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Hector At Ground Level and Beyond: A Very Simple Love Story
A LIVING NOW -- INSPIRATIONAL BOOK -- SILVER MEDAL WINNER This "little book" is about being present to the wonders that exist around us “At Ground Level,” discovering all we fail to see when we spend so much of our lives chasing bigger, better, faster, and more. Everything around us seems much more desirable than ourselves, or our own lives and loves. We say, "The grass is greener on the other side." Is it? Or is the grass greenest where you are?
182 pages, Paperback
First published May 17, 2013
2 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Gary Finnan
2 books19 followersGary is an award-winning inspirational author, designer, entrepreneur, and creative expression mentor. He is a sought-after presenter with a powerful yet down to earth, story-driven, and humorous style. He has an ability to not only inform and inspire, but leave participants with tangible, actionable ideas, strategies and practices proven to make a difference in both work and life. Gary’s first book, Hector at Ground Level and his various online and interactive programs provide a rich platform for teachable moments with different age groups and levels of creative expression. He shares in his own work with the same passion he hopes to reveal when exploring the essence of his clients and associates. He utilizes a depth of experience gained in Africa, Europe, Asia and the United States to bring a fresh cross-industry and global perspective. Gary has taught at Sonoma State University Wine Institute and has co-hosted retreats in the US and Europe. Born in Scotland, and raised in Zimbabwe and South Africa, Gary splits his time between Sonoma County California and Aiken South Carolina with his wife Eva and two daughters. Gary has just released his first novel - Billy Tapper - Zillionaire.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 25, 2021
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via the author.
Hector At Ground level and Beyond is an endearing and empowering read. This book is very relatable to stages in life and reflects upon the need for more in life instead of being happy and grateful for what you have (the grass is greener concept).
Through this story of poetry and prose, we follow Hector the hedgehog through his life. We learn to reflect and pause throughout this book and to embrace ourselves and out journey's more heartily.
Hector teaches many life lesson through this book and the writing style is very descriptive and endearing.
Though not a big book, this book is very inspiring!
I loved the section at the back after the poetry for reflection and ramblings! There is space for you to write your own ramblings and poem too.
This is a book everyone needs to read at some stage in their life. This book is definitely one I will pick up again at times when I feel lost.
Hector At Ground level and Beyond is an endearing and empowering read. This book is very relatable to stages in life and reflects upon the need for more in life instead of being happy and grateful for what you have (the grass is greener concept).
Through this story of poetry and prose, we follow Hector the hedgehog through his life. We learn to reflect and pause throughout this book and to embrace ourselves and out journey's more heartily.
Hector teaches many life lesson through this book and the writing style is very descriptive and endearing.
Though not a big book, this book is very inspiring!
I loved the section at the back after the poetry for reflection and ramblings! There is space for you to write your own ramblings and poem too.
This is a book everyone needs to read at some stage in their life. This book is definitely one I will pick up again at times when I feel lost.
August 31, 2020
This book is so sweet! A mixture of prose and poetry, this sweet little book follows the journey of Hector the Hedgegog and learning to love the simple but ultimately most powerful things in life. It’s easy to read and well written, I would 100% recommend if you are looking for a wholesome book about love, family and home. Plus this cover 😍😍
September 6, 2020
Hector is a fabulous book of reflection. It follows Hector the hedgehog as he navigates his way through life. He has all of the same hopes, fears and dreams as anyone of us. He works hard, worries for his family, wonders if he is doing the right things with his life, all of the same questions many of us face day to day.
I love the way Hector represents how we are all united in that sense. Every one of us faces struggles, and it reminded me that you never know what someone is facing or going through.
🌄
I am a huge nature lover, and so I adored the nature references in this book. I loved when Hector began to stop and notice the beauty around him. We can often be so busy rushing through life, aiming for the stars, that we forget how much wonder there already is in our life, not just in the nature on our doorstop, but also in the people and family that we love.
🌄
This book is part novel, part poetry, part self help and exploration, and I really enjoyed that dynamic. I would recommend this to everyone, it's a wonderful little book, a quick read and it will get you thinking about prioritising life in the right way and getting the best out of it.
4🌟 because I loved the sentiment, the writing styles, the illustrations and the overall sense of the book. Oh and the cover is gorgeous!
I love the way Hector represents how we are all united in that sense. Every one of us faces struggles, and it reminded me that you never know what someone is facing or going through.
🌄
I am a huge nature lover, and so I adored the nature references in this book. I loved when Hector began to stop and notice the beauty around him. We can often be so busy rushing through life, aiming for the stars, that we forget how much wonder there already is in our life, not just in the nature on our doorstop, but also in the people and family that we love.
🌄
This book is part novel, part poetry, part self help and exploration, and I really enjoyed that dynamic. I would recommend this to everyone, it's a wonderful little book, a quick read and it will get you thinking about prioritising life in the right way and getting the best out of it.
4🌟 because I loved the sentiment, the writing styles, the illustrations and the overall sense of the book. Oh and the cover is gorgeous!
August 29, 2020
A huge thank you to Gary Finnan, Balboa Press and Love Books Tours for letting me read and review Hector.
Synopsis:
Hector at Ground Level is a little book that takes us on a journey of life’s emotions through the eyes of Hector the Hedgehog. It highlights how we struggle to acknowledge and appreciate what we have because we are too busy wanting and searching for more, for better. Hector is a book that allows time for reflection, it allows time for us to embrace our own journeys. It gets you questioning whether the grass really is greener on the other side.
Review:
I fell in love with this book at first sight, the cover is absolutely beautiful. The description also reached out to me and I feel Hector is a book that came into my life at exactly the right time. The stunning cover, the description, the lovely little reviews, I had to find out for myself and I’m glad I did.
I hoped Hector would inspire me and motivate me, something I was really needing at the time of reading and I was not disappointed. Although little, this book is full of life lessons.
The foreword stated that this book is for readers of all ages and I have to agree. The poetry may be a little too complicated for younger readers but this aside the lessons taught and the inspiration given through this book is for everyone.
I could relate to Hector which I liked, he expresses himself through words, through poetry and that is something I have always done too. The poems Hector wrote were sweet little poems and I found that I could relate to some of them. Night- night, would be, move on and sausage being some of my favourites. Some poems I did struggle to connect with and some did go over my head but who knows, maybe when I read this again it could be different.
The book had some lovely quotes in there, some which I found inspiring, such as, “It is not our abilities that define who we are, it is our choices.” The quote “Grass is indeed greenest where you are.” Also was an inspiration to me. It screamed to me stop seeking for more and hurting yourself by doing this and appreciate what I have now.
Hector highlighted the importance of love and shows that it was okay to lose yourself a little. Something that happens to me often and I was glad to hear that it is normal for people to do this as long as they make sure they take time to find themselves again. The book also got you thinking about time and how it is quite daunting that no one really knows how much time they really have. This hit home with me and I need to make sure I don’t waste my time of negativity.
The author is very encouraging of his readers which was lovely to see. He gives his readers the opportunity to be creative and gives you a space where you can be self-reflective.
Hector isn’t a book you would just read once; I feel this is a book you should return to if you ever find yourself slightly lost. Hector is a read you return to so you can be reminded of what is important and have that time to reflect on your feelings and thoughts. I have not used the pages given by the author for this yet as I don’t feel I’m ready to, but it is nice knowing there is pages waiting for me to complete when I feel lost again.
Hector is an empowering read that reminds us we are in control of our life, our decisions and our choices. This book is unlike any book I have read before but it is a special little book. The writing is soothing, it is a calming read full of life lessons through a little hedgehog’s view. Well done to this author and also thank you for this lovely little inspirational read.
Synopsis:
Hector at Ground Level is a little book that takes us on a journey of life’s emotions through the eyes of Hector the Hedgehog. It highlights how we struggle to acknowledge and appreciate what we have because we are too busy wanting and searching for more, for better. Hector is a book that allows time for reflection, it allows time for us to embrace our own journeys. It gets you questioning whether the grass really is greener on the other side.
Review:
I fell in love with this book at first sight, the cover is absolutely beautiful. The description also reached out to me and I feel Hector is a book that came into my life at exactly the right time. The stunning cover, the description, the lovely little reviews, I had to find out for myself and I’m glad I did.
I hoped Hector would inspire me and motivate me, something I was really needing at the time of reading and I was not disappointed. Although little, this book is full of life lessons.
The foreword stated that this book is for readers of all ages and I have to agree. The poetry may be a little too complicated for younger readers but this aside the lessons taught and the inspiration given through this book is for everyone.
I could relate to Hector which I liked, he expresses himself through words, through poetry and that is something I have always done too. The poems Hector wrote were sweet little poems and I found that I could relate to some of them. Night- night, would be, move on and sausage being some of my favourites. Some poems I did struggle to connect with and some did go over my head but who knows, maybe when I read this again it could be different.
The book had some lovely quotes in there, some which I found inspiring, such as, “It is not our abilities that define who we are, it is our choices.” The quote “Grass is indeed greenest where you are.” Also was an inspiration to me. It screamed to me stop seeking for more and hurting yourself by doing this and appreciate what I have now.
Hector highlighted the importance of love and shows that it was okay to lose yourself a little. Something that happens to me often and I was glad to hear that it is normal for people to do this as long as they make sure they take time to find themselves again. The book also got you thinking about time and how it is quite daunting that no one really knows how much time they really have. This hit home with me and I need to make sure I don’t waste my time of negativity.
The author is very encouraging of his readers which was lovely to see. He gives his readers the opportunity to be creative and gives you a space where you can be self-reflective.
Hector isn’t a book you would just read once; I feel this is a book you should return to if you ever find yourself slightly lost. Hector is a read you return to so you can be reminded of what is important and have that time to reflect on your feelings and thoughts. I have not used the pages given by the author for this yet as I don’t feel I’m ready to, but it is nice knowing there is pages waiting for me to complete when I feel lost again.
Hector is an empowering read that reminds us we are in control of our life, our decisions and our choices. This book is unlike any book I have read before but it is a special little book. The writing is soothing, it is a calming read full of life lessons through a little hedgehog’s view. Well done to this author and also thank you for this lovely little inspirational read.
July 11, 2020
Gotta say it wasn't quite what I expected, not that I can tell you what that was either. But I am not keen on books with such a blatant lesson. Not that it is a bad lesson. just no real story... in fact the story was only about half the book.
Half the book is poems, and they were mostly enjoyable. some really resonated, or lines would really catch me. Here are a couple snippets.
From the poem "Snow"
........Bury me deep
in your love, from where I shall rise,
cast off winter's slumber,
radiating this warmth I know as love.
and from "Snow 2"
........Decades pass in slow motion
Autums discovery anew
Now in winter we seek spring.
(that was the last 3 lines, had a haiku feel to me)
But then the last 25 pages are like a self therapy session...Perhaps if you belonged to a 'Woman's/Men's Group' or even a Book Club that didn't form as an excuse to get together and drink wine that part would be useful.
Not my mood.... (confession, bought it cuz my daughter loves hedgehogs and thought it might be a fun read for her)
Half the book is poems, and they were mostly enjoyable. some really resonated, or lines would really catch me. Here are a couple snippets.
From the poem "Snow"
........Bury me deep
in your love, from where I shall rise,
cast off winter's slumber,
radiating this warmth I know as love.
and from "Snow 2"
........Decades pass in slow motion
Autums discovery anew
Now in winter we seek spring.
(that was the last 3 lines, had a haiku feel to me)
But then the last 25 pages are like a self therapy session...Perhaps if you belonged to a 'Woman's/Men's Group' or even a Book Club that didn't form as an excuse to get together and drink wine that part would be useful.
Not my mood.... (confession, bought it cuz my daughter loves hedgehogs and thought it might be a fun read for her)
October 12, 2013
3.5/5.0
“Hector at Ground Level” is a story of the thoughts and musings about life, which could apply to a hedgehog or a human being.
Read full review in the October 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
“Hector at Ground Level” is a story of the thoughts and musings about life, which could apply to a hedgehog or a human being.
Read full review in the October 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
July 11, 2021
This review is going to be about how exquisite Gary Finnan can write, or how he can create characters as special as Hector, or how amazing he can tell a story. Everything in this book: the characters, the story, the words, they all have the power to be an inspiration. If you haven't read it, I suggest to take the chance!
This is probably one of the best and most real love stories I’ve ever read in my entire life. I will never EVER forget this book. I need to hug Hector and tell him he’s my new best friend! This is a novel for readers who can appreciate unlikeable characters; readers who don't have to like someone to achieve a certain level of understanding of them and their circumstances.
The emotional magnitude of this book is great and far reaching. The provoking and unapologetic quality of Gary's writing is seductive. The author pushes at us, challenging us and all the while knowing that we have to keep reading because redemption awaits. It is nothing like its contemporaries.
I would urge anyone who hasn’t read this dazzling novel, to please give it a try. I’m still reeling! I found so many things to love in this novel. I never wanted to put it down. Needless to say, for me Gary Finnan's writing & story telling is perfection. I can't fault it.
This is probably one of the best and most real love stories I’ve ever read in my entire life. I will never EVER forget this book. I need to hug Hector and tell him he’s my new best friend! This is a novel for readers who can appreciate unlikeable characters; readers who don't have to like someone to achieve a certain level of understanding of them and their circumstances.
The emotional magnitude of this book is great and far reaching. The provoking and unapologetic quality of Gary's writing is seductive. The author pushes at us, challenging us and all the while knowing that we have to keep reading because redemption awaits. It is nothing like its contemporaries.
I would urge anyone who hasn’t read this dazzling novel, to please give it a try. I’m still reeling! I found so many things to love in this novel. I never wanted to put it down. Needless to say, for me Gary Finnan's writing & story telling is perfection. I can't fault it.
January 22, 2021
This book was given to me by the author at the end of a writing retreat where Gary was one of the speakers. It seemed such an unusual book for an adult. Rather it looked like it was meant to appeal to children. Don’t let that deter you from reading this beautiful book about love, caring and resilience.
August 24, 2020
A beautiful love story written through a heaghogs life. Hector had a loving family but always wanted more, better, always thought the other side was greener and his life would be whole, one day he realises he already had everything he wanted, he is on the greener side. He starts to see life in a different way with his wife by his side.
During Hectors and Hillarys life they write alot of beautiful poems which I absoutley adored. There are illustrations throughout the story which are adorable and beautiful.
The book as a whole makes you reflect on your own life and makes you appreciate what you have.
During Hectors and Hillarys life they write alot of beautiful poems which I absoutley adored. There are illustrations throughout the story which are adorable and beautiful.
The book as a whole makes you reflect on your own life and makes you appreciate what you have.
September 1, 2020
I would just like to say a very big thank you to @lovebookstours who sent me a paperback gifted copy of this book, in return for an honest review.
This is a beautiful inspirational book about being present in the wonders currently around us - ‘at ground level’.
We always try to convince ourselves that the grass is always greener - but is it.......
There are quite a few little illustrations in this book that are beautiful and there are also quite a few adorable poems which I really enjoyed reading.
When reading this book it made me reflect on my own life and made me appreciate all that I already have.
This is a beautiful inspirational book about being present in the wonders currently around us - ‘at ground level’.
We always try to convince ourselves that the grass is always greener - but is it.......
There are quite a few little illustrations in this book that are beautiful and there are also quite a few adorable poems which I really enjoyed reading.
When reading this book it made me reflect on my own life and made me appreciate all that I already have.
April 9, 2020
A LIVING NOW -- INSPIRATIONAL BOOK -- SILVER MEDAL WINNER This "little book" is about being present to the wonders that exist around us “At Ground Level,” discovering all we fail to see when we spend so much of our lives chasing bigger, better, faster, and more. Everything around us seems much more desirable than ourselves, or our own lives and loves. We say, "The grass is greener on the other side." Is it? Or is the grass greenest where you are?
116 Pages of new content and Creative Expression Workbook for fledgling writers.
116 Pages of new content and Creative Expression Workbook for fledgling writers.
August 24, 2020
Oh Hector you have my heart. We all need a Hector in our lives.
"In many ways, the intent of this book is about discovery of self, a tad indulgent but an honest reflection and shared journey"
"Time is the one thing we cannot acquire, we don't even know how much time we have in our lifetime".
This book is beautifully illustrated. The words are stunning. I just fell in love.
Everyone needs to read this book. "Don't let life pass you by".
"In many ways, the intent of this book is about discovery of self, a tad indulgent but an honest reflection and shared journey"
"Time is the one thing we cannot acquire, we don't even know how much time we have in our lifetime".
This book is beautifully illustrated. The words are stunning. I just fell in love.
Everyone needs to read this book. "Don't let life pass you by".
November 14, 2013
Excellent read, really makes you think about what is truly Important!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews