April 05, 2012
– My submission to the Amazon-Breakthrough-Novel-Award, The Nanman, has made it into the quarter-finals! Here are the reviews of the excerpt (first 3500 words) by the Expert Reviewers that convinced them to read the whole book.
[see the excerpt]
ABNA Expert Reviewer 1
What is the strongest aspect of this excerpt?
This is a warm and entertaining, very readable character driven story. The author is comfortable with characters and dialogue, scenes and settings…all the building blocks of a good, strong narrative.
The characters are unique and original, with dimension and personality.
I especially love the dialogue too-it is easy and natural with repartee that is smart and charming.
What aspect needs the most work?
I have practically nothing to critcize about this piece! What I did find is so minor-a few punctuation and spelling errors-that more careful proofreading would easily remedy them.
I wouldn’t change anything else. I enjoyed it so much, just the way it is.
What is your overall opinion of this excerpt?
This is an excerpt from some extremely accomplished, obviously excellent writing. The author demonstrates real panache and polish.
The narrative is particularly strong and engaging. The third person point of view is well done and the dialogue simply crackles.
I was greatly impressed by this excerpt, so much so that I wouldn’t mind reading the novel in its entirety.
Bravo!
ABNA Expert Reviewer 2
What is the strongest aspect of this excerpt?
This was pretty funny! Easy, fun reading. The writing was decent. I liked Dez, and Cecile and hr silly kids. This is the kind of book that becomes a big bestseller and becomes a hit movie as well. The modern take on Mr. Mom, I suppose, this will appeal to readers of so called “Chick Lit.”
What aspect needs the most work?
There was an element here that kept me from totally buying in to this whole scenario. Dez was a biotechnologist before he decided to stay home with his kids? Mmm, yet he still agreed to stay home with his kids while his wife worked? What does she do, I wonder. Most families make a decision like this based on who brings in more income, so I need a little more background info. Still, this was not a big problem, it just bothered me a little.
What is your overall opinion of this excerpt?
Pretty happening excerpt. Smart idea, LOVED Dez’s ad in the paper, very funny and clever. I can totally see this book becoming a popular bestseller, then a movie. Since this is based on this author’s own life experience, I’d like a little more detail! Definitely worth further reading. It isn’t Tolstoy, but it seems smart and amusing.