Customer Reviews

Reflections in the Mill Pond

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
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Larry Wood's book, REFLECTIONS IN THE MILL POND, is one of those books you don't want to put down, once you begin. It's a terrific story of an unusual childhood, a troubled adolescence, and adulthood with highs and lows abounding. At times funny, and at times very moving, the author brings us along his journey, and it seems that the reader is actually there, in the events, as they happened. The book introduces the reader to many memorable characters, such as Tony Two Hats and Father Bill. What an influence these two men and others had on young Larry, with lessons that carried him through many difficult times to come! I highly recommend this book to anyone, as the story has an almost universal appeal and touches different aspects of life that each of us experience.

This is the best book I have read in a long time!!!! The author gently takes you by the hand through the events of a remarkable life, and you can't stop turning pages, sometimes laughing out loud and sometimes gasping for breath as with simple and straightforward words he expresses the most intense pain. It is the story of an exceptional man's journey from childhood to adulthood and the ever present longing for home, love, warmth, acceptance and fitting in that even at the height of his unprecedented success tear at his heart right up to the devastating event that changes his life forever. The memorable multicultural characters that appear in his life at the most crucial times, leave with us a message of hope that we are never alone in times of need. The kindness, wisdom and insights of characters like Tony Two Hats, Father Bill, Old Bea, Laurie Medina will remain with us for all time. It is a book that comes form the heart and speaks to the heart. Underneath it all, it is a cautionary tale for parents and adults on the need to nurture self- esteem in young people, and a message to young people that no matter what, they'll survive. As a literature teacher, I would certainly put it on the must read list, right along with The Catcher in the Rye and Death Be Not Proud. Honest and powerful, Reflections in the Mill Pond is a book not to be missed.

A friend asked me to read this book and give reasons why you should. No, not Mr. Wood, I've never met him. It's the story of a man's life as seen in a very unique perspective, his own. An autobiography/novel, an oddity in itself, I stalked through his memories like the trails of an unknown wilderness. I became cautious, anticipating danger or situations to be avoided as the trails unwound before me. I saw his places, and met his family and friends. Or were they?

Everyone has a unique perspective of things and events in their lives and of course everyone's life is different. But if you ask someone to reminisce about their life you will find that as much as things are different, they are the same. So why should you read this book? Because when you look between the covers into Larry Wood's millpond, the reflections you see staring back are not his. They're yours.

Richard Roberts

OH MY GOSH!!!! I recently finished the book! I don't have words to adequately describe my feelings. It is unbelievable for one person to have such highs and lows in a life time!! I couldn't help but read parts of the book out loud to my husband while we were driving down the road. In fact, my husband does not read books but he took this one to read!! I laughed out loud and cried my eyes out! He is a fascinating man!! I recommend it to everyone! When his next book comes out, I will be among the first to buy it!

What an incredible journey the author has been on, and how lucky we are that he has shared it with us.

Like a modern day Odysseus, Larry Wood embarks on the journey of a life filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Along the way, the author pays tribute to the people and places that shaped his life and we are, in the end, reminded of the most simple of truths... there's no place like home.

Reflections in the Mill Pond had me crying and laughing at the same time. What a great story this is! The highs and lows of Larry Wood's life are truly an emotional roller coaster. I thought this was very brave of him to share this story and it really makes you realize the important things in life. I'm thinking after reading this, it has even helped to heal my broken heart!! Definently a must read!!

Reflections in the Mill Pond is the story of one ordinary man's extraordinary life. I don't mean to imply that Larry Wood is ordinary in the usual sense, but it is seldom that we get to read a true story about a non-celebrity unless it's an author's first book disguised as a novel. Mr. Wood has told his story courageously and honestly and isn't afraid to show us who he is, warts and all. In doing so, he gives us permission to be exactly who we are and for that, we love him.

I read the entire book one stormy afternoon - couldn't put it down. Mr. Wood's characters are finely drawn and you will love or hate them right along with him. Tony Two Hats and Old Bea are simply unforgettable and, like me, you may wish you had grown up in the company of such colorful and loving characters.

If you want a truly entertaining, yet meaningful read that will tug at your heartstrings, you must read Reflections in the Mill Pond. If Mr. Wood isn't a celebrity now, he soon will be. I can't wait for the sequel.

I need to tell everyone this is a novel that should be read by everyone from every race,age to appreciate real friendship,and a love that comes from deep within ones heart!In a sense I could relate to the novel being a single hispanic mother. You can almost feel yourself there in what is taking place.I started reading a page to my mother of 87yrs of age she loved it!!! She was hooked she said "I have read alot of books before but none to draw me in so far I can place myself there,I can just picture it all!! I Love It!! "Read me chapter after chapter till you read it all to me"!!! The author Larry Wood has really outdone himself.Again this is a must read for everyone needing to find your place in life!!!Captivating!!!!!

Reflections in the Mill Pond tells a compelling story of the twists and turns that life can lead us through, and how essential it is that we unflinchingly confront the journey as work through our choices and try to understand them later.

The dramatic pace of the book is such that at times it's tough to remember that all these events really happened in the life of the writer--but they did. From the simple caring childhood with his grandfather through to the consequences of the kinds of adult choices we've each made at some time in our lives, you'll see something of yourself and learn more about yourself from this book.

Buy it; read it; and re-read it. At a minimum you'll meet unforgettable characters; at most you'll appreciate he combination of intelligence, a sense of wonder and magic, character formed from adversity, circumstances, choices, the perspective of time, and a lot of self-examination and guts.

Just the exposure to these words can help take you to a place in your own life that could bring you more peace, acceptance and the knowledge that we can only be the best we can be; getting there ain't always a straight path, and that the smarter we are and the more exposed to life we are, the tougher the dealing with it can be. But it can be done.

MY NEW FAVORITE BOOK! Such willinginess to share the depths of his emotions, the author not only brought me to tears, I felt a part of his story. I so wish that I had a model in my life such as Tony Two Hats and the love of Sister Bernie and Father Bill, along with the full cast of his family. It is no wonder to me that he survived his incredible life adventure to finally share his story. Thank you Larry Wood, when I am feeling like giving up I will clutch your book and know that it is possible to survive.