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Rumors
A high school ruled by small-town politics.
A rural community ruled by rumors.
The truth may set them free. But are they ready for it?
The residents of West Lake are resistant to change and afraid of confrontation. They’re happy to punch in and punch out and complain about the boss man. They’re friendly to your face but spiteful behind your back. They have their farms and their football, but, underneath that small-town veneer, there’s envy and self-hatred and greed.
Principal Janet Wilcox is a modern-day Machiavelli of small-town politics, playing the school board and the community like a banjo. Coach Rick Barnett finds himself squarely in her sights when an up-and-coming quarterback challenges her son’s starting position.
Gwen Townsend’s the new teacher in town. She’s a beautiful woman with a secret. She picked the wrong place to hide from her past. Caleb Miles is her star pupil, a brilliant young writer, questioning his sexuality in a town lacking tolerance. Gwen needs to hide who she was, and Caleb needs to hide who he is.
In a town run on rumors, nobody’s secret is safe.
Adult content and language.
A rural community ruled by rumors.
The truth may set them free. But are they ready for it?
The residents of West Lake are resistant to change and afraid of confrontation. They’re happy to punch in and punch out and complain about the boss man. They’re friendly to your face but spiteful behind your back. They have their farms and their football, but, underneath that small-town veneer, there’s envy and self-hatred and greed.
Principal Janet Wilcox is a modern-day Machiavelli of small-town politics, playing the school board and the community like a banjo. Coach Rick Barnett finds himself squarely in her sights when an up-and-coming quarterback challenges her son’s starting position.
Gwen Townsend’s the new teacher in town. She’s a beautiful woman with a secret. She picked the wrong place to hide from her past. Caleb Miles is her star pupil, a brilliant young writer, questioning his sexuality in a town lacking tolerance. Gwen needs to hide who she was, and Caleb needs to hide who he is.
In a town run on rumors, nobody’s secret is safe.
Adult content and language.
- GenresMystery
425 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2019
331 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Phil M. Williams
41 books360 followersPhil M. Williams is the author of twenty-five books primarily in the thriller genre. His thrillers span many subgenres, such as: murder mysteries, political, domestic, dystopian, legal, psychological, and technothrillers. His stories often feature regular Joes and Janes in extraordinary situations that are ripped from today’s headlines.
Williams lives in central Pennsylvania with his wife, Denise. When not writing, he can be found tending their permaculture farm.
If you’d like to read two of his thriller novels for free. Go to http://PhilWBooks.com.
Williams lives in central Pennsylvania with his wife, Denise. When not writing, he can be found tending their permaculture farm.
If you’d like to read two of his thriller novels for free. Go to http://PhilWBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
December 24, 2020
“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must do it because conscience tells him it is right. Those are Dr. King’s words, not mine, but they’re fitting for the occasion.”
― Phil M. Williams, Rumors
I happen to love books about small towns. Especially small towns with secrets. And also small towns with rumors.
And that's what you get with Rumors....the book I mean.
Yet I was not as into this one as I thought I'd be. Not sure why that is. It is well written with fabulous characters and a compelling story line. So why was I so slow to get into this?
Perhaps the length..it is a bit long. And there are so many people! I had a tough time keeping up with the story. And I will say it is a slow burn. The pacing was a bit slow for me.
Some parts were very painful such as the bullying so I should list that as a TRIGGER WARNING.
I have also read to many books lately based around a school and its happenings. This is a good book. But I think I'd have dug it more had I waited and read it perhaps at a different time.
As it is, I'd still give it 3.5 stars. Why? Because the writing is excellent, the complexity of the characters compelling and the atmosphere strong. I am just not the target audience. (for now).
― Phil M. Williams, Rumors
I happen to love books about small towns. Especially small towns with secrets. And also small towns with rumors.
And that's what you get with Rumors....the book I mean.
Yet I was not as into this one as I thought I'd be. Not sure why that is. It is well written with fabulous characters and a compelling story line. So why was I so slow to get into this?
Perhaps the length..it is a bit long. And there are so many people! I had a tough time keeping up with the story. And I will say it is a slow burn. The pacing was a bit slow for me.
Some parts were very painful such as the bullying so I should list that as a TRIGGER WARNING.
I have also read to many books lately based around a school and its happenings. This is a good book. But I think I'd have dug it more had I waited and read it perhaps at a different time.
As it is, I'd still give it 3.5 stars. Why? Because the writing is excellent, the complexity of the characters compelling and the atmosphere strong. I am just not the target audience. (for now).
April 3, 2019
Rumors by Phil M. Williams gives a false impression that it is a very long novel. Kindle lists it as 492 pages and the novel’s Table of Contents presents the reader with 146 chapters. This is deceptive. It is a one-session read and I felt it was a page-turner. Students will like the portrayals of inter-teacher and administrative political bickering. Some teachers might read this and shake their heads at familiar situations. Just like the title indicates, this is a novel about gossip, rumors, and the tremendous amount of damage that can occur to careers and personal lives. The novel is up-to-date as there is school violence, school bullying, and liberal use of Facebook. It is easy to read the book as far as the complexity of language. Sexual situations are minimal and described in non-salacious terms. I will recommend Rumors to my English as Second Language learners.
The novel is completely character driven. It becomes a page turner because chapters are alternated among Gwen, Caleb, Rick, Janet, and Rachel. These names are predominant in the chapter titles. Other characters such as Shane and Heather are important; they just don’t get chapter titles. As a reader gets involved in the story of Gwen, the next chapter will switch to Rick’s perspective. The short chapters keep a reader racing through interesting chapters as the reader seeks more information on their favorite character who is always lurking in the short-term memory.
Gwen is a new teacher at West Lake High School. She has had experience at another school; she is not an inexperienced teacher. But she had been forced out from her previous job by a scandal. It was serious enough that she was forced to change her name. Although Principal Pruitt knew of her secret past and name, he had hired her anyway. She was grateful but it would come back to haunt him. This is a huge secret with many ramifications for the reader to discover.
Rick is head Coach at West Lake High. He is good and very proficient at his job but his star senior quarterback, Shane, has recently been eclipsed as far a skill by a sophomore player, Jamar. If Rick wants to win important games and advance to state finals, he will have to shift more responsibilities to Jamar and give more bench time to Shane. But Shane is the son of a vicious political player, Vice Principal Janet Wilcox. She will be the evil antagonist throughout the novel, and she will do anything to assure that Shane gets maximum playtime and university scholarship offers. Rick is plagued by one of the worst problems that can plague any male teacher. He is being stalked by a seductive and promiscuous female student. With selfies just a cellphone away, Rick is very vulnerable.
Caleb is a reclusive, introverted high school student on the football team for a limited time. He has few friends and never will because he has become a target of Shane who, along with being the West Lake High preeminent quarterback, is a bully. Locker room bullying quickly leads to rumors of possible homosexual urges. In Caleb’s case, this is true, Caleb is homosexual. He has accepted it for himself, but he doesn’t know how to get accepted by others. His frustrations will turn to rages with subsequent detention for Caleb and Shane. How will Shane’s mother react?
Vice Principal Janet is pure evil. She spreads gossip through sycophants and complex alliances. Her son Shane can do no wrong. Janet will do anything to advance Shane, but she also has a step by step plan that will make her a principal and eventually school superintendent. She will throw anyone under the bus and will dispense sexual favors to get what she wants.
As the story rushes forward, complex family relationships will develop and be ruined. It is hard to find any family unit that totally avoids harm. It is difficult to find any character that has a blameless past without a dark secret to put holes in their innocence. This is a very interesting five-star Amazon read because of its complexity of story weaving. There is not the depth one would find in a psychological thriller, but this is good storytelling.
The novel is completely character driven. It becomes a page turner because chapters are alternated among Gwen, Caleb, Rick, Janet, and Rachel. These names are predominant in the chapter titles. Other characters such as Shane and Heather are important; they just don’t get chapter titles. As a reader gets involved in the story of Gwen, the next chapter will switch to Rick’s perspective. The short chapters keep a reader racing through interesting chapters as the reader seeks more information on their favorite character who is always lurking in the short-term memory.
Gwen is a new teacher at West Lake High School. She has had experience at another school; she is not an inexperienced teacher. But she had been forced out from her previous job by a scandal. It was serious enough that she was forced to change her name. Although Principal Pruitt knew of her secret past and name, he had hired her anyway. She was grateful but it would come back to haunt him. This is a huge secret with many ramifications for the reader to discover.
Rick is head Coach at West Lake High. He is good and very proficient at his job but his star senior quarterback, Shane, has recently been eclipsed as far a skill by a sophomore player, Jamar. If Rick wants to win important games and advance to state finals, he will have to shift more responsibilities to Jamar and give more bench time to Shane. But Shane is the son of a vicious political player, Vice Principal Janet Wilcox. She will be the evil antagonist throughout the novel, and she will do anything to assure that Shane gets maximum playtime and university scholarship offers. Rick is plagued by one of the worst problems that can plague any male teacher. He is being stalked by a seductive and promiscuous female student. With selfies just a cellphone away, Rick is very vulnerable.
Caleb is a reclusive, introverted high school student on the football team for a limited time. He has few friends and never will because he has become a target of Shane who, along with being the West Lake High preeminent quarterback, is a bully. Locker room bullying quickly leads to rumors of possible homosexual urges. In Caleb’s case, this is true, Caleb is homosexual. He has accepted it for himself, but he doesn’t know how to get accepted by others. His frustrations will turn to rages with subsequent detention for Caleb and Shane. How will Shane’s mother react?
Vice Principal Janet is pure evil. She spreads gossip through sycophants and complex alliances. Her son Shane can do no wrong. Janet will do anything to advance Shane, but she also has a step by step plan that will make her a principal and eventually school superintendent. She will throw anyone under the bus and will dispense sexual favors to get what she wants.
As the story rushes forward, complex family relationships will develop and be ruined. It is hard to find any family unit that totally avoids harm. It is difficult to find any character that has a blameless past without a dark secret to put holes in their innocence. This is a very interesting five-star Amazon read because of its complexity of story weaving. There is not the depth one would find in a psychological thriller, but this is good storytelling.
January 18, 2020
I reserve one star for books I'll never finish. I didn't get through the first quarter of this book. I couldn't find a story to follow. Since I got it free it wasn't overpriced.
April 26, 2020
I found the book to be an okay, very quick read. Maybe good for a beach book. Held my interest, but nothing special.
March 21, 2019
Great read!
This author's writing style is amazing. This book has many characters, but the characters are so well developed and believable, that it is easy to keep track of them. The dialogue flows freely and smoothly. The storyline is very detailed. The editing is pretty much perfect. I appreciate that because I don't like a lot of spelling or grammatical errors. It's very distracting from the story. I highly recommend this book. It's a great read.
This author's writing style is amazing. This book has many characters, but the characters are so well developed and believable, that it is easy to keep track of them. The dialogue flows freely and smoothly. The storyline is very detailed. The editing is pretty much perfect. I appreciate that because I don't like a lot of spelling or grammatical errors. It's very distracting from the story. I highly recommend this book. It's a great read.
January 13, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The author sucks you in from the beginning. I had a hard time putting it down. I could not wait to find out how it ended. Janet, the principal, was a horrible person. I have no doubt many like her truly exist in the public school system. The other 2 main characters were easy to like and root for.
April 21, 2023
Wow this author's is on fire and each book is just another reason why I enjoy reading them. I am just so sorry that things happened the way they did but things happened for a reason and that reason you must read to find out for yourself and hope you grab hold of the meaning like it done so many times before
May 25, 2022
Engrossing and entertaining novel.
This book has a well-developed plot that will keep you turning pages. The author shows the good and bad of small-town like through characters that are entirely credible. I have read some of his other novels and am looking for more.
This book has a well-developed plot that will keep you turning pages. The author shows the good and bad of small-town like through characters that are entirely credible. I have read some of his other novels and am looking for more.
April 22, 2020
I'm really glad I read this book - it's real, its believable, it's highly relatable, it lays bare some bitter truths. Mr. Williams displays his amazing talent of decoding the varied facets of the human personality and painting his characters' personality traits in mindboggling shades of gray. I've never read another book that presents such a diverse range of gray characters. That's what makes Rumors a very compelling read. The other things I liked were the plot line, choice of words, crisp taut writing and very creative chapter titles. This book is a keeper !
Currently reading
September 30, 2024author 99
December 30, 2019
Good story, well told
I was unsure of this book but needed one more for an annual personal best record of books read in one year. I am glad I chose this. The subject matter is topical and very realistic. The main characters, Rick and Gwen are a little unrealistic in their adherence to their morals but refreshing nonetheless. A story of truth over lies and making the choice to fight back but without playing dirty. Enjoyable
I was unsure of this book but needed one more for an annual personal best record of books read in one year. I am glad I chose this. The subject matter is topical and very realistic. The main characters, Rick and Gwen are a little unrealistic in their adherence to their morals but refreshing nonetheless. A story of truth over lies and making the choice to fight back but without playing dirty. Enjoyable
March 28, 2019
Any rating less than 5 stars would be a travesty.
I have read this author's work before -that is why I bought this book. This story undoubtedly happens often in real life. This author manages to bring the facets of life to the reader in a believable manner. This book is a potential tear jerker but it is wrapped in a cloak of happiness and good news. It is a feel good story ultimately.
I have read this author's work before -that is why I bought this book. This story undoubtedly happens often in real life. This author manages to bring the facets of life to the reader in a believable manner. This book is a potential tear jerker but it is wrapped in a cloak of happiness and good news. It is a feel good story ultimately.
November 28, 2020
Loved it
November 26, 2020
Great Fun!
A great story, a fun read, and very well written. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Highly recommend.
A great story, a fun read, and very well written. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Highly recommend.
August 28, 2019
I’m not going to rehash this book’s storyline. It’s been covered sufficiently by the book’s description and by other reviewers.
What I so want to say is how much I enjoyed this book, as well as many others by this author. Phil M. Williams not only spins interesting and unique stories, he brings his fictional characters to life. In the case of this book, I found myself experiencing strong emotions towards these characters as if they were real people, despising some and sympathizing with others.
I can’t wait to begin my next Phil M. Williams novel.
What I so want to say is how much I enjoyed this book, as well as many others by this author. Phil M. Williams not only spins interesting and unique stories, he brings his fictional characters to life. In the case of this book, I found myself experiencing strong emotions towards these characters as if they were real people, despising some and sympathizing with others.
I can’t wait to begin my next Phil M. Williams novel.
November 19, 2020
Enjoyable Read
Got this book because I get emails from the author. Yes, I asked for them. The price was right, 99 cents. Yes I'm a cheap old cart who loves reading. This novel provided character development with story growth. I know I am sounding like a bad English teacher but many books I read have good stories but not great character presentation. This was a good read all the way through. Very hard to put down. This book is also one I would give to a younger reader because I feel they could identify with the setting. Highly recommended!
Got this book because I get emails from the author. Yes, I asked for them. The price was right, 99 cents. Yes I'm a cheap old cart who loves reading. This novel provided character development with story growth. I know I am sounding like a bad English teacher but many books I read have good stories but not great character presentation. This was a good read all the way through. Very hard to put down. This book is also one I would give to a younger reader because I feel they could identify with the setting. Highly recommended!
March 27, 2020
Phil M Williams weaves many characters into this book and some are good honest people and some are, well... they’re just not. This is a story about small minded people twisting the truth for their own gain. A story about how people are all too willing to believe what they’re told rather than find out the truth for themselves. A story that shows one of modern societies greatest failings: being willing to believe the worst of people no matter the truth. What happens when people are told outright lies? These are the themes the author weaves together with seeming ease. It’s clever writing that highlights some of the darker aspects to modern life but it also makes you think about how we’d all behave in similar situations. As with a lot of Phil M. Williams writing he takes the story through many different stages. The story is told from many different perspectives each character having their own struggles. Other writers may have taken one aspect for their focus but this book is all the better for the author's ambition. I always feel like I get much more than with other writers. Recommended.
March 19, 2019
'Rumors' tells the story of lies and manipulation. It is a story played out in our lives every, single, day.
This is a book that I couldn't easily put down. When I did have to put it down, I was thinking about it and anxious to get back to it.
Williams is a masterful storyteller. It's difficult not to become emotionally invested in his characters. I highly recommend reading 'Rumors' and every other book Williams has written!
This is a book that I couldn't easily put down. When I did have to put it down, I was thinking about it and anxious to get back to it.
Williams is a masterful storyteller. It's difficult not to become emotionally invested in his characters. I highly recommend reading 'Rumors' and every other book Williams has written!
March 20, 2019
great read
Phil Williams did it again! I loved this book from beginning to end. Rumors as the title fit perfectly. I have been on the receiving end of false rumors and it stinks. Phil wraps up the whole story beautifully.
Phil Williams did it again! I loved this book from beginning to end. Rumors as the title fit perfectly. I have been on the receiving end of false rumors and it stinks. Phil wraps up the whole story beautifully.
November 18, 2020
Another great book for parents of teens
Stumbled on this author last week. On my 4th book already. Perfect for parents of teen athletes. Enjoyed this one
Stumbled on this author last week. On my 4th book already. Perfect for parents of teen athletes. Enjoyed this one
March 17, 2019
Good as always
I don't review books I don't like. This book I really liked. The story caught my attention and I read it the day I bought it. I highly recommend it.
I don't review books I don't like. This book I really liked. The story caught my attention and I read it the day I bought it. I highly recommend it.
August 19, 2019
Excellent five star!
Good story by an excellent author. I enjoyed this book very much and recommend it to you. I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I did.
Good story by an excellent author. I enjoyed this book very much and recommend it to you. I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I did.
May 12, 2019
Excellent!
This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. This author provided very strong character development.
This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. This author provided very strong character development.
July 16, 2019
Rumors covered the waterfront and THEN some!!!
Talented Author, Phil Williams, with his masterful penmanship in his book Rumors, touches on some complex issues in a society, not the least of which is how lethal, literally and figuratively speaking, that people can be with malicious community gossip, lies, deceitful career ambitions on steroids, sad teen suicide, and the list is just too long to list. Suffice it to say that Mr. Williams weaves it all together to present a picture in his latest book, Rumors, of the devastation and wrecked lives left behind that can be wrought by forked tongues. Fast action, well developed characters, wonderful plot, and mastery over words gifts the reader with a very strong presentation of what lies behind gossip in a small community that leaves few untouched as the train wreck of a life, of one of the main characters in Rumors, “Janet”, who made me want to call in the VIGILANTES! But truth outs and, main characters Barnett and Gwen, act with honor and true professionalism and with dedication to their community and students to help right a lot of wrongs and thus saved me a call. Such a great story with depths that reached my heart. NO SPOILERS. Exciting read. Fun read. DEFINITELY a page turner read! I highly recommend this book....ENJOY!! Rumors deserved more stars than five, but that small number was all that was allowed, and in no way does the number five denote Rumors worth or measure.... unless maybe the stars were Platinum. Kudos to Phil Williams for this wonderful work/read, that left me gasping at some points, laughing at others, and tearful at other times. As I said..covered the waterfront and THEN SOME!!!!
Talented Author, Phil Williams, with his masterful penmanship in his book Rumors, touches on some complex issues in a society, not the least of which is how lethal, literally and figuratively speaking, that people can be with malicious community gossip, lies, deceitful career ambitions on steroids, sad teen suicide, and the list is just too long to list. Suffice it to say that Mr. Williams weaves it all together to present a picture in his latest book, Rumors, of the devastation and wrecked lives left behind that can be wrought by forked tongues. Fast action, well developed characters, wonderful plot, and mastery over words gifts the reader with a very strong presentation of what lies behind gossip in a small community that leaves few untouched as the train wreck of a life, of one of the main characters in Rumors, “Janet”, who made me want to call in the VIGILANTES! But truth outs and, main characters Barnett and Gwen, act with honor and true professionalism and with dedication to their community and students to help right a lot of wrongs and thus saved me a call. Such a great story with depths that reached my heart. NO SPOILERS. Exciting read. Fun read. DEFINITELY a page turner read! I highly recommend this book....ENJOY!! Rumors deserved more stars than five, but that small number was all that was allowed, and in no way does the number five denote Rumors worth or measure.... unless maybe the stars were Platinum. Kudos to Phil Williams for this wonderful work/read, that left me gasping at some points, laughing at others, and tearful at other times. As I said..covered the waterfront and THEN SOME!!!!
March 19, 2020
A Great Read
This is my second book my this author. I have enjoyed both immensely. Two characters struggle, always having the courage to do the right thing. A great read.
This is my second book my this author. I have enjoyed both immensely. Two characters struggle, always having the courage to do the right thing. A great read.
January 28, 2020
Rumors by Phil M. WIlliams
Wow I was putting off reading this for so long and glad I finally started by reading just a few chapters every night.
That lasted about 3 days til I was reading 10 chapters every night til today where I just finished it off totally.
Can't fathom all the damage done to some by rumors or lies.
Relationships come from all different angles and people from all walks of life and they are not forced on you so you get to understand them a little better as they also play a part in what happens.
Felt such heartache for some and shocked at how some just were out for their own self and advancement at all costs.
Won't get into the explicit details but this is a great book that follows just a handful of people: a few teachers, a few administrators, a few parents and a few football players.
All meet everyday at the same school and we learn of all their secrets a bit at a time. Some are shared with others and some are not but they are found out...
Extremes this book goes to implement justice is beyond anything I've read in a super long time. Love how all the ends come out at the end-never saw it happening this way.
So many got so hurt or died because of rumors with wrong information being sent to others...
Love the brave and courage and those who hold true to others.
Have loved all this author has created but this now sits at the top of my list for this year as the best ever book I've read.
Can't wait to read more form this author-he does his homework!
Wow I was putting off reading this for so long and glad I finally started by reading just a few chapters every night.
That lasted about 3 days til I was reading 10 chapters every night til today where I just finished it off totally.
Can't fathom all the damage done to some by rumors or lies.
Relationships come from all different angles and people from all walks of life and they are not forced on you so you get to understand them a little better as they also play a part in what happens.
Felt such heartache for some and shocked at how some just were out for their own self and advancement at all costs.
Won't get into the explicit details but this is a great book that follows just a handful of people: a few teachers, a few administrators, a few parents and a few football players.
All meet everyday at the same school and we learn of all their secrets a bit at a time. Some are shared with others and some are not but they are found out...
Extremes this book goes to implement justice is beyond anything I've read in a super long time. Love how all the ends come out at the end-never saw it happening this way.
So many got so hurt or died because of rumors with wrong information being sent to others...
Love the brave and courage and those who hold true to others.
Have loved all this author has created but this now sits at the top of my list for this year as the best ever book I've read.
Can't wait to read more form this author-he does his homework!
December 8, 2021
Rumors was a remarkable story on many levels
Written by Phil Williams, the book was a bittersweet commentary about what happens when people are easily led, especially children who are many times defenseless against bullies. This was a compelling story about a high school almost destroyed by a megalomaniac. Janet Wilcox, assistant principal had the “scoop” on everybody she used to achieve whatever she wanted; whether it was her son’s position on the football team or her goal to become the principal with the superintendent position as her next step.
Janet had her moles and there were no depths too low for her to stoop including blackmail, at anyone’s expense. You will read about courageous students, teachers, administrators, and townspeople in this small central Pennsylvania town. You will also be astonished (or maybe not) by small-minded people who are easily led astray by gossip, propaganda, and lies.
There are many twists and turns and at times you will feel all the highs and lows not to mention the surprises that will await you.
I also see this town and these people as a microcosm of this country today. In the book there were those at the precipice of a good or bad outcome in their lives. I saw this as a commentary of how our country is also at the precipice of being led by courageous people for whom the welfare of this nation is their goal or those who indulge in false information and whose goals are power and wealth.
I recommend this book for being a good read and for its example of how truth will win out. I hope we are that lucky.
Written by Phil Williams, the book was a bittersweet commentary about what happens when people are easily led, especially children who are many times defenseless against bullies. This was a compelling story about a high school almost destroyed by a megalomaniac. Janet Wilcox, assistant principal had the “scoop” on everybody she used to achieve whatever she wanted; whether it was her son’s position on the football team or her goal to become the principal with the superintendent position as her next step.
Janet had her moles and there were no depths too low for her to stoop including blackmail, at anyone’s expense. You will read about courageous students, teachers, administrators, and townspeople in this small central Pennsylvania town. You will also be astonished (or maybe not) by small-minded people who are easily led astray by gossip, propaganda, and lies.
There are many twists and turns and at times you will feel all the highs and lows not to mention the surprises that will await you.
I also see this town and these people as a microcosm of this country today. In the book there were those at the precipice of a good or bad outcome in their lives. I saw this as a commentary of how our country is also at the precipice of being led by courageous people for whom the welfare of this nation is their goal or those who indulge in false information and whose goals are power and wealth.
I recommend this book for being a good read and for its example of how truth will win out. I hope we are that lucky.
January 25, 2020
Rumors is a compelling realistic story about the damage that rumors can and does have on the lives of everyday ordinary people. Having grown up in a small town just like that portrayed I have seen this very thing happen.
Phil M Williams gave you the mindset and point of view of the gossipers and the victims. He brought in the harms of the technology the mass majority uses, Facebook. How it can help tear apart and destroy, how it can help spread the truth. Williams shows both the good and evil in people.
His characters are believable. You root for some, hate others and cry for a few. You watch as real situations unfold. Real meaning situations that are happening all over the country right now. Allegations brought on due to jealousy, blackmail, greed and power.
This is a powerfully written and extremely thought out book. It flows so well that you don’t want to put it down. You need to find out what is going to happen next. How each person is going to dig out of their hole or further compound their situation.
It’s been a while since I have read such a compelling and thought provoking page turner. It will make you think of the type of person you are. What side of the rumor are you on?
Phil M Williams gave you the mindset and point of view of the gossipers and the victims. He brought in the harms of the technology the mass majority uses, Facebook. How it can help tear apart and destroy, how it can help spread the truth. Williams shows both the good and evil in people.
His characters are believable. You root for some, hate others and cry for a few. You watch as real situations unfold. Real meaning situations that are happening all over the country right now. Allegations brought on due to jealousy, blackmail, greed and power.
This is a powerfully written and extremely thought out book. It flows so well that you don’t want to put it down. You need to find out what is going to happen next. How each person is going to dig out of their hole or further compound their situation.
It’s been a while since I have read such a compelling and thought provoking page turner. It will make you think of the type of person you are. What side of the rumor are you on?
October 28, 2020
Real Pageturner
I couldn’t put this book down, ‘cause it’s such great read. The audio version is excellent, too.
Everything is political in the US nowadays. Phil M. Williams cannot be attacked from the left or from the right, he is exactly in the middle where most Americans with some common sense should be.
I couldn’t put this book down, ‘cause it’s such great read. The audio version is excellent, too.
Everything is political in the US nowadays. Phil M. Williams cannot be attacked from the left or from the right, he is exactly in the middle where most Americans with some common sense should be.
March 3, 2021
Absolutely amazing!
5 out of 5 stars!
TRIGGER WARNING: SUICIDE, DRUG ABUSE, SEXUAL HARASSMENT, SEXUAL ABUSE, HOMOPHOBIA.
I will begin with the only negative thing I have to say about this read, and it is more based on reviews for the book as there was no trigger warnings about how deep this book can hit some pretty serious points. This book ran multiple views, from multiple characters, and all pieces ended up together from the puzzle perfectly in each scenario. When I had first found this book I was under the impression it was more young adult, high school drama based, and an easy read. I was proved wrong, (thankfully) when the drama exceeds the high school students, and is based more so upon a corrupt school system, with corrupt adults. I believe this book could be beneficial to anyone, at any age as this book demonstrates the struggles of our current society with technology, bullying, sexual abuse, and suicide on the rise. This book can teach a young person the consequences of their actions and how serious they can be. This book can teach educators how important it is to put students first and look deeper into mental health. Overall, an amazing read and I will definitely be looking for another book by this author. Great job!
5 out of 5 stars!
TRIGGER WARNING: SUICIDE, DRUG ABUSE, SEXUAL HARASSMENT, SEXUAL ABUSE, HOMOPHOBIA.
I will begin with the only negative thing I have to say about this read, and it is more based on reviews for the book as there was no trigger warnings about how deep this book can hit some pretty serious points. This book ran multiple views, from multiple characters, and all pieces ended up together from the puzzle perfectly in each scenario. When I had first found this book I was under the impression it was more young adult, high school drama based, and an easy read. I was proved wrong, (thankfully) when the drama exceeds the high school students, and is based more so upon a corrupt school system, with corrupt adults. I believe this book could be beneficial to anyone, at any age as this book demonstrates the struggles of our current society with technology, bullying, sexual abuse, and suicide on the rise. This book can teach a young person the consequences of their actions and how serious they can be. This book can teach educators how important it is to put students first and look deeper into mental health. Overall, an amazing read and I will definitely be looking for another book by this author. Great job!
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