I
just finished reading your book and have to tell you
that it is a wonderful story. I hated to have it end.
I will recommend it to all my reader friends. I think
Oprah should recommend this book. You did an excellent
job writing a first book.
I just wanted to respond to
your wonderful book. Now that I have had a chance to read
it, I feel compelled to comment.
Just finished
reading, "Hearts", I loved it. You can quit your day job
now.
Just want to let
you know how thoroughly I enjoyed "Hearts of the Morning
Calm." I am not what you would call a big romance reader,
but I was intrigued about your novel with everything I heard
about it from (my wife). Once I started reading it, Galen,
I didn't want to stop. You have a gift, sir. You are able to
impart an emotional quality to your stories that is rare. If
you can make me feel the characters of your novel,
then anyone else will surely do the same.
I picked up your book, to read
just the first chapter. So much for that idea. I
read . . . and read . . . and read more. My "to do" list
for the rest of the evening went out the window, my
email went unanswered, my laundry basket is still
overflowing. I kept reading until I finished the book.
What a BOOK! Enthralling, captivating ...
First, I must explain that I
was an American soldier stationed in Korea (Yongsan) ... and
I experienced a similar story of a relationship doomed by
fate and cultural differences. So it was with great
interest that I read my copy of 'Hearts.' I found the book
to be such a moving and realistic account of a relationship
between an American soldier and a Korean woman. Either you
have personally been involved in such an experience, or are
gifted with extraordinary empathy and insight. And unlike
some literature on the topic, 'Hearts' was a very believable
and sympathetic, yet realistic exploration of a cross
cultural relationship.
But as I was entertained by
reading your novel, I also had an opportunity to reflect and
try to understand what happened to my girlfriend and I.
After reading the book, and thinking about the characters
and what transpired, I was able to look more objectively at
my own situation, and better understand some of the things
my girlfriend told me before we separated. Reading 'Hearts'
helped me to more fully understand.
As a novel should both
entertain, and be a catalyst for reflection; 'Hearts' did
both for me. Thank you for a well written, touching story. I
hope to see more great stories from you in the future.
Book was great!
Just finished reading Hearts of the Morning Calm for my
bookclub. Wonderful!
I
just visited your website. It is
beautiful...you really did your book justice; it's such a
lovely and beautiful novel :).
What a wonderful
story. Of course, the soft places are there but there are
really good places where the writing take on a magic of its
own. I started reading (on Sunday morning) and before I
went to bed on Sunday night I had finished the book.
HOTMC accurately
captured the Amerasian romance experience. My courtship with
my (Korean) wife of 23+ years occurred one year earlier than
the time period in HOTMC. .... Thank you for your fine
work. Also, it was the first book I've read with the word
"indefatigable" used in its text.
Hi! I finished reading
this novel last night and I have to say that it really left
me with such a poignancy in my heart. I thought the
characters were well written and the ending for the two
characters really affected me.
Enjoyed your book
and the culture differences you so easily pictured by
words. I was especially touched by your thoughts on
feelings in chapter 8 as stated by Young. I ... agree with
Jason that sadness is established by a specific event and
more pointed than broad. Whether it is a sadness due to the
loss of freedom, country, rights, friends or loved one it is
a feeling that is alive, hidden but none the less always
present. Your expression of that feeling gave me cause to
contemplate a while before I could read further. Good luck
with your next book.
And, then, Grin, there is
this (OUCH) word for word as I recieved it.
We'll call its inclusion . . . honesty and balance.
1. Please take a
parcel of the size mentioned on Page 45 {?} out to the most
crowded city intersection you can find, and then, while
carrying it, put both hands to your temples.
2. I've been over it several times, and damn it, Galen, I
can find no legitimate linkage between your prologue,
epilogue and the rest of the book! Who the hell are these
people...and why...and what do they have to do with anything
else you've written about?
On the other hand,....the heroine is, indeed, likeable,
although her taste in men is open to much question <g>. The
hero, as you doubtless knew and meant me to know, is a
naive, gauche, gormless twit who deserved worse than he got.
Otherwise, well... Not my chosen subject matter, but better
by far than I expected. But next time try finding an editor
who cares more about your work and less about your fragile
ego. This one, I suggest, was nowhere near brutal enough,
and (the) book would have been better yet had she/he been
so.
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