The Winter Boy
By Sally Wiener Grotta
A Bookwatch Reviewer's Choice
Reminiscent
of Margaret Atwood, Mary Doria Russell and Ursula K. LeGuin, The Winter
Boy explores important political and social issues within a dynamic,
character-driven otherworld, wrapped up in masterful storytelling.
“…a very rewarding read that raises your self-awareness in a
way that only great books do…
A literary triumph” ~ Dr. Babus Ahmed, Ajoobatcats
The Valley of the Alleshi is the center of all civilization,
the core and foundation of centuries of peace. A cloistered society of widows,
the Alleshi, has forged a peace by mentoring young men who will one day become
the leaders of the land. Each boy is paired with a single Allesha for a season
of intimacy and learning, using time-honored methods that include dialog,
reason and sexual intimacy. However, unknown to all but a hidden few, the peace
is fracturing from pressures within and beyond, hacking at the very essence of
their civilization.
Amidst this gathering political maelstrom, Rishana, a young
new idealistic Allesha, takes her First Boy, Ryl, for a winter season of
training. But Ryl is a “problem boy” who fights Rishana every step of the way.
At the same time, Rishana uncovers a web of conspiracies that could not only
destroy Ryl, but threatens to tear their entire society apart. And a winter
that should have been a gentle, quiet season becomes one of conflict, anger and
danger.
Editorial Reviews
“...a great book... in the 'must read' category for anyone
who enjoys a cultural fantasy...” ~ Charline Ratcliff, Seattle
Post-Intelligencer
"An amazing, tour-de-force literary work completely
unlike anything I have ever read.... People will be studying and talking
about The Winter Boy for years to come." ~ Wendy Delmater
Thies, Abyss and Apex Magazine
"...with the kind of mysterious tone and a sense of a
complete world apart that is the hallmark of the best.... The Winter Boy...
exists in... a mythic, spiritual realm. Even ordinary lines resonate with this
sense of the unseen." ~ Peter Damien Bellis, author of The
Conjure Man
“...a deeply thoughtful book… very engrossing” ~ Kelly
Jensen, SFCrowsnest
"...intriguing, thought provoking and highly
enthralling." ~ Lynn Worton, Zavive
“Sally Wiener Grotta blends pain, love, lust and adventure
into a tale you may not want to put down.” ~ Robin Baum
"This book is a masterpiece. I am in awe of the
author's storytelling skill." ~ Evie Harris, Sammi
"...lyrical... deep... well-imagined and
exotic." ~Mary Sellers, What Is That Book About
“… multi-faceted, complex and wholly intriguing”
~ Gaele Hince, I Am Indeed
“Deep and profound” ~ Dr. Norma Krasne-Levine
"What a gorgeous story." ~ Barbara Heckendoen
"The Winter Boy is an intriguing story that's unlike
any other I have read." ~ L.A. Sherman
Free Downloads:
About Sally
Wiener Grotta
Sally Wiener Grotta is a consummate storyteller, reflecting
her deep humanism and appreciation for the poignancy of life. As an
award-winning journalist, she has authored hundreds of articles, columns,
essays and reviews for scores of glossy magazines, newspapers, journals and
online publications. She has also authored numerous non-fiction books. Her
fiction includes
Jo Joe,
a Black Bear, and Pennsylvania novel.
A member of the American Society of Journalists &
Authors, Sally Wiener Grotta is a frequent speaker at conferences. Schools and
other organizations storytelling, creativity, the business of writing, as well
as on photography and the traditional tradespeople of her
American Hands narrative
portrait project. She welcomes invitations to participate in discussions with
book clubs (occasionally in person, more often via Skype, Google Hangout, or
phone), and to do occasional readings. You can also connect with her on
Facebook,
Twitter,
LinkedIn,
Google+ and/or
her
blog.
My Review:
Sally Wiener Grotta
is one of my favorite authors since I began blogging. I previously read Jo Joe
which was by far amazingly written and the same goes for The Winter Boy. I
enjoy the development of the characters throughout the story. The plot is well
written with many insights that are offered throughout the story that are
related to our world. I highly recommend The Winter Boy along with Sally’s
prior work.
FTC Disclaimer
Since the FTC has so
kindly taken to regulate bloggers I have to state that, yes I get free books
and sometimes products to review. These books/products are given to me to
evaluate and decide if I like them or not and then write an honest review about
them that I display on this blog. I do not receive monetary compensation for
these reviews and all my reviews state my honest opinion of the products/books.
I am in no way swayed by any type of bribery or cajoling. My opinions are my
own and will be negative or positive depending on the book or product.
When a medical procedure goes horribly wrong and famous actor
Ralph Meier winds up dead, Dr. Marc Schlosser needs to come up with some
answers. After all, reputation is everything in this business. Personally, he’s
not exactly upset that Ralph is gone, but as a high profile doctor to the
stars, Marc can't hide from the truth forever. 
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