Customer Reviews

Clean

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

 

 

Ken Sweet's Clean, brought back many of my own memories. When I first opened the book, I didn't know what to expect. In fact, the title itself does not give much away. But after reading the first few pages, I lifted my eyes from the ink covered paper, and thought to myself; Is this a novel or a confession? From the very beginning, I felt I can relate. Who did not have a an awful childhood sickness? Who does not struggle in a relationship? Which one of us does not want top get up and leave, trying out life somewhere else, after talking to a complete stranger. I think we all do. Reading Ken Sweet's novel had brought back many of my own feelings and experiences, not only making them vivid once again, but helping me see them through someone else's eyes. It has been said many times, that first novels tend to be largely influenced by the author's own life. Whether this is true with Clean, I leave up to the author and the readers. At times, this book reads as a semi-autobiographical material, but that is what makes this book only better. The author managed to pull us into the world of Benjamin Whyte, making his emotions our emotions, his desires our desires. We can share his points of view, his feelings, and his becoming of Clean, as he lets us into his most intimate thoughts.
I have enjoyed Ken Sweet's easy to read writing style, keeping the reader involved in the story. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys and appreciates a meaningful, quality literature.

I truely enjoyed this book. The journey that it takes you is truely magically. I would encourage everyone to read it.

Part life-affirmation piece and part Arthurian legend. I read half the book in one sitting. And the other half in another! I was caught from the very first word and couldn't wait to finish it!

I'm so glad Ken answered my question on Yahoo Answers! If not for that, I'd have never known this book existed. And I would have never experienced the joy it was to read it!

:D

Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (12/06)


Ken Sweet has a refreshing crisp writing style that draws the reader in from the opening sentence of the prologue to the very last dramatic battle and the surprising climatic conclusion.

With his world crumbling around him, Ben Whyte remembers a vision he had during a childhood illness, a vision of water and cleansing, and a glowing light providing healing. This is Ben's story of his quest to find the fulfillment of his dream.

It is a story of triumphs, struggles, risk, and unconditional love. Ken Sweet creates an intriguing parallel of life today, Ben's quest for peace, and the idyllic Arthurian world of Knighthood honor.

Ben and two supportive friends travel to Britain to visit areas of Cornwall, England, and Scotland. They visit locales widely known for their ancient spirituality and mysticism. Ben hoped to find the cleansing water of his childhood dream, with the accompanying healing light.

Ken has created a believable character in Ben, his traveling companions and the cast of characters introduced throughout the story. Ben's transparency endears him to the reader. His vulnerability and openness help the reader identify and empathize with him in each crisis and soon become so engrossed in Ben's search that it becomes a personal soul searching experience. Ken's writing is thought provoking, insightful, and often profound.

Clearly presented as a novel the story is so full of personal insight that I felt it was the author's own story. The descriptions of Britain's countryside and people were brilliantly articulated and gave the feeling of having been there. I now want to revisit England and see the country through Ben's eyes.

Ben's becoming the Knight of the Ruined Chapel and his personal commitment to the challenge elevated his personal search for Clean to be compared to the search for the Holy Grail. This part of the story will endear Ben to the reader of the History of the Crusades. The introduction of the black knight and references to Darth Vader will make this story a favorite of Star Wars fans. I highly recommend "Clean" for any young adult looking for a good story or for those beginning a spiritual quest. I expect to see more writing from Ken Sweet. He is truly a gifted communicator.

Received book free of charge.

In the words of Socrates--"A life unexamined is not worth living."
These profound words hold true for Ken Sweet's first novel `Clean'
It takes a great amount of courage to put one's life under the microscope, and an even greater amount of strength to accept the fact that what, in essence, is wrong with our lives is based entirely on the choices we do and do not make--or to quote Mr. Sweet--The doors we do and do not open.
Ben Whyte has had this epiphany and with the help of his friends, has decided to do something about it-- make a change for the better-- open the door he fears most of all, and become Clean.
We all need to step back--open that dark door and take a good long look at ourselves, a look stripped clear of life's glittery illusions. Ben shows us that we all have within us the courage and strength to do that.
Bravo!