a good 'quick fix'. I read it within just a few hours time. It's very fast paced so the violence seems 'packed in' really heavily. I found it a satisfying, if a bit disturbing, but for something different...it hits the spot.
Nightmare after nightmare occurs as a family runs into some bad characters on a camping trip. Also told is the backstory of the main character, Jamal, who as a young boy had woken up to hear his parents killed in the room across the hall from his. His mental wounds are slowly healing after being placed with old family friends - the nice family he is out on the campout with. Jamal has been through a lot but resolves not to allow another family go down again if he can do anything to help it.
Pretty satisfying ending, but the book has left me feeling jarred. It was entrancing, bringing me in at the beginning paragraphs and never letting me go. Though several times I wanted out of the madness, I also couldn't force myself away from it.
Kind of frustrating though is that there was never a resolution to the original crime, the deaths of Jamal's parents. No one knows why they were murdered, who did it and why they left Jamal behind alive. He was actually renamed for his own protection before he is sent to his new home. There could be another great story scenario with Jamal now going on to investigate and redeem his parents' killers??
If you like horror, I would recommend this as a good 'quick fix'. I read it within just a few hours time. It's very fast paced so the violence seems 'packed in' really heavily. I found it a satisfying, if a bit disturbing, but for something different...it hits the spot.
August 5, 2014
I think that it is safe to say that reading this book was a lot like getting a quick hard punch to the face. It leaves you breathless and gives you a sick thrill, you weren't aware that you were craving. I really liked this, I don't know what I was expecting when I started reading this but I'm glad I didn't see it coming.
The Singing Sand follows Jamal after his parents gruesome murder, he's now living with some old family friends that were long ago names his godparents. Now the family finds themselves on a yearly family trip deep in the woods without cell phones or any technology. No more then a few minutes into the trip a fight breaks about Jamal, leaving the family in chaos and the daughter running out into the woods towards the car. From there, there are gun shots, rape, and murder. Nothing brings you closer as a family then a trip to the woods.
There is so much intensity in this book, and it's amazing because the beginning makes you think that this book will be moderately normal, maybe show the hardships of our young main character, then some other predictable thing with a strong morale like love your family or you choose your family. Something simple and un-complex like that. The author would have none of that,and I'm glad he had none of that. I like this story much better then the expected one.
The Singing Sand follows Jamal after his parents gruesome murder, he's now living with some old family friends that were long ago names his godparents. Now the family finds themselves on a yearly family trip deep in the woods without cell phones or any technology. No more then a few minutes into the trip a fight breaks about Jamal, leaving the family in chaos and the daughter running out into the woods towards the car. From there, there are gun shots, rape, and murder. Nothing brings you closer as a family then a trip to the woods.
There is so much intensity in this book, and it's amazing because the beginning makes you think that this book will be moderately normal, maybe show the hardships of our young main character, then some other predictable thing with a strong morale like love your family or you choose your family. Something simple and un-complex like that. The author would have none of that,and I'm glad he had none of that. I like this story much better then the expected one.
November 19, 2013
This book is fantastic it keeps you intrigued throughout. It's a can't put down book , even if you try it pulls you back to finish the story .
I know people who haven't read the newspaper in years & they have read this book in one to two sittings . Highly reccommened
I know people who haven't read the newspaper in years & they have read this book in one to two sittings . Highly reccommened
November 10, 2013
Great first book, Very easy read but captivating througout.
Kept my mind darting off on different angles. Must read! Cannot wait for the next one to be released, each page keeps you hanging on. Its a real Page-Turner and beautifully written.
Kept my mind darting off on different angles. Must read! Cannot wait for the next one to be released, each page keeps you hanging on. Its a real Page-Turner and beautifully written.
November 18, 2013
Very impressive first novel, had to read it in one hit. I am looking forward to reading more of this authors work
First novel I have read from cover to cover in a while
I recommend it to anyone
First novel I have read from cover to cover in a while
I recommend it to anyone
November 19, 2013
"Singing Sand" is a must read! A book I just couldn't put down. I found myself captivated and intrigued throughout. Im hanging off the edge of my seat for the next one to be released!
January 16, 2014
Wow! This novella packs a major punch!
February 15, 2014
What a good short story! I wish it was longer.
August 14, 2014
I'm writing a quick thought for those who are yet to read this book. Get ready to be taken on a quickfire emotional roller-coaster; to momentarily (but frequently!) stop breathing; and to be broken into a million pieces, only to find yourself being put back together by the sweet-natured main character, Jamal.
I would encourage readers not to be 'put-off' by the initial slow pace of this book, as it soon quickens and you will be well strapped-in for the ride leaving any sense of doubt flowing far behind! I absolutely loved the way this story was structured - Jamal's past and present written parallel. As someone who does not read (or usually enjoy) thrillers, I was incredibly surprised at my enthusiasm to devour these pages and my impatience for it's sequel, Quietus!
Incredible work for One's first ever book. A great introduction to a great author. Looking forward to future works
I would encourage readers not to be 'put-off' by the initial slow pace of this book, as it soon quickens and you will be well strapped-in for the ride leaving any sense of doubt flowing far behind! I absolutely loved the way this story was structured - Jamal's past and present written parallel. As someone who does not read (or usually enjoy) thrillers, I was incredibly surprised at my enthusiasm to devour these pages and my impatience for it's sequel, Quietus!
Incredible work for One's first ever book. A great introduction to a great author. Looking forward to future works
July 18, 2014
I received the pdf version #1 and #2 direct from the author free in return for my review. I enjoyed the story, I read some of the other reviews and found that Mr Chattaway is a first time author. Good job for a first timer. I like to encourage writers because I love to read. One of the reviews I read brought to mind that we never found out why Jamal's parents were killed. Also what did his half brother whisper to him when he said he did not believe that. The family sure goes through a lot of violence and I was glad to see that the daughter was seeing a counselor but was confused as to why the whole family was not. It seemed a bit unrealistic to me that a simple conversation between the siblings fixed their issues just like that. On the whole, Good job and keep writing Mr Chattaway!
July 28, 2014
Really enjoyed this story I was totally hooked from the very beginning .
September 18, 2014
Good first short story from Mr. Chattaway. I too read the pdf version & found it a fast-paced thriller from start to finish!
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