eBooks „friendship“
799 eBooks were found for the search term „friendship“.
F. MARION CRAWFORD
A TALE OF A LONELY PARISH
- Letters
- English
- 110344 Words
- Ages 18 and up
- 2
Francis Marion Crawford (August 2, 1854 – April 9, 1909) was an American writer noted for his many novels, especially those set in Italy, and for his classic weird and fantastic stories.
Contents [hide]
1 Life
2 Legacy
3 Bibliography
3.1 Novels
3.2 Nonfiction
3.3 Drama
4 See also
5 Notes
6 References
7 Further Reading
8 External links
Life[edit]
He was born at Bagni di Lucca, Italy, the only son of the American sculptor Thomas Crawford and Louisa Cutler Ward, the brother of writer Mary Crawford Fraser (aka Mrs. Hugh Fraser), and the nephew of Julia Ward Howe, the American poet. He studied successively at St Paul's School, Concord, New Hampshire; Cambridge University; University of Heidelberg; and the University of Rome.
In 1879 he went to India, where he studied Sanskrit and edited in Allahabad The Indian Herald. Returning to America in February 1881, he continued to study Sanskrit at Harvard University for a year and for two years contributed to various periodicals, mainly The Critic. Early in 1882 he established his lifelong close friendship with Isabella Stewart Gardner.
During this period he lived most of the time in Boston at his Aunt Julia Ward Howe's house and in the company of his Uncle, Sam Ward. His family was concerned about his employment prospects. They suggested that he become a professional singer; he had a baritone voice and had entertained friends with recitals of songs by Franz Schubert. In January 1882, his family asked George Henschel, who was then conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, to assess whether Crawford was capable of a professional singing career. Henschel told Crawford and his family that he would "never be able to sing in perfect tune. Crawford was distraught by the news; after a long silence, his uncle Sam then asked him, "Why don't you write down that little story you told me some time ago of that strange experience you had in India — don't you know?"[1]
In December 1882 he produced his first novel, Mr Isaacs, a sketch of modern Anglo-Indian life mingled with a touch of Oriental mystery. This book had an immediate success, and its author's promise was confirmed by the publication of Dr Claudius (1883). In May 1883 he returned to Italy, where he made his permanent home. His residence at the historic Hotel Cocumella in Sorrento during 1885 moved him to settle permanently in Sant' Agnello, where in the Fall he bought the Villa Renzi that became Villa Crawford. Over one half of his novels are set in Italy. He wrote three long historical studies of Italy and was well advanced with a history of Rome in the Middle Ages when he died. This accounts perhaps for the fact that, despite his nationality, Marion Crawford's books stand apart from any distinctively American current in literature.
In October 1884 he married Elizabeth Berdan, the daughter of the American Civil War Union Gen. Hiram Berdan. They had two sons and two daughters.
Francis Marion Crawford
Year by year Crawford published a number of successf [more]
For Free
Marc Asanov Archibald Sr.
Danelle's Story
- Romance
- English
- 46143 Words
- Ages 14 and up
- 311
Danelle’s story revolves around two teenage characters, Danelle and Marc. Marc just moved with his family from a Chicago suburb to this small “fishermen-own” town in Florida. The cluster of houses that Marc’s house is part of is called Ublock. This is the place where most of the action takes place. At first, Marc is unhappy about the prospect to live his life in this boring rural town. This feeling persists until he meets a beautiful girl named Danelle. Marc tries to approach the girl but she rejects his city boy “manners” or lack thereof. Things change to the better after the school starts. Danelle and Marc become very good friends. Their friendship and love that follows is agreed upon and even encouraged by their moms. Danelle appears to be an open and lovely character; she is very active and in love with her life and achievements. Marc is a little bit snooty, a city boy that looks at everything as being not worth worrying about. They like each other the way they are. Sadly, at the apex of their love, Danelle is diagnosed with leukemia. Danelle is depressed and terrified. Marc assures Danelle that he was going to be with her and help her pass through the difficult time of healing. Eventually, Danelle undergoes a successful bone marrow transplant. Her health seems to improve steadily on her way to full recovery. Short time though after showing sign of overall success, her recovery hits a snag. Danelle is aware of it: her strength and her weight loss make her think that there must be another serious cause to it. Doctor’s diagnostic is frightening; Danelle’s excessive use of medication to speed up her recovery damaged her kidneys. She need an urgent kidney transplant. Before leaving for a hospital in Boston to have her kidney transplant Danelle persuades her mom to let Marc have a sleep over. That night Danelle and Marc have sex. Danelle passes successfully the kidney implant surgery. During her convalescing period Danelle falls in love with the son of the surgeon. Marc founds all about Danelle’s betrayal when Danelle’s mom comes back unexpectedly and sells her house. Marc is profoundly distraught by Danelle’s betrayal and is “creeping his days” in profound disillusionment and lack of desire to live. Two days after the year graduation Marc receives a phone call from Danelle. She tells Marc that she is at the airport, and that she loves him and that she would be seen him in a couple of hours. Marc tells his mom that Danelle is coming back and that he is in love with her. Marc’s mom doesn’t understand what is happening. She is doubtful about Danelle’s sincerity and tries to persuade Marc not to take her back. When Danelle appears the romance story seems to become a hopeless melodrama. “People say that love gets stronger after passing through the fire of betrayal… That still has to be put to test…” Eventually, Marc’s mom desire to compromise and her compassion helped the two lovers, Danelle and Marc, get back to where they left off: being happy… [more]
Keywords: romance, love, teenager love, drama, lost and found love, suspense
$0.99
Rene' van Zyl
Wee Monk's Tale
The Secret Of Immortality
- Adventure
- English
- 142704 Words
- Ages 14 and up
- 48
A MYSTERY, A QUEST, A COUPLE OF GUTSY TEENAGERS AGAINST ALL ODDS
795 AD: A time of superstitious beliefs and dangerous forces. When Viking marauders burn the monastery on the Scottish Island, Iona, the orphaned Shaughn (14) is forced to flee the only home he ever knew in a desperate attempt to save a precious altar Bible. Not willing to be left behind, his cripple step-brother Connor (14) (with grand illusions of becoming a knight) and Heather (13), a superstitious, street-wise gypsy girl, accompany him on the adventure of a lifetime.Hot on the heels of the relic follows the fierce Viking, Thorvald, who is convinced that the Bible contains a secret recipe (a potion for eternal life). The escaping teenagers are cast into every imaginable medieval drama, from a bewitched castle to an encounter with a nasty Druid and even weird Viking Tournament Things.Shaughn, who passes the time reading Latin (a super-weird hobby for even a medieval teenager!) is clearly not equipped for this mission. Meanwhile, the cynical Connor, who harbours aspirations of becoming a famous knight, notwithstanding a lame foot and serious lack of valour, appoints himself bodyguard to Shaughn. But the brothers can barely stay on top of the spirited horse they fled on!Their only hope lies in the quarrelsome gypsy, Heather. Half Spanish and severely traumatised by the abuse she suffered at the hands of her stepparents, her single wish is to find her mother who, according to her, was abducted by fairies when Heather was 6 years old. Skilled as an archer, she saves the naïve boys from various predicaments but her superstitious nature soon drives them crazy. Shaughn, who is focused on his mission, is determined to educate her, whilst Connor finds it hard not to believe all her weird superstitions.As if it isn’t enough that they are being harassed by a group of Vikings and their nasty offspring, an ‘undercover’ witch and each other, the teenagers also have to deal with Heather’s drunken step-father (an ex-communicated monk who wants the Bible’s bejewelled cover), the midget druid and his ogre-like twin brothers who plan to sacrifice the kids on the night of the all-dead, and an eccentric Pilgrim who appears and disappears like a ghost. Their greatest enemy, however, might just be their own insecurities.Through this journey of outsmarting medieval foes, the bickering children, barely equipped to deal with the threatening choices of real life, touch the lives of many hurt and lost people and also find real friendship. The journey teaches them to trust God unconditionally and to find the heroes inside themselves.A note on the Altar Bible: The Book of Kells.Fact: The Gospel of Colmcille is considered the most important treasure contained in the Trinity College Museum, Dublin. During the Viking raids on Iona in 795, the Bible disappeared and mysteriously reappeared at the monastery of Kells, Ireland. How it ended up there nobody knows...Fiction: Well, maybe three canny teenagers rescued it! [more]
Keywords: Medieval action adventure, Vikings, Fiction, Christian fiction, Adventure, Action, Religion, Ireland, British Isles, Book of Kells, St. Colmcille, Medieval Ireland, Teenage adventure Medieval, Druids, Monks, Humerous
$5.49
Jahidul Islam Ratul, Ridoyan Bhuiyan
Ratul's Diary
Ratul's Diary Written By Jahidul Islam Ratul
- Drama
- English
- 2915 Words
- No Age Recommendation
- 31
It was evening then. Rimi still can't believe what she listened from her brother. She lied on her bed with tears in her eyes rubbing her abdomen where her child was spending the fourth month. Rono hasn't come home till now. Does it mean her brother is telling truth? But still, she can't believe her brother. If Rono has an affair with another woman, he wouldn't have entered Rimi's life. Is God so cruel? If the words that are spoken by her brother are true, then Rono wouldn't find her loving wife alive.
So let me start from the first. Rajendra (nickname Rono) and Rimi are employees from a private company. They both graduated from the same university. They were friends and gradually their friendship turned into a relationship of husband and wife. Except for Rimi's younger brother, all accepted their marriage. God knows what was the problem with the brother with their marriage. He started poisoning Rimi's mind about Rono. Rimi and Rono were like two souls in one body. Since Rono heard that he was going to be a father, he was taking great care of Rimi. All things and wishes that Rimi wants, Rono granted them. Rimi didn't hear him speaking harshly to her. Rimi's mother-in-law and father-in-law didn't let her think that she was away from her parents and living in her in-law's house. Rimi was like a daughter to them. But today her brother shared a video where Rono was chatting in a park with another woman. In reality, the video was only an edited version, only to poison Rimi's mind about Rono.
She got up and went to the other room where her in-laws were sitting and chatting. Seeing Rimi her mother-in-law was stunned. She said," Mom, I didn't expect your son to cheat with me. Now, I cannot leave him. You know I am carrying his child in me. " Her mother-in-law Mrs. Roy asked," What happened my child? " Rimi then showed the video sent by her brother. Just then, Rono entered the room. He has returned just now. Mr. Roy looked at him angrily and said," Rono, what is this? Is this the result of your wedding? You cheated on a girl who loves you so much. " Mrs. Roy said," I can't believe this. Rono, why did you do this?"Rono told," Wait wait!!! It is me but no girl or woman was sitting beside me. I think someone has edited this video. " Rimi asked, "What do you mean?" Rono told," I was sitting with my colleague Arnab. You know him. If you don't believe me, then ask him about the incident." Rono then examined the video and concluded that it was an edited video.
That night after dinner, Rimi was sitting quietly on her bed. She was burning in the fire of repentance. Just as Rono came and held his hands in her arms, Rimi broke out in tears. It seemed that all her sorrows were coming out through tears. Rimi told," I am very sorry. I didn't know that my brother hates you so much. I am ashamed of him. Please forgive me. I love you very much. " Rono consoled her and remarked," You have done nothing wrong. Your brother had done wrong. Remember one thing, the ship of relationship can be rowed with the oar of belief. I always fervently pray to God that our relationship might be strong till our death. I love you too. Remove the negative people who are disturbing your peace. " Rimi from then on closed ties with her brother. From then on, no one was there to break their peaceful life. [more]
Keywords: I See With Your Eyes Jahidul Islam Ratul, Ridoyan, Bhuiyan, Shahdat Hossain, Md Abdul Kader Zilani
$0.99
Atanas Marinov, Atanas Marinov
The Wars of Zegandaria
The Planet Zegandaria
- Fiction
- English
- 110136 Words
- Ages 16 and up
- 70
In the very distant future, a fierce war is being fought between two super-city-states, Ensarian and Imgradon, on the planet Zegandaria over the resources zegandarian kevlarite and interon fuel. The two camps begin the clash lightly as a joke with good intentions much like children, but from a minor dispute and local conflict, it quickly grows and spreads to the entire planet, and later even reaches universal proportions. Many other distant planets such as Sebur Nag and Osonia are also involved. Gradually, all the racial, moral and religious faults in the views of the inhabitants of the planet become apparent, who for some unknown reason cannot coexist. Two brave teams of adventurers race against time in their attempt to stop or at least reduce the hostilities and the never-ending fire of hatred to be extinguished.
All too soon it becomes clear that the further humanity's technological advances have gone, the further behind concepts like friendship and love have been left. Even newborns are implanted with memories selectively, according to what their parents want them to be.
But somewhere deep in the bowels of the planet lurks a third player. He seems almost invisible, but he largely determines the end and the denouement of the whole Armageddon. Little Princess Mieru is also the main villain's doom.
There's no time to waste, and every feeling is all too fleeting - mostly until some random plasma blast blows your skull off. And danger lurks around every corner.
Mark, Sasia, Father, Rat, Grandpa Jack, Sam Wallace, Russell, Durnyam, Mieru, Ennio Hammer, Sergeant Zorin, Rodrigo, Duolors, Becky, Meior, Hilda, Kenji, Neola, Kier Zoh and others represent the various characters and perspectives on the whole changed reality. None of them are wholly good or bad, and sometimes they get to make some pretty weird decisions.
And, of course, there's the redemption moment at the end. The dirty secrets of labor colony 206 and the evil dictator Acustro, who has imprisoned the greatest scientific luminaries on the planet, become the basis for a new beginning. Because maybe everyone's been a little guilty of everything that's been going on.
And the ending is slightly unexpected. Only the most moral survive, and those who have followed their destined path all along. And the culprits are punished! And yet some of them may be forgiven! After the fact! [more]
Keywords: war, conflict, super-city-states, technology, resources, Armageddon, villain, doom, survive, hostility, humanity, extinction, adventurers
For Free
oludotun coker
fashion trends
- Family & Relationships
- English
- 7960 Words
- No Age Recommendation
- 58
Fashion is an important aspect of our lives. Why do women and beauty products get along so well? The answer is simple: cosmetics make you appear beautiful, and women want to look beautiful, so you've got yourself a match made in heaven - the perfect couple. Today's fashion and the newest lipstick colors are no assurance that you will look beautiful if you do not feel good about yourself.
The fashion world is a strange old world. Take those glamorous models who walk the catwalk wearing the most up-to-date fashion designs, only to ruin the entire look with a depressed expression and a ridiculously unbalanced walk like a woman who has just downed ten pints of lager - where is the beauty in that, I ask? On a night out with friends, never replicate a model's position because your friendship may be jeopardized, and if you're hoping for a date with the opposite sex, the chances of that happening are slim to none. It all comes down to how you dress if you want to impress. If you're happy, you'll always be at your best.
A grin radiates beauty, so smile no matter what fashion you're wearing, and you've already won half the battle in feeling good and looking gorgeous.
Why do you always dress in the same colors when you go out? Why do you think a certain hue isn't right for your skin tone, despite the fact that it's trendy? Now is the time to change everything. Today's trendiest colors scream for you to show off your inner beauty. Positive outcomes are guaranteed once you've boosted your self-esteem by dressing in the latest fashion styles and colors. For example, if you don't like the color green or orange next to your skin, that's fine; but, when you decided this color wasn't for you, did you ever consider that it was just that particular shade of green that you didn't like? Remember that there are 40 different shades of green, if you catch my drift. Now, as for orange, it's a color that requires careful consideration for a person's skin tone; however, if you like orange, dress it up with accessories that complement the shade - this will work wonders.
Changing the shade of one color and the style of one's dress can be the beginning of discovering one's true beauty. Your inner beauty may have remained static for far too long because you assumed the first bright lime green luminous blouse you tried on was not for you, causing you to reject future green fashion garments.
But have you thought about switching out your lime green blouse for a pretty cowl neck musky jade shade? A change of hairstyle, as well as the color you've banished from your wardrobe, can completely transform your appearance.
It's unfortunate, but many women are perplexed and believe that a particular color does them no justice when, in reality, it was their choice in the shade. [more]
Keywords: fashion, fashion trends, shoes, bags, money, clothes, watches, jewelry, gold, winter
For Free
George Eliot
Middlemarch
- Fiction
- English
- 316074 Words
- Ages 12 and up
- 180
- 2
Middlemarch is a novel by George Eliot. It has multiple plots with a large cast of characters, and in addition to its distinct though interlocking narratives it pursues a number of underlying themes, including the status of women, the nature of marriage, idealism, self-interest, religion, hypocrisy, political reform, and education. The pace is leisurely, the tone is mildly didactic (with an authorial voice that occasionally bursts through the narrative), and the canvas is very broad. Although it has some comical elements and comically named characters (Mr. Brooke, the "tiny aunt" Miss Noble, Mrs. Dollop), Middlemarch is a work of realism. Through the voices and opinions of different characters we become aware of various issues of the day: the Great Reform Bill, the beginnings of the railways, the death of King George IV, and the succession of his brother, the Duke of Clarence (who became King William IV). We learn something of the state of contemporary medical science. We also encounter the deeply reactionary mindset within a settled community facing the prospect of what to many is unwelcome change.
Dorothea Brooke is an idealistic and well-to-do young woman who seeks to help those around her by doing things such as helping the lot of the local poor. She is seemingly set for a comfortable and idle life as the wife of neighbouring landowner Sir James Chettam, but to the dismay and bewilderment of her sister Celia (who later marries Chettam) and her loquacious uncle Mr. Brooke, she marries instead Edward Casaubon, a dry, pedantic scholar many decades older than Dorothea who, she believes, is engaged in writing a great work, The Key to All Mythologies. She wishes to find fulfilment by sharing her husband's intellectual life, but during an unhappy honeymoon in Rome she experiences his coldness towards her ambitions. Slowly she realises that his great project is doomed to failure and her feelings for him descend to pity. She forms a warm friendship with a young cousin of Casaubon's, Will Ladislaw, but her husband's antipathy towards him is clear (partly based on his belief that Ladislaw is trying to seduce Dorothea to gain access to Casaubon's fortune), and Ladislaw is forbidden to visit. In poor health, Casaubon attempts to extract from Dorothea a promise that, should he die, she will "avoid doing what I should deprecate and apply yourself to do what I desire"—meaning either that she should shun Ladislaw, or, as Dorothea believes, that she should complete The Key to All Mythologies in his place, forever freezing her youthful intelligence and energy into animating the dead hand of his extinct ideas. Before Dorothea can give her reply, Casaubon dies. She then learns that he has added the extraordinary provision to his will that, if she should marry Ladislaw, Dorothea will lose her inheritance from Casaubon. [more]
Keywords: middlemarch, george eliot, historical fiction, satire, classic literatue, english literature, historical romance
$2.99
Richard Dante (Hardaway)
FOLLOW THE LEADER
N/A
- Romance
- English
- 2 Words
- Ages 18 and up
- 137
- 4
FOLLOW THE LEADER
by Richard Dante,
70,055 words
SYNOPSIS
Please keep in mind this emotion charged gay novel is set in the 1960s and 70s, the Vietnam War/ Harvey Milk years, when being gay was more dangerous than it is today.
Following graduation from Santa Barbara High School with the class of ‘65, Danny Armaugh and Rob Olsen discover their lifelong friendship has escalated to something far more than brotherly love. Fear of rejection prevents them from confessing their true feeling s for one another. At first, Danny suppressed his own homosexuality, while Rob masked his sexual preference in the guise of a macho ladies’ man.
Following Danny's disturbing self discovery, Rob takes off for his summer job at Yosemite. Stuck at home and believing Rob is straight, Danny decides to substitute nightly fantasies for the real thing. Months later, Rob confesses his own love for Danny.
During the joyful two year affair that follows, Danny develops his extraordinary musical talents.
After graduating from Santa Barbara Junior College, at the the height of the Vietnam war, Rob is drafted, and Danny goes on to UC Berkeley. While on Christmas leave in San Francisco, Rob and Danny are joined in a riotous wedding ceremony.
A year after Rob is shipped out to Vietnam, Danny has a horrific nightmare in which he finds Rob's body on the battlefield. Actually Rob is not killed, but wounded in action. Ironically, the Pentagon, attempting to boost public acceptance of their unpopular little war, turns the gay marine into a national hero. In Washington, the president presents him with the Medal of Honor, and back in Santa Barbara there is a triumphant home coming parade.
Though temporarily paralyzed, the hero manages to be sexually active, and the two young men enjoy a passionate love life.
Still in a wheelchair, the ex-marine accompanies Danny back to UC Berkeley to study psychology--with a specialty in homosexual trauma. Urged by Rob, his biggest fan, talented singer-composer Armaugh turns in a triumphant student performance, and is discovered by former child-actor-turned-talent-agent, Paul Connor.
Following a successful audition and contract signing at an important record company in Los Angeles, Paul Connor treats his new protégé and Rob Olsen to dinner. There, the duo meet Connor's lover, the outwardly charming Ralph Noon, an important TV actor. While assisting wheelchair bound Olsen to the men's room. Noon reveals his paranoid tendencies. Suspicious of Danny and Paul Connor's new business relationship, he advises Rob to warn Danny there'll be trouble if he tries to steal Paul from him.
The agent successfully steers Danny into an international career. Awed by the power of his uplifting message, the nation takes him to its heart and makes him a modern folk hero
During a world tour, Danny and his entourage stop in apartheid dominated South Africa. The whites refuse to sell tickets to the blacks and the singer decides to perform only for the native tribes. The Armaugh troupe puts on a rousing show for thousands of natives in a natural amphitheater outside Johannesburg. The Armaugh group is hailed as heroes by the “nonwhites” and condemned by the rejected “whites” who expel Danny and his troop from their country with the warning never to return.
Following a recording session, Paul confesses he's afraid of Ralph Noon, who has threatened to kill him if he strays. Danny invites the agent to move in with them for safety
While Danny is in a recording session. Paul arrives to at Danny and Rob's home, and in a jealous rage Ralph Noon shoots Paul. Noon is arrested for attempted murder while Dan and Rob rush to the hospital. The surgeon holds out little hope for Paul's survival. While awaiting the outcome, country singer, Arnie Armor, another of Paul's clients, joins them.
After the trio spends an all night vigil they are told the agent is out of danger.
Months later, Ralph Noon is brought to trial. With Rob, Danny, a recovering Paul Connor, and Noon family members witnesses, the TV actor is convicted and locked away in a mental facility.
Romance blooms between the country singer, Armor, and his agent, though, like much of Danny's public, Paul harbors some romantic feelings for Danny
As Paul recovers, Danny decides to join Paul and Rob in their fight for gay rights. When he comes out publicly on TV’s MEET THE PRESS, many of Danny's fans turn against him. Undaunted, he joins the leadership of the gay rights movement, and helps pave the way for important legislation.
Danny, Rob and Paul travel the country advocating equality for gays. Against everyone's advice Danny elects to speak at a major labor union convention in Dallas. On the steps of the convention center he's met by Bobby Joe Stark, a leader of the bible belt bigots. In an informal debate covered by TV news, Danny makes a fool of the Baptist minister.
Inside the Dallas convention hall, the union members refuse to listen to Danny’s pleas for equality, and boo him off the stage. During the uproar, a shot rings out. Danny is wounded by a young closeted gay who's confused love with hate. The wound is minor and psychologist Rob convinces the would be assassin all is not as grim as it seems.
Persevering, the Armaugh trio continue working with the country's gay rights leaders. The novel draws to a joyous close with a celebration of the California legislature’s passage of the “Consenting Adults” Bill AB489, and it is signed into law by California’s then Governor Jerry Brown. There is a group wedding ceremony in which Rob and Danny renew their vows and along with others, Paul Connor and Arnie Armors' union is also blessed.
NOTE: Considerable research went into the writing, and I believe it is historically and psychologically correct. There are some explicit love scenes, but I don't consider them pornographic. I believe this is a "mainstream" novel with some erotic passages. [more]
Keywords: m/m, Gay Romance, historical, Vietnam War
For Free
Derrick King
Love for a Deaf Rebel
Schizophrenia on Bowen Island
- Romance
- English
- 76114 Words
- No Age Recommendation
- 54
Love for a Deaf Rebel introduces readers to a vivacious Canadian woman who was born into a silent world and with the foundation for schizophrenia. With pathos and nostalgia, the author recounts his roller-coaster ride with Pearl, a vivacious deaf maverick, who, unknown to him, had paranoid schizophrenia. We follow their encounters through actual notes written before Derrick learns sign language; we go on their motorcycle ride to Mexico and Guatemala; we watch as the happy couple moves to Bowen Island, a British Columbia community with just three paved roads. Pearl and the author marry and build their dream home and hobby farm. They encounter one obstacle after another while building their life together as Pearl’s perception of reality—and, crucially, their perception of each other—begins to change.
PRESS REVIEWS:
The bond that grows between strangers living in two worlds is compellingly described, bringing revelations about prejudice, acceptance, handicaps, and equality. Deafness and schizophrenia are seen through intense love and personal growth that brings a “you are here” feel in a way few memoirs achieve. The role of friends and family is examined as King stands by her while her mental health collapses. Anyone interested in mental illness or in the interactions between deaf and hearing lovers will find the book infused with a passion that makes it a riveting adventure through life and psyche that proves hard to put down.—Midwest Book Review Bookwatch http://donovansliteraryservices.com/june-2021-issue.html#lft
King’s powerful memoir is about the difficulty of dealing with a loved one’s mental illness and disability, and how falling in love with a deaf woman changed his life. His love for Pearl is well conveyed in concise, accessible terms that capture the challenges of falling in love with a person who sees the world in a different way. The coverage of the sexual, physical, and psychological abuse that she experienced is sobering. King’s narration strives to authentically capture his feelings in the moment. Rating: 4 out of 5.—Clarion Reviews Foreword https://www.forewordreviews.com/reviews/love-for-a-deaf-rebel/
This candid account of the author’s marriage to a deaf person vividly details their motorcycle adventure to Guatemala and life on Bowen Island. This poignant love story is well written and becomes a platform for facts about the life of deaf people, also delving into issues such as schizophrenia, blindness, and diabetes. Those interested in the stress that disabilities can place on relationships may wish to read this. Rating: Recommended.—The US Review of Books www.theusreview.com/reviews-1/Love-for-a-Deaf-Rebel-by-Derrick-King.html
King’s love story and memoir opens when he is approached by Pearl, a charismatic deaf woman. Their chat, scribbled on napkins, flows easily, and friendship blossoms. He learns sign language. They move together to isolated Bowen Island, sharing a life of livestock and ferry rides, where her behavior becomes increasingly erratic. King tells this honest and emotional story in crisp, quick prose, with insights and slight suspense, respecting Pearl’s story right up to its bittersweet finish.—Publisher’s Weekly Booklife booklife.com/project/love-for-a-deaf-rebel-schizophrenia-on-bowen-island-55735
READER COMMENTS:
I have been moved in so many ways by your story. You have made me laugh, and you have made me cry. I am in awe and want you to know your story has taken me to places inside of me to remember that nothing lasts and we must cherish things as they are. The light and the dark, the good and the bad, are intertwined. Looking back at our adventures and experiences, we see the truths in our life.—J.P.
This book is powerful! I loved it! I read the book three times, and it has been in my thoughts since my first reading. The author put his heart and soul into this book. His telling of the journey taken by Pearl and him is brilliant, heart-wrenching, and insightful. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed all the characters; I feel like I know them. Thank you so much for writing it and sharing it.—D.G.
I couldn’t put this book down. What crazy shit the author went through—he lived the lives of a thousand men!—D.B.
This book is fascinating and moving, an exotic love story however contorted the love. New Pearl was there all along, the alter-ego lying in wait to be discovered after the honeymoon. The author truly loved Pearl and was heartbroken by her ultimate failure to recognize his true love; how sad for her indeed! I hope this book goes viral.—P.W.
The author has done a masterful job of documenting Pearl’s journey. Schizophrenia is very complicated and not easily understood.—G.G.
This book is fascinating. The author is a good writer and my goodness but he has had an eventful life. We have all had our sagas of love lost, and it is unfortunate that each generation has to learn the lessons again with all the heartache.—I.V. [more]
Keywords: Bowen Island, Clozapine, Cochlear, Deaf, Deafness, Delusion, Dialectical, Disability, Hearing, Hidden Valley Road, Children of a Lesser God, Mental health, Mental illness, Psychotic, Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Thorazine, Vancouver, Marriage, Love, Man-woman relationships, Deaf-Marriage, Mentally ill-Marriage, Deaf-Family relationships, Schizophrenics-Family relationships, School for the Deaf, Nonfiction Love Story, Romance Non-Fiction, True Romance [more]
For Free