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The Man Who Loved Too Much #1
Archipelago
This is the story of Billy Green. When he was just turning four, his father tried to throw him in the trash. He was a smart kid but that just seemed to create enemies.
His mom did everything to protect him. But this was Detroit, armpit of the wasteland! Catholic school didn’t help much, except the time he got his first kiss from an atheist nun. Home life was dismal. Was his father capable of anything but drinking beer and farting? And what was with that neighbor who made puppets and tried to molest Billy? Golly! Detroit was sucking the life out of him. At such a young age!
Then adolescence swirled around him. Like water in a toilet bowl. High school was a B movie. Only without a plot. So finally he did something about it. Billy ran away… to college. Cornell University. That was a good move for sure! He studied hard, lost his virginity, met the love of his life. Things were definitely looking up! What could possibly go wrong? Isn’t that what we always ask?
His mom did everything to protect him. But this was Detroit, armpit of the wasteland! Catholic school didn’t help much, except the time he got his first kiss from an atheist nun. Home life was dismal. Was his father capable of anything but drinking beer and farting? And what was with that neighbor who made puppets and tried to molest Billy? Golly! Detroit was sucking the life out of him. At such a young age!
Then adolescence swirled around him. Like water in a toilet bowl. High school was a B movie. Only without a plot. So finally he did something about it. Billy ran away… to college. Cornell University. That was a good move for sure! He studied hard, lost his virginity, met the love of his life. Things were definitely looking up! What could possibly go wrong? Isn’t that what we always ask?
204 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2014
1 person is currently reading
1045 people want to read
About the author
John Rachel
20 books581 followersJohn Rachel has a B. A. in Philosophy, has traveled extensively, is a songwriter and music producer, and an evolutionary humanist. He has spent his life trying to resolve the intrinsic clash between the metaphysical purity of Buddhism and the overwhelming appeal of narcissism.
Author Rachel has written ten novels, and eight non-fiction books. He has also had over 40 short stories, 9 poems, and over 200 political articles published in both print and online magazines.
He has traveled through and lived in 35 countries since leaving America August of 2006, but is now settled in a small traditional farming village in Japan near Osaka. His next project, as he slumps in a hammock he purchased in Vietnam and waits for the Good Ship Lollipop to appear on the horizon, is a anthropological novel about the worship and eating of giraffes, set in sub-Saharan 18th Century Africa. It is mostly the product of the voices in his head which have plagued him since puberty, a biological transition that occurred when he was 34 and working on a chain gang in Arkansas. He was at the time serving a 10-year sentence for destroying the do-not-remove label from a pillowcase he bought at a yard sale.
Author Rachel has recently published two books. One is a fantasy/travel/cookbook called "What Do Mermaids Eat?" The other is political manifesto called "War Is Making Us Poor!: Militarism Is Destroying the US".
The author’s last permanent residence in America was Portland, Oregon where he had a state-of-the-art ProTools recording studio, music production house, a radio promotion and music publishing company. He recorded and produced several artists in the Pacific Northwest, releasing and promoting their music on radio across America and overseas.
John Rachel now lives in a quiet, traditional, rural Japanese community, where he sets his non-existent watch by the thrice-daily ringing of temple bells, at a local Shinto shrine. These days, he's mostly immersed in good vibrations.
Author Rachel has written ten novels, and eight non-fiction books. He has also had over 40 short stories, 9 poems, and over 200 political articles published in both print and online magazines.
He has traveled through and lived in 35 countries since leaving America August of 2006, but is now settled in a small traditional farming village in Japan near Osaka. His next project, as he slumps in a hammock he purchased in Vietnam and waits for the Good Ship Lollipop to appear on the horizon, is a anthropological novel about the worship and eating of giraffes, set in sub-Saharan 18th Century Africa. It is mostly the product of the voices in his head which have plagued him since puberty, a biological transition that occurred when he was 34 and working on a chain gang in Arkansas. He was at the time serving a 10-year sentence for destroying the do-not-remove label from a pillowcase he bought at a yard sale.
Author Rachel has recently published two books. One is a fantasy/travel/cookbook called "What Do Mermaids Eat?" The other is political manifesto called "War Is Making Us Poor!: Militarism Is Destroying the US".
The author’s last permanent residence in America was Portland, Oregon where he had a state-of-the-art ProTools recording studio, music production house, a radio promotion and music publishing company. He recorded and produced several artists in the Pacific Northwest, releasing and promoting their music on radio across America and overseas.
John Rachel now lives in a quiet, traditional, rural Japanese community, where he sets his non-existent watch by the thrice-daily ringing of temple bells, at a local Shinto shrine. These days, he's mostly immersed in good vibrations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 14, 2015
Grab the sunglasses! John Rachel’s The Man Who Loved Too Much is simply brilliant story telling that keeps one guessing, is he serious, is this pure satire, should I cry here, is it okay to laugh out loud, how am I relating to so many events?
Billy Green survived and often manipulated his growing up in a dysfunctional family from Detroit and its suburbs. From the Thanksgiving Parade to his academic misadventures, Billy seems to have a target on his back, saying “Kick Me Here.” Too intelligent for his own good, with an inner rebel just dying to get out, his antics often backfire, even when sent to the mysterious world of Catholic schools and nuns, with their requisite tissue up their sleeve. He carried his school career to new heights in public high school, while planning his great escape to college. Little did he know that many of his defining life moments were still ahead of him inside those glorious halls of higher education. Confusion, feelings of being disconnected, an unintentional babe magnet and losing his virginity in a less than romantic way, who would have thought that love would run our Billy over like a steamroller?...a steamroller with spikes, no less.
Did I mention brilliant story-telling and John Rachel in the same sentence? It’s worth repeating, trust me! Take a walk on the “definitely unique” side of life, empty your head completely before plummeting heart first into this tale of one young man’s often painful journey to manhood. It’s even okay to laugh, because John Rachel’s tale isn’t meant to depress as it nails what we can all relate to in one way or another. Mr. Rachel has a fresh style that refused to let go as each page unveiled another scattered island in the tumultuous sea that is Billy’s life. Was it Detroit? Fate? Life? All I know is this is pure reading entertainment! Billy even answered the age-old question: "Do nuns have feet?"!!
I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Archipelago - Book 1
Publication Date: November 9, 2014
Publisher: Literary Vagabond Books | John Rachel
Genre: Adult Fiction|Satire
Print Length: 308 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Billy Green survived and often manipulated his growing up in a dysfunctional family from Detroit and its suburbs. From the Thanksgiving Parade to his academic misadventures, Billy seems to have a target on his back, saying “Kick Me Here.” Too intelligent for his own good, with an inner rebel just dying to get out, his antics often backfire, even when sent to the mysterious world of Catholic schools and nuns, with their requisite tissue up their sleeve. He carried his school career to new heights in public high school, while planning his great escape to college. Little did he know that many of his defining life moments were still ahead of him inside those glorious halls of higher education. Confusion, feelings of being disconnected, an unintentional babe magnet and losing his virginity in a less than romantic way, who would have thought that love would run our Billy over like a steamroller?...a steamroller with spikes, no less.
Did I mention brilliant story-telling and John Rachel in the same sentence? It’s worth repeating, trust me! Take a walk on the “definitely unique” side of life, empty your head completely before plummeting heart first into this tale of one young man’s often painful journey to manhood. It’s even okay to laugh, because John Rachel’s tale isn’t meant to depress as it nails what we can all relate to in one way or another. Mr. Rachel has a fresh style that refused to let go as each page unveiled another scattered island in the tumultuous sea that is Billy’s life. Was it Detroit? Fate? Life? All I know is this is pure reading entertainment! Billy even answered the age-old question: "Do nuns have feet?"!!
I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Archipelago - Book 1
Publication Date: November 9, 2014
Publisher: Literary Vagabond Books | John Rachel
Genre: Adult Fiction|Satire
Print Length: 308 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
November 21, 2014
THE MAN WHO LOVED TOO MUCH: BOOK ONE by John D Rachel
Billy Green stole my heart.
From his earliest days his dear mother loved him with a love so deep you could put your arms around it. But, even such a great love was not enough to balance the emotional abuse thrown out in wild abandonment by his sloppy, farting, beer-drinking "Get me another, suds, Woman," dad.
Billy was blessed with a brilliant mind, and it wasn't long before his mother realized she had not the capacity to home school him any longer and enrolled Billy at a Catholic school where he stayed through the sixth grade.
Billy was smart enough to stay at the top of his class and mischievous enough to warrant frequent visits to the principal's office.
The end of the sixth grade brought Billy his first kiss; high school gave him his first blow job; college produced his first love.
I laughed uproariously, and then I cried.
You will be begging for more. Voila! Your wish has been granted. This is the first part of a trilogy which follows Billy until he's twenty-eight.
Part Two is coming soon.
This is written by someone who uses words so masterfully; who employs satire at its finest, can get downright dirty if life dictates it, and appears to have fun with it all.
Don't miss any.
Billy Green stole my heart.
From his earliest days his dear mother loved him with a love so deep you could put your arms around it. But, even such a great love was not enough to balance the emotional abuse thrown out in wild abandonment by his sloppy, farting, beer-drinking "Get me another, suds, Woman," dad.
Billy was blessed with a brilliant mind, and it wasn't long before his mother realized she had not the capacity to home school him any longer and enrolled Billy at a Catholic school where he stayed through the sixth grade.
Billy was smart enough to stay at the top of his class and mischievous enough to warrant frequent visits to the principal's office.
The end of the sixth grade brought Billy his first kiss; high school gave him his first blow job; college produced his first love.
I laughed uproariously, and then I cried.
You will be begging for more. Voila! Your wish has been granted. This is the first part of a trilogy which follows Billy until he's twenty-eight.
Part Two is coming soon.
This is written by someone who uses words so masterfully; who employs satire at its finest, can get downright dirty if life dictates it, and appears to have fun with it all.
Don't miss any.
December 24, 2014
This is the story of Billy Green. Billy grew up in Detroit, Michigan, with a loving and doting mother and a father who was cruel and abusive with his words and actions.
Billy can't wait to leave Detroit to go to college and finally have some independence.
While in college, Billy learns about the world, people around him and how some people like to take advantage or hurt others.
Billy falls in love with a girl and their relationship is a confusing one for Billy, while trying to deal with classes, finals, his mothers illness, and his girlfriends best friend.
Billy soon gets an eye opener on life.
This was an interesting read. I liked the story line and the view into college life.
** I won this book on Goodreads first reads giveaway. **
Billy can't wait to leave Detroit to go to college and finally have some independence.
While in college, Billy learns about the world, people around him and how some people like to take advantage or hurt others.
Billy falls in love with a girl and their relationship is a confusing one for Billy, while trying to deal with classes, finals, his mothers illness, and his girlfriends best friend.
Billy soon gets an eye opener on life.
This was an interesting read. I liked the story line and the view into college life.
** I won this book on Goodreads first reads giveaway. **
January 20, 2015
Billy Green grew up in Detroit Michigan his Mother was very loving and doted on him. His Father was a cruel abusive man. Billy had a brillant mind his Mom soon realized she couldn't home school him any longer so she enrolled him at a Catholic school where he attended through the sixth grade. The end of sixth grade brought him his first kiss. Each stage of Billy's life is momentous. A wonderful coming of age story .I look forward to reading the next book i the series.
February 17, 2015
Book Description.....
"This is the story of Billy Green. When he was just turning four, his father tried to throw him in the trash. He was a smart kid but that just seemed to create enemies.
His mom did everything to protect him. But this was Detroit, armpit of the wasteland! Catholic school didn’t help much, except the time he got his first kiss from an atheist nun. Home life was dismal. Was his father capable of anything but drinking beer and farting? And what was with that neighbor who made puppets and tried to molest Billy? Golly! Detroit was sucking the life out of him. At such a young age!
Then adolescence swirled around him. Like water in a toilet bowl. High school was a B movie. Only without a plot. So finally he did something about it. Billy ran away… to college. Cornell University. That was a good move for sure! He studied hard, lost his virginity, met the love of his life. Things were definitely looking up! What could possibly go wrong? Isn’t that what we always ask?"
Title: The Man Who Loved Too Much
Author: John Rachel
Publisher: Literary Vagabond Books
Book 1: Archipelago
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"The Man Who Loved Too Much" by John Rachel
This author really presented the reader with a story that was simply a amazing good read as this was part one of of this trilogy. I was simply amazed that as I read through this journey how much I simply enjoyed this entire well written story. At times I was left feeling so sorry for Billy Green and at other times I was found simply cheering for him. The story setting starts in Detroit, Michigan where Billy at three years old lived with a loving mom and abusive dad. Starting at Thanksgiving Day at the Parade this story continues on through his college years where Billy meets the love of his life. As the story continues it will take you through some interesting times from Billy's childhood being home with his mom, .his first day at kindergarten... on to the the Catholic schools events...on through his high school years in Troy Jr. and Sr HS where there would be some painful memories....on to Billy's his first kiss ...then off to Cornell University in Ithaca, NY...his mom's illness and on to his first love where Billy meets Natalie Diamond.
What I especially enjoyed from this novel....
What I especially enjoyed about reading from "The Man Who Love Too Much" was that I was able to laugh so hard at some of the read and yet there was parts of this read you could feel real sadness too. In this intriguing story you are able to feel the pain that this hero is dealt with along with his happiness as you are lead to keep turning the pages until the end where you will find many twist and turns in the story. A lots will come out of this read and this is where I want to say you will have to pick up this novel to see what else this author has in store for the reader. It will be some journey and in the end I was left wondering about that best friend of Natalie ...Pam. Now really what was Pam up too in her presentation to Billy and Natalie at the Lucatelli Ristorante? I don't know but I felt that there was something going on in that best friend relationship (Natalie and Pam) but I am sure this will be cleared up in the next trilogy for me. Now, to get this and the rest of the story you will have to read it for yourself. The details presented in this story along with the history of what was going on at that time was absolutely wonderfully brought out making you feel that you are right there in the midst of it all.
What I also liked about this novel....
I liked how this author was able to give the reader such a interesting, intriguing and captivating well written script showing this hero 'young man's coming of age.' This novel will leave you definitely wanting the next trilogy to this wonderfully told story about Billy Green. So, in the end we have a first trilogy of Billy Green from three years of age well into his college years....wow, what a read that I would definitely recommend to you.
"This is the story of Billy Green. When he was just turning four, his father tried to throw him in the trash. He was a smart kid but that just seemed to create enemies.
His mom did everything to protect him. But this was Detroit, armpit of the wasteland! Catholic school didn’t help much, except the time he got his first kiss from an atheist nun. Home life was dismal. Was his father capable of anything but drinking beer and farting? And what was with that neighbor who made puppets and tried to molest Billy? Golly! Detroit was sucking the life out of him. At such a young age!
Then adolescence swirled around him. Like water in a toilet bowl. High school was a B movie. Only without a plot. So finally he did something about it. Billy ran away… to college. Cornell University. That was a good move for sure! He studied hard, lost his virginity, met the love of his life. Things were definitely looking up! What could possibly go wrong? Isn’t that what we always ask?"
Title: The Man Who Loved Too Much
Author: John Rachel
Publisher: Literary Vagabond Books
Book 1: Archipelago
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"The Man Who Loved Too Much" by John Rachel
This author really presented the reader with a story that was simply a amazing good read as this was part one of of this trilogy. I was simply amazed that as I read through this journey how much I simply enjoyed this entire well written story. At times I was left feeling so sorry for Billy Green and at other times I was found simply cheering for him. The story setting starts in Detroit, Michigan where Billy at three years old lived with a loving mom and abusive dad. Starting at Thanksgiving Day at the Parade this story continues on through his college years where Billy meets the love of his life. As the story continues it will take you through some interesting times from Billy's childhood being home with his mom, .his first day at kindergarten... on to the the Catholic schools events...on through his high school years in Troy Jr. and Sr HS where there would be some painful memories....on to Billy's his first kiss ...then off to Cornell University in Ithaca, NY...his mom's illness and on to his first love where Billy meets Natalie Diamond.
What I especially enjoyed from this novel....
What I especially enjoyed about reading from "The Man Who Love Too Much" was that I was able to laugh so hard at some of the read and yet there was parts of this read you could feel real sadness too. In this intriguing story you are able to feel the pain that this hero is dealt with along with his happiness as you are lead to keep turning the pages until the end where you will find many twist and turns in the story. A lots will come out of this read and this is where I want to say you will have to pick up this novel to see what else this author has in store for the reader. It will be some journey and in the end I was left wondering about that best friend of Natalie ...Pam. Now really what was Pam up too in her presentation to Billy and Natalie at the Lucatelli Ristorante? I don't know but I felt that there was something going on in that best friend relationship (Natalie and Pam) but I am sure this will be cleared up in the next trilogy for me. Now, to get this and the rest of the story you will have to read it for yourself. The details presented in this story along with the history of what was going on at that time was absolutely wonderfully brought out making you feel that you are right there in the midst of it all.
What I also liked about this novel....
I liked how this author was able to give the reader such a interesting, intriguing and captivating well written script showing this hero 'young man's coming of age.' This novel will leave you definitely wanting the next trilogy to this wonderfully told story about Billy Green. So, in the end we have a first trilogy of Billy Green from three years of age well into his college years....wow, what a read that I would definitely recommend to you.
March 28, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Some Spoilers
The Man Who Loved Too Much is an intriguing, captivating coming of age story. I was engaged from the very beginning pages as a result of Mr. Rachel’s writing style, which was very fluid and easy to read.
A rollercoaster, that is how I can describe the life of Billy portrayed throughout the book. But really, what child isn’t exposed to life in a myriad of ways? Getting thrown into a trash can at age four by his father is a bit unusual, but not unheard of. However, this certainly set the tone of his relationship with his father. Billy has neither respect nor love for the man but truly adores his mother (Irene). Billy’s mother does all that she can to see that Billy has all the advantages that she can muster. Hence, the catholic school from grade one through six. Nothing but the best for her bright boy. Too funny when asked in the 3rd grade what he wants to be when he grows up by Sister Grace
“I really think I want to be a nun.”
And the uproar then ensues is classic Billy. :) The relationship that developed between Billy and Sister Mary Felicia was gripping. She has such depth as well as some unusual discoveries given her vocation….a surprise really.
Mr. Rogers! Hmmmm…not sure I like this character using this particular name…sullying the name and all. Once I got past that…..Wow. I was so glad Billy was able to get away from and past this gentlemen’s despicable behavior. Another dimension to Billy…not that he needed this particular life experience.
Throughout the story, the hatred for Billy’s dad seems to grow. Revelations throughout definitely clarify the relationship. And the way that Harold (Billy’s father) was SO disengaged, from early childhood was upsetting. However, as the tale continues at least some disclosures provide reasoning and explanations as to Harold’s behavior. Still, he could have been such a better father to his son!!!
Now it was never in doubt from kindergarten on that Billy would do well in school. I loved his dedication to getting away from his family and his drive to study hard. But all studying and focus can (and did) make Billy a bit naïve as to the ways of college girls. What a birthday present! Interesting, funny and lucky for Billy, the introduction of him to his future love interest (and lucky in other ways….but you will read about it yourself). The love story in college is heartwarming. I loved the way that Natalie and Billy slowly and cautiously danced their dance of romance. It was VERY engaging….and true to Billy’s nature.
I will wait with baited breath for the next installment as I must continue on with Billy’s journey! It was that engaging. What will happen with Billy and Natalie? What does the future hold for Irene? And what about Harold? Or the members of the birthday crew (Kristin, Angie, Erin, Julianne and Tanya)? And how does Billy navigate life after college?
Thank you, Mr. Rachel, for penning such a delightful read.
*OBS would like to thank the author for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Some Spoilers
The Man Who Loved Too Much is an intriguing, captivating coming of age story. I was engaged from the very beginning pages as a result of Mr. Rachel’s writing style, which was very fluid and easy to read.
A rollercoaster, that is how I can describe the life of Billy portrayed throughout the book. But really, what child isn’t exposed to life in a myriad of ways? Getting thrown into a trash can at age four by his father is a bit unusual, but not unheard of. However, this certainly set the tone of his relationship with his father. Billy has neither respect nor love for the man but truly adores his mother (Irene). Billy’s mother does all that she can to see that Billy has all the advantages that she can muster. Hence, the catholic school from grade one through six. Nothing but the best for her bright boy. Too funny when asked in the 3rd grade what he wants to be when he grows up by Sister Grace
“I really think I want to be a nun.”
And the uproar then ensues is classic Billy. :) The relationship that developed between Billy and Sister Mary Felicia was gripping. She has such depth as well as some unusual discoveries given her vocation….a surprise really.
Mr. Rogers! Hmmmm…not sure I like this character using this particular name…sullying the name and all. Once I got past that…..Wow. I was so glad Billy was able to get away from and past this gentlemen’s despicable behavior. Another dimension to Billy…not that he needed this particular life experience.
Throughout the story, the hatred for Billy’s dad seems to grow. Revelations throughout definitely clarify the relationship. And the way that Harold (Billy’s father) was SO disengaged, from early childhood was upsetting. However, as the tale continues at least some disclosures provide reasoning and explanations as to Harold’s behavior. Still, he could have been such a better father to his son!!!
Now it was never in doubt from kindergarten on that Billy would do well in school. I loved his dedication to getting away from his family and his drive to study hard. But all studying and focus can (and did) make Billy a bit naïve as to the ways of college girls. What a birthday present! Interesting, funny and lucky for Billy, the introduction of him to his future love interest (and lucky in other ways….but you will read about it yourself). The love story in college is heartwarming. I loved the way that Natalie and Billy slowly and cautiously danced their dance of romance. It was VERY engaging….and true to Billy’s nature.
I will wait with baited breath for the next installment as I must continue on with Billy’s journey! It was that engaging. What will happen with Billy and Natalie? What does the future hold for Irene? And what about Harold? Or the members of the birthday crew (Kristin, Angie, Erin, Julianne and Tanya)? And how does Billy navigate life after college?
Thank you, Mr. Rachel, for penning such a delightful read.
*OBS would like to thank the author for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
April 28, 2016
Reviewed on behalf of The Review Board by Harmony Kent.
I received a free mobi copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book of a trilogy, and not a standalone novel. The ending is abrupt and leaves a lot of loose threads. It feels as if we have the beginning, and perhaps some of the middle, but not an ending. When I read the last line, I felt cheated. I’d put all this effort into reading the book, and by the finish I was left wanting. The revelation in the final two pages wasn’t a surprise at all, as I’d already guessed this from early on in Billy and Natalie’s relationship and the tension surrounding Pam.
The book opens strongly and follows Billy green, a precocious toddler who becomes a smart kid. His home life is screwed up, and the love of his doting mother is all that saves it. Although, I find it quite a stretch to believe that he would turn out anywhere near well-adjusted with such an aggressively indifferent father and a mother who dotes on him and gives him everything he wants, to the point of indulging his aversion to school by keeping him home. Added to that is all the crazy stuff he got exposed to at school (when he finally began attending), and you have a recipe for one screwed up kid, no matter how clever he might be. This also makes it highly unlikely that he would reach college in such a naïve state. His highly politicized viewpoints at a tender age also feel forced and detract further from the believability of his character.
The narrative is told in third person close and mostly from Billy’s viewpoint. Any POV shifts are given their own section, and so head hopping is avoided. Unfortunately, spelling errors and missing words litter the text, and sentences like the following drive me nuts: ‘After all, they had just had been as intimate as two people can be.’ When mistakes as basic as this are made, it shows me that not even a cursory read-through has been performed.
Some parts of the book felt engaging and had me chuckling aloud, and yet others had me as bored as could be. The author puts in a lot of detail, but for me, a lot of the college stuff could have been trimmed significantly without detracting from the plotline or story arc. On occasion, a line or phrase would stand out for me, such as: ‘You learn as you go along. It’s not what you deserve or don’t deserve. You just get what you get. The important thing is to live.’ It’s pithy and to the point, and an important message.
At first, I thought this would be a coming of age tale, and then I thought that Billy would find out the truth about his girlfriend, or that they would split up and something would happen from that (especially with the title of the series), but by the end of the book, none of that had occurred, and I don’t know what the point of the tale is. Perhaps book two might shed a little more light? Hopefully, you don’t have to wait until book three. Not that I cared enough about the characters, not even Billy, to wade through the sequel to find out. Sorry, but this is a take-it-or-leave-it read for me. It gets 6 out of 10 TRB stars, which equates to 3 out of 5 stars on other rating scales. This basically means that it’s one up from ‘flip a coin and take a chance if you dare.’
I received a free mobi copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book of a trilogy, and not a standalone novel. The ending is abrupt and leaves a lot of loose threads. It feels as if we have the beginning, and perhaps some of the middle, but not an ending. When I read the last line, I felt cheated. I’d put all this effort into reading the book, and by the finish I was left wanting. The revelation in the final two pages wasn’t a surprise at all, as I’d already guessed this from early on in Billy and Natalie’s relationship and the tension surrounding Pam.
The book opens strongly and follows Billy green, a precocious toddler who becomes a smart kid. His home life is screwed up, and the love of his doting mother is all that saves it. Although, I find it quite a stretch to believe that he would turn out anywhere near well-adjusted with such an aggressively indifferent father and a mother who dotes on him and gives him everything he wants, to the point of indulging his aversion to school by keeping him home. Added to that is all the crazy stuff he got exposed to at school (when he finally began attending), and you have a recipe for one screwed up kid, no matter how clever he might be. This also makes it highly unlikely that he would reach college in such a naïve state. His highly politicized viewpoints at a tender age also feel forced and detract further from the believability of his character.
The narrative is told in third person close and mostly from Billy’s viewpoint. Any POV shifts are given their own section, and so head hopping is avoided. Unfortunately, spelling errors and missing words litter the text, and sentences like the following drive me nuts: ‘After all, they had just had been as intimate as two people can be.’ When mistakes as basic as this are made, it shows me that not even a cursory read-through has been performed.
Some parts of the book felt engaging and had me chuckling aloud, and yet others had me as bored as could be. The author puts in a lot of detail, but for me, a lot of the college stuff could have been trimmed significantly without detracting from the plotline or story arc. On occasion, a line or phrase would stand out for me, such as: ‘You learn as you go along. It’s not what you deserve or don’t deserve. You just get what you get. The important thing is to live.’ It’s pithy and to the point, and an important message.
At first, I thought this would be a coming of age tale, and then I thought that Billy would find out the truth about his girlfriend, or that they would split up and something would happen from that (especially with the title of the series), but by the end of the book, none of that had occurred, and I don’t know what the point of the tale is. Perhaps book two might shed a little more light? Hopefully, you don’t have to wait until book three. Not that I cared enough about the characters, not even Billy, to wade through the sequel to find out. Sorry, but this is a take-it-or-leave-it read for me. It gets 6 out of 10 TRB stars, which equates to 3 out of 5 stars on other rating scales. This basically means that it’s one up from ‘flip a coin and take a chance if you dare.’
December 18, 2014
1986–1995, set in Detroit; Harold (husband/father) & Irene (wife/mother) had taken Billy (3, son) to Thanksgiving Day Parade. They had bought him a balloon but it blew away.
Things didn’t actually go as planned for Billy or Harold.
Billy appeared to be a gifted child.
Sister Mary Felicia (5th grade teacher, Anna Marie Fontana, Loyola Marymount, Dominican Nuns of Corpus Christi Monastery) would get to know each other very well. He would stay after class & ask a lot of ? about the Catholic faith.
Things got tough for the Green family & Billy (13) would now transfer to Troy Jr.-Sr. HS.
1996–2001, A lot of reminiscing about all the HS students Billy (aka Buttboy) had met, puberty, hormones, pranks, teachers & classes.
2001–2002, 9/2001, Billy would start at Cornell University (Ithaca, NY).
The horror of 9/11/2001.
12/18/2001, Room 348 Billy Green’s 19th birthday party.
Christmas break.
Billy meets Natalie Diamond (3rd floor Resident Assistant).
The 2 freshman semesters are over.
Billy goes back to Michigan production work at the assembly plant where his dad Harold (Duke) works.
Billy’s mom Irene tells him Peter Loy is his Billy biological dad. He was/is married, & had 3 children. Harold could not produce children.
Back to Cornell Billy now live at Townhouse Community & has a new roommate Gil Skidmore,
(Skid) who enjoys MJ.
It was Natalie’s 20th birthday. Big party in the dorm room.
Christmas break Natalie was going with Pam to NY. Billy back to Detroit.
Spring break for Natalie & Billy a trip to the Poconos. What happened there?
What happened at the Lucatelli’s Ristorante?
We had 2 of those preachers where I live. There was a movie made about 1 of them.
The other 1 the wife forgave him & they moved to a bigger city.
HS & College (under grad/grad), spring break fun times. I miss it.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. 1st of a trilogy. Wow, a very well written young man’s coming-of-age book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great young man’s coming-of-age movie, or mini TV series. The suspense is killing me. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free book (Author, PDF)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Things didn’t actually go as planned for Billy or Harold.
Billy appeared to be a gifted child.
Sister Mary Felicia (5th grade teacher, Anna Marie Fontana, Loyola Marymount, Dominican Nuns of Corpus Christi Monastery) would get to know each other very well. He would stay after class & ask a lot of ? about the Catholic faith.
Things got tough for the Green family & Billy (13) would now transfer to Troy Jr.-Sr. HS.
1996–2001, A lot of reminiscing about all the HS students Billy (aka Buttboy) had met, puberty, hormones, pranks, teachers & classes.
2001–2002, 9/2001, Billy would start at Cornell University (Ithaca, NY).
The horror of 9/11/2001.
12/18/2001, Room 348 Billy Green’s 19th birthday party.
Christmas break.
Billy meets Natalie Diamond (3rd floor Resident Assistant).
The 2 freshman semesters are over.
Billy goes back to Michigan production work at the assembly plant where his dad Harold (Duke) works.
Billy’s mom Irene tells him Peter Loy is his Billy biological dad. He was/is married, & had 3 children. Harold could not produce children.
Back to Cornell Billy now live at Townhouse Community & has a new roommate Gil Skidmore,
(Skid) who enjoys MJ.
It was Natalie’s 20th birthday. Big party in the dorm room.
Christmas break Natalie was going with Pam to NY. Billy back to Detroit.
Spring break for Natalie & Billy a trip to the Poconos. What happened there?
What happened at the Lucatelli’s Ristorante?
We had 2 of those preachers where I live. There was a movie made about 1 of them.
The other 1 the wife forgave him & they moved to a bigger city.
HS & College (under grad/grad), spring break fun times. I miss it.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. 1st of a trilogy. Wow, a very well written young man’s coming-of-age book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great young man’s coming-of-age movie, or mini TV series. The suspense is killing me. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free book (Author, PDF)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
March 12, 2015
This is the story of Billy Green, a precocious young boy with a cruel father and a coddling mother who deemed him “special” from the start.
Full of curiosity, the kid loved school and loved to learn. His Catholic school was a “Toys R’ Us to make you smart.” Of course, much of the history and debate involving the church did not interest me so much.
The fascinating thing was that although the story centers on Billy from childhood to adulthood, story expands slightly to the other characters, enlightening readers on their bio and history (ex: his mom, Sister Bernadette, Sister Mary, etc.) Sister Mary’s story was particularly sad.
Though sheltered by his mom, Billy had some unsettling experiences in regards to sex—things that made you go WTF!? At times, it was a tad vulgar and crude. I wondered if it was really necessary.
I liked the list that Billy considers the things he learned so far.
Billy is a smart and perceptive kid, who was often bullied by his peers, which he speaks extensively on some, making it, at times, for laborious reading.
“If [the missing concept and perspective] had been there, people would have had to see how bogus and childish and truly embarrassing all the hand-wringing and heart-wrenching and torrential downpour of tears really was—how infantile and cowardly the collective response of the American people was to the events of Sept. 11.” (LOC 1852) I totally agree! In fact, Billy makes some excellent points here.
However, in spite of a few minor oversights, this was still a well-written and thought-provoking story. It’s a critical and comprehensive study on sex, people, social conduct, marriage, religion, America—life.
Honest and clever, story is colorfully rendered in pale beauty and striking candor.
Full of curiosity, the kid loved school and loved to learn. His Catholic school was a “Toys R’ Us to make you smart.” Of course, much of the history and debate involving the church did not interest me so much.
The fascinating thing was that although the story centers on Billy from childhood to adulthood, story expands slightly to the other characters, enlightening readers on their bio and history (ex: his mom, Sister Bernadette, Sister Mary, etc.) Sister Mary’s story was particularly sad.
Though sheltered by his mom, Billy had some unsettling experiences in regards to sex—things that made you go WTF!? At times, it was a tad vulgar and crude. I wondered if it was really necessary.
I liked the list that Billy considers the things he learned so far.
Billy is a smart and perceptive kid, who was often bullied by his peers, which he speaks extensively on some, making it, at times, for laborious reading.
“If [the missing concept and perspective] had been there, people would have had to see how bogus and childish and truly embarrassing all the hand-wringing and heart-wrenching and torrential downpour of tears really was—how infantile and cowardly the collective response of the American people was to the events of Sept. 11.” (LOC 1852) I totally agree! In fact, Billy makes some excellent points here.
However, in spite of a few minor oversights, this was still a well-written and thought-provoking story. It’s a critical and comprehensive study on sex, people, social conduct, marriage, religion, America—life.
Honest and clever, story is colorfully rendered in pale beauty and striking candor.
August 13, 2015
I was given an electronic copy of this book by the author for an honest review. This book follows the main character, Billy Green, through the first 20 years of his life.
Billy Green has a loving doting mother and an abusive father and has a desire to escape his dysfunctional family. The author takes you on Billy's journey through his early years starting at the age of four in 1986 to his early college years in 2003 at the age of 20.Billy Green didn't have a great childhood. Billy was smart. Sometimes, too smart. After making it through high school, Billy decided to leave and attend college. He went to Cornell University. Things were finally looking up for him. He met someone there.
Billy falls in love with a girl and their relationship is a confusing one for Billy, while trying to deal with classes, finals, his mothers illness, and his girlfriends best friend.
It’s an extremely short book, and because the cliffhanger ending did leave me the itch to find out an answer to one of the book’s mysteries, I’d recommend picking it up. I’m very interested to see what other plans the author has in store for Billy in book two.
Billy Green has a loving doting mother and an abusive father and has a desire to escape his dysfunctional family. The author takes you on Billy's journey through his early years starting at the age of four in 1986 to his early college years in 2003 at the age of 20.Billy Green didn't have a great childhood. Billy was smart. Sometimes, too smart. After making it through high school, Billy decided to leave and attend college. He went to Cornell University. Things were finally looking up for him. He met someone there.
Billy falls in love with a girl and their relationship is a confusing one for Billy, while trying to deal with classes, finals, his mothers illness, and his girlfriends best friend.
It’s an extremely short book, and because the cliffhanger ending did leave me the itch to find out an answer to one of the book’s mysteries, I’d recommend picking it up. I’m very interested to see what other plans the author has in store for Billy in book two.
January 19, 2015
Phenomenal Story! Must Read! This unique story is about Billy Greens struggles growing up. It begins when he is a small boy, taking us through his tragic childhood, rocky adolescence, and then attempting the impossible task of just getting through his teenage years with hope for a better future. He loves his mothers dearly. (Although personally I think she is a little smothering). His father is the bastard from hell whom you hate from the beginning. How this man can be so cruel to his own child makes me cringe. Billy's perspective on the world is molded from his challenges, and we get a unique perspective on both how and why he thinks the way he does. When he finally gets to flee to College, he meets his girlfriend Natalie and again has a new set of challenges.
This is superb story telling and will make you feel and think about the world and people in a totally different way. Billy's world is a rollercoaster of defiance, confrontation, and provocation. We cheer at his victories and cry when he is defeated. Kudos to John Rachel for bringing us this special story.
This is superb story telling and will make you feel and think about the world and people in a totally different way. Billy's world is a rollercoaster of defiance, confrontation, and provocation. We cheer at his victories and cry when he is defeated. Kudos to John Rachel for bringing us this special story.
February 28, 2015
The Man Who loved Too Much is a fantastic coming of age story about a boy growing up in the suburbs of Detroit Michigan. Billy Green has a loving doting mother and an abusive father and has a desire to escape his dysfunctional family. The author takes you on Billy's journey through is early years starting at the age of four in 1986 to his early college years in 2003 at the age of 20. Along the way we see Billy receive his first kiss, have his first sexual experience and find his first girlfriend. Billy Green is clever, witty and charismatic and you can't help but fall in love with him. Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book. I truly loved this story and I eagerly await the next instalment in the trilogy!
February 15, 2015
I was given an electronic copy of this book by the author for an honest review. This book follows the main character, Billy Green, through the first 20 years of his life. He navigates his world with sarcastic wit and dry humor, all the while having emotional, spiritual, social, and sexual revelations. The author clearly portrays Billy as a person who is intellectually stimulated by the world around him. He takes things at face value and is willing to stand up against his adversaries, regardless of what it might cost him. I found the story interesting and thought that the plot was well paced. I did think that novel concluded rather abruptly and would have liked a few more pages to flesh out those ideas. All in all, I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
January 26, 2015
I got this as a free eBook. I enjoyed this book. It's not what I usually read. This book was about a young boy from age 3 to 28, but this was the first book of a trilogy. The ages were from 3 -20. The boy went though the same things young people today may face. Abuse:bullying, sexual,emotional, physical, and psychical. But he was not your typical person. He was very intelligent, he loved to learn all kinds of things. He was a loner, not a loser. He went through the different school systems, homeschooling, private school, and public. He followed the beat of a different drummer. He was following his own plan. I will have read the other two books see what happens next.
Thanks for the eBook!.
Thanks for the eBook!.
December 21, 2014
The man who loved too much by Rachel sucks one in from the very beginning. In the very first conflict, one holds one's breath as a too full bladder is pushed to the limits. Each stage of Billy's life is momentous with people in his life adding to his repertoire. One is saddened about Billy's home life and Rachel eventually lets us glimpse why. Sex is treated in such a way that Billy is not really choosing it, but it chooses him. And then there are the emotional turmoils of his mother and his girl friend, Natalie. Yes, Billy loves too much but so do those closest to him.
January 31, 2015
This was a very different story for me. It really touches the heart throughout the story. It really makes you step back and take a look at what is going on around you. This book is out of the norm of my usual reading and gave me a different outlook on things. At times this story had me laughing and then at times made me want to reach in and slap a few characters. For being a first time reader of John Rachel this was a nice, fresh start.
December 8, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Rapid quick fire structure took us through the life of billy free. The depiction of the characters is fabulous and some of the scenes in the catholic school brought my own school days back to me. there is humour but also sadness and pathos. Billy falls truly , madly, deeply in love but is there something more to this relationship than meets the eye. I cannot wait for book 2
December 6, 2014
While I greatly disliked the marital relationship between Billy's parents, I understood it. While I grew weary of the brainless banter used at Cornell, I think this was to show Billy's frustration with it. While the Catholic school "adventures" were tough for me to read for personal reasons, I am glad the author wrote about them.
November 30, 2014
This is a wonderful coming-of-age story that will grab you and charm you. Just read the first few pages and it'll pull you right in. If you like Salinger, you'll love this. It's that great theme of a kid who knows too much for his own good in world populated by so-called adults who control the machinery. GREAT STUFF! A real pleasure to read.
April 17, 2015
I won this book in a giveaway from goodreads.
This book was okay. I didn't love it, I didn't hate it. Billy Green didn't have a great childhood. His mother was loving but his father was not! Billy was smart. Sometimes, too smart. After making it through high school, Billy goes away to Cornell and things just continue to happen. Some good things, some not so good things!!
This book was okay. I didn't love it, I didn't hate it. Billy Green didn't have a great childhood. His mother was loving but his father was not! Billy was smart. Sometimes, too smart. After making it through high school, Billy goes away to Cornell and things just continue to happen. Some good things, some not so good things!!
January 21, 2015
Thank you Mr. Rachel for the opportunity to read your book "The man who loved too much" Your writing is very graphic and interesting. You make a reader root for the main character ( Billy Green) and hope he sees the world as it really is.
October 21, 2015
"Archipelago (The Man Who Loved Too Much#1)" is a parody of the life, love and pursuit of happiness of Billy Green a young boy with an adoring mother and a dysfunctional father who struggles with bullies at school, rebels against the stern discipline of nuns at his Catholic School, and is almost molested by the neighbourhood puppeteer.
With a sharp mind, and love of learning Billy survives the rigours of high school with the goal of attending a good college far from the neglected industrial pit of Detroit and his abusive father. At Cornell University he vibrates with new life subsidizing his finances with part-time jobs, losing his virginity on his birthday, and falling in love with the girl of his dreams. Yet for all his intelligence, Billy is very naive and trusting and soon learns that everything isn't what it seems.
With each short chapter spanning the important events in his life from childhood to college the reader gets to know the idiomatic, amusing, strong-willed and goal-oriented Billy Green. You laugh at his pranks as he rebels against the nuns who try to control his behavior, are sensitive to his friendship with Sister Mary Felicia an atheist haunted by her own abusive background, and bristle with indignation at the cruelty of the high school gym jocks. Tension builds as Billy faces victory or defeat until the story climaxes with a cliff-hanger that begs for a sequel.
Intriguing with every twist and turn in Billy's life, the plot captures the reader's interest from the first page to the last as John Rachel in a unique way comments on the depravity of the human spirit with Billy's drunken, foul-mouthed father's mistreatment of his family, the sexual perversion of a neighbour, the government's fear strategy in the 9/11 terrorist attack and the deceitful manipulation of someone he loves. Yet for all the secrets, lies and misdirection that Billy has to deal with there is hope and promise which is typified in the love, support and encouragement of his mother.
John Rachel creates strong, complex characters like Billy Green who has a smart, inquisitive, and combative mind as a child. A loner even in college, people gravitate to him because of his approachability, mystery and sense of humor. But Billy is very innocent and accepting which allows him to be the butt of five coeds' joke, to be seduced and manipulated. Irene Green is Billy's devoted mother who has a deep inner strength as she deals with the ignorance, indifference and cruelty of her obnoxious husband Harold. Natalie haunted by tragedy and dishonesty in her past is smug, provocative and arrogant, manipulating Billy's feelings for her. Her friend Pam masks her calculating and dishonest nature behind a sharp wit, assertiveness and pride. All these characters and more add energy, passion and intensity to an engaging story.
"Archipelago (The Man Who Loved Too Much#1) is innovative and entertaining and I can't wait to see what Billy faces next in his search for happiness and true love.
With a sharp mind, and love of learning Billy survives the rigours of high school with the goal of attending a good college far from the neglected industrial pit of Detroit and his abusive father. At Cornell University he vibrates with new life subsidizing his finances with part-time jobs, losing his virginity on his birthday, and falling in love with the girl of his dreams. Yet for all his intelligence, Billy is very naive and trusting and soon learns that everything isn't what it seems.
With each short chapter spanning the important events in his life from childhood to college the reader gets to know the idiomatic, amusing, strong-willed and goal-oriented Billy Green. You laugh at his pranks as he rebels against the nuns who try to control his behavior, are sensitive to his friendship with Sister Mary Felicia an atheist haunted by her own abusive background, and bristle with indignation at the cruelty of the high school gym jocks. Tension builds as Billy faces victory or defeat until the story climaxes with a cliff-hanger that begs for a sequel.
Intriguing with every twist and turn in Billy's life, the plot captures the reader's interest from the first page to the last as John Rachel in a unique way comments on the depravity of the human spirit with Billy's drunken, foul-mouthed father's mistreatment of his family, the sexual perversion of a neighbour, the government's fear strategy in the 9/11 terrorist attack and the deceitful manipulation of someone he loves. Yet for all the secrets, lies and misdirection that Billy has to deal with there is hope and promise which is typified in the love, support and encouragement of his mother.
John Rachel creates strong, complex characters like Billy Green who has a smart, inquisitive, and combative mind as a child. A loner even in college, people gravitate to him because of his approachability, mystery and sense of humor. But Billy is very innocent and accepting which allows him to be the butt of five coeds' joke, to be seduced and manipulated. Irene Green is Billy's devoted mother who has a deep inner strength as she deals with the ignorance, indifference and cruelty of her obnoxious husband Harold. Natalie haunted by tragedy and dishonesty in her past is smug, provocative and arrogant, manipulating Billy's feelings for her. Her friend Pam masks her calculating and dishonest nature behind a sharp wit, assertiveness and pride. All these characters and more add energy, passion and intensity to an engaging story.
"Archipelago (The Man Who Loved Too Much#1) is innovative and entertaining and I can't wait to see what Billy faces next in his search for happiness and true love.
December 29, 2015
The Man Who Loved Too Much is an enjoyable tale about a young man who grows up with an abusive father and a adoring mother. He is raised in a crumbling family in a crumbling city, Detroit. Secrets are the order of the day between his parents who are bound by bonds other than love. Billy must create himself out of thin air which perhaps accounts for his view of the world. There were parts of this first in a series book which I found very compelling. The Catholic upbringing and schools that Billy attends offer real insight and richness to the tale. His relationship with a nun that encourages him to become all that he can was enlightening and informs his treatment and thoughts about women.
The book is long and could have used a good editor, not for grammar, but for long drawn out passages of Billy's life that occur prior to him coming into himself, namely college. This is a coming of age book about a young man finding his place in the world. I have one more complaint. The author Ad nauseam, gave the main character a political bias that felt forced, disruptive to the story, and broke the suspension of belief of the reader. It felt like the author expressing his own views which just didn't feel right for his character. It didn't work. It made Billy become narcissistic and holier-than-thou, particularly his references to 9-11. His disdain and belittlement of fellow students also tore at the good will felt by the reader for the main character.
Even with these flaws The Man Who Loved Too Much is good read.
The book is long and could have used a good editor, not for grammar, but for long drawn out passages of Billy's life that occur prior to him coming into himself, namely college. This is a coming of age book about a young man finding his place in the world. I have one more complaint. The author Ad nauseam, gave the main character a political bias that felt forced, disruptive to the story, and broke the suspension of belief of the reader. It felt like the author expressing his own views which just didn't feel right for his character. It didn't work. It made Billy become narcissistic and holier-than-thou, particularly his references to 9-11. His disdain and belittlement of fellow students also tore at the good will felt by the reader for the main character.
Even with these flaws The Man Who Loved Too Much is good read.
February 22, 2015
Innocence and loving he doesn't really hate anyone but his Father, but it's mutual. Will he actually forgive his Father someday?
This review is from: The Man Who Loved Too Much - Book 1: Archipelago (Kindle Edition)
John Rachel gives you a character that you can follow and understand his life and issues.. Billy Green is loved by his Mother to almost a over love situation, she thinks he has hung the moon and the stars. His Father however hates him to the point of being an abusive ass. The reason why later told does explain it to a major extent. Billy is borderline genius with a quick wit and smart comebacks which as a kid with the Nuns he has a teacher well lets just say it goes over like a lead balloon until he gets a younger Nun that sees the bright mind behind the smart comebacks. In college he falls in love, but his girl seems to keep sending very mixed signals.. the reason slips out near the ending and leaves you waiting for book 2.. yep the dreaded cliff hanger.. but it can also be a stand alone if you just take the love yous and don't want to explore deeper. It is a fast read and nice.. it does mention sex but is not overtly explicit.. so a med to upper teen shouldn't have a issue Over all it was pleasant and I'll be very interested in his continued life and loves.. his innocence will be ripped from him and how he takes it can be a real issue
This review is from: The Man Who Loved Too Much - Book 1: Archipelago (Kindle Edition)
John Rachel gives you a character that you can follow and understand his life and issues.. Billy Green is loved by his Mother to almost a over love situation, she thinks he has hung the moon and the stars. His Father however hates him to the point of being an abusive ass. The reason why later told does explain it to a major extent. Billy is borderline genius with a quick wit and smart comebacks which as a kid with the Nuns he has a teacher well lets just say it goes over like a lead balloon until he gets a younger Nun that sees the bright mind behind the smart comebacks. In college he falls in love, but his girl seems to keep sending very mixed signals.. the reason slips out near the ending and leaves you waiting for book 2.. yep the dreaded cliff hanger.. but it can also be a stand alone if you just take the love yous and don't want to explore deeper. It is a fast read and nice.. it does mention sex but is not overtly explicit.. so a med to upper teen shouldn't have a issue Over all it was pleasant and I'll be very interested in his continued life and loves.. his innocence will be ripped from him and how he takes it can be a real issue
September 25, 2015
The Down and Dirty Blues of Billy Green
4.75 Stars
With crisp and cutting prose, the author immerses us in the life of a young man you cannot help but sympathize with and root for. With a mind for facts and a heart full of love, Billy winds his way through the mine-filled sands of a hometown that hope has long forgotten. Escaping to his promised land of higher education and stumbling into the mercurial arms of the girl he believes is the one. All the while, coming across a cast of offbeat and uniquely broken oddballs each with their own lesson for him to file away and ponder.
This wonderfully crafted book is hard to put down. And one that will have you rushing to get the next installment in the saga of Billy Green.
** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. **
4.75 Stars
With crisp and cutting prose, the author immerses us in the life of a young man you cannot help but sympathize with and root for. With a mind for facts and a heart full of love, Billy winds his way through the mine-filled sands of a hometown that hope has long forgotten. Escaping to his promised land of higher education and stumbling into the mercurial arms of the girl he believes is the one. All the while, coming across a cast of offbeat and uniquely broken oddballs each with their own lesson for him to file away and ponder.
This wonderfully crafted book is hard to put down. And one that will have you rushing to get the next installment in the saga of Billy Green.
** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. **
February 8, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very interesting book and not one that I would be typically be prone to read but when the author offered me the opportunity to read it I thought I would give it a go.
This is a fascinating, well written, brilliant story about a boy's life as he grows into a man. Not my typical cup of tea but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The main character, Billy Green, has some very interesting ideas and his take on life is, at times, very amusing. The style of writing and the flow of the story is great and made me want to keep on reading. Even if you feel that this is not your type of story give it a try, I don't think you will be disappointed.
With that being said, I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
This was a very interesting book and not one that I would be typically be prone to read but when the author offered me the opportunity to read it I thought I would give it a go.
This is a fascinating, well written, brilliant story about a boy's life as he grows into a man. Not my typical cup of tea but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The main character, Billy Green, has some very interesting ideas and his take on life is, at times, very amusing. The style of writing and the flow of the story is great and made me want to keep on reading. Even if you feel that this is not your type of story give it a try, I don't think you will be disappointed.
With that being said, I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
July 10, 2015
Kudos to the author!
Meet Billy Green, a quirky character that didn’t quite fit in and really didn’t care to…possibly because his drunken father threw him in the trash when he was only three years old as punishment for an accident that had already traumatized him. Billy’s life was a rollercoaster ride from the very beginning, steering the reader through a wide range of emotions.
Billy loved his mother, who appeared weak in her loveless marriage to a cold, unfeeling man, but doted on her pensive, smart young son. While he hated his cruel, crass, alcoholic father, family secrets later revealed to him, helped Billy to understand some of his actions.
Follow Billy’s story through his first twenty years and experience with him some really extraordinary events, from his first kiss to his first love. To the very end, it will sometimes leave you shaking your head in amazement.
Meet Billy Green, a quirky character that didn’t quite fit in and really didn’t care to…possibly because his drunken father threw him in the trash when he was only three years old as punishment for an accident that had already traumatized him. Billy’s life was a rollercoaster ride from the very beginning, steering the reader through a wide range of emotions.
Billy loved his mother, who appeared weak in her loveless marriage to a cold, unfeeling man, but doted on her pensive, smart young son. While he hated his cruel, crass, alcoholic father, family secrets later revealed to him, helped Billy to understand some of his actions.
Follow Billy’s story through his first twenty years and experience with him some really extraordinary events, from his first kiss to his first love. To the very end, it will sometimes leave you shaking your head in amazement.
July 12, 2015
At first I thought this was going to be a "coming of age" story but it turned out to be so much more. An extremely intelligent read we find our hero growing up in Detroit in a family that reminded me of the "All in the Family" tv show. Our hero has a mother who has made him the centre of her life and a father who wishes he wasn't alive.
Overly clever he soon finds out that it's to his advantage to play down his intelligence. He is a deep thinker in a world of mindless dribble who makes an escape to University ... more to come in 2nd novel.
There are political comments on US politics that, as a non-American, I found heavy but other than that I enjoyed the read.
I received a free copy from the author for an honest review.
Overly clever he soon finds out that it's to his advantage to play down his intelligence. He is a deep thinker in a world of mindless dribble who makes an escape to University ... more to come in 2nd novel.
There are political comments on US politics that, as a non-American, I found heavy but other than that I enjoyed the read.
I received a free copy from the author for an honest review.
April 24, 2015
I enjoyed the character in the book- Billy Green. His father tried to throw him in the trash when Billy was a young child. He had his mother to try and protect him. He went to Catholic school where he got his very first kiss from a nun who was atheist. The town was Detroit and you never knew what was going to happen there.
Finally Billy decided to leave and attend college. He went to Cornell University. Things were finally looking up for him. He met someone there. He actually lost his virginity. Nothing could go wrong now for Billy.
Look forward to the 2nd book. The first one left me wondering just what is in store for the guy.
Finally Billy decided to leave and attend college. He went to Cornell University. Things were finally looking up for him. He met someone there. He actually lost his virginity. Nothing could go wrong now for Billy.
Look forward to the 2nd book. The first one left me wondering just what is in store for the guy.
July 10, 2017
The man who loved too much...what? Following the life of Billy, his singular attachment to his mother, his abusive father, his upbringing in Catholic school, his difficulty in high school, and ultimately, his on again/off again romance with Natalie leads the reader down some winding roads of insight, but ultimately leaves the reader asking what just happened? The narrative is strong in many places, leaving open the opportunity for great plot development, but just leaves so many of those opportunities unfulfilled. Obviously Natalie's Pam isn't just a "friend," but why allude to it for chapter after chapter, and leave the question unanswered? What is the relevance of Billy's insomnia, or his completely surreal dream? What does Billy learn from working all those part time jobs?
Lots of great details, but to what end? The book ends - abruptly - giving the reader no overriding purpose for Billy's existence. As a stand alone novel, it completely fails. After wading through some of the very heady prose to get to the first anti-climax, I won't likely pick up the second book to see if the questions are answered. I feel duped - investing all that energy into watching Billy's life unfold in exquisite detail, only to be kicked to the curb with zero resolution.
The writing was good to great, the editing left something to be desired, but the overall effect was pretty flat.
Lots of great details, but to what end? The book ends - abruptly - giving the reader no overriding purpose for Billy's existence. As a stand alone novel, it completely fails. After wading through some of the very heady prose to get to the first anti-climax, I won't likely pick up the second book to see if the questions are answered. I feel duped - investing all that energy into watching Billy's life unfold in exquisite detail, only to be kicked to the curb with zero resolution.
The writing was good to great, the editing left something to be desired, but the overall effect was pretty flat.
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