Ransom Seaborn

by Bill Deasy

"Nobody who knows Bill Deasy's wonderful music will be surprised to find that this book is filled with soul. Deasy quietly explores the ties that bind, and the evolution of a heart that everyone will recognize, and root for" -- Jane McCafferty, author of "One Heart" --- Ransom Seaborn is an astonishing literary debut in the spirit of Gatsby and Holden Caulfield.

Genres: Fiction, Literary Fiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2006

Reviews

[Kathleen Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a heavy book emotionally but there was hope in the end that made it worth the read.

Deasy uses, in my opinion, almost too many words to paint his pictures. I would almost lose interest or forget what was even being discussed by the time I would make it to the end of the description. There was also pretty uncomfortable language throughout (crude verbage, swearing, etc.).

Overall though, a good debut book.

P.S. I wanted to give this a 3.5 rating, but since that wasn't an option, I went for 4.

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There are those of us strugglers who see the light before it is too late. And there are those of us who don't."
This is an emotional story of two strugglers who chose different paths and the light that was between them.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this book from my daughter / SIL library. They know the author from Pittsburgh,PA. good read. abrupt ending. kept my attention. Read in 2 days and was quick and entertaining. I wouldn't BUY the book, but I enjoyed reading it.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this a while ago but I just saw Bill Deasy yesterday performing with The Gathering Field which reminded me of this. I will not get into details as my memory has faded as to the specifics of what I enjoyed. I do clearly recall how much I enjoyed the story of Dan Finbar and his journeys through college and relationships both male and female. It was a meaningful and well-written coming-of-age story with the added challenges that Finbar encountered. Highly recommended. I look forward to reading the next book in the trilogy.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

At only 190 pages, this is a quick read. Difficult themes of suicide/grief/guilt, with a not so happy ending. Good story that held my interest and made me care about the outcome of *some* of the characters. Marginal characters fell a bit flat. I love when the characters stick with you after you've finished the story, and you continue to think and care about them, so much that you're not quite ready to start a new story!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Ransom Seaborn was a quick read and I really could not put it down once I started. Unfortunately I did not start this book until nearly midnight but it was certainly worth staying up to finish.

The book has plenty of dark moments, but does not leave you feeling depressed. Early into the book I knew it was Ransom Seaborn was destined to be one of my favorites.

[Anjie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure if Bill would be able to make the transition from writing songs to writing a book. Not only did he make the transition, he did it amazingly well. I loved this book. It's very Hemingway/Salinger-esque. I sincerely hope he writes more. I found it to be very spiritually moving...just like his music.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pittsburgh's wonderful singer-songwriter Bill Deasy tried his hand at writing a novel, and did a pretty decent job for his first effort. While some things are predictable and some plot points could have been expanded, nonetheless it was an enjoyable read and a heartwarming story.

[Mark Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are familiar with the band The Gathering Field or Bill Deasy's music you won't be suprised to know he is a great author. I enjoyed this story and look forward to his next novel.

[Nicole Hadenfeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that you run into that will leave something inside you that you will continue to look back on. It isn't an easy ride, let me tell you, but it was well worth it.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need to read this one again ... first time was iffy