Author: Heyyou11

Praise for Anthony by Harold J. Fischel:

“It’s not often that I find a book that truly moves me, but Anthony may have just been it. Anthony is so real…such a realistic and poignant character. He is bitter, confused, sad, angry, and while his experience is not necessarily the norm of a typical young adult, you can easily relate to him. What a transformation. Anthony goes from a scared and weak child to a fierce, understanding, and competent young man. Fischel writes with skill and craftsmanship that is a joy to read. I would read anything else he has to offer in a heartbeat.”

Anthony is the love child of mixed parentage – Bruce (Chip) Walker, an American Lieutenant General and Yuni, a Filipina fashion model. at a young age, his father dies in a plane crash. Anthony and his mom are then left to fend for themselves in a new neighborhood with his “Aunt” Rita. as Anthony grows up, he faces life head on despite the difficulties he encounters on the way. he meets friends and foes, falls in love and raises a family.
coping with whatever life throws at you and being resilient are at the heart of Harold J. Fischel’s eponymous novel. Anthony’s childhood, adolescence and adult life are marked by so many challenges that they never seem to stop. as something good happens, something equally bad does too. this resonates throughout much of the book and it echoes humanity’s constant cry – “will life ever get better than this?”
the writing is simple, straightforward and has its shining moments. in fact, the author has a way of getting his readers involved that a tear or two are impossible not to fall as the occasion demands it.
the characters with their flaws and virtues are larger than life and some may seem too good to be true. yet when one examines them closer, they are but reflections of life in all its beauty, madness and horror.
i think the book’s ultimate message is that no matter what life brings you, it is how you deal with it that makes it worth living. Anthony faces it all and comes out of the battle alive. though scarred, he is not bitter. having the support of friends and loved ones too are important as Anthony realizes this in each phase of his life.
the only “problem” i have with the book was the way it was concluded. it was too abrupt that i thought some pages were missing from the digital copy i was sent.
at any rate, Anthony was a good read. it was enough to make me believe again that there are still good people out there and that even if bad things do happen to good people all the time, life does get better somehow.

Compelling. That’s the word I’m looking for. This story is compelling. There isn’t a lot of action, no weird plots. It’s a story about a boy and the events that make him a man. A shy, somewhat pudgy young boy, Anthony discovers swimming and as his body matures, he grows into a strapping young man. During those years, he faces many adversities, suffers a tragic loss, and is involved in a taboo affair. The shadows of his past follow him as he goes off to college. There he makes friends, finds his path, and falls in love. But the past catches up to him. Now he could lose everything. Perhaps love can save him. This is another of those stories I call life fiction. From boy to man, you follow this character. Feel his insecurities and doubts.  His sadness and pain. His hope .I mentioned compelling. I opened this book, started reading, and the writing compelled me to continue. I read a chapter, then another, and another. Soon, I reached the end. It read almost like a movie. Flashing from scene to scene through the years as Anthony grew up.  A wonderful story.

This is a realistic tale of love, loss, and triumph. It’s riches to rags, then patching the rags to make riches again. The characters are powerful and endearing making this a moving and thoughtful book.

The Author’s writing style is direct and filled with emotional drama which will keep you invested in the story. The characters are well defined and lend to the realistic feel of the story in a way that is relatable to the reader. Life is full of ups and downs, but it is the way we handle the difficult situations as well as the good ones that define us as people and build character.

I feel that the crucial message in this story is to persevere no matter what the obstacle, and to believe in yourself and your ability to confront the situation and bring about a positive conclusion.  This is a very captivating story that will compel you to examine your own life and the decisions you have made, good or bad.

“The young boy, Anthony, captures your heart in the first few chapters, and you will want to continue with him through his happy, frightening, joyful, daunting journey toward manhood. A good read from start to finish.”

“Loved the story line, could not put it down. Although it is listed as a novel, it is sad to think this is reality for some kids.”

The author makes a point of showing how a person can take whatever life throws their way and bounce back with flying colors. The characters are written perfect, for the imagination and the story was worth taking the time to read.