Love Story For The Ages

 

Sequin Boy And Cindy is a love story for the ages. Being wounded in war can’t stop our lovebirds Billy and Cindy from forming a successful union in civilian life.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085M3BZ6

Excerpt from Johnny Oops - It's A Puzzle

As I grow older I find I know less about a lot of things, or am I just growing wiser? I have more questions than answers and spend more of my time puzzling over what I thought I already knew. I asked Professor Armstrong about the seeming contradiction in this.

He said, “Life is a puzzle. The older you get, the more pieces seem to be missing and they’re really not. We just have to find a different way to look for them. We have to gain a new perspective in order to search them out.”

I think that’s beautiful, marvelous and unbelievably revealing. That’s what I’m trying to do, find a new perspective. I wonder if I ever will. When will I find redemption for my sins and a new beginning? How am I going to fulfill my Promise if I don’t have the proper outlook? I think I’ll have to develop a new dynamic for myself, a new reality, a new dimension to my inner being.

Do you hear me God? , Do you hear me Game Master?
http://www.amazon.com/Johnny-Oops-ebook/dp/B0041KL52M/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1

An Urban Love Story

5.0 out of 5 stars An urban love story with a spiritual twist..., August 15, 2012

By

Tim Greaton "Tim Greaton" (Maine) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Sequin Boy and Cindy (Kindle Edition)

Arthur Levine is an author who savors the exploration of relationships and spirituality, and his fiction displays always come with fascinating results.

"Sequin Boy and Cindy" is at its core a love story between Billy Wolk and Cindy. They meet in New York as young adults, both on the verge of financial destitution, but as most young couples do, they place the priority on their relationship and somehow manage to make a go of things for a while. Unfortunately, life and New York's high cost of living finally force them both to take the drastic measure of joining the military. The young couple went to war.

Now I could talk about the tongue-in-cheek way that the author carries us through a lifetime of challenges which include debilitating war injuries, charitable causes, civic duty and so much more, but I think the important thing to say is that through the prism of lives built on love, dreams and faith in each other, these two amazing characters teach us how to journey to our passions while also remembering to love and care for the important people around us at the same time.

I urge everyone to spend time with "Sequin Boy and Cindy" if only to see how brilliantly Arthur Levine manages to weave Native American spiritual beliefs throughout this ever-evolving love story.

 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085M3BZ

Recovering

Excerpt from Johnny Oops.

I’m not going to bore you with all the gritty details of my three-month incarceration at Happyville or the analysis I went through. I was diagnosed as having homophobic neurotic manifestations brought on by my rejection as an inadequate lover by Alice. I can relate to that.

They also told me that my playing Requiem for a Matador on my trumpet symbolized my wish to die a hero’s death so Alice would mourn me as a martyr. O’Hara told me that my wearing the jock strap represented my desire to do her football player lover both figuratively and literally, and that trying to scrap off my freckles was an attempt to become more mature in the way I dealt with social relationships. Doctor O’Hara said this last part was actually a hopeful sign. There is much more, but most of it’s too painful for me to discuss. When am I going to grow up?

After 3 months they released me to the care of my parents with the strong recommendation that I not to go back to Harvard until I’m sixteen no matter what my folks think. That’s right, blame my problems on my folks. Why not give them a guilt trip. That’s the way these shrinks get new customers. There never was any chance of my returning to Harvard. I don’t want to go through the horror and the loneliness again and the University doesn’t want me back.

For the next few months I moped around the house doing nothing much except growing a beard. I wanted to hide the scars on my face where I’d cut myself. Physical scars you can hide, some mental ones never go away. You can only push them into the background. That’s life: A lot of crazy stuff, a lot of hiding from yourself, and a little love to keep you going.
http://www.amazon.com/Johnny-Oops-ebook/dp/B0041KL52M/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1

Regards,
Arthur

Sequin Boy And Cindy Gets Standing Ovation

Hi everyone, I'm honored to share with you a great five star review of  Sequin Boy and Cindy by James A. Anderson.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Standing Ovation July 4, 2012
By James A. Anderson
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

It is not often I'm left at a loss for words, but Arthur Levine's SEQUIN BOY AND CINDY did just that.

I have to dig deep to find the appropriate words to decribe this wonderful romance novel. I haven't been moved so much by a romance novel since Erich Segal's LOVE STORY many years ago. SEQUIN BOY is funny, touching and infused with wonder, as all love stories should be.

This is the wonderful, tumultuous, heartfelt story of Billy Wolk, a half Lakota Native American and Cindy. Two young people from abused backgrounds who find each other and true eternal love. This is a magnificent novel that will grab you, hold you and stay with you forever, long after you turn the final page.

It will make you fall in love with love again. A sweeping story that takes you through their lives, their triumphs, their setbacks, their attempts to pay it forward and help others. Oh that we had politicians like Billy who becomes Mayor of New York City!

SEQUIN BOY AND CINDY is an experience. The reader who responds to this little book will feel less like a reader than one of Levine's characters, living it all out from the inside..In this 'love story' you are not just an observer.

This novel is spiritual on so many levels and a daring departure for Mr. Levine, author of the Johnny Oops novels, very different kind of books.

If a book deserves a standing ovation, this is it!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085M3BZ6

Love Story For The Ages

 Sequin Boy and Cindy is a love story for the ages. Now available in print on Amazon.

Five star review.

A Moving, Ambitious Tour de Force August 3, 2012
By Peter M. Leschner
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Sequin Boy and Cindy is an ambitious, sweeping tour de force by Arthur Levine, which examines the "circle of life". It is a touching story revolving around Billy and Cindy, penniless, lost souls who meet while young and naïve, fall in love, overcome adversity, have a family, find success and live the American dream, ultimately giving back to others less fortunate. While describing their journey, the author tackles (often with a dose of humor) subjects ranging from support for returning war veterans, living and dealing with disfiguring war injuries, politics, street gangs, education, the power of the media, raising children, balancing work and family to most importantly, true love, which holds the two together through all their difficulties, defeats and triumphs, even in the face of death. Like life itself, the story quickly moves from one chapter to another painting a rich picture of life's challenges and rewards in the process. Sequin Boy and Cindy is an interesting, provocative and moving read,
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085M3BZ6

The Hand of God On My Shoulder

Before I left the hospital, after a remarkable recovery from the beating I had taken, I visited every ward and semi private room in the hospital, and was greeted by almost everyone with joy and a sense of anticipation. In each case I did the same thing. I walked over to the patients and put my hand on their shoulder as God had done to me and repeated the story of what had happened to me. In each case I told them that God felt their pain, He understood, and everything would be all right. I truly believe I am His Messenger now. I feel His presence more than I ever have before. I am blessed.
http://www.amazon.com/Johnny-Oops-ebook/dp/B0041KL52M/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1

Great new five star review for Sequin Boy And Cindy

5.0 out of 5 stars A Moving, Ambitious Tour de Force, August 3, 2012
By
Peter M. Leschner (Tenafly, New Jersey USA) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Sequin Boy and Cindy (Kindle Edition)
Sequin Boy and Cindy is an ambitious, sweeping tour de force by Arthur Levine, which examines the "circle of life". It is a touching story revolving around Billy and Cindy, penniless, lost souls who meet while young and naïve, fall in love, overcome adversity, have a family, find success and live the American dream, ultimately giving back to others less fortunate. While describing their journey, the author tackles (often with a dose of humor) subjects ranging from support for returning war veterans, living and dealing with disfiguring war injuries, politics, street gangs, education, the power of the media, raising children, balancing work and family to most importantly, true love, which holds the two together through all their difficulties, defeats and triumphs, even in the face of death. Like life itself, the story quickly moves from one chapter to another painting a rich picture of life's challenges and rewards in the process. Sequin Boy and Cindy is an interesting, provocative and moving read, which I highly recommend. Congratulations Arthur. Great job!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085M3BZ6

Excerpt from Johnny Oops - Captured In Egypt

Our release by the terrorists was the high point of our trip to Egypt. We were dumped, bound and blindfolded, in front of the American Embassy exactly at 4 PM on a Thursday afternoon from the back of what sounded and felt like a pick up truck, which sped off.  Two big hulking Marines ran out, grabbed us unceremoniously by the seat of our pants and flung us onto the other side of the Embassy gate and into freedom's outstretched arms. Now I know what it means to be an American and to be saved by the Marines.

We were reunited in the Ambassador's living room with our families. Our respective parents flew over to meet us and take us home. The good professor was there, looking like he was going to cry, rubbing his eyes with his hands. The tall waspish Ambassador gave us a stern lecture in his office, out of earshot of our parents, indicating how unwise we were. He said, "Two strapping young Americans with blonde and red hair shouldn't go wondering around in the red light district of Cairo. You should consider yourselves lucky to be alive. You can't expect the United States Government to go bailing you over-sexed idiots out of trouble every time you get an itch." He suggested we go home and find another way to satisfy our urges. I can relate to that.

We were filthy and hungry. My folks took us back to the Hilton Hotel for showers and a good meal. They were relieved we were still alive because now as they said, "We will have the opportunity to kill you ourselves."

The Episcopal Bishop told my parents, "Be patient and have faith. Boys will be boys." I think I like his religious beliefs.
We returned home to what turned out in my case to be relative house arrest. I think I had more freedom of movement when I was a captive of the terrorists. My old friend Billy offered to come over and keep me company. I was so bored that I said okay. Our meeting was pathetic. He hasn't changed and said he was sorry for being so boring. No wonder Billy is still in High School. He will probably be there forever.

I can't wait for the summer to end so I can return to college and freedom. I've made all kinds of plans. You have to be careful what you plan. My experience in Egypt has left me with a more abiding faith in the Almighty.  God has his own plans for us and I believe that on a one to one basis his plans always come first.

Until this point in my life I have studiously avoided facial ornamentation of any kind. I don't feature having my ears, nose or mouth pierced-that's disgusting. I feel the same way about tattoos, but with my newfound faith, I couldn't resist one small ankle scripture that reads, "God Heals," in Navy Blue. Getting this Tattoo is one of the few over the top things I've ever done and never been sorry for.

The summer is almost over. After the horrors of Egypt, I'm happy to be alive. I was so scared when the terrorists grabbed us. I never thought about my own mortality before. I wonder if I am - mortal
http://www.amazon.com/Johnny-Oops-ebook/dp/B0041KL52M/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1