"Jo March, Holden Coulfield, David copperfield, Alexander Portnoy, many of literature's most memorable novels became so because the protagonist was utterly unforgettable and completely human. Thats the key to Dave King's first novel, entitled The Ha-Ha. Howard stays with you for a long, long time afterward, one of those fictional everymen who teach you about yourself just by showing up. I missed him terribly when the book was done." -from back

This book, so different from most of today's action/romance stuff, grabs your heart and twists it until it breaks, yet the humanity of the characters offers hope to alleviate the pain. Howard is just like all of us - yearning for love and home and normalcy - only he cannot communicate. Dave King brings a profound empathy to his story of a man thrust inward by his disability - who learns that he still can have a meaningful - even fulfilling - life, can reach out to make a difference in the lives of others, can move beyond his decades-old memories. Not an easy read, but an important one which will stay with you long after the last page is read.

Controlled release to another member, Enjoy the RABCK! Thank you Cyn, I appreciate you!!

Darlin' Nancy...I appreciate you too! Thank you SO much for these books that I can now cross off my wish list. You are a doll, indeed. They arrived while I was on vacation.

Available for trade or release.

Holding for Arugh48187

Mailed out yesterday, June 21, to Arugh48187. Finally. So sorry for the long delay. :(

Thanks for sending this one. It is slated for my July bookclub read, so it won't sit too long on Mt. TBR.

Ahhhh...I love me a good book. I had reservations when I started, but after a couple of chapters I was rivetted. Howard is definitely a memorable character, just as the cover says. He is warm and funny and personable. I just can't imagine how he coped without any form of communication; no reading, no writing, no talking. Somehow he managed, though. I did find that the portrayal of the female roles was somewhat pigeonholed and all of them lacked something.

Anyway, thanks for sharing. It is up for grabs.

RELEASE NOTES:

Taking to our girlie-gathering tonight to see if anyone wants to read it.

Got this at our gal pal hook-up. I will try to read soon. Thanks for sharing!!

I have just started this. I am riveted by Howard. It will be passed on thru a swap when I am done with it.