The Closer's Song (Paperback)

~ Christopher Cole (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

The Doylestown Patriot    08/28/2001

Buckingham author addresses old questions By: LORRAINE SCIUTO-BALLASY      Baby boomers encompassed by all the trappings of success, might just learn something from their journey, if they take a moment to contemplate life's meaning as learned through the passage of time. For the rest of us, too jaded or cynical to make any connection, Buckingham author Christopher Cole's first novel "The Closer's Song" does it for us. The book, set in Sleepy Hollow, Woodstock and Greenwich Village during the turbulent Sixties, poses all the relevant questions of youth and attempts to provide answers, despite the harshness of reality and the challenges of overcoming cynicism. The premise for the book renders it largely autobiographical, since Cole's own life serves as the backdrop for the story, entwining issues such as the pain and suffering inherent in abused and learning disabled children, the cost of hedonistic behaviors, the immoral choices made by young adults as they enter the world of "drugs, sex and rock 'n roll" - and how it all relates to the pursuit of and eventual attainment of spirituality.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Description

The engaging story of a unique relationship, which began in Sleepy Hollow in the Sixties, ran through Woodstock, Greenwich Village and to present. Familiar locals and events will appeal to Baby Boomer generation. An absorbing depiction of modern man's triumph over formidable existential odds.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 371 pages
• Publisher: Xlibris Corporation; 1 edition (March 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738851175
• ISBN-13: 978-0738851174
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,795,797 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Battles...waged and won, April 26, 2001

By	"j-andrea" (Roseburg, Oregon USA) - See all my reviews

CLOSER'S SONG is a special story and my response to it is deeply personal. It is a spiritual journey that begins when an autistic child realizes his view of the world is different than his peers'. Dyslexia conceals a gifted mind and he finds himself ignored by family, abandoned in classes for the mentally challenged, laughed at and ridiculed by his peers. He is isolated and lonely, and it is within this atmosphere that Jesus calls him to a special mission, one that will go unrecognized for forty years.

He spends that time searching for understanding, first with Francis, his alter-ego, a gregarious and popular teen who introduces him not only to friends and the beauty in the world, but also to drugs and a counterculture that leads to further alienation. He finds peace for a time within the serenity of the parish rectory, deals with his learning disability, and enters the seminary. Instead of finding God, he finds a road filled with potholes and detours that include anti-war demonstrations, pop culture, sex, money, power plays, and finally betrayal at the hands of someone he'd thought to enrich. Gerald's journey is my journey, the story of a million other people entering a new millennium...troubled souls looking for answers to age-old questions, searching for God, hoping the search will not be in vain.

Christopher Cole has overcome dyslexia and he has written a book. As a teacher I find that as inspiring as the journey he relates. The editing challenges were daunting; the few that remain are evidence of a courageous battle...waged and won.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's hard to close this book once you start, April 11, 2001

By	PC (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

An excellent read, especially for those who grew up in the 60s/70s. This book takes you through a ride of life (and it does get bumpy at times) in search of the answer to "What Does It All Mean?" I was enthralled with the descriptive childhood struggles and the constant quest for truth and peace of mind as the book progressed. With just the right amount of well crafted twists and turns, you will be both surprised and captivated by this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A road that everyone will want to travel!!!, April 30, 2001

By	Joseph Culligan (Florida USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My cousin wrote this book. The Closer's Song brings back many memories from my childhood. All the ranges of emotions were captured from the best of times to the worst of times. Everyone I have asked to read The Closer's Song have all been in agreement that the way Christopher crafted this book lent itself to be a common blueprint of everyone's growing up. Christopher recognized that there was a need for all of us to take a deep breath and take a long, hard look at where we have been to appreciate what we have today. I am happy that The Closer's Song not only tells stories of glory that hit our hearts but relates the tragedy of life that touches our souls.