Johnny Oops

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

PRG 5 star review - Sequin Boy And Cindy

Hi everyone, I'm thrilled I just received a five star review from The Paranormal Romance Group for Sequin Boy and Cindy. Please take a look at
http://www.paranormalromanceguild.com/reviewsarthurlevine.htm

Regards,
Arthur

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

An Enchanting Fable

Hi everyone, one o m favorite reviews of Sequin Boy and Cindy
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085M3BZ6.

5.0 out of 5 stars An Enchanting Modern-Day Fable September 1, 2012
By Susan J. McLeod
Format:Kindle Edition

Sequin Boy and Cindy is a very unique novel. I've never read anything like it. I appreciate that people want to have comparisons in order to decide if they'd like a book or not. Well, I'm afraid I can't come up with any in the literary world. But this story reminded me very much of Forrest Gump.

The narrator is a half-Lakota Native American named Billy. He often refers to himself as "just a big dumb Indian" and his wife, Cindy, affectionately calls him "a big dummy." He comes from an abusive home and has no money, no self-confidence, and no hope for the future. That changes when he meets Cindy. She has also been abused and feels like a social misfit. It's love at first sight. They join the army to be together and earn a college education, but become two of war's grim statistics. Billy loses part of one leg, and Cindy her hand. What they find, however, are many wonderful people to help them.

These characters are endearingly human but larger than life. The contrast between reality's horrors and the child-like wonder that Billy and Cindy can still feel is extremely moving. I admire the way that the author packs what seems to be a straight-forward narrative with so much emotional dynamite. Through the eyes of this couple, we see not only their lives but the world at large. Social issues such as war, violence, poverty and religion are examined. Hopefully, lessons are learned.

Most of all, though, this novel is a celebration of the human spirit: its incredible ability to overcome hardship, to imagine, to love, to persevere and to inspire.

Now run, run, and pick up a copy!

Regards,
Arthur

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Excerpt sequin Boy And Cindy - I Really Like This Girl

For days the two of us stare across the platform at each other, I always make sure to get to my train platform at the same time every day so I can see her. I don’t know what I will do if one day she isn’t there.

Finally, I get my courage up, climb up the stairs and cross down to her side of the platform. “Hello,” I barely whisper with my eyes on the ground.

I mumble in a quiet voice unused to speaking to other people about anything except yes or no or chicken and garlic sauce at the Chinese take out place, “I’m so lonely. I saw you looking at me. Can I ride with you?”

I get a real shock when Cindy gently takes my hand and simultaneously pulls my hoody back,

She hesitates and says, “Yes.” She is thinking what am I doing with this boy. He look so strange with sequins on his face, yet he looks so sad and lonely and under everything really handsome. Dare I talk to him? How can I let him ride with me on the train? Is it safe? Something makes me want to get to know the real person under those horrid shiny metal sequins.

For some reason I guess she feels drawn to me, makes me feel good.

I hold her hand all the way out to her train stop, I can feel her pulse beat. Her hand is so soft. We don’t talk until the train pulls up at her station except to mention our names.

I say, “My name is Billy what’s your name? Can we go for coffee?”

Cindy nods her head yes, smiles shyly at me and says, “Yes, my name is Cindy.”

I didn’t realize how pretty she is. She guides me across the street to a local coffee shop, and for the first time in years I speak about my life and myself. Words and emotions came pouring out of me about my loneliness, and my drunken stepfather, who used to beat me. I can’t stop. I cry. I feel so foolish, but I think Cindy doesn’t mind. Somehow I think she understands what real loneliness is. Somehow I think she instinctively knows my heart. I can’t believe how fast everything is happening. I have real feelings for this girl. I just wish she talked more. She says so little. I wonder what she is holding back.

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

Friday, September 21, 2012

A Moving, Ambitious Tour de Force

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars 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, which I highly recommend. Congratulations Arthur. Great job!

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