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Fin: A Story of Love and Hope
Born in Brooklyn, NY, and having spent many of his formative years in Miami, FL, Gamal Williams now resides in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.
He joined the Navy in 1999 and became an Aviation Electronics Technician. He retired in 2019, after a successful twenty-year career at the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. He now spends his time writing and spending time with his children. A die-hard New York sports fan, music lover and avid reader, he ventured into writing as an outlet after a long battle with alcoholism.
“I never saw myself as a writer, definitely never saw myself writing a book. But we all have a hidden talent, a burning desire to do something, do or create something special, even if only for ourselves. Most times though, we are too scared to act on it. We only get one chance at this thing called life, why let fear stifle us? Why not see how great we can truly be? Go be great!”
His first novel, “ a story of love and hope”, started as a recurring dream he just could not shake. Heralded as "riveting", "captivating", and "a rollercoaster", is now an award-winning novel!
*2022 Spring Book Fest Award Winner Literary Fiction*
*2022 Spring Book Fest Award Winner Coming of Age*
*2021 American Fiction Award Winner for Best Family Saga
*2021 American Fiction Award Finalist in the Best New Fiction category
*2021 American Fiction Award Finalist in the Best Coming of Age category
*2021 American Fiction Award Finalist in the Best Urban Fiction category
He joined the Navy in 1999 and became an Aviation Electronics Technician. He retired in 2019, after a successful twenty-year career at the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. He now spends his time writing and spending time with his children. A die-hard New York sports fan, music lover and avid reader, he ventured into writing as an outlet after a long battle with alcoholism.
“I never saw myself as a writer, definitely never saw myself writing a book. But we all have a hidden talent, a burning desire to do something, do or create something special, even if only for ourselves. Most times though, we are too scared to act on it. We only get one chance at this thing called life, why let fear stifle us? Why not see how great we can truly be? Go be great!”
His first novel, “ a story of love and hope”, started as a recurring dream he just could not shake. Heralded as "riveting", "captivating", and "a rollercoaster", is now an award-winning novel!
*2022 Spring Book Fest Award Winner Literary Fiction*
*2022 Spring Book Fest Award Winner Coming of Age*
*2021 American Fiction Award Winner for Best Family Saga
*2021 American Fiction Award Finalist in the Best New Fiction category
*2021 American Fiction Award Finalist in the Best Coming of Age category
*2021 American Fiction Award Finalist in the Best Urban Fiction category
478 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2020
20 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Gamal C. Williams
1 bookBorn in Brooklyn, NY, and having spent many of his formative years in Miami, FL, Gamal Williams now resides in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.
He joined the Navy in 1999 and became an Aviation Electronics Technician. He retired in 2019, after a successful twenty-year career at the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. He now spends his time writing and spending time with his children. A die-hard New York sports fan, music lover and avid reader, he ventured into writing as an outlet after a long battle with alcoholism.
“I never saw myself as a writer, definitely never saw myself writing a book. But we all have a hidden talent, a burning desire to do something, do or create something special, even if only for ourselves. Most times though, we are too scared to act on it. We only get one chance at this thing called life, why let fear stifle us? Why not see how great we can truly be? Go be great!”
His first novel, “fin: a story of love and hope”, started as a recurring dream he just could not shake. Heralded as "riveting", "captivating", and "a rollercoaster", is now an award winning novel!
*2021 American Fiction Award Winner for Best Family Saga
*2021 American Fiction Award Finalist in the Best New Fiction category
*2021 American Fiction Award Finalist in the Best Coming of Age category
*2021 American Fiction Award Finalist in the Best Urban Fiction category
He joined the Navy in 1999 and became an Aviation Electronics Technician. He retired in 2019, after a successful twenty-year career at the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. He now spends his time writing and spending time with his children. A die-hard New York sports fan, music lover and avid reader, he ventured into writing as an outlet after a long battle with alcoholism.
“I never saw myself as a writer, definitely never saw myself writing a book. But we all have a hidden talent, a burning desire to do something, do or create something special, even if only for ourselves. Most times though, we are too scared to act on it. We only get one chance at this thing called life, why let fear stifle us? Why not see how great we can truly be? Go be great!”
His first novel, “fin: a story of love and hope”, started as a recurring dream he just could not shake. Heralded as "riveting", "captivating", and "a rollercoaster", is now an award winning novel!
*2021 American Fiction Award Winner for Best Family Saga
*2021 American Fiction Award Finalist in the Best New Fiction category
*2021 American Fiction Award Finalist in the Best Coming of Age category
*2021 American Fiction Award Finalist in the Best Urban Fiction category
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 26, 2021
Williams’s debut novel, Fin: A Story of Love and Hope, is a groundbreaking and contemporary novel about three young boys who develop a friendship that supersedes their differences, and circumstances.
14-year old Fin and his friends, Stacks and Justin, navigate the beginning of their maturity and some breaks in their bond. This title is a glimpse of how a young man’s journey to manhood can include many peaks and valleys.
This novel is a beautifully illustrated tale of how of loyalty, family, love and friendships are tested at any stage of life. As the trio learn grow together, and at times a part— one young man makes specific decisions that negatively follow him and shape his later options to properly navigate and elevate out difficult situations.
My absolute favorite portion of this novel can be found on the last two pages— something I wish more authors and writers did. Williams provides a playlist of music that inspired specific sections of the novel. These music selections will support the emotions and compliment the marvelous tone of the Brooklyn native’s debut novel.
Big Fin is one of my favorite characters and I simply love how self-aware he is and always dropping nuggets of wisdom— even when Fin doesn’t listen. My favorite scene in the novel is in the apartment where Big Fin and Rose reconnect with the young men and support their son after a trauma and violent exchange— it’s the way Big Fin covers and continuously works to support Fin that captured my heart.
This novel is a bit long but needed to explore Fin, Stacks and Justin’s arc and how each individually navigate their teen years. This novel’s dialogue truly moves you along and you literally will NOT be able to put the novel down.
14-year old Fin and his friends, Stacks and Justin, navigate the beginning of their maturity and some breaks in their bond. This title is a glimpse of how a young man’s journey to manhood can include many peaks and valleys.
This novel is a beautifully illustrated tale of how of loyalty, family, love and friendships are tested at any stage of life. As the trio learn grow together, and at times a part— one young man makes specific decisions that negatively follow him and shape his later options to properly navigate and elevate out difficult situations.
My absolute favorite portion of this novel can be found on the last two pages— something I wish more authors and writers did. Williams provides a playlist of music that inspired specific sections of the novel. These music selections will support the emotions and compliment the marvelous tone of the Brooklyn native’s debut novel.
Big Fin is one of my favorite characters and I simply love how self-aware he is and always dropping nuggets of wisdom— even when Fin doesn’t listen. My favorite scene in the novel is in the apartment where Big Fin and Rose reconnect with the young men and support their son after a trauma and violent exchange— it’s the way Big Fin covers and continuously works to support Fin that captured my heart.
This novel is a bit long but needed to explore Fin, Stacks and Justin’s arc and how each individually navigate their teen years. This novel’s dialogue truly moves you along and you literally will NOT be able to put the novel down.
March 15, 2021
"Fin a story of hope and love," is a book worth reading!! This story will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. I laughed, cried and held on tight with the turn of each page not knowing where my emotions would end up. I'm not an avid reader but it was hard for me, to put this book down. I'd recommend this book to avid readers, friends, family, co-workers, and teachers alike. This book will not disappoint!
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December 14, 2020Tearjerking Pageturner!
The way the author brings the characters and the story full circle is nothing short of poetic. He sheds light on what happens behind the closed doors of police precincts in an angering yet humanizing way. You'll feel as though the devil's advocate wrote this book. I couldn't put it down, but when I did, it penetrated my thoughts. This story is relevant for all Americans and as a former Sailor who was stationed in Norfolk for 6 years, the pages easily came to life for me.
The way the author brings the characters and the story full circle is nothing short of poetic. He sheds light on what happens behind the closed doors of police precincts in an angering yet humanizing way. You'll feel as though the devil's advocate wrote this book. I couldn't put it down, but when I did, it penetrated my thoughts. This story is relevant for all Americans and as a former Sailor who was stationed in Norfolk for 6 years, the pages easily came to life for me.
November 15, 2025
Fin: A Story of Love and Hope is an emotionally gripping novel that beautifully blends heartache, growth, and redemption. Gamal C. Williams crafts vivid characters and a compelling narrative that inspires hope and celebrates the strength of the human spirit.
A moving, unforgettable read that stays with you long after the final page.
A moving, unforgettable read that stays with you long after the final page.
March 25, 2025
12/10. An outstanding book about the struggles of families living in a gang inhabited area of Norfolk,VA and their struggle to survive and “better” their lives.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews