Poetry at Midnight

Rating:
Summary: It's not that the book is bad...
Review: I read this because it was the winner of the Writer's Digest Self Published Book Award and realized that I wish Mr. Thomas had taken some more time looking at the way he chose his WORDS. What do I mean? First, eliminate all the 'verys' and unnecessary adjectives. Then, maybe some more dialogue--tagged dialogue, rather than all the description.
I really like the story. I like Danny and I like Jesse. I'd love to know more about Donny. I hate Rachel-- but would be very happy if I could read her letter to Jesse! I think that would have been great. WE ALL DESERVE AN EXPLANATION FROM RACHEL! The frustration Dan feels simply isn't enough for me as a reader.
Thomas IS successful because the story evokes emotion. Still, it is hard to relate to any character like: Rachel--whose behavior is incomprehensible, and Dan who deserves so much better that he aggravates me entirely because he seems to stagnate! When I look at it from a writer's standpoint (a writer who has done editing), I want Dan, especially, to be more punctuated as a character. Punctuated in his language.
Mr. Thomas, do you intend to reveal the future of your characters in a sequel? I would buy it. But this time, Dan needs more of a 'spine'.

Rating:
Summary: About the local boy doing great...
Review: It is so good to see West Virginia Authors! And to see West Virginia in a positive light. I think this book is right up there with Rev. Bill Lepp's "the Monster Stick and other Tales" Written by a past United Methodist Minister from Meadow Bridge, WV. Also, It is right up there with Ms. Denise Giardina's Storming Heaven and Unquiet Earth about another coal mining twon in West Virginia. I must say I remember Mr. Thomas from High School, he graduated ahead of me. This book is a perfect example of not knowing just where you will end up on life's path. When I was 18-22 years old, if you would have told me I'd be pursuing a calling into the ministry and seminary, I would have told you You were crazy. I think this book has good lessons for all people.

Rating:
Summary: About the local boy doing great...
Review: It is so good to see West Virginia Authors! And to see West Virginia in a positive light. I think this book is right up there with Rev. Bill Lepp's "the Monster Stick and other Tales" Written by a past United Methodist Minister from Meadow Bridge, WV. Also, It is right up there with Ms. Denise Giardina's Storming Heaven and Unquiet Earth about another coal mining twon in West Virginia. I must say I remember Mr. Thomas from High School, he graduated ahead of me. This book is a perfect example of not knowing just where you will end up on life's path. When I was 18-22 years old, if you would have told me I'd be pursuing a calling into the ministry and seminary, I would have told you You were crazy. I think this book has good lessons for all people.

Rating:
Summary: The perfect summer (or winter) read!
Review: Just a quick note to jot down my thoughts on Ted's Book...Its absolutely marvelous! I read it in 1999 and lost the book; then had to buy it again to read in the Summer of 2002. It was even better the 2nd time. Like a couple of the other reviewers on here, I went to school with Ted for a short time also.

His book took me back to WV and to the more simple life we all seem to have drifted from. Nonetheless,the book explores complex emotions and "decisions" (i.e. Rachel's) that throughout our lives we willingly avoid and choose not to face.

Well Done!!

Rating:
Summary: The perfect summer (or winter) read!
Review: Just a quick note to jot down my thoughts on Ted's Book...Its absolutely marvelous! I read it in 1999 and lost the book; then had to buy it again to read in the Summer of 2002. It was even better the 2nd time. Like a couple of the other reviewers on here, I went to school with Ted for a short time also.

His book took me back to WV and to the more simple life we all seem to have drifted from. Nonetheless,the book explores complex emotions and "decisions" (i.e. Rachel's) that throughout our lives we willingly avoid and choose not to face.

Well Done!!

Rating:
Summary: Truly refreshing and vividly descriptive.
Review: Poetry at Midnight combined a fascinating story with the most descriptive use of language I had read in a long time. I especially loved the male perspective from which this story takes place. The plot was fascinating and provided enough detail to make you want to keep reading, yet left enough to the imagniation to keep the reader inspired. It was unpredictable, unlike most romantic tales I have recently read. The book was very much not a 'romance', but provided a romantic tale that touched on all emotions, as true romance does.

I finished the book in one day (something I have not done in years) because I simply could not put it down. I always felt like I was sitting there observing the characters as they worked their way through life. I eagerly await the next Ted Thomas novel.

Rating:
Summary: A refreshing male perspective with outstanding description.
Review: This novel is unique because it starts where most stories end. Just where it seems as if all will live "happily-ever-after," the story begins to unfold and follow the life of the main character, Dan. The novel is written from the man's perspective and I thoroughly enjoyed this refreshing view. The language of this novel is as excellent as the story itself. The imagery and emotions invoked by the words are fulfilling to the hungry mind.

Rating:
Summary: A Lingering Love Story
Review: What a successful first book! I couldn't put it down. It is a unique story that keeps an aura of mystery throughout the book. The descriptions are well done. Refreshing, poetic, and so good to know that a love story can still be written by a man in such a refined manner. Truly romantic. The title Poetry at Midnight is also well chosen. I was actually looking for poetry books when I clicked upon this title.
This book is for keeps indeed, especially since so much care was given to its very special presentation.

Rating:
Summary: scenes easily displayed in my mind
Review: Who would have known that the book, about young love, would have taken such a drastic turn? How sad for Dan to have to wait so many years for a new, tangible love to enter to his life.... but how inspiring in the way he found another. Scenes were easily displayed in my mind all throughout the book. I graduated a year ahead of Mr. Thomas in high school, and surmised, from cover to cover, which actual landmark, event or experience he drew from that perchance slipped onto his pages. I was able to easily identify with Dan, who thought he had everything his life needed, only to have his life change beyond his control. I must agree that it is refreshing to view life's disappointments and the path to rebirth from a male's point of view. I await his next novel.

Rating:
Summary: scenes easily displayed in my mind
Review: Who would have known that the book, about young love, would have taken such a drastic turn? How sad for Dan to have to wait so many years for a new, tangible love to enter to his life.... but how inspiring in the way he found another. Scenes were easily displayed in my mind all throughout the book. I graduated a year ahead of Mr. Thomas in high school, and surmised, from cover to cover, which actual landmark, event or experience he drew from that perchance slipped onto his pages. I was able to easily identify with Dan, who thought he had everything his life needed, only to have his life change beyond his control. I must agree that it is refreshing to view life's disappointments and the path to rebirth from a male's point of view. I await his next novel.