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Leaving Montana
From the Official Website...
"Saying that Benjamin Sean Quinn had “anger issues” was an understatement. For those who knew him for the shortest amount of time, his life was in order: He was physically fit, had a great job which provided him a house in the suburbs and the material things he desired, a loving, monogamous relationship, two happy, healthy daughters and an established circle of friends. In all accounts, his life seemed perfect. But to those who knew him the longest, they knew he was an idle grenade, waiting for someone to pull the pin.
For decades, Ben did his best to conquer his demons; to suppress the anger he accumulated towards his parents, Carmella and Sean, throughout their tumultuous marriage. Ben was their only child; forced to witness and experience things that most adults couldn’t even try to handle. He could not escape them or the anger, and no matter how hard he tried, as he matured, it became a part of him. Ben strived to end the toxic cycle and avoid adopting their pattern as part of his own life. By the time he reached his early thirties, he finally seemed to have it all under control.
Then Ben’s father told him a “secret”. One left in Montana when he and Carmella were stationed there forty years earlier. It would exhume the painful memories and suppressed anger that Ben had been avoiding for years and force him to relive his past in order to face his future.
Today Benjamin Sean Quinn boards a plane to Billings, Montana. It was time to face the secret head on and let go of the anger that silently ruled his life. It would be the boldest move he ever made, ultimately changing his life and the lives of those around him."
"Saying that Benjamin Sean Quinn had “anger issues” was an understatement. For those who knew him for the shortest amount of time, his life was in order: He was physically fit, had a great job which provided him a house in the suburbs and the material things he desired, a loving, monogamous relationship, two happy, healthy daughters and an established circle of friends. In all accounts, his life seemed perfect. But to those who knew him the longest, they knew he was an idle grenade, waiting for someone to pull the pin.
For decades, Ben did his best to conquer his demons; to suppress the anger he accumulated towards his parents, Carmella and Sean, throughout their tumultuous marriage. Ben was their only child; forced to witness and experience things that most adults couldn’t even try to handle. He could not escape them or the anger, and no matter how hard he tried, as he matured, it became a part of him. Ben strived to end the toxic cycle and avoid adopting their pattern as part of his own life. By the time he reached his early thirties, he finally seemed to have it all under control.
Then Ben’s father told him a “secret”. One left in Montana when he and Carmella were stationed there forty years earlier. It would exhume the painful memories and suppressed anger that Ben had been avoiding for years and force him to relive his past in order to face his future.
Today Benjamin Sean Quinn boards a plane to Billings, Montana. It was time to face the secret head on and let go of the anger that silently ruled his life. It would be the boldest move he ever made, ultimately changing his life and the lives of those around him."
210 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2014
7 people are currently reading
1019 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Whaley
1 book121 followersThomas Whaley was born in 1972 and has lived on Long Island his entire life. He is an elementary school teacher and has always enjoyed writing as a pastime. Thomas currently lives in Shoreham, New York with his husband Carl, their two sons Andrew and Luke, and loyal dog Jake.
LEAVING MONTANA is Thomas Whaley's first novel and also the WINNER of the 2015 ERIC HOFFER Small Press Award, the 2015 INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARD for Best New Literary Fiction, the 2015 INDEPENDENT AUTHOR NETWORK AWARD for Outstanding First Novel and THIRD PLACE in the 2015 IAN Book of the Year Award! Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Leaving-Montana...
Thomas recently won the 2014 NYS 2nd Grade Teacher of the Year Award and was featured on NPR's 50 Great Teachers on All Things Considered! Check it out: http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2015/0...
LEAVING MONTANA is Thomas Whaley's first novel and also the WINNER of the 2015 ERIC HOFFER Small Press Award, the 2015 INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARD for Best New Literary Fiction, the 2015 INDEPENDENT AUTHOR NETWORK AWARD for Outstanding First Novel and THIRD PLACE in the 2015 IAN Book of the Year Award! Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Leaving-Montana...
Thomas recently won the 2014 NYS 2nd Grade Teacher of the Year Award and was featured on NPR's 50 Great Teachers on All Things Considered! Check it out: http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2015/0...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
August 19, 2015
When I was in High School, living in an apt. with my mother,
on a very busy street in Oakland California -- Highland Hospital was down the street from us --
I was looking out the living room front window and witness a horrific crash. A fire truck hit a car. Two passages were on that asphalt faster than my eyes knew what hit 'me'.
It was shocking. I was home alone. I couldn't stop watching. ... yet...I certainly can't say I felt great.
Reading "Leaving Montana" was a little like that 'fire truck' crash experience. I read the book in
2 sittings. I could have easily have read it in 1, but my husband wanted my time.
In other words.. once a person begins this story, it's not easy to pull yourself away.
Did I like it? I actually thought it was 'odd'. Creepy-odd!
I've read many stories about dysfunctional families, but the way this story is told,
felt creepy ODD to me.
The characters are not inspiring....little strength of character....and very one dimensional.
Although I was interested to know what was going to happen in the story, my emotions were neutral. I was curious, but not enthralled.
Thomas Whaley wrote this book in first person, which is a style of writing that usually
creates an immediate intimacy between the author and reader. Yet, what felt odd...
was that his main character -Ben- felt emotionally removed from the tragedy of his own life.
He never once called his parents: mom & dad. They are Sean and Carmella.
Then tells us he saw many psychiatrists... But he burned through all of them.... Putting the responsibility on them to resolve his issues.
In the end, what felt odd to me was an emotional -personal story was being told...
yet I didn't feel emotional ...nor did I personally connect to the story
However... others may really enjoy this book --and get value. There seems to be many people
who already have. There are many high ratings that came before me.
Thank You to Sakura Publishing, Netgalley, and Thomas Whaley. I appreciate the acceptance
of being offered to read this.
on a very busy street in Oakland California -- Highland Hospital was down the street from us --
I was looking out the living room front window and witness a horrific crash. A fire truck hit a car. Two passages were on that asphalt faster than my eyes knew what hit 'me'.
It was shocking. I was home alone. I couldn't stop watching. ... yet...I certainly can't say I felt great.
Reading "Leaving Montana" was a little like that 'fire truck' crash experience. I read the book in
2 sittings. I could have easily have read it in 1, but my husband wanted my time.
In other words.. once a person begins this story, it's not easy to pull yourself away.
Did I like it? I actually thought it was 'odd'. Creepy-odd!
I've read many stories about dysfunctional families, but the way this story is told,
felt creepy ODD to me.
The characters are not inspiring....little strength of character....and very one dimensional.
Although I was interested to know what was going to happen in the story, my emotions were neutral. I was curious, but not enthralled.
Thomas Whaley wrote this book in first person, which is a style of writing that usually
creates an immediate intimacy between the author and reader. Yet, what felt odd...
was that his main character -Ben- felt emotionally removed from the tragedy of his own life.
He never once called his parents: mom & dad. They are Sean and Carmella.
Then tells us he saw many psychiatrists... But he burned through all of them.... Putting the responsibility on them to resolve his issues.
In the end, what felt odd to me was an emotional -personal story was being told...
yet I didn't feel emotional ...nor did I personally connect to the story
However... others may really enjoy this book --and get value. There seems to be many people
who already have. There are many high ratings that came before me.
Thank You to Sakura Publishing, Netgalley, and Thomas Whaley. I appreciate the acceptance
of being offered to read this.
October 5, 2014
You will not be disappointed....
September 3, 2014
Leaving Montana by Thomas Whaley is an excellent read of a the anger of the son of a dysfunctional family. Carmella Russo and Sean Quinn have a toxic marriage. Into this mix they brought in their son, Benny Quinn. His dad worked so much, Benny was naturally a momma's boy. He loved his maternal grandparents and his Aunt Connie. As an adult, Benny has a life partner, Max and two little girls. He's been to many different psychiatrists trying to resolve his anger issues. His father, Sean had affairs. He put young Benny into the middle. Read on to see how Benny settles his anger issues.
October 5, 2014
I was lucky enough to receive this novel as a FirstReads giveaway from the author, and I was then given a rainy weekend!
This was a fast read, told from the point of view of Benjamin Sean Quin, a man who leaves his home in New York in order to both face and resolve his turbulent past. To say Ben grew up in a dysfunctional family would be an understatement.
When I read the summary of the book on Goodreads, it states that Ben has "anger issues," but as a I read through the novel, I didn't really see any evidence of that. Quite the contrary: I loved Ben. I thought he was self-aware, observant, and I enjoyed his quick wit throughout the novel: his airport observations, his response to the cleaning woman, his nicknames for his familial "Holy Trinity." I also thought that Ben's responses, as both a child and grown man, were rational and even healthy.
The author transitions back and forth from Ben's adult life to his childhood one with ease, and the story's pace is wonderful. I also appreciated the tension and the twists and turns. Throughout my reading, I couldn't help but feel that this book was going to become a thriller. I think it could have easily gone in that direction and don't wonder if the author has a future in that genre?
I gave this book 4/3.5 stars because at times, there were a lot of unanswered questions about the characters in the book. For example, early in the novel Connie seems to be characterized as a frumpy wallflower--a woman who stands in the shadows of the stunning Carmella. Later in the novel, she is a strong, social "beauty." What happened to her?
What happened to Sean in the hospital, and why did he choose to stay? What did he learn about himself?
And Max: It's clear that Max is a wonderful man and a loving, supportive husband for Ben; he has clearly given Ben the love and family he deserves. But what does Max think about Ben's past? When Carmella comes to stay, what are Max's thoughts/reactions? How does Ben's never-ending family struggles affect their relationship? I really wanted to see more interaction between Max and Ben so I could really understand why Ben was truly able to "Leave Montana."
I gave the book 4 stars instead of 3 because I recognize that my own reading aesthetic may color my understanding of the author's true intent/message. Perhaps these questions are exactly the point: perhaps Ben may never get all of the answers himself. Don't we all have outstanding questions about our dysfunctional families/family histories and move on (hopefully) with our lives in spite of them?
This was a fast read, told from the point of view of Benjamin Sean Quin, a man who leaves his home in New York in order to both face and resolve his turbulent past. To say Ben grew up in a dysfunctional family would be an understatement.
When I read the summary of the book on Goodreads, it states that Ben has "anger issues," but as a I read through the novel, I didn't really see any evidence of that. Quite the contrary: I loved Ben. I thought he was self-aware, observant, and I enjoyed his quick wit throughout the novel: his airport observations, his response to the cleaning woman, his nicknames for his familial "Holy Trinity." I also thought that Ben's responses, as both a child and grown man, were rational and even healthy.
The author transitions back and forth from Ben's adult life to his childhood one with ease, and the story's pace is wonderful. I also appreciated the tension and the twists and turns. Throughout my reading, I couldn't help but feel that this book was going to become a thriller. I think it could have easily gone in that direction and don't wonder if the author has a future in that genre?
I gave this book 4/3.5 stars because at times, there were a lot of unanswered questions about the characters in the book. For example, early in the novel Connie seems to be characterized as a frumpy wallflower--a woman who stands in the shadows of the stunning Carmella. Later in the novel, she is a strong, social "beauty." What happened to her?
What happened to Sean in the hospital, and why did he choose to stay? What did he learn about himself?
And Max: It's clear that Max is a wonderful man and a loving, supportive husband for Ben; he has clearly given Ben the love and family he deserves. But what does Max think about Ben's past? When Carmella comes to stay, what are Max's thoughts/reactions? How does Ben's never-ending family struggles affect their relationship? I really wanted to see more interaction between Max and Ben so I could really understand why Ben was truly able to "Leave Montana."
I gave the book 4 stars instead of 3 because I recognize that my own reading aesthetic may color my understanding of the author's true intent/message. Perhaps these questions are exactly the point: perhaps Ben may never get all of the answers himself. Don't we all have outstanding questions about our dysfunctional families/family histories and move on (hopefully) with our lives in spite of them?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2014
This was yet another surprisingly good book from early reviewers. As usual, I won't bother with a summary especially since the description is already pretty good.
The story is basically narrated on two different levels in time which are slowly being merged into the current day. Especially in the beginning, this is done masterfully and effortlessly. It's getting slightly harder to understand towards the end of the book when the time frames are getting nearer to each other but it's still very well done.
There are a few minor issues that make me subtract one star:
- There are several occurrences of the nowadays common mistake of using "[I] could care less" when it actually should be "[I] could *not* care less", e. g. "He acted as if he could care less, but the fact was he did." (Chapter 5)
- A few times, when it should be "then" the author's mistakenly using the comparative "than" instead.
- Fairly regularly, there are instances of a missing comma.
These minor issues, though, hardly ever really have an impact on the enjoyment of the book as a whole. It's brilliantly written, I can relate to almost all characters which are believable, well fleshed out and fitting extremely well into the narration.
In contrast to another reviewer, I believe the book has exactly the right size - it never became long-winded for me and everything told was on some level important to the story. I never grew bored or disinterested.
If and when there's a second edition with the minor issues I pointed out fixed, this could become an almost flawless gem.
October 20, 2015
First off, this is THE best book I’ve gotten from the First Reads program by far! Leaving Montana is a stunning read in so many ways. Like many others here, I tore though it voraciously, hungry for more of the story to unfold. The characters were real, as in they were complex in the way true people are and your feelings about them change over time. They really all blew me away and seeing the complexity of emotions between characters was great. I liked the first-person narrative, which I usually don’t, because I truly connected with Benjamin and what he was experiencing. Also, there was a seamlessness in the writing as it travelled through different points of time that usually would leave me disjointed as a reader by Whaley did it flawlessly. Really, I can’t say enough good things about it, I’m just so stunned to have happened upon this great read. This is definitely one to pass along to my reading friends!
PS - Also I want to say thank you to the author, Thomas Whaley, for signing my copy of the book. It is a treasured addition to my bookshelf!
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the GoodReads First Reads program in exchange for an honest review.
PS - Also I want to say thank you to the author, Thomas Whaley, for signing my copy of the book. It is a treasured addition to my bookshelf!
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the GoodReads First Reads program in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2014
Disambiguation
Long Island, New York author Thomas Whaley debuts with a novel that most assuredly will be considered among the best of the year. It is difficult to believe this is his first novel, though he has written many children's books and poetry and short stories and scripts before pouncing into the literary public eye with LEAVING MONTANA. He obviously has an eye and an ear for the aspects of childhood that influence our adult selves, the true theme of this first novel. Long Island has always been his home and he apparently left work in the Big Apple to become an elementary school teacher in 1999. Of note, Whaley received the New York State Elementary Classroom Teachers Association Teacher of the year Award for 2014! He is a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators), NAMW (National Association of Memoir Writers) and LIAWS (Long Island Authors and Writers Society). He also completes his life living in Shoreham, New York with his husband Carl, their two sons Andrew and Luke, and their loyal dog Jake.
Impressive biographical information, true, but even that solid life does not give hint of the extraordinary skills as a writer this book demonstrates. On his fine website he places a meaningful (to his work and this story) by Harvey Fierstein: `Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.' That is a taste of the quality of story that this book contains. On an early page in this story Whaley hints at his finesse in writing as he introduces the main character: `By the way, let me formally introduce myself. I am Benjamin Sean Quinn. Forty. Confidently handsome. Sexy, as I've frequently been told. And a damn good advertising executive. I have a fantastic, caring and supportive partner of 14 years. My home belongs in a Pottery Barn catalog. We live in a prestigious neighborhood, and our two adopted daughters are perfect in every way...but there's one small problem. I am angry as hell. Angry to the core.' LEAVING MONTANA is Ben's discovering a secret about his bizarre parents and coping with that secret in a most character developing manner. This would be a good spot to summarize the story and for that I quote the author's synopsis for his website as follows: `Saying that Benjamin Sean Quinn had "anger issues" was an understatement. For those who knew him for the shortest amount of time, his life was in order: He was physically fit, had a great job which provided him a house in the suburbs and the material things he desired, a loving, monogamous relationship, two happy, healthy daughters and an established circle of friends. In all accounts, his life seemed perfect. But to those who knew him the longest, they knew he was an idle grenade, waiting for someone to pull the pin. For decades, Ben did his best to conquer his demons; to suppress the anger he accumulated towards his parents, Carmella and Sean, throughout their tumultuous marriage. Ben was their only child; forced to witness and experience things that most adults couldn't even try to handle. He could not escape them or the anger, and no matter how hard he tried, as he matured, it became a part of him. Ben strived to end the toxic cycle and avoid adopting their pattern as part of his own life. By the time he reached his early thirties, he finally seemed to have it all under control. Then Ben's father told him a "secret". One left in Montana when he and Carmella were stationed there forty years earlier. It would exhume the painful memories and suppressed anger that Ben had been avoiding for years and force him to relive his past in order to face his future. Today Benjamin Sean Quinn boards a plane to Billings, Montana. It was time to face the secret head on and let go of the anger that silently ruled his life. It would be the boldest move he ever made, ultimately changing his life and the lives of those around him.'
But it is impossible to leave that outline without the diving wish to share that secret, but that would deprive the reader form the discovery (it happens mid book so you don't have to wait long). The glory is in the writing - Whaley's description of Carmella and Sean as parents and as tormentors, his vivid description of therapists, the manner in which he offers thoughts as a child, his vivid dissection of his feelings about the course of his relationship with his parents (`I love them . But I really have a hard time liking them'), his mental state (`Wounded, searching for pieces of themselves amongst the rubble - in shock and disbelief that they are still alive...I felt broken') (`It was like a dark shadow. For my entire life, my secret would always be lurking around me, constantly reminding me of how innocent I once was. I became a defeated secret keeper without a soul. A mother betrayer. An actor. A victim. A liar.) But less the reader perceive this is a morose memoir, Whaley has an equal gift for comedy, for compassion, for love, for devotion, for the drive to shed our outer exoskeleton to find the true us within.
Too long a review, but that is an indication of the experience of reading this book: this reader did not want it to end and in fact after reading it once, returning to the beginning to start the journey again was irresistible. Thomas Whaley is one of the more important authors to appear on the literary scene this year. Absolutely brilliant!
Long Island, New York author Thomas Whaley debuts with a novel that most assuredly will be considered among the best of the year. It is difficult to believe this is his first novel, though he has written many children's books and poetry and short stories and scripts before pouncing into the literary public eye with LEAVING MONTANA. He obviously has an eye and an ear for the aspects of childhood that influence our adult selves, the true theme of this first novel. Long Island has always been his home and he apparently left work in the Big Apple to become an elementary school teacher in 1999. Of note, Whaley received the New York State Elementary Classroom Teachers Association Teacher of the year Award for 2014! He is a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators), NAMW (National Association of Memoir Writers) and LIAWS (Long Island Authors and Writers Society). He also completes his life living in Shoreham, New York with his husband Carl, their two sons Andrew and Luke, and their loyal dog Jake.
Impressive biographical information, true, but even that solid life does not give hint of the extraordinary skills as a writer this book demonstrates. On his fine website he places a meaningful (to his work and this story) by Harvey Fierstein: `Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.' That is a taste of the quality of story that this book contains. On an early page in this story Whaley hints at his finesse in writing as he introduces the main character: `By the way, let me formally introduce myself. I am Benjamin Sean Quinn. Forty. Confidently handsome. Sexy, as I've frequently been told. And a damn good advertising executive. I have a fantastic, caring and supportive partner of 14 years. My home belongs in a Pottery Barn catalog. We live in a prestigious neighborhood, and our two adopted daughters are perfect in every way...but there's one small problem. I am angry as hell. Angry to the core.' LEAVING MONTANA is Ben's discovering a secret about his bizarre parents and coping with that secret in a most character developing manner. This would be a good spot to summarize the story and for that I quote the author's synopsis for his website as follows: `Saying that Benjamin Sean Quinn had "anger issues" was an understatement. For those who knew him for the shortest amount of time, his life was in order: He was physically fit, had a great job which provided him a house in the suburbs and the material things he desired, a loving, monogamous relationship, two happy, healthy daughters and an established circle of friends. In all accounts, his life seemed perfect. But to those who knew him the longest, they knew he was an idle grenade, waiting for someone to pull the pin. For decades, Ben did his best to conquer his demons; to suppress the anger he accumulated towards his parents, Carmella and Sean, throughout their tumultuous marriage. Ben was their only child; forced to witness and experience things that most adults couldn't even try to handle. He could not escape them or the anger, and no matter how hard he tried, as he matured, it became a part of him. Ben strived to end the toxic cycle and avoid adopting their pattern as part of his own life. By the time he reached his early thirties, he finally seemed to have it all under control. Then Ben's father told him a "secret". One left in Montana when he and Carmella were stationed there forty years earlier. It would exhume the painful memories and suppressed anger that Ben had been avoiding for years and force him to relive his past in order to face his future. Today Benjamin Sean Quinn boards a plane to Billings, Montana. It was time to face the secret head on and let go of the anger that silently ruled his life. It would be the boldest move he ever made, ultimately changing his life and the lives of those around him.'
But it is impossible to leave that outline without the diving wish to share that secret, but that would deprive the reader form the discovery (it happens mid book so you don't have to wait long). The glory is in the writing - Whaley's description of Carmella and Sean as parents and as tormentors, his vivid description of therapists, the manner in which he offers thoughts as a child, his vivid dissection of his feelings about the course of his relationship with his parents (`I love them . But I really have a hard time liking them'), his mental state (`Wounded, searching for pieces of themselves amongst the rubble - in shock and disbelief that they are still alive...I felt broken') (`It was like a dark shadow. For my entire life, my secret would always be lurking around me, constantly reminding me of how innocent I once was. I became a defeated secret keeper without a soul. A mother betrayer. An actor. A victim. A liar.) But less the reader perceive this is a morose memoir, Whaley has an equal gift for comedy, for compassion, for love, for devotion, for the drive to shed our outer exoskeleton to find the true us within.
Too long a review, but that is an indication of the experience of reading this book: this reader did not want it to end and in fact after reading it once, returning to the beginning to start the journey again was irresistible. Thomas Whaley is one of the more important authors to appear on the literary scene this year. Absolutely brilliant!
December 28, 2016
It'’s no wonder "‘Leaving Montana"’, a debut novel written by Thomas Whaley, ensured its author this yearÂ’s known Eric Hoffer Small Press Award -– a novel about the anger from a son that came out of a dysfunctional family.
Right from the very beginning, a reader will be drawn into the story of tragic marriage between Sean Quinn and Carmella Russo, while the third character, someone who was not guilty for anything, but still for long time suffering because of it all - their son Benjamin.
What makes Whaley'’s story especially powerful was the author'’s decision to use writing from the first person perspective, making the emotions felt by Benjamin more real, while we follow the main character in present time discovering the truth about the four decades buried family secret his father mentioned, back from the time when they three were family.
In present time, Benny has a partner and two little girls, unsuccessfully trying to fix problems from the past that resulted with his anger issues. And while the events of 40 years ago and today intertwining, the reader will slowly assemble a mosaic what makes a family and how to heal from the troubled pastÂ.
Though his first, Thomas Whaley with his work takes reader on an exciting and sometimes painful journey, full of problems and secrets that are slowly revealed on the pages of his novel. In the end, what awaits reader is the discovery what actually happened in the past and how difficult is to escape from the consequences that inevitably leave traces on the people, both emotional and physical. I will not disclose any more details, in order not to spoil the way the author intended for every reader to discover his story.
The author with the very first work manages to prove his big talent, and one can safely say that the award Whaley got for this book is only the first in a series of those that will follow.
Therefore, if you want to read a true family saga, emotional and painful in all the details of the story that the author generously shares with the readers, do not look further, this young author deserves your attention and time with his book "‘Leaving Montana"’.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for the purpose of unbiased review, while all the presented information is based on my impressions.
Right from the very beginning, a reader will be drawn into the story of tragic marriage between Sean Quinn and Carmella Russo, while the third character, someone who was not guilty for anything, but still for long time suffering because of it all - their son Benjamin.
What makes Whaley'’s story especially powerful was the author'’s decision to use writing from the first person perspective, making the emotions felt by Benjamin more real, while we follow the main character in present time discovering the truth about the four decades buried family secret his father mentioned, back from the time when they three were family.
In present time, Benny has a partner and two little girls, unsuccessfully trying to fix problems from the past that resulted with his anger issues. And while the events of 40 years ago and today intertwining, the reader will slowly assemble a mosaic what makes a family and how to heal from the troubled pastÂ.
Though his first, Thomas Whaley with his work takes reader on an exciting and sometimes painful journey, full of problems and secrets that are slowly revealed on the pages of his novel. In the end, what awaits reader is the discovery what actually happened in the past and how difficult is to escape from the consequences that inevitably leave traces on the people, both emotional and physical. I will not disclose any more details, in order not to spoil the way the author intended for every reader to discover his story.
The author with the very first work manages to prove his big talent, and one can safely say that the award Whaley got for this book is only the first in a series of those that will follow.
Therefore, if you want to read a true family saga, emotional and painful in all the details of the story that the author generously shares with the readers, do not look further, this young author deserves your attention and time with his book "‘Leaving Montana"’.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for the purpose of unbiased review, while all the presented information is based on my impressions.
March 8, 2015
I read…a lot. My introduction to Leaving Montana was a display at the service desk of the Barnes & Noble at Smith Haven Mall on Long Island (NY). Something intrigued me about it…the cover? The title? You can imagine my delight when I saw it was written by a Long Island author: native Islander Thomas Whaley. A book discussion and signing were scheduled for the following week. I went home and instantly began reading. I found myself turning the first page… then the second and third, and before I knew it, the last page. The book captivated me. The emotions described could only be written so eloquently by one who has experienced them first hand. It’s the story of a young boy, Benjamin Sean Quinn, growing into an adult, learning to cope in his functioning dysfunctional family, discovering family secrets, and finally rising above it all (sort of). It was not at all sensational; just raw, honest emotion dripping from each word. You don’t know who you are if you don’t know who you came from. Benjamin Sean Quinn surely knows who he is, and because of that, now leads an incredibly-honorable life with so much promise for the future, despite a past that would surely devastate the best of us. We can all learn from Benjamin, regardless of our upbringing. (Add this book to the top of your reading list.)
(Im)patiently awaiting more good reads from author Thomas Whaley,
Deborah Perham,
Association of Personal Historians Long Island Chapter Coordinator
(Im)patiently awaiting more good reads from author Thomas Whaley,
Deborah Perham,
Association of Personal Historians Long Island Chapter Coordinator
Read
May 18, 2016When I realized that the book was about a gay man and his family, I really didn't know what to expect.
I started to read the first chapter and the narrator is describing himself. For those who are not LGBT or know anyone who is, the narrator comes off as those who don't know gay people would expect, flamboyant, flowery, feminine. I really kind of hesitated to continue but I decided I really needed to give the book a fair shot and to be honest, I am so happy I did.
This book was great. The sexual orientation of the narrator really does not appear in the book.
It is a book about the struggles and abuse that a family suffers early from the marriage of the narrator's parents to when he is married with kids of his own, the secrets that are kept by the family and those affected outside the family.
The way the story is told is in depth, and in a style that really is engaging and makes you just want to keep on reading.
I loved the story. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story.
I really am looking forward to reading more from Thomas Whaley.
I started to read the first chapter and the narrator is describing himself. For those who are not LGBT or know anyone who is, the narrator comes off as those who don't know gay people would expect, flamboyant, flowery, feminine. I really kind of hesitated to continue but I decided I really needed to give the book a fair shot and to be honest, I am so happy I did.
This book was great. The sexual orientation of the narrator really does not appear in the book.
It is a book about the struggles and abuse that a family suffers early from the marriage of the narrator's parents to when he is married with kids of his own, the secrets that are kept by the family and those affected outside the family.
The way the story is told is in depth, and in a style that really is engaging and makes you just want to keep on reading.
I loved the story. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story.
I really am looking forward to reading more from Thomas Whaley.
April 13, 2015
This book changed me
A great book is one that should affect the reader so much that s/he becomes a changed person after having read it. Based on this one single criterion Leaving Montana is a great book. I finished reading it yesterday and already I am thinking of people I know - especially those I don't like - in a different way. Now I look at them twice, and then look again. And again. When I first encountered Benjamin Sean Quinn I was neutral about him, before becoming antagonistic, but as his background and motivations unfolded I grew confused. How could this arrogant man have any saving graces?
Leaving Montana is in the best traditions of the morality plays of seven centuries ago, plays in which the central character struggled to achieve some kind of salvation. It appears that Thomas Whaley's novel is based on fact - which just goes to show that fact makes the best fiction.
I loved this intricate, funny, deeply engaging account of one man's search. I am now going to read it again. It needs a second read.
Colm Herron
A great book is one that should affect the reader so much that s/he becomes a changed person after having read it. Based on this one single criterion Leaving Montana is a great book. I finished reading it yesterday and already I am thinking of people I know - especially those I don't like - in a different way. Now I look at them twice, and then look again. And again. When I first encountered Benjamin Sean Quinn I was neutral about him, before becoming antagonistic, but as his background and motivations unfolded I grew confused. How could this arrogant man have any saving graces?
Leaving Montana is in the best traditions of the morality plays of seven centuries ago, plays in which the central character struggled to achieve some kind of salvation. It appears that Thomas Whaley's novel is based on fact - which just goes to show that fact makes the best fiction.
I loved this intricate, funny, deeply engaging account of one man's search. I am now going to read it again. It needs a second read.
Colm Herron
March 2, 2015
Books that make you look inside yourself and maintain the story always seem to come with a bonus. “Leaving Montana,” by Thomas Whaley is an interesting read that is the study of what makes a family. A serious book that at times can leave you on the edge of your seat. This is the story of a couple’s marriage and loved ones caught in their wake. It is highly emotional.
Whaley writes his first novel with passion. I would have preferred it written in third person, allowing the reader to discover rather than the writer just telling the story. Third person gives readers room to be in the story with the characters. Whaley’s characters are well developed and allow the reader to invest in each of their roles.
I won this book on Goodreads First Reads giveaway program. I do not know the author. I recommend this book to any one that likes to read about family. 4 stars from this reviewer. A promising new writer I hope to read more from.
Whaley writes his first novel with passion. I would have preferred it written in third person, allowing the reader to discover rather than the writer just telling the story. Third person gives readers room to be in the story with the characters. Whaley’s characters are well developed and allow the reader to invest in each of their roles.
I won this book on Goodreads First Reads giveaway program. I do not know the author. I recommend this book to any one that likes to read about family. 4 stars from this reviewer. A promising new writer I hope to read more from.
March 14, 2017
LEAVING MONTANA is about Benjamin Quinn’s emotional journey… fighting anger, uncovering secrets, and ultimately changing his life forever.
This is a great book that hooks you from the beginning. There are so many emotions throughout the book, and there’s something everyone can relate to. A true emotional ride, complete with well-developed characters that are so real, it’s like you’re walking along with them. There’s a natural flow to the story, so the grammatical errors that are there, don’t deter from the story.
LEAVING MONTANA is an enjoyable read, that will take you along for the journey. Full of feelings that are hard to deny. It’s a book worth opening with a 5-star rating.
This is a great book that hooks you from the beginning. There are so many emotions throughout the book, and there’s something everyone can relate to. A true emotional ride, complete with well-developed characters that are so real, it’s like you’re walking along with them. There’s a natural flow to the story, so the grammatical errors that are there, don’t deter from the story.
LEAVING MONTANA is an enjoyable read, that will take you along for the journey. Full of feelings that are hard to deny. It’s a book worth opening with a 5-star rating.
December 1, 2014
I picked up this book on Long Island at a book signing event. It's safe to say I was hoping to like the book and was very pleasantly surprised to find that I loved the book. As a matter of fact, I had trouble putting it down. The story weaves effortlessly from the past to the present with flawed, believable characters steeped in relatable family dysfunction. My favorite passages are when the protagonist is in his own head. I lost count of the number of times I laughed out loud. Kudos to Thomas Whaley for a brave, funny and touching story.
August 7, 2014
I am very grateful that I found this book. I laughed and cried while reading it! The author had me fully engaged and I could't put the book down. It's not very often that you find a good book that spans a 40 year period and has you wanting more. I could picture all of the characters as the author was very descriptive in the way he described each and every one of them. The book was very relatable as I have struggled with a difficult childhood. I can't wait for more novels by this author!
March 9, 2016
If you want a book about life, try this one. I gave this book 5 stars, if I could give it 10 stars I would. The book was written, with good, and strong characters throughout the story. The story line was great. I enjoyed this story. A good read, and a GREAT BOOK!
September 14, 2014
**First Reads Winner**
November 16, 2014
Leaving Montana is a compelling look inside the life of a dysfunctional family and a son's quest to find peace.
Ben has worked hard to overcome the years of damage he has endured due to the toxic marriage of his parents, Sean and Carmella Quinn. His father is violent, his mother manipulative and both use their son as leverage for personal gain. Ben has finally had enough and refuses to play their games any longer. As a result he suppresses the past instead of dealing with it. When his father reveals a secret he has carried for more than forty years, all the pain, devastation, and hatred resurfaces. Now, Ben must travel across the country to the place where everything began so many years ago. Will he find the peace he has been searching for?
This is an excellent read. I was instantly drawn into the intriguing and broken lives of the Quinn family. Ben is a fantastic character. His transformation as a son, father, brother, and human being touched me. I instantly fell in love with Ben, the little boy, and wanted to rescue him from his pain. As an adult he masks his pain through a seemingly self assured and somewhat cocky attitude. However, once the protective layer was removed to reveal the deep hurt he has experienced my heart ached for him. Learning to accept others as they are and holding them responsible for their choices instead of blaming himself ultimately saves him and his wounds begin to heal. I loved this story! It reminded me that we all face difficult trials in life, but we don't have let them define us. Ben's lesson is one that is valid in real life. Once we realize we can't carry the burden of others we can be set free.
The story is well organized and flows easily. The author switches between past and present, but the transition is seamless and I never felt lost or confused. In fact, I was captivated from the first page and had a hard time putting the book down, always telling myself "just one more chapter." I am definitely a fan of his writing style and can't wait to read more of his work.
I highly recommend picking up a copy of Leaving Montana. It's well worth reading.
Ben has worked hard to overcome the years of damage he has endured due to the toxic marriage of his parents, Sean and Carmella Quinn. His father is violent, his mother manipulative and both use their son as leverage for personal gain. Ben has finally had enough and refuses to play their games any longer. As a result he suppresses the past instead of dealing with it. When his father reveals a secret he has carried for more than forty years, all the pain, devastation, and hatred resurfaces. Now, Ben must travel across the country to the place where everything began so many years ago. Will he find the peace he has been searching for?
This is an excellent read. I was instantly drawn into the intriguing and broken lives of the Quinn family. Ben is a fantastic character. His transformation as a son, father, brother, and human being touched me. I instantly fell in love with Ben, the little boy, and wanted to rescue him from his pain. As an adult he masks his pain through a seemingly self assured and somewhat cocky attitude. However, once the protective layer was removed to reveal the deep hurt he has experienced my heart ached for him. Learning to accept others as they are and holding them responsible for their choices instead of blaming himself ultimately saves him and his wounds begin to heal. I loved this story! It reminded me that we all face difficult trials in life, but we don't have let them define us. Ben's lesson is one that is valid in real life. Once we realize we can't carry the burden of others we can be set free.
The story is well organized and flows easily. The author switches between past and present, but the transition is seamless and I never felt lost or confused. In fact, I was captivated from the first page and had a hard time putting the book down, always telling myself "just one more chapter." I am definitely a fan of his writing style and can't wait to read more of his work.
I highly recommend picking up a copy of Leaving Montana. It's well worth reading.
December 17, 2014
As I sat down on my couch Sunday afternoon watching my Green Bay Packers lose, I decided to start reading this book. Well, I forgot all about the Packers and watching them lose that day, (Mind you, it is not an easy thing to distract me from, it's Aaron Rodgers) Well Benny swept me away and carried me on his shoulders to Montana and back.
As the main character Ben got ready for his trip, he described life in the now, starting with his closet, the music choices for the car ride, as well as, discuss things we do and say while in our cars when we are by ourselves. One of my many favorite parts is Benny driving around the parking lot at JFK looking for a parking spot comparing cars to people, I was hooked.
I laughed, cried and shouted at characters. I was in the book walking in his shadow the entire time, seeing and feeling all that Ben was going through on his journey all because of the amazing imagery and words of Thomas Whaley. I put the book down once and that was to feed my family dinner, and trust me, I wanted to order out so I could continue reading. (Grilling hamburgers quick and easy)
I, like the main character Ben, have to be sucked into a book immediately. Thomas Whaley did just that. His writing was fun, lyrical and easy flowing. I enjoyed each character in a different way. I loved hating Sean one minute and loving him the next. Every page had a character that was easily relatable. I often felt like we knew the same people. I think for many personal reasons, his story captivated me and drew me in and did not disappoint. I finished the book in one evening and have shared it with others already. I am looking forward to the next novel and hopefully many more to come. You HAVE to read THIS book. It will not disappoint.
As the main character Ben got ready for his trip, he described life in the now, starting with his closet, the music choices for the car ride, as well as, discuss things we do and say while in our cars when we are by ourselves. One of my many favorite parts is Benny driving around the parking lot at JFK looking for a parking spot comparing cars to people, I was hooked.
I laughed, cried and shouted at characters. I was in the book walking in his shadow the entire time, seeing and feeling all that Ben was going through on his journey all because of the amazing imagery and words of Thomas Whaley. I put the book down once and that was to feed my family dinner, and trust me, I wanted to order out so I could continue reading. (Grilling hamburgers quick and easy)
I, like the main character Ben, have to be sucked into a book immediately. Thomas Whaley did just that. His writing was fun, lyrical and easy flowing. I enjoyed each character in a different way. I loved hating Sean one minute and loving him the next. Every page had a character that was easily relatable. I often felt like we knew the same people. I think for many personal reasons, his story captivated me and drew me in and did not disappoint. I finished the book in one evening and have shared it with others already. I am looking forward to the next novel and hopefully many more to come. You HAVE to read THIS book. It will not disappoint.
September 6, 2014
Oooohhh, dysfunctional families...my favorite! Probably due to the fact that I'm a long-time member of one myself.
I believe those of us who can relate to this theme, based on our own experiences, may be a bit more difficult to win over than others. Ultimately, Mr. Whaley got the job done for me. This was a short/quick read that had quite a bit packed into it. I thought he handled the transitions between present day and flashbacks perfectly. He also managed to create a very likeable-unlikeable main character(?!). Some of the writing seemed a little forced, like maybe he was trying to be TOO clever. Although, it's entirely possible that maybe it wasn't the author trying too hard, but Ben instead? Which would actually be fitting considering his personality.
By the time we reach the final page, everything is all neatly tied together. However, I was a little annoyed with Ben. I felt that at this stage in his life he should have been aware that 'moving on' doesn't mean swapping out snitty family members with a whole new cast of (seemly perfect) characters, but instead it's about accepting the past, letting go of the anger/resentment and having the strength of character to stand alone. In my opinion, that's the only way you can start letting people back in and start paving the way for new and healthy relationships. It just seemed to me that he was desperately trying to insert himself into this new family out of neediness. Almost as if their normalcy would somehow heal his emotional scars?
Aaaaannnd that's why Leaving Montana will get 4-stars from me. I finished it a while ago, but I'm still thinking about it!
I believe those of us who can relate to this theme, based on our own experiences, may be a bit more difficult to win over than others. Ultimately, Mr. Whaley got the job done for me. This was a short/quick read that had quite a bit packed into it. I thought he handled the transitions between present day and flashbacks perfectly. He also managed to create a very likeable-unlikeable main character(?!). Some of the writing seemed a little forced, like maybe he was trying to be TOO clever. Although, it's entirely possible that maybe it wasn't the author trying too hard, but Ben instead? Which would actually be fitting considering his personality.
By the time we reach the final page, everything is all neatly tied together. However, I was a little annoyed with Ben. I felt that at this stage in his life he should have been aware that 'moving on' doesn't mean swapping out snitty family members with a whole new cast of (seemly perfect) characters, but instead it's about accepting the past, letting go of the anger/resentment and having the strength of character to stand alone. In my opinion, that's the only way you can start letting people back in and start paving the way for new and healthy relationships. It just seemed to me that he was desperately trying to insert himself into this new family out of neediness. Almost as if their normalcy would somehow heal his emotional scars?
Aaaaannnd that's why Leaving Montana will get 4-stars from me. I finished it a while ago, but I'm still thinking about it!
July 6, 2015
It is hard to remember that Leaving Montana by Thomas Whaley is a work of fiction. The family problems and secrets that Whaley writes about are very common but very rarely are they spoken about. Whaley writes about Benjamin Sean Quinn’s life and how he grew up in a household filled with drama and secrets,
Leaving Montana is a book that captures the reader’s interest right away just because Whaley’s main character Benjamin Sean Quinn is so loveable from the start. Benjamin is a 40 year old, gay male who has 2 adopted children with his partner. Benjamin travels to Billings, Montana to face secrets from the past. During his journey he reflects on the parent’s marriage and how everything came to be. My favorite thing about this book was how Whaley explained how Benjamin’s parents, Carmella and Sean, came to be. He gave each character in his book a different personality. I honestly was not sure how to feel about Carmella and Sean. I went from rooting for each of them to hating them, then back to rooting for them. Towards the end of the book I was sure of only one thing, and that was that I wanted to give Benjamin a huge hug and adopt him. The issues that occurred in Benjamin’s family are common but they are not often wrote about or explained through each character’s own perspective. By Whaley writing the story this this way makes the reader understand the situations more. You may not agree with the situation that is occurring in the book but you understand why it happened.
I really enjoyed this book and hope to read more of Whaley’s work. I recommend this book to anyone who does not have enough drama in their own family.
Leaving Montana is a book that captures the reader’s interest right away just because Whaley’s main character Benjamin Sean Quinn is so loveable from the start. Benjamin is a 40 year old, gay male who has 2 adopted children with his partner. Benjamin travels to Billings, Montana to face secrets from the past. During his journey he reflects on the parent’s marriage and how everything came to be. My favorite thing about this book was how Whaley explained how Benjamin’s parents, Carmella and Sean, came to be. He gave each character in his book a different personality. I honestly was not sure how to feel about Carmella and Sean. I went from rooting for each of them to hating them, then back to rooting for them. Towards the end of the book I was sure of only one thing, and that was that I wanted to give Benjamin a huge hug and adopt him. The issues that occurred in Benjamin’s family are common but they are not often wrote about or explained through each character’s own perspective. By Whaley writing the story this this way makes the reader understand the situations more. You may not agree with the situation that is occurring in the book but you understand why it happened.
I really enjoyed this book and hope to read more of Whaley’s work. I recommend this book to anyone who does not have enough drama in their own family.
February 28, 2016
I certainly was not disappointed!
This genre isn't what I usually read, but I had to have this book because I was curious about it. Especially since this book was written by one of my elementary school teachers, Thomas Whaley. Well, I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it! I read it whenever I could, and when I could it was difficult to put down. Whaley's style of writing really pulls you into the text and it brings you along Benjamin Quinn's journey of closure.
Ben, the narrator of the novel, brings you his family's story--a story of betrayal, regret, and guilt. Though the main character paints his family as dysfunctional, there is a significant lesson behind it. Whaley not only shows the dark side of each character that he presents in the novel, but he also shows a lighter side, a side that his readers could connect to and feel sympathetic towards. People have layers, and Mr. Thomas Whaley successfully shows that.
Not only were his characters strong and well-developed, but his language was as well. I don't think there was ever a time when I had to take a step away from it because I was confused. There were really strong lines in here that made you think, and powerful metaphors that you had to uncover and could easily relate to. I remember underlining some great moments in just the first chapter because they stood out.
This book is a strong debut and definitely is powerful. Once you finish it, you would be left with several thoughts about not only what happened, but also with yourself. If you do read it, you are going to enjoy it- there's no doubt about that.
This genre isn't what I usually read, but I had to have this book because I was curious about it. Especially since this book was written by one of my elementary school teachers, Thomas Whaley. Well, I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it! I read it whenever I could, and when I could it was difficult to put down. Whaley's style of writing really pulls you into the text and it brings you along Benjamin Quinn's journey of closure.
Ben, the narrator of the novel, brings you his family's story--a story of betrayal, regret, and guilt. Though the main character paints his family as dysfunctional, there is a significant lesson behind it. Whaley not only shows the dark side of each character that he presents in the novel, but he also shows a lighter side, a side that his readers could connect to and feel sympathetic towards. People have layers, and Mr. Thomas Whaley successfully shows that.
Not only were his characters strong and well-developed, but his language was as well. I don't think there was ever a time when I had to take a step away from it because I was confused. There were really strong lines in here that made you think, and powerful metaphors that you had to uncover and could easily relate to. I remember underlining some great moments in just the first chapter because they stood out.
This book is a strong debut and definitely is powerful. Once you finish it, you would be left with several thoughts about not only what happened, but also with yourself. If you do read it, you are going to enjoy it- there's no doubt about that.
March 31, 2015
I received a signed copy of Leaving Montana in connection with an internet giveaway, and the following is my honest opinion for this book.
As I began to read this book I became enthralled by Mr. Whaley writing which had pulled me in effortlessly to the literary fiction which the author states on GoodReads.com for the book’s description is based on a true family saga.
The author’s use of the first person throughout the book adds to all the emotions one feels Benjamin Sean Quinn is experiencing as he finds out the truth about the 40-year old secret his father had recently mention when he and Ben’s mother had been stationed in Billings, Montana. The secret had caused his parent’s to have a tumultuous marriage which lead Ben to accumulate the anger he had towards them, and to successfully suppress and conquer the demons he had been experiencing throughout his life.
And once Ben discovers everything he needed to unravel the facts behind the secret he came to solve he leaves Montana for the first and last time, leaving everything he’d found there unscathed.
Given the way the author has described everything, especially with the fervor he has, my intuition is telling me there’s much more going on than one reads. My intuition is telling me this book might actually be a literary work of fiction disguising the personal memoir the book might actually be.
Given the expanse of the emotional values this book delivers, I’m giving it 5 STARS.
As I began to read this book I became enthralled by Mr. Whaley writing which had pulled me in effortlessly to the literary fiction which the author states on GoodReads.com for the book’s description is based on a true family saga.
The author’s use of the first person throughout the book adds to all the emotions one feels Benjamin Sean Quinn is experiencing as he finds out the truth about the 40-year old secret his father had recently mention when he and Ben’s mother had been stationed in Billings, Montana. The secret had caused his parent’s to have a tumultuous marriage which lead Ben to accumulate the anger he had towards them, and to successfully suppress and conquer the demons he had been experiencing throughout his life.
And once Ben discovers everything he needed to unravel the facts behind the secret he came to solve he leaves Montana for the first and last time, leaving everything he’d found there unscathed.
Given the way the author has described everything, especially with the fervor he has, my intuition is telling me there’s much more going on than one reads. My intuition is telling me this book might actually be a literary work of fiction disguising the personal memoir the book might actually be.
Given the expanse of the emotional values this book delivers, I’m giving it 5 STARS.
November 7, 2015
It has taken me awhile to review Leaving Montana. I wanted to do this book justice because the book means a lot to me for several reasons. I am not going to give a synopsis of the book. Many reviews have already done that. I want to focus on how the book made me and hopefully will make you feel. First, the characters are fleshed out and go beyond interesting. They are intriguing and you want to keep getting to know themore and know why they do what they do. They will infuriate you, you will want to tell them to get some common sense. You will love them, cheer for them and feel sorry for them. You will want to just hold and rock the main character in your arms and tell him everything will be ok. The story is stranger than fiction so it should be believed that it can happenot in real life. Some characters never transform as a result of circumstances and events that take place in their lives. That can anger the reader, but the story makes you understand why they make the choices they make and why they remain somewhat self-destructive. However, the main character "sees the light." That is all I will say about that. This book spoke to me like no other. In ways it parrotted my life. I found it to be profound. It will stay with you and you will want to know more about these people. The experience reading this book was painful, eye opening, sweet and finally freeing. I highly recommend reading Leaving Montana by Thomas Whaley.
December 28, 2014
When I first began reading this, I wasn't sure I was going to like it. This isn't usually my genre of choice so I was a little out of my comfort zone. However, this book grabbed me from the first chapter and I couldn't stop reading until I had finished it. The plot developed nicely, slowly revealing both the past and the present events and cleverly intertwining the two narratives. To begin with, I was not very fond of the protagonist - I thought him a little shallow and arrogant. My opinion of him changed through the book, however, as all of his shortcomings were explained - their origins revealed through tragic and uncomfortable memories. By the end of the book, I was wholeheartedly on his side, and truly felt sorry for the things he had to put up with from his parents.
The book was well-written and the author did a wonderful job of portraying characters, places and events. It was very well edited too - something which sometimes lets other authors (particularly independent authors) down.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book from start to finish and I would be very interested to read more work from this author.
The book was well-written and the author did a wonderful job of portraying characters, places and events. It was very well edited too - something which sometimes lets other authors (particularly independent authors) down.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book from start to finish and I would be very interested to read more work from this author.
May 28, 2016
This is the first book I've ever won as a Goodreads giveaway and to be perfectly honest although the description of the book to grab my attention, I wasn't expecting all that much from it as the author was unknown to me and this was his first novel.
Leaving Montana took me by storm. It completely sucked me right in and everyone around me could tell how into it I was. I was reading every spare second I had, on coffee break in the morning at work when everyone usually chats, while I ate my breakfast and would normally be scouring social media, really whenever I could. I'm a slow reader but with this book I could not let myself be one, I had to continue on with the juicy story and the heart-wrenching drama that continued to unfold page after page.
I am so thankful to Thomas for sending me a copy of this book, I will be telling everyone about it and suggesting it as a must read! I'm hoping my library will even take my suggestion to purchase a copy so that others may come to love it as much as I did.
Leaving Montana took me by storm. It completely sucked me right in and everyone around me could tell how into it I was. I was reading every spare second I had, on coffee break in the morning at work when everyone usually chats, while I ate my breakfast and would normally be scouring social media, really whenever I could. I'm a slow reader but with this book I could not let myself be one, I had to continue on with the juicy story and the heart-wrenching drama that continued to unfold page after page.
I am so thankful to Thomas for sending me a copy of this book, I will be telling everyone about it and suggesting it as a must read! I'm hoping my library will even take my suggestion to purchase a copy so that others may come to love it as much as I did.
February 25, 2016
Talk about dysfunctional families, this book has it all, what a ride. The author takes us on an incredible journey of heartache, fear, and survival, but also that of hope, love and joy. What made it even more real was that even though it is a novel, the author said it was inspired by true family saga and that his life parallels that of the main character.
Very well written, this was a book that kept me interested the whole way through, with so many different emotions. I think everyone has certain dysfunctions within their families, or just with others in their lives, and I think a lot of us can relate to certain things within this story, maybe even learn something.
There was a lot of insight into his feelings, as the main character comes to term with who he is and how to overcome a lot what had been thrown at him during his lifetime, which was full of uncertainties and of parents that used him as a pawn between them. I was invested in all of the characters, whether I liked them or not, and that to me is a sign of a good story.
Very well written, this was a book that kept me interested the whole way through, with so many different emotions. I think everyone has certain dysfunctions within their families, or just with others in their lives, and I think a lot of us can relate to certain things within this story, maybe even learn something.
There was a lot of insight into his feelings, as the main character comes to term with who he is and how to overcome a lot what had been thrown at him during his lifetime, which was full of uncertainties and of parents that used him as a pawn between them. I was invested in all of the characters, whether I liked them or not, and that to me is a sign of a good story.
September 26, 2014
Go get yourself a copy of Leaving Montana! I really enjoyed this book. It was a departure from the genre fiction I've been reading a lot of lately, and I'm glad I branched out. So, what did I like so much about it? Glad you asked.
1. The Characters - All of the characters were well drawn and three-dimensional. I liked seeing both the best and the worst of these people - it made them real, and it made me care.
2. The Pacing - I enjoy a good build-up, and this book definitely had one. I liked jumping back and forth between Ben's story in the present, and Sean and Carmella's story in the past. Knowing the history of Sean and Carmella's relationship made Ben's journey much more compelling.
3. The Story - It was just a good story. A lot of what I read relies on crazy plot devices twists (which I enjoy, don't get me wrong). It was nice to read a straightforward and ultimately heartwarming family saga.
1. The Characters - All of the characters were well drawn and three-dimensional. I liked seeing both the best and the worst of these people - it made them real, and it made me care.
2. The Pacing - I enjoy a good build-up, and this book definitely had one. I liked jumping back and forth between Ben's story in the present, and Sean and Carmella's story in the past. Knowing the history of Sean and Carmella's relationship made Ben's journey much more compelling.
3. The Story - It was just a good story. A lot of what I read relies on crazy plot devices twists (which I enjoy, don't get me wrong). It was nice to read a straightforward and ultimately heartwarming family saga.
February 19, 2015
Received this book from the Author and Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Leaving Montana is a very good book and if I didn't know any better, I would say it felt like I was reading a memoir with the names changed. (I enjoy memoirs) Although in the first few chapters the scene changes seemed abrupt, this could have been me as the reader because the scenes flowed nicely for the rest of the book.
I don't want to say much about the story line so as not to give anything away. It made me think, sometimes trying to put myself in the situation, and felt several emotions. That's what a good book does. What I will say....never judge anyone because you never know what someone has lived through or dealt with in their lives. No matter how good the outcome, sometimes you go through unthinkable times and hopefully it make you a stronger person. Stay strong!
Thank you for sharing your story with me.
Leaving Montana is a very good book and if I didn't know any better, I would say it felt like I was reading a memoir with the names changed. (I enjoy memoirs) Although in the first few chapters the scene changes seemed abrupt, this could have been me as the reader because the scenes flowed nicely for the rest of the book.
I don't want to say much about the story line so as not to give anything away. It made me think, sometimes trying to put myself in the situation, and felt several emotions. That's what a good book does. What I will say....never judge anyone because you never know what someone has lived through or dealt with in their lives. No matter how good the outcome, sometimes you go through unthinkable times and hopefully it make you a stronger person. Stay strong!
Thank you for sharing your story with me.
December 2, 2015
A Family Story with a Difference.
This is a compassionate story about Ben, the central character, striving to placate the anger he feels. An anger which has its roots in his family past.
The author takes us with Ben on a trip down Memory Lane. But it isn't a pleasant journey. In his attempt to rediscover himself Ben is forced to face the secrets and demons of his dysfunctional family's chaotic past. For only by facing up to the past can he look ahead to a bright future and an end to the anger which is bugging him.
The plot is character driven and the main figures are well developed and, in themselves, thought-provoking. The author has a unique writing style and his narrative has a charm of its own. It evokes many emotions as this is a story every one of us can relate to in a personal way – this also makes it that much more compelling.
If you like family stories with a twist this is not one to miss. You'll enjoy it.
This is a compassionate story about Ben, the central character, striving to placate the anger he feels. An anger which has its roots in his family past.
The author takes us with Ben on a trip down Memory Lane. But it isn't a pleasant journey. In his attempt to rediscover himself Ben is forced to face the secrets and demons of his dysfunctional family's chaotic past. For only by facing up to the past can he look ahead to a bright future and an end to the anger which is bugging him.
The plot is character driven and the main figures are well developed and, in themselves, thought-provoking. The author has a unique writing style and his narrative has a charm of its own. It evokes many emotions as this is a story every one of us can relate to in a personal way – this also makes it that much more compelling.
If you like family stories with a twist this is not one to miss. You'll enjoy it.
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