This was such a heartwarming and inspirational coming-of-age story! It wouldn’t be hard to draw readers into Anthony’s journey because there is so much to anticipate; this book pulled my heartstrings! It was hard not to get emotional! My heart ached for every trial that Anthony faced at such a young age and yet he grew up to be a successful man with good values. This book showed that people can surpass the hardest challenges in life as long as they have the right people around them. Definitely a 5-star read for me!

A heartbreaking, but beautiful story! Anthony set the standard for a man with good values. Despite the seemingly never-ending challenges in his life, he just keeps going on and still manages to be a good man despite his tragic childhood. This book evoked a myriad of emotions that were all worth it in the end. I applaud Anthony’s resilience and the author’s ability to pull me into Anthony’s story from beginning to end. After reading the book, he felt like family to me and I was so proud of what he has accomplished as if this were a real story.

Summary

Lieutenant General Bruce Walker died when the plane carrying him exploded. In his will, Yuni, his mistress, and his son, Anthony were acknowledged, but the general’s widow ordered her lawyers to fight the provisions of the will. Yuni gained popularity from his controversial affair with the highly respected general and became a top model, but soon, she was diagnosed with bone cancer. At such a young age, Anthony had to deal with her mother’s illness and they had to move to a neighborhood where he was faced with difficulties and trials.

Review

Anthony is a romantic drama by Harold J. Fischel. I was instantly pulled into a story of hardship and success and almost cried during the most painful events in Anthony’s life. My favorite character is his very protective dog named Zorbo, and my least favorite character is Rita.

This book is a whirlwind of emotions. I felt sad, scared, disgusted, happy, and excited. The story is interesting and realistic, and the characters have personalities that are neither too bad, nor too good.

Summary

Lieutenant General Bruce Walker died when the plane carrying him exploded. In his will, Yuni, his mistress, and his son, Anthony were acknowledged, but the general’s widow ordered her lawyers to fight the provisions of the will. Yuni gained popularity from his controversial affair with the highly respected general and became a top model, but soon, she was diagnosed with bone cancer. At such a young age, Anthony had to deal with her mother’s illness and they had to move to a neighborhood where he was faced with difficulties and trials.

Review

Anthony is a romantic drama by Harold J. Fischel. I was instantly pulled into a story of hardship and success and almost cried during the most painful events in Anthony’s life. My favorite character is his very protective dog named Zorbo, and my least favorite character is Rita.

This book is a whirlwind of emotions. I felt sad, scared, disgusted, happy, and excited. The story is interesting and realistic, and the characters have personalities that are neither too bad, nor too good.

I’m giving this 4 out of 5 stars, and I recommend it to ALL mature readers who want a heartwarming story about a little boy who grew up to be a handsome gentleman of great values.

Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite

Anthony is a coming of age story written by Harold J. Fischel. Anthony is the child of Lieutenant General Bruce Walker and his mistress, Yuni. When Walker dies in an accident, he acknowledges Anthony as his son and provides for him and his mother. Yuni’s medical bills quickly erode that inheritance, however, and she is forced to declare bankruptcy and move into a NYC Housing Authority project. When we first meet Anthony, he’s trying desperately to persuade his mother to let him bring Zorbo, his dog, with them to the new apartment where dogs are not allowed. One of the movers who knows the manager of the building intercedes, and Anthony is allowed to keep his best friend. The new neighborhood is challenging for the young boy, but new friends, caring adults and the efforts of the coach at the YMCA make the transition a lot easier.

Harold J. Fischel’s coming of age story, Anthony, is inspiring and heartwarming. Anthony’s life is turned upside down by his mother’s illness, but the adults he comes in contact with as he grows up help make his life story a triumphant one. Yuni’s friend, Aunt Rita, is a marvelous character as are Kay and her parents. Anthony’s progression from a withdrawn, small and chubby kid into a confident, caring and ethical young man is wonderful to watch. Fischel’s writing style is accomplished and smooth, and I quickly became immersed in this athletic and ethical story of triumph over adversity. Anthony is a marvelous book and is highly recommended reading.

Reviewed By Melinda Hills for Readers’ Favorite

Mr. Fischel;
I truly enjoyed the book and felt that it told a terrific story. You portrayed Anthony’s younger years with warmth and compassion and provided him with many opportunities to rise above his circumstances. As he grew up and began the relationship with Rita, it was portrayed naturally and innocently in its own way and, again, provided opportunity for Anthony to grow, mature and understand himself. I really appreciate the way you allow Anthony to restrain himself in so many different situations and not ‘go with the flow’ – do what everyone else is doing because of peer pressure. It is also important later in the story as his daughter is intimidated by her fear of how others will react to her, so Anthony’s experiences are a good background from which he can provide understanding and guidance.

The characters are realistic but I feel that they may be a bit too good. Jamal and Anthony are great friends and race is never an issue. Kay’s parents are attractive, wealthy and very nice. At least Kay is more natural in that she never will forgive Sue Ellen. Even Anthony is easily convinced to return to school after his mother’s death and after Rita is tried and convicted – he quickly accepts the guidance of others. This creates a rather shallow feeling about the characters although each of the scenes provides a worthwhile example or lesson even though they are wrapped up nicely before the next situation arises.

My main concern is that so much of the end of the story deals with Jackie and her ‘coming out’. All of a sudden the story is no longer about Anthony – he happily accepted his daughter and went on his merry way while she continues to deal with her feelings and acceptance from her grandparents.

As you can see from the other ratings, I found the book to be very good overall, especially for young adults, but the ending needs to finish Anthony’s story.

Reviewed By Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite

Anthony by Harold J. Fischel is a wonderful story of sadness, tragedy and hope. Anthony is the secret love child of a famous US General Bruce Walker and his mistress, Yuni. When Bruce Walker dies in a plane crash, though he has left a considerable amount of money in his will for his mistress and his son, the court rules against her and Yuni is forced to move into a tiny apartment in New York. Anthony becomes an easy target for the bullies who make his life miserable inside and outside the school, while Yuni is battling cancer. But things change for him slowly after an attack on him which makes him fight back. He grows to become tall and physically fit like his father. But as situations improve, another tragedy strikes. Now this time will Anthony be able to get through it?

The story evokes poignant feelings and it is wonderfully narrated. All the characters have important roles that have been portrayed well. Anthony’s growing up and leaving behind a troubled childhood, to finally becoming a responsible husband and father has been developed well. His leaving behind the stigma of being an illegitimate son and then holding down an important job position is true to the times and resonates well with readers. The language is simple as it targets young adults. The story line is fascinating, which will make it difficult for readers to put the book down. On the whole, it is a very interesting book.

Reviewed By Lorena Sanqui for Readers’ Favorite

Anthony lost his dad to an accident at a young age, and then lost his mom, Yuni, to cancer when he was in high school. Yuni’s best friend, Rita, took Anthony in and treated him like her own son until Rita’s urges got the better of her and she entered into a sexual relationship with Anthony. Anthony was a willing participant, but being a minor and Rita’s ward didn’t go down well with the police and they sent Rita to jail. Now Anthony is back in college and he’s having issues with getting into relationships. Luckily for him, Kay Goodman loves him very much and will not give up on him. Will Anthony and Kay get together and have a happy ending in Anthony by Harold J. Fischel.

Anthony by Harold J. Fischel is a wonderful coming of age novel. I loved the story of Anthony, but it didn’t seem to follow one plot line. There were lots of smaller stories crammed in the book, although they all revolved around Anthony. It was okay but everything happened too fast; there was conflict after conflict so that it felt like there was no real climax and the ending seemed abrupt. On the other hand, I welcomed all the surprises and I loved all the characters. Anthony was resilient and strong, even when he was still a kid. Everything he experienced growing up only made him stronger, some of the things that happened to him even made me cry. Aunt Rita was a really nice person who just made some mistakes. Kay was persistent and supportive in all that Anthony does. All the supporting characters also played big roles in Anthony’s success. Overall, a good book with great characters.

Reviewed By Katelyn Hensel for Readers’ Favorite

Harold J. Fischel’s book Anthony is as meaningful as it is simple. A simple story, with a normal plot, but the depth and the meaning within is so much moreIt’s not often that I find a book that truly moves me, but Anthony may have just been it. Fischel writes with skill and craftsmanship that is a joy to read. I would read anything else he has to offer in a heartbeat.

Quote from review by Marilou George

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.