Customer Reviews

The 60-Second Novelist - What 22,613 People Taught Me About Life

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

...because frankly, I couldn't get the darned thing out of my husband's hands. "Almost done, hon? I'm dying to read it." "Give me a break. I just got started." This went on all day. Finally, right after supper he gave up first dibs on the book (which he'd gotten by virtue of being first to pick up the mail.) At last, I had an opportunity to sit down and read "Sixty Second Novelist." It rates an A--a gold star in the middle of Dan's forehead. It's easy to read, it's written in everyday people-talk. The intro's to each 60-second novel were as interesting as the novels themselves. Can you imagine any author who would sit atop a tall building just to talk to the people on the street? Now, that's different. That's gutsy. And so like Dan! The stories were captivating. I was disconcerted at first with the ex'd out mistakes or changes of mind. "Oooh, I'm surprised he didn't edit them out." Foolish thoughts. That wouldn't be true to what Dan was doing: spur of the moment typing - warts and all - real life mini-novels of real life people. Not simply celebrities, although he's written for them, too - but mostly for plain folks, like you and me. It is filled, from cover to cover, with photos, interviews with potential customers, and an eclectic collection of some of the best, original 'sixty second novels' as written by Dan. The book is ingenuous. The man's a genius! If you haven't bought it yet--DO IT!

This book confirms something that I have always believed. Every life, every person, every face IS a story. My family originates in Appalachia. Many times at old churchyard funerals, I have seen mountain folk sadly shake their heads and repeat a bit of common wisdom. "When a man dies, it's like a library just burned down to the ground." In his book, Dan Hurley runs from the fire, saving as many pages as he can.

Jennifer King Moody, Contributing Author: State Lines, Texas A. and M. University Press

I'll be honest: I gave this book 5 stars not for its deathless prose or vast literary quality, but because it does exactly and charmingly what it sets out to do. Author Hurley shares many dozens of very short tales he wrote on the spot in only a minute for people who were waiting right in front of him. Talk about pressure! But Hurley proves that writer's block can be conquered, sometimes, by giving yourself a deadline. And he does a lovely job of capturing some essence, some droll humor, some cosmic message in each of these vignettes. I'd say he was able to force himself into a state of flow and let the words come without having the time to think about them too much. He seems to have a way of connecting with people quickly and he certainly has the ability of turning that connection into something quirky, fun, and surprisingly enjoyable to read. The next time you say you don't have time to write, you should be ashamed of yourself.

I'll be honest: I gave this book 5 stars not for its deathless prose or vast literary quality, but because it does exactly and charmingly what it sets out to do. Author Hurley shares many dozens of very short tales he wrote on the spot in only a minute for people who were waiting right in front of him. Talk about pressure! But Hurley proves that writer's block can be conquered, sometimes, by giving yourself a deadline. And he does a lovely job of capturing some essence, some droll humor, some cosmic message in each of these vignettes. I'd say he was able to force himself into a state of flow (which I know a lot about from writing my own bestseller, WRITING IN FLOW)and let the words come without having the time to think about them too much. He seems to have a way of connecting with people quickly and he certainly has the ability of turning that connection into something quirky, fun, and surprisingly enjoyable to read. The next time you say you don't have time to write, you should be ashamed of yourself.

It took amazing self-motivation and determination for Dan Hurley to keep writing his 60 second novels, and his belief in himself is inspiring. This book is a delightful vision of the evolution of the 60 Second Novelist, and a portrait of a cross-section of America. The book is heartwarming and upliting, and full of amusing photographs and anecdotes, and I highly recommend it.

Thanks, Dan Hurley, for reminding me how wonderful it is to believe in yourself.

Dan Hurley Does Planet Earth . . . Oh wait. That's his NEXT book. I found The 60-Second Novelist to be very real, and easy to relate to. Dan's gentle psychological approach to people brims with humor, yet gets to the point. It is good storytelling, yet a unique take on very real people and situations. The spontaneity factor makes it all the better. And though I am partial to Dan's Evil Twisted Twin and his absurdist humor, I do enjoy Dan's warm and fuzzy side. I found the biographical element of the book to be especially fascinating.Dan followed his dream of being a writer, and set up his Remington on a Chicago street, eventually creating a wonderful success story. 'Just DO it!' his behavior seems to encourage us. It is difficult for me to choose a favorite story from The 60 Second Novelist. I especially enjoyed the romantic stories (Donna's Dream Lover, Walk Along The Ocean)and the absurdist (I Like Eyes, The Reclamation, Fly By Night Monkeys). In the book design, I really liked the copies of Dan's original stories, typos and corrections included, peppered throughout. But two questions remain. Who will play Dan in The Dan Hurley bio-pic? I suggest that we take a poll. And when is his next book coming out?!

His uncanny ability to look into a person's eyes and see straight into their soul is nothing short of magic! His ability to then share with the reader, through the written word, what the soul has shown him makes the enchantment complete. From page one, I was utterly under his spell.

Each story is as different and varied as we are as human beings. Each evoked a strong emotion. Hurley's insight and compassion, mixed with his wacky sense of humor, makes this book a treasure to be read over and over again. A rollercoaster ride for the heart.

Everyone's life has a story to tell. Dan Hurley, the author of "The 60-Second Novelist," does an excellent job drawing out stories and writing about the people he meets all over America. The fun part about reading this book is that Hurley writes the stories in roughly 60 seconds!

Some of the stories will make you laugh, others will make you cry, and some will make you smile or laugh aloud. The 60-second novel may inspire you to write a 60-second novel about yourself or someone you know.

i saw the author on the today show and enjoyed hearing him, so i decided to get his book . . . and am very glad i did . . . i enjoyed reading his story about how he became the 60-second novelist and what this has taught him about life . . in addition, i enjoyed reading the many 60-second noevels that were included . . . many were very moving!

A good way to spend a little while--or a little longer while is to jump into these human interest stories.

A wonderful touch by a writer who knows his craft. Anytimre reading.