Echoes from the Playground

Rating:
Summary: A unique little book...
Review: I heard about this book through a friend of a cousin of the author, and was pleasantly surprised by the story and the unique voice of the narrator. It really puts the hooks in you, and can be read in one sitting. Basically, the story revolves around two boys who get embroiled in a destrucitve rivalry, but it's the little anecdotes and details along the way that give the book it's true flavor. The funniest passages deal with puberty and the protagonist's desire to become a man as he sits impatiently on the sidelines waiting for his first under arm hair. There's also a myriad of colorful characters, vividly described who add a lot to the story as well. Overall, it's not a bad first effort. W.C James has arrived and I'm looking forward to his next book. RF

Rating:
Summary: Wow what a book.................
Review: This book grabs your attention from the very beginning and keeps your interest all the way to the end. Although the story is of a serious nature, the author has also incorperated elements of humor which keeps the mood from getting too heavy. As an adult that grew up in the 70's, I can totally relate to this book. I think that anyone who grew up in the 70's and 80's can could easily look back and put different names to the characters in this book. The author did a great job of capturing the flavor of adolecence through the eyes of an adult who understands the gravity and consequences of his actions as a youth. I would highly recomend this book to anyone of any age. VG