Pacific Coast Press-- an independent publisher --We hope the objects of our growing pride bring hours of enjoyment to our reading family of friends. |
||||
ContentsWelcomeTitles
in Print
|
A Literary Review ofWHAT GOES AROUND There are certain principles used in writing fiction, "Tricks of the Trade" as they are sometimes called. Unfortunately, most first time authors don’t spend the necessary time studying them. David O’Neal is an exception. His first novel, What Goes Around, is a great read. The writing is clear, concise, and he uses one of the primary tenets for writing good fiction: he keeps the action moving. That said, What Goes Around is one of the most enjoyable paperbacks to be published in some time. It has all the elements of good fiction: action, suspense, mystery, romantic involvement and a strong, likable protagonist. O’Neal also uses another of the most important methods of keeping the reader interested: the protagonist must somehow grow and change. O’Neal understands this and uses it dramatically. When Doug Carlson inadvertently becomes the target of mob violence and as he and Catherine, his companion, become ever more involved, Doug is constantly having to make decisions which will impact on him for the rest of his life. There is also another aspect of O’Neal’s writing, which generates an ever-increasing involvement with his characters: They think and wonder about their role in society and how society impacts on them. Doug Carlson’s reflections and introspection’s as he is pursued and becomes engaged in violent, life-threatening actions causes one to stop and think how he or she might react in similar circumstances, yet O’Neal never lets the story drag. The scenes, the setting and the dialog keep you immersed in the story from beginning to end. Pacific Coast Press should plan on printing lots more copies of this book. They are going to need them. xxx Reviewer: Darrell Bain, author of Medics Wild, Postwar Dinosaur Blues, and The Pet Plague.
|
