ONE STAR OUT OF FIVE
Well this is a first, and sadly probably not the last. My coming of age novel, The Cherry Pickers, got a ONE STAR review - - - and I'm thrilled. This is what the review said:
This had the potential of being a great story. Then a little over halfway it had to bring a homosexual relationship into the mix. Also some weird non Biblical evolution bs but I can overlook some ignorance in a novel. Trying to "normalize" a homosexual relationship. Ended the story for me.
Two slaps in the review, one for the "normalized relationship" and the other for some unstated slant on evolution (no idea about this one, but I'm intrigued). I've received many tearful reviews and letters about this novel, how it affected my readers and made deep, long lasting impressions. For many it was a return to their youth, to family, to a time almost forgotten. It's not sugary, or gooey, but an honest look at one summer in the life of a fourteen year old boy and the dying of another man - an honest man.
It's sad that we approach life in ways that only substantiate what we believe, and not take a stroll on paths not normally taken. And since I know the person who made the review downloaded a free Kindle copy, then felt it necessary to post this very personal (their's of course) review, I'm saddened.
I read dozens of books from many genres every year, I look for the challenge that the writer imposed on themselves, and I look for the humanity (sometimes dark, sometimes enlightening), but always human.
My fist is held high for the ONE STAR review.
Click on the image and go to the Amazon site.
Have a Wonderful Christmas and prosperous New Year.
