Simple Treasures

by Alan Chin

Newly released from a mental institution, Simple’s first job is caring for Emmett, a crusty drunkard dying of cancer on a ranch in Utah. Simple’s first fragile friendship is with Emmett’s grandson Jude, a gay youth in Gothic drag who gets nothing but grief from his grandfather. In an attempt to help both men, Simple, a Shoshone Indian, decides to perform a ceremony that will save Emmett by transferring his spirit into the body of a falcon. Working to capture a falcon will bring Emmett and Jude closer as Jude and Simple’s growing love for each other blossoms, but all is not well. When the ranch, Jude’s future, and Simple’s happiness are threatened, more than Emmett’s spirit faces a bleak future.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Paranormal, Fiction

136 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 30, 2011

About the author

Alan Chin was born in Ogden, Utah, where he was christened, Alan Lewis Hurlburt. He was raised in San Jose, California where he enjoyed an undistinguished childhood. After graduating high school, Alan served four years in the U.S. Navy where he learned and practiced the trade of aircraft mechanic while stationed at the naval air station in Kingsville, Texas.
Alan attended four years of night school at San Francisco State University, studying the field of Data Processing. Afterwards he enjoyed a twenty year career working his way from computer programmer, to software engineer, to network designer, and finally to manager of several software engineer development groups.

In 1991, while still working full time, Alan went back to night school and years later graduated from the University of San Francisco with a BS in Economics and a Masters in Creative Writing.

In 1999, Alan retired from his career in Information Technology to devote more time to his three hobbies: writing, traveling, and tennis. During that same timeframe, Alan legally changed his name to Alan Chin, so that he could share the same family name as his life partner, Herman Chin.

Alan turned serious about his writing in 2003, and began working on his first novel, Island Song. He has now published two novel with Zumaya Publications - Island Song and The Lonely War. He is currently searching for a publisher fr his 3rd novel, while writing a 4th novel and two screenplays.

Alan currently lives and writes half of each year at his home in San Rafael, California, and he spends the other half of each year traveling the globe.

You can learn more about Alan Chin and his writing at: http://AlanChinWriter.blogspot.com or about his travels at his travel blog: http://HermanAndAlan.blogspot.com

Reviews

[Isa K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I can think of many things that should have annoyed me about this book to the point of not liking it:
-The MC is a Bagger Vance type character, a magical brown person who will impart sagely wisdom and save everyone
-Goth = drug abuse = self harm >.> Because ugly boots that pinch your feet are a fashion statement, but a lip ring is a sign of depression
-Although I was rooting for Simple and Jude to fall in love, Simple seemed to go from "Oh hey Jude, sup?" to OMG JUDE! Let me hump your leg?? :D really fast and randomly
-Oh the melodrama towards the end of this book was unreal.

And yet still ... I liked this book.

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I can't explain it, despite all its flaws it was cute. More to the point it was DIFFERENT. I think that's really the clincher for me, it wasn't your typical western m/m story. I really liked the relationship between Simple and the grandfather. It's not often that a m/m story bothers to setup a well developed and thoughtful bond between two characters who will never ever fuck. Usually everything focuses on MC and love interest, leaving minor characters to stand like cardboard cut outs of [villain], [snappy bestfriend], [sarcastic random female], [rival asshole love interest]. There is some of that here (especially on the villain front), but it's mostly ignorable.

There are a lot of conversations that get summarized instead of written. This keeps the book short and fast pace, but after a while it starts to read a little silly.

Anyway this is a cute, thoughtful book. An easy read where you won't be able to see the end coming from A MILLION MILES away ;)

[Snowtulip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quiet strength is pervasive throughout this story. Simple is a character that you wish you had in your corner when life throws you curve balls. As with Chin's other works, spirituality, subtle humor, and peace wrap themselves around this story of dignity. Chin is one of my favorite authors and once again he has made me a very happy reader.

[Feliz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story, in the actual sense of the word:
it’s a story full of wonders, from the vivid descriptions of landscapes and artfully woven-in little info-bits on falconry and fly-fishing to the great, multi-layered characters, from the vibrant emotions to the subtle underlying message. Since every new day is a new life to Simple, he goes about everything he does with almost child-like innocence. Yet, he also has the wisdom of an old soul that enables him to make seemingly unsolvably complicated things appear easy – truely simple, as it is. His simplicity has nothing to do with stupidity, rather with utter openness and genuine humility. He wants nothing, expects nothing, and takes everything that comes at him with grace, completely living in the moment. Only love, a real connection with someone else, can shake him out of his blissful nirvana. As Simple reaches out to Jude, he reaches out to himself, and by setting Emmet’s spirit free, he frees his own mind of his grandfather’s debilitating influence. The process is just beautiful to watch even though it requires a fiery exorcism.

I’ve always been partial to Alan Chin’s distinctive narrative voice which to me is lyrical without pathos, idealistic without moralizing and strong yet subtle enough to stay in the background without overshadowing the characters’ own voices.
This is not a book I’d read when I’m in the mood for mindless entertainment, it’s a gripping, resonating story that had me deeply involved and went straight to my heart.
Highly recommended.

review originally written for reviewsbyjessewave.com

[Carey Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read all of Alan Chin’s books, I can honestly say that “Simple Treasures” is perhaps my favorite. Alan Chin always tells a story with a unique perspective, usually gleaned from a personal reference, and his characters are never the norm. Rather they are fully dimensional individuals who function within their stories as if it’s not a narrative but a reality within a book that one is reading.

With “Simple Treasures,” Mr. Chin takes us on a catharsis of sorts, introducing us to Simple, a Shoshone Indian who has just been released from an institution. Simple goes to work for a hard edged old man named Emmett, who’s dying from cancer after a lifetime of drinking and rough living. Simple’s job is to care for Emmett in his final days. Only Simple finds that Emmett’s world is shared by a grandson named Jude. Jude is a gay young man who sloughs around in Goth attire and generally doesn’t have a lot to do with his grandfather, and the sentiment is not one sided either.

As Simple gets to know Emmett and Jude, he finds his feelings for both of them begin to evolve in ways he didn’t think possible. While he plans to help Emmett set his spirit free through an ancient Indian ritual he also cannot deny that he and Jude are growing closer, physically as well as emotionally. As Simple strives to give both of his companions the closure and the freedom they each crave, he learns to give himself the same latitude.

“Simple Treasures” was a delight to read and the message it imparts does not end along with the book. As with Alan’s other works, this one has a lesson that will remain with its readers long after the story is told. Well done.

[Joss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first work I've ready by Alan Chin, but it definitely won't be the last. The story pulled me in from the very beginning. The descriptions of people and places are so vivid that I felt I was watching a movie instead of reading a book. In fact, I wish this story was made into a movie or a play - it would be wonderful to see it come to life.

I was surprised and pleased at the way characters who are, in a way, very familiar (the crusty rancher, the greedy son, the rebellious grandson) transcended stereotypes. I was also pleased to see that the Native American aspect of the story was handled extremely respectfully and realistically so that even a skeptic like me could lose themselves in the spiritual aspect of the story. I very much enjoyed the plot, the pacing and, best of all, the ending. So many times a novel falls apart in the last chapter leaving the reader unsatisfied. This was definitely not the case here. Loved it from start to finish

[Sadonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have bought a number of Alan Chin's books but this is the first I've read. I will be quickly moving on the others. No need to give a synopsis of the plot here because you can read that in release notes. What I can tell you is that this a story that will reel you in - like the trout on the end of a fly-fishing line. In this novella, the characters are so well written - you feel their pain. Simple's journals are an interesting device that fill in the blanks of his mind after being abused in a mental institution. His tenuous bond with Jude was really well done - from the first entry in the journal about their meeting at the convenience mart until the last entry at the end of the story. The journey of Emmett's broken spirit to the recovery of his dignity is the real heart of this book. This is a powerful story. Plus has one of my favorite hymns :)

[Arch Bala · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting of this story was the same setting from the author's The Butterfly Child and there’s this one scene here that almost has the same wording from a café scene in said book. I’m not sure if that was intentional or what or a mere representation of the people of the town’s MO towards newcomers.

I'm also not sure what to think about the whole spirit-hoopla going on but it was a nice touch to the story I guess even though I find it a bit disconcerting at times. I liked Simple’s story but I wished there was more exploration between him and Jude and their inta-love relationship.

[Meggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was unique one. It made me think and it will stay with me for some time. The end was more or less left open, at least for Simple and Jude, but then you couldn't expect more, because it makes sense.

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so good that after my one note in the beginning, I didn’t even think about stopping for anything. This beautiful, magical story has animalism, magical mysticism, tribal memories, and pain all spun into one beautiful nest with a falcon spinning over it. The descriptions were perfect, the characters memorable and real, and the story heart wrenching.

I highly recommend this.

My one note:
Going cold turkey off alcohol could kill an elderly dying alcoholic but I understand the need for this story.

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to read this after seeing the synopsis on here; I was curious about a story with both an m/m romance and a paranormal element. The romance was almost secondary there was so much going on. I loved Simple, he proved himself to be anything but. I do wish his developing relationship with the "Goth" Jude was explored more. Unfortunately, for me at least, the story ended with a total thud.

[Antonella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story with a spiritual/paranormal edge. The relationship between Jude and Simple was a kind of insta-love, Simple is a bit too perfect, and towards the end everything works magically well, but these are minor criticisms. Highly recommended.

[Lena Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dignity is a difficult word to define because it has different meanings depending upon the situation. If I had to define it in one word, for Emmett Bishop of 'Simple Treasures' by Alan Chin, it would be harmony. Emmett is dying and he's lost everything—his wife, his health, and his desire to live; but when Emmett loses harmony with himself and all that is around him, he loses his dignity. Fortunately for Emmett, Simple comes into his life with a solution that enables Emmett to regain his self respect.

As in all of his books, Alan Chin's characters are wonderfully flawed, each one holding the possibility of being an entire story within themselves. In this case, his main character, Simple, is the epitome of all things that appear complex, but in essence are not. Simple is just that–simple, not as in simple minded, but he's simply uncomplicated. Besides adding mystery to his personality, Simple's loss of memory also makes him less complicated because he has no past; he lives only in the present. Using his Shoshone beliefs, gentle persuasion and his unwavering humility, he convinces Emmett and his grandson, Jude, that life is far less complicated than they're making it, and by their own actions, are diminishing themselves more than anyone else ever could.

Comparing Emmett and Simple's grandfather is a good way of tying the two together not only for the reader, but for Simple as well. It shows how Simple is able to understand Emmett by what he can remember of his grandfather. It also enhances the relationship between Simple and his grandfather, enabling him to work out some of his own conflict. Emmett's influence on Simple is almost as profound as Simple's is on him. By helping Emmett restore harmony in his life, he also helps Simple find greater peace in his own life.

Jude, Emmett's grandson, is a sad, lonely man, aching for love. He knows he's different and instead of hiding it, flaunts it like a weapon against those who should be loving and accepting but aren't, i.e., his father, Lance, who exemplifies what happens when ego overtakes pride. Simple is a great influence on Jude's life not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually. They fill each other's need for companionship bringing greater peace to both of their lives.

'Simple Pleasures' is written in Alan Chin's distinctly descriptive, lyrical style, with strong characters and stronger ideals. He even throws in a mini-lesson in fly fishing and falconry. If your reading tastes lean toward a good story with more of an intellectual and spiritual bend, then this book may well be one you'll appreciate.


NOTE: This book was provided by XXX for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[A.M. Burns · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chin's ability to show details is really good. That said, he needs to know a bit more about the things he writes about. The information portrayed about falcons/hawks in general and falconry in particular is borderline deplorable. I spent way too much time cringing while reading about the bird. He obviously knew a small bit, but was too far off for me to be able to truly enjoy this work. The interactions between the main characters almost felt like an after thought. This could've been a much better work if it had been worked out a bit more and the author had bothered to actually know more about his subject matter.

[Hot Bods Erotica Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is poignant, heartfelt story about struggle, pain, dignity, and the power of love. Chin creates story of complex relationships between characters facing crisis. Emmett is dying, but in his loss, two young men find something worth living for in each other. Jude and Simple are both wrangling with inner demons and each is seeking some form of escape Jude hides in his Goth-strewn anger and Simple hides in his mystic world of spirits and Native American traditions. Chin's beautiful, poetic writing style flows wonderfully, and makes this a fantastic, magical journey.

http://hotbodseroticareviews.blogspot...

[Brandilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Brandilyn for Prism Book Alliance. Simple Treasures is a beautiful journey with a Simple man with an old soul. Simple doesn't have a past, but he knows his grandfather is with him. Each day, he finds a new future. When that present starts to include Jude and Jude's Grandfather, Emmett, Simple uses his old soul, to help Emmett and himself fly free. Simple approaches each day with the guilelessness of a child and the depth of character of an ancient. Find the whole review at http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...

[Aislinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a different sort of story than the usual romance. Simple, a Shoshone indian who was forcibly institutionalized and abused, is released to care for a dying rancher. He has no memory, but how he sees the world is beautiful, and the effects he has on the people he encounters are quite wonderful to see. This is really more a story between Simple and Emmett, the rancher, than the romance with his grandson, as the book is too short to develop that aspect as fully, but the tale it tells moved me.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not really sure what I thought of this one.
I liked Simple and Jude, but I thought the paranormal Native American theme didn't work very well. I couldn't suspend disbelief most of the time, which kind of spoiled the point of the book for me.
It was well edited and the writing was competent; the book just didn't convince me though.
I hovered at 2.5 stars, so rounded it up, as I have like some of Alan Chin's work before and didn't want to short-change him.

[Laura M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these characters and this story. Not much sex, but the story didn't need it, and there are a lot of hurt and psychological issues that aren't really addressed, but the book just let these things be part of the characters without trying to resolve them. I'll definitely be reading more Alan Chin.

[Alyosha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and memorable novella. 4.25 stars

[tizi]

i have read it... and i cannot mark it. people who know me and read this, too, will understand why.
it is well written, and an interesting subject. but i am very troubled by it, so no marks.

[George Seaton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice story, and a quick read. Some style issues that, for me, grate, but other than that I suppose it's typical Chin, and that's probably enough said.

[Ilhem · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 stars rounded up to 3