Taylor Reviews

The author was true to his description of the book about Taylor being an epic love story whose continent spanning scope can only be matched by the fervor of its two leads. I’ve had a nostalgic experience in reading this book because of its classic vibes. Taylor had everything in the beginning and then loses everything when his father killed himself. Then, as if things couldn’t get worse, the love of his life gets deported back to Argentina because of his spiteful grandfather. There was no way an 18-year-old could’ve made the right decision at that point. Taylor’s escape from his grandparents was understandable, but the series of unfortunate events were just way harsh. This book is definitely not for the faint heart. I’m just glad I was able to finish it despite the emotional turmoil it brought me. I guess what made this book a compelling read was the anticipation of knowing if Taylor could still get back up, and if he and Maria will ever see each other again.

This has been a very painful read, but I’m glad I read this book because the ending was satisfactory. Taylor was rich and popular and had everything until his father killed himself. Then his grandfather deported his beloved Maria. I could understand that anyone at a young age like Taylor’s would have wanted to escape from those bad memories by leaving home. I can very much relate that Taylor dealt with everything by himself until he really needed help. No one can deal with life alone. That’s the moral of the story. Everybody needs someone, and that fact was well depicted in this painful but beautiful story. I’ve had an enlightening experience in reading this book and I recommend it to readers who are into romantic drama.

Summary

Taylor Marx is the star quarterback of his high school football team, and son of Henry Marx, CEO of Van Beuren Textile. With his good looks, athletic build, and social status, he can get every pretty girl in town for a short-lived romance. But when he found his father with a pistol in his right hand, and an ugly hole in his right temple, his life has never been the same.

Review

Taylor, the Journey Home by Harold J. Fischel is a romantic drama about an 18-year-old boy who didn’t want to face the problems in his home, so he runs away. He is faced with a series of very unfortunate incidents that he had to endure alone.

I like the moral of the story. No matter how tough anyone is, there are uncontrollable incidents that are driven by bad circumstances. And the best way to conquer that is to ask help.

I’m giving this 5 out of 5 stars. Despite the cringe-worthy moments, the good moments outshine them. This book is not for the faint heart, but I can give an assurance that the story is exceptional. Hence, I recommend this to ALL mature readers who want something different. It is very painful, but the pain is compensated with very promising moments.

Reviewed By Paula Tran for Readers’ Favorite

Taylor: The Journey Home by Harold J. Fischel describes a teenager and his transition into a young adult after a family financial crisis. Taylor, a junior in high school when the story first starts, lived a very extravagant lifestyle. He is the star of his school’s football team, as well as a popular bachelor. He loves playing around with girls, moving on from one to the next faster than the change of weather, to the point where his mother is frustrated. However, things changed when Taylor found out that his family’s business has crashed, and his world took a turn when his father committed suicide.

I think this novel is very well paced and extremely well written. The first few chapters were used to introduce us to Taylor, describing his playboy, care free attitude when it comes to anything. He is seen as reckless, making out with his girlfriend Phyllis, while knowing things can potentially get out of hand. However, I found it easy to relate to him, and I’m sure others will as well. Most people have experienced reckless teenage years and can relate to Taylor’s problems and thought processes. I think this way of introducing Taylor is a good thing, because we get to know the character a little better. The plot is also well developed, a mix of emotional and suspenseful elements. However, for a high school student, Taylor seems too perfect. Sure, he has had ups and downs during his life, but his achievements suggest that he can be a little of a Mary Sue.

Hal I just finished Taylor a Journey Home. I really loved the book.I do not know where you come up with your stories.  It is a love story but there are so many twists and turns I would never expect.  I read the reviews of Anthony by the professionals at the end of Taylor and they say it much more eloquently than me but exactly my sentiments.  You are so creative. Nice, easy, reading, but a deeper side too.Congratulations Hal.

Review by Arlene T, Waterloo

This is good!  Your last book was good, but this one is better.  Am not a literary expert, but know what I like to read.  In this one it seems you are not in a rush, but are taking more time to describe everything and develop your characters – the feel is more relaxed.  Also everything is more your own words, rather than some phrases typically used, which seemed to happen sometimes in your last book.
Review by Helena R, Chelsea