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Words Unspoken, Things Unseen
A downtown homeless shelter, the Settlement, is targeted for demolition during the Great Recession. In its place, the city wants to build a sports complex. Reverend Stephen Bentham, the Settlement’s founder and director, draws on the loyalty of his assistant, the house physician, and a visiting archeology professor to save the hundred beds. A school-age boy also joins the effort. Fending off the bulldozers tests each character. Their own troubled histories compel them to help. One of the toughest challenges is burying the house physician when he succumbs during the fight. Loyalty to one’s faith or to progress or to honor itself are grand phrases. The actual work at a shelter is hard and tedious, like growing a garden out of concrete.
170 pages, Paperback
First published April 29, 2014
371 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 3, 2024
One of the standout features of "Words Unspoken, Things Unseen" is Rodríguez's vivid use of language, which brings to life the humanity of the homeless and the volunteers at the shelter. For instance, the scene where Reverend Steve humorously promotes a Kevlar cover-jacket as a "nifty stamped keyboard" for books is both charming and thought-provoking. This moment encapsulates the novel's ability to blend humor with deeper social commentary, making the characters relatable and the narrative engaging.
However, the novel's intricate plot and numerous subplots can sometimes feel overwhelming. The story juggles multiple themes and character arcs, which occasionally leads to a lack of focus. For example, the subplot involving Rhoda's discovery of John Peabody Harrington's letters, while intriguing, sometimes detracts from the central narrative about the shelter and its residents. This can make the reading experience feel fragmented, as the novel shifts between different storylines and themes.
Albeit, this book surpassed my expectations for drama and thrill. Read it and let yourself be captivated.
However, the novel's intricate plot and numerous subplots can sometimes feel overwhelming. The story juggles multiple themes and character arcs, which occasionally leads to a lack of focus. For example, the subplot involving Rhoda's discovery of John Peabody Harrington's letters, while intriguing, sometimes detracts from the central narrative about the shelter and its residents. This can make the reading experience feel fragmented, as the novel shifts between different storylines and themes.
Albeit, this book surpassed my expectations for drama and thrill. Read it and let yourself be captivated.
June 28, 2024
"Words Unspoken, Things Unseen" is a moving tribute to the unseen efforts of shelter workers and a compelling read for anyone interested in stories of resilience and compassion.
Spoiler Alert! When the going gets tough, Bentham's allies include his loyal assistant, the house physician, a visiting archaeology professor, and a young boy. Each character's troubled past fuels their determination to save the shelter. The novel delves into their personal struggles and the harsh realities of shelter work, painting a vivid picture of loyalty, faith, and perseverance.
Joe Rodríguez masterfully uses poetic prose to bring the scenes to life, allowing readers to vividly imagine the settings and emotions. The narrative is rich with social consciousness, making it a valuable read for open-minded individuals. The characters' journeys are deeply human, and their resilience in the face of adversity is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. This book is sure to be loved by many, and I cannot recommend it enough.
Spoiler Alert! When the going gets tough, Bentham's allies include his loyal assistant, the house physician, a visiting archaeology professor, and a young boy. Each character's troubled past fuels their determination to save the shelter. The novel delves into their personal struggles and the harsh realities of shelter work, painting a vivid picture of loyalty, faith, and perseverance.
Joe Rodríguez masterfully uses poetic prose to bring the scenes to life, allowing readers to vividly imagine the settings and emotions. The narrative is rich with social consciousness, making it a valuable read for open-minded individuals. The characters' journeys are deeply human, and their resilience in the face of adversity is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. This book is sure to be loved by many, and I cannot recommend it enough.
July 2, 2024
If you are looking for a book straight from one person’s heart and soul, then I’m pretty sure that you are going to enjoy “Words Unspoken Things Unseen”.
The narrative intricately weaves the lives of its characters—Reverend Steve, Guzmán, Rhoda, and young Juanito—each grappling with personal struggles and moral dilemmas. The exploration of death, transformation, and the pursuit of meaning recurs throughout, underscored by poignant moments and intricate relationships. Rodríguez’s poetic prose and rich character portrayals make this a compelling read that challenges readers to consider the unseen battles and enduring spirit of those often overlooked by society.
Written by one of the most prolific authors in the U.S., Joe Rodriguez's book had me in tears throughout the entire reading.
The narrative intricately weaves the lives of its characters—Reverend Steve, Guzmán, Rhoda, and young Juanito—each grappling with personal struggles and moral dilemmas. The exploration of death, transformation, and the pursuit of meaning recurs throughout, underscored by poignant moments and intricate relationships. Rodríguez’s poetic prose and rich character portrayals make this a compelling read that challenges readers to consider the unseen battles and enduring spirit of those often overlooked by society.
Written by one of the most prolific authors in the U.S., Joe Rodriguez's book had me in tears throughout the entire reading.
July 3, 2024
“Words Unspoken, Things Unseen” by Joe Rodriguez captivates with its gripping plot. Tensions escalate as the shelter faces threats from developers and institutional pressures, while Rhoda's discovery of historical letters adds layers of ethical dilemma. The characters, especially young Juanito and Doc Manny battling cancer, navigate their personal struggles amidst these challenges.
The climax is heart-wrenching as Doc Manny's health crisis unites the community in a moment of shared vulnerability. Rhoda's pivotal decision regarding Harrington's letters adds to the narrative's emotional depth, illustrating the resilience of the shelter's inhabitants.
Let me share my experience with this book. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking inspiration in the face of adversity and injustice.
The climax is heart-wrenching as Doc Manny's health crisis unites the community in a moment of shared vulnerability. Rhoda's pivotal decision regarding Harrington's letters adds to the narrative's emotional depth, illustrating the resilience of the shelter's inhabitants.
Let me share my experience with this book. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking inspiration in the face of adversity and injustice.
June 28, 2024
After a hiatus from full-length novels, 'Words Unspoken Things Unseen' proved to be my perfect remedy for reader's block. Joe Rodriguez skillfully tackles a pertinent theme, illustrating the transformative impact of resilience in our lives.
Set against the backdrop of the Great Recession, "Words Unspoken, Things Unseen" follows Reverend Stephen Bentham and his team at the Settlement, a downtown homeless shelter, in their battle against its demolition for a sports complex.
I was genuinely engrossed by Rodriguez's adept storytelling, which weaves a compelling narrative around a deeply sensitive topic. Through the characters' journeys, the author delivers a powerful message of hope and humanity.
Set against the backdrop of the Great Recession, "Words Unspoken, Things Unseen" follows Reverend Stephen Bentham and his team at the Settlement, a downtown homeless shelter, in their battle against its demolition for a sports complex.
I was genuinely engrossed by Rodriguez's adept storytelling, which weaves a compelling narrative around a deeply sensitive topic. Through the characters' journeys, the author delivers a powerful message of hope and humanity.
June 28, 2024
"Words Unspoken, Things Unseen" by Joe Rodriguez is a powerful exploration of social justice, poverty, and human resilience, set during the Great Recession. The novel follows Reverend Stephen Bentham and his team as they fight to save their downtown homeless shelter from demolition.
What I admire about this book is Rodriguez's ability to create rich, relatable characters. Each one's unique voice and backstory make their struggles and triumphs feel deeply personal. The author handles complex themes with sensitivity and insight, offering a nuanced look at social justice and poverty.
This novel is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. It left a lasting impact on me, highlighting the beauty of human connection and the hope found in dark times. I love it!
What I admire about this book is Rodriguez's ability to create rich, relatable characters. Each one's unique voice and backstory make their struggles and triumphs feel deeply personal. The author handles complex themes with sensitivity and insight, offering a nuanced look at social justice and poverty.
This novel is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. It left a lasting impact on me, highlighting the beauty of human connection and the hope found in dark times. I love it!
June 28, 2024
"Words Unspoken Things Unseen" has all the makings of a touching, entertaining, and inspiring blockbuster movie for fans of contemporary fiction.
The story centers around a downtown homeless shelter, the Settlement, and its fight against demolition during an unprecedented time. The plot takes a poignant turn when the house physician dies, underscoring the relentless challenges faced by those dedicated to helping others.
Joe Rodriguez brings a unique perspective to this narrative, having both academic and personal experiences with homelessness. His firsthand knowledge of flophouses and his time serving in Vietnam lend authenticity to the story. The novel is a compelling exploration of loyalty, faith, and the fight for survival in a rapidly changing world.
The story centers around a downtown homeless shelter, the Settlement, and its fight against demolition during an unprecedented time. The plot takes a poignant turn when the house physician dies, underscoring the relentless challenges faced by those dedicated to helping others.
Joe Rodriguez brings a unique perspective to this narrative, having both academic and personal experiences with homelessness. His firsthand knowledge of flophouses and his time serving in Vietnam lend authenticity to the story. The novel is a compelling exploration of loyalty, faith, and the fight for survival in a rapidly changing world.
July 2, 2024
A deeply vulnerable and beautiful portrayal of inspiring individuals, each demonstrating acts of extreme courage.
"Words Unspoken, Things Unseen” by Joe Rodríguez beautifully explores social justice, poverty, and strength. It's set in a downtown homeless shelter, delving into the lives of the homeless and those who help them. The characters are deeply fleshed out, and the scenes are vividly narrated, immersing you as if you're watching a full series unfold. The book is written in a beautiful and vehement language and delivers its purpose efficiently.
The author has a knack for touching readers' hearts, and I truly admire Joe for that. Dive into this book and let it resonate with your own heart.
"Words Unspoken, Things Unseen” by Joe Rodríguez beautifully explores social justice, poverty, and strength. It's set in a downtown homeless shelter, delving into the lives of the homeless and those who help them. The characters are deeply fleshed out, and the scenes are vividly narrated, immersing you as if you're watching a full series unfold. The book is written in a beautiful and vehement language and delivers its purpose efficiently.
The author has a knack for touching readers' hearts, and I truly admire Joe for that. Dive into this book and let it resonate with your own heart.
July 3, 2024
Reverend Steve and his eclectic team, including Guzmán (Molca) and anthropologist Rhoda, form a compelling ensemble. Rhoda's discovery of historical artifacts adds depth to the narrative, blending personal and historical quests.
The novel's strength lies in its portrayal of resilience amidst adversity. Set during the Great Recession, the shelter's fight against demolition symbolizes larger societal struggles. Each character's backstory enriches their motivations, making their efforts to save the shelter both poignant and urgent.
From the very beginning, this book grabs your attention. The superb character development and intriguing plot are sure to amaze you. Rodriguez's prose is evocative, capturing the gritty reality of shelter life and the emotional stakes involved.
The novel's strength lies in its portrayal of resilience amidst adversity. Set during the Great Recession, the shelter's fight against demolition symbolizes larger societal struggles. Each character's backstory enriches their motivations, making their efforts to save the shelter both poignant and urgent.
From the very beginning, this book grabs your attention. The superb character development and intriguing plot are sure to amaze you. Rodriguez's prose is evocative, capturing the gritty reality of shelter life and the emotional stakes involved.
July 3, 2024
Can the power of community and compassion overcome the harsh realities of poverty and social neglect?
Set primarily in a shelter, the story masterfully explores themes of social justice, poverty, and human resilience through vivid, poetic prose and deeply human characters. Rodríguez's writing style is both evocative and engaging, making the struggles and triumphs of the characters feel incredibly real. The discovery of John Peabody Harrington's letters adds an intriguing historical dimension, while the relationships between characters like Reverend Steve, Rhoda, and young Juanito provide emotional depth.
Once I started reading this book, I couldn't stop. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking inspiration amid the challenges and injustices of the world.
Set primarily in a shelter, the story masterfully explores themes of social justice, poverty, and human resilience through vivid, poetic prose and deeply human characters. Rodríguez's writing style is both evocative and engaging, making the struggles and triumphs of the characters feel incredibly real. The discovery of John Peabody Harrington's letters adds an intriguing historical dimension, while the relationships between characters like Reverend Steve, Rhoda, and young Juanito provide emotional depth.
Once I started reading this book, I couldn't stop. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking inspiration amid the challenges and injustices of the world.
July 2, 2024
"Words Unspoken, Things Unseen" by Joe Rodriguez vividly portrays the struggles of characters at a downtown homeless shelter facing imminent closure. Through Juanito's innocent perspective and the adults' complex dilemmas, Rodriguez crafts a narrative rich in empathy and social commentary. The shelter's fight against external pressures—from the Alliance of Churches to city developers—adds urgency to their battle for survival.
The author's depiction of courage intertwined with spirituality truly captivated me. I wholeheartedly recommend this book—it deserves 5 out of 5 stars. I'm grateful that it's available for readers to experience and celebrate the essence of humanity.
The author's depiction of courage intertwined with spirituality truly captivated me. I wholeheartedly recommend this book—it deserves 5 out of 5 stars. I'm grateful that it's available for readers to experience and celebrate the essence of humanity.
July 2, 2024
The emotions, sadness, and pain in this book feel incredibly real. It's amazing how the author crafted such a wonderful story with lively characters and intriguing plot twists.
What I appreciate most about this book is its authentic portrayal of the shelter as more than just a refuge—it's a microcosm of society’s marginalized, offering not only physical necessities but also emotional support and a sense of community. Rodríguez's depiction of the setting, from the mission grounds to the urban environment, underscores the stark contrast between street life's harsh realities and the sanctuary found within the shelter's walls.
There’s nothing that I dislike about the book.
What I appreciate most about this book is its authentic portrayal of the shelter as more than just a refuge—it's a microcosm of society’s marginalized, offering not only physical necessities but also emotional support and a sense of community. Rodríguez's depiction of the setting, from the mission grounds to the urban environment, underscores the stark contrast between street life's harsh realities and the sanctuary found within the shelter's walls.
There’s nothing that I dislike about the book.
July 3, 2024
What happens when a homeless shelter faces demolition, but its community fights back with resilience and hope?
In “Words Unspoken, Things Unseen” by Joe Rodriguez, the final pages bring a poignant sense of closure and hope. Pastor Stephen Robert Bentham and his community commemorate Doc Manny's legacy with a dedicated memorial fountain, symbolizing their shared resilience. The shelter perseveres, strengthened by the bonds forged amidst adversity.
I was profoundly moved, and I greatly admire the author for it. This book truly changes lives. If you haven't felt joy amid pain or hope amid fear, you need to read this. I'm enthusiastic about recommending it.
In “Words Unspoken, Things Unseen” by Joe Rodriguez, the final pages bring a poignant sense of closure and hope. Pastor Stephen Robert Bentham and his community commemorate Doc Manny's legacy with a dedicated memorial fountain, symbolizing their shared resilience. The shelter perseveres, strengthened by the bonds forged amidst adversity.
I was profoundly moved, and I greatly admire the author for it. This book truly changes lives. If you haven't felt joy amid pain or hope amid fear, you need to read this. I'm enthusiastic about recommending it.
July 2, 2024
This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates beautifully crafted stories that shine a light on the unsung heroes of the war on poverty.
From Reverend Steve's unwavering commitment to the shelter, to Rhoda's academic pursuits intersecting with her mission work, and young Juanito's innocent yet profound perspective, each character's journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
If this resonates with you, then this book is a must-read. Don't miss the chance to ride the emotional roller coaster crafted by the author. It was a fantastic read, and I strongly recommend it.
From Reverend Steve's unwavering commitment to the shelter, to Rhoda's academic pursuits intersecting with her mission work, and young Juanito's innocent yet profound perspective, each character's journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
If this resonates with you, then this book is a must-read. Don't miss the chance to ride the emotional roller coaster crafted by the author. It was a fantastic read, and I strongly recommend it.
March 22, 2019
Keeping a roof above our heads has always been one of the main things I tried to teach my family.No matter what we need a place to rest and feel safe.No matter what else we have.This story about the homeless shelter was sad but the people there running it and the people staying there became a family.We all at some point in our lives understand that family isn't always blood related.This book is a good reminder of that.
April 21, 2018
I won this book quite a while back as a Goodreads giveaway and only just got around to it now.
My feelings about this book are mixed. While it was mostly well written, it just kinda meanders and is more of a slice of life thing. Not really my cup of tea. YMMV.
My feelings about this book are mixed. While it was mostly well written, it just kinda meanders and is more of a slice of life thing. Not really my cup of tea. YMMV.
June 5, 2019
A well written book by the man himself who experienced being homeless. I would highly recommend this to anyone especially to those who wants to read poetic prose and those who are into social issues especially about homelessness. Thumbs up Joe !
Keep it coming!
Keep it coming!
September 26, 2016
It was a little hard to read at first, but a profound story.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews