Customer Reviews

The Tropics: Child of a Storm - Caught in a Rip - Hurricane Secret

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Although living on the mainland, I have been a regular visitor to Kauai for many years. The love that I feel for the beauty of this island, its culture, and people is one of a growing depth. So, it was with absolute excitement that I embarked on reading Mary Deal's book, "The Tropics" in which two of the three short stories take place on Kauai. Once I began reading it, I was hooked and devoured the entire book in a few days. Ms. Deal tells stories with such beauty, passion, and insight into humanity interconnected with the broader forces of nature. An ocean storm, a riptide, and a hurricane form the drama of the elements intertwined with stories of two strong women. I am grateful for Mary Deal and her book, "The Tropics" for bringing alive such rich experiences.

Mary has woven a complex story, rich with interesting characters and an exotic locale. She speaks with authority about the rhythym of the islands and the waters surrounding them so there is no doubt that she's experienced them first hand. A real page-turner...I couldn't put it down!

Three compelling, suspenseful, heart-warming tales! Deal's prose is as pure and welcoming as a drink from a chilled-coconut on a hot day. A fine read!

Mary weaves a wonderful web of life, love, danger, courage and survival with consummate skill and insight. Congratulations!

I have always wondered how the residents lived in those tropical locales I'd visited. If this book gives us some examples, then I'd have to say that daily life in "The Tropics" is both exciting and dangerous. The author has done a magnificent job of portraying everyday life for her characters in the islands. Her writing style flows. Once I began to read, I finished the book in two evenings, then re-read it again. Wonderful! I'm ready for this author's next book.

The Tropics is a great quick read. This novel is Ideal for a long plane trip. Each story stands out on its own. However each is enriched by Mary Deal's artful skill of linking them together either by location or by a continued plot.

In particular Mary Deal's writing ability shines through when she sets a suspenseful stage. For example while reading "Caught in a Rip" I identified with Lilly to the extent of feeling myself literally clutching at powerful ocean waves in an attempt to be saved.
As an added bonus, and a refreshing surprise, each story conveys at least one important lesson of life. Therefore in addition to sheer entertainment it offers opportunities for reflection of both self and our environment.

I was told about this book through a good friend at work. Unfortunately I found it difficult to put the book down, and ended up getting into trouble at work. (I had surpassed my break/lunch times on many occasions). Oops :)

Seriously, though, of all the books I have read, so far in my life, there have been less than 5 which I have had to stay up till 4 am to finish. I am very proud to say that this was one that was well worth the time!! Course I ended up waking up my boyfriend, when he heard me screaming at how it all ended, very emotional and thought provoking!!

Since then I have purchased her next two books and this time I have to warn my boyfriend when I get near the end....heheheee I can't wait!

Thank you very much Mary! I've enjoyed the journey you have allowed me to join.

I sent this review to Mary Deal at her web site. I meant every word of it and more people need to discover Mary's fantastic writing talent! Mary Deal is a true treasure to the writer's community!!!

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I just finished your book about a half hour ago and my mind is still spinning!

I can't ever remember a book actually making me cry ever, close but not actually crying, but in Child of A Storm, I cried.

I love the way your writing had that nice little surprise when I realized you were tying the stories together. Nice touch! I went into the book thinking it was three separate short stories and loved the way you played that out!!!

I REALLY enjoyed Caught in a Rip. Your writing had me "sucked right in there" and I had to read that one straight through even when my eyes were rolling back in my head from lack of sleep! It was well worth it. When I did have to make myself put the book down to go to work or do some other task that couldn't wait any longer, I hated it. Question: Were you ever caught in a rip personally? From your descriptive text, you almost couldn't make me believe otherwise. Fantastic!

Hurricane Secret had me right there with Lilly, too, and has definitely left me wanting to read more of your work. I can't wait!!!

I honestly can't express how much I truly enjoyed it. Your talent as a writer is something the world (and me too) needs to capture our attention and whisk us away for the enjoyable hours spent reading your creations!
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Mary's second published book "The Ka" is now available and I've just ordered it and can't wait to read it! She has chapter excerpts on her web site if you want a taste of what is contained within Ka. It promises to be a great read!!!

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Mary Porter -- Grass Lake, MI

If it's true that a novella should be about emotional intensity, then Mary Deal should win a prize. Each of her separate novellas in this collection contains a strong core of emotional conflict that is never far from the surface and haunts every line. The sense of dread coupled with hope is powerful and I found myself unable to put The Tropics down. At the same time, I wanted to savor the stories, not just gulp them in my usual reading fashion--but I was torn. At times I read fast, then slow, then I'd read the pages all over again, they were that good. The characters and settings were drawn so well I began to dream about them. Whether it was Puerto Rico or Hawaii, "I was there." The rain, the wind, the ocean: I lived through these stories as if I were truly lost in a storm--for hours, for days. What I especially loved was that alongside the various story events there were always deeper questions that made me want to journal, collage, and contemplate the answers and apply them to my own life. They were the kind of questions that are perfect for book club discussion, too. The Tropics is a book that is always going to be with me. I'm so glad I found it!

The Tropics
Mary! Just finished your book. It occupied my mind and took me on a remarkable journey. I swam with Lilly in the rip and saw what she saw. Her relationship with Glen reminded me of Jake and the boat's crew in the "Sand Pebbles." I have known a few Glens in my time. The hurricane actually had me believing I'm missing out by living in the almost storm-less desert. Congratulations. I'm proud to have this book on my shelf, especially with your personal inscription. Bill Robinson