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Haskell Himself
Meet Haskell Hodge. At sixteen he’s already garnered some fame as a former child actor and star of a popular cereal commercial. But that doesn’t do much for him when he’s dumped at his aunt’s house in the suburbs of Los Angeles to face an assortment of neighborhood bullies.
He thinks he might be gay. In fact, he could be the only gay person in the valley, maybe on the entire planet. Even if he does manage to find a boyfriend, their relationship would have to be secret and invisible.
After all it’s 1966. And though Time Magazine claims the sexual revolution is in full swing, the freedoms straight people are enjoying don’t seem to apply to everyone. And as much as Haskell attempts to hide his true self, carefully navigating the tricky and risky terrain of being queer, he’s still taunted and teased relentlessly.
Rather than give in to the irrationality of this hate, Haskell fights back, eventually finding an unlikely outlet to vent his frustration and angst—playing a bully in a screen test for a major motion picture. If he plays his cards right, it could catapult him into Hollywood stardom.
Of course, like most things in life, it comes with a heavy price Haskell’s not certain he’s willing to pay.
He thinks he might be gay. In fact, he could be the only gay person in the valley, maybe on the entire planet. Even if he does manage to find a boyfriend, their relationship would have to be secret and invisible.
After all it’s 1966. And though Time Magazine claims the sexual revolution is in full swing, the freedoms straight people are enjoying don’t seem to apply to everyone. And as much as Haskell attempts to hide his true self, carefully navigating the tricky and risky terrain of being queer, he’s still taunted and teased relentlessly.
Rather than give in to the irrationality of this hate, Haskell fights back, eventually finding an unlikely outlet to vent his frustration and angst—playing a bully in a screen test for a major motion picture. If he plays his cards right, it could catapult him into Hollywood stardom.
Of course, like most things in life, it comes with a heavy price Haskell’s not certain he’s willing to pay.
327 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2020
9 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 27, 2020
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When I picked up my Kindle to start reading Haskell Himself, I didn't have very high expectations. Having not read many LGBTQ+ books before, I was more hoping to get more diverse stories in my reading year, and the Hollywood-themed 60's story was an added bonus.
From the beginning, I felt immersed in the acting lessons and the choices Haskell makes to get himself on the path of becoming an actor like his own parents. I resonated with being raised by a single mom and a not-so-much-caring father who lives in another part of the country and I felt sympathetic to Haskell having to pretty much take care of himself.
The book is set after the Sexual Revolution takes place, but being gay is still considered a crime and getting discovered would end Haskell's acting career before it even starts. This situation adds a lot of pressure and frustration as the teenaged boy is trying to discover his sexuality and identity. The drama is multiplied when his mother announces her departure with her married boyfriend and the news bomb that he has to leave New York in his final year of high school and move to LA to live with his aunt's family.
Being a nerd, a former child actor, having starred in a popular cereal commercial and refusing to help the star-athlete cheat for a school assignment at his new high school, he quickly becomes the target of bullies and cruel pranks. But the story is not all drama, because Haskell manages to find true friends in this incredibly difficult situation and great acting opportunities arise.
Haskell Himself is very well written, engaging and unique. The characters are complex, they all have their own driving force, they make mistakes and become better versions of themselves. I definitely recommend this book.
When I picked up my Kindle to start reading Haskell Himself, I didn't have very high expectations. Having not read many LGBTQ+ books before, I was more hoping to get more diverse stories in my reading year, and the Hollywood-themed 60's story was an added bonus.
From the beginning, I felt immersed in the acting lessons and the choices Haskell makes to get himself on the path of becoming an actor like his own parents. I resonated with being raised by a single mom and a not-so-much-caring father who lives in another part of the country and I felt sympathetic to Haskell having to pretty much take care of himself.
The book is set after the Sexual Revolution takes place, but being gay is still considered a crime and getting discovered would end Haskell's acting career before it even starts. This situation adds a lot of pressure and frustration as the teenaged boy is trying to discover his sexuality and identity. The drama is multiplied when his mother announces her departure with her married boyfriend and the news bomb that he has to leave New York in his final year of high school and move to LA to live with his aunt's family.
Being a nerd, a former child actor, having starred in a popular cereal commercial and refusing to help the star-athlete cheat for a school assignment at his new high school, he quickly becomes the target of bullies and cruel pranks. But the story is not all drama, because Haskell manages to find true friends in this incredibly difficult situation and great acting opportunities arise.
Haskell Himself is very well written, engaging and unique. The characters are complex, they all have their own driving force, they make mistakes and become better versions of themselves. I definitely recommend this book.
October 24, 2019
A must read YA novel that captures the angst, misery and frustration of being a teenager who doesn’t fit the mold. I couldn’t put it down.
September 23, 2020
I have recieved this book when it had first came out in January. I just recently have started reading it. The only complaint I have about this book is that I wish I had read it sooner! This novel is such a wonderful read (honestly a book I will re-read). This is my second LGBTQ book I have read, the first being "Call me by your name" by Andre Aciman.
I didn't really know what to expect when I started reading Haskell Himself. I guess I was expecting a mushy love story, which in the end I kind of got?
I cannot explain how much I loved this story. It was adorable, exciting, and sad.
I loved how accepting Haskell's mother was when he was questioning his sexuality and even after he had admitted having a boyfriend she was still okay with it. Not many parents are accepting about these things. Her speech in the end had me tearing up and I really felt so bad for Haskell. I can only imagine how he had felt.
This is one of the best novels I have over read (okay, I might be getting ahead of myself here), but seriously, I would love to see another novel with Haskell and how he moves forward in his life. This deserves a movie adaption. I really thought it was that great! Highly recommend!!
I didn't really know what to expect when I started reading Haskell Himself. I guess I was expecting a mushy love story, which in the end I kind of got?
I cannot explain how much I loved this story. It was adorable, exciting, and sad.
I loved how accepting Haskell's mother was when he was questioning his sexuality and even after he had admitted having a boyfriend she was still okay with it. Not many parents are accepting about these things. Her speech in the end had me tearing up and I really felt so bad for Haskell. I can only imagine how he had felt.
This is one of the best novels I have over read (okay, I might be getting ahead of myself here), but seriously, I would love to see another novel with Haskell and how he moves forward in his life. This deserves a movie adaption. I really thought it was that great! Highly recommend!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 20, 2020Audiobook provided for review by the author.
January 20, 2020
Haskell Himself drew me in instantly into the life of a precarious teenager with sharp wit and a dark secret. This book might be centered around the 1960's but I feel like the events that Haskell struggled with are still relevant in this decade, such as bullying, searching for acceptance and being true to himself. I don't think any of those scenarios will ever go away. I found it hard to put this book down and I hope you find this book to be a satisfying read, as I did!
October 10, 2019
Gary Seigel’s debut novel, Haskell Himself, will draw you intimately into the life of a precocious teenager with a sharp wit and for him— a dark secret. For someone like me who did not live in Los Angeles in the 1960s, I felt genuinely transported and learned a lot about life in Hollywood and Encino during that time. One of the writer’s gifts is his ability to make you empathize with his characters. We feel for Haskell and experience his highs and lows as he adapts to a new life in Southern California after living in New York City. Like many teens his age, he struggles with some of the universal themes of adolescence: bullying, searching for acceptance, and trying to be true to himself. Even though the novel may appear to be a nostalgic look into the wild 1960s, the events are still especially relevant to challenges many teens face today. Ultimately, I found it hard to put this book down as I eagerly looked forward to how Haskell overcomes the many challenges he faces. Hopefully, like me, you will find Seigel’s Haskell Himself a deeply satisfying and fun read.
January 20, 2020
Haskell Hodge is a sixteen year old from New York who is focused on school and his acting career. It's 1966 and Haskell is on his own a lot since his mother is a busy realtor who often works late into the night, he is also a loner without many friends. Heading into his senior year, Haskell's mom drops a bomb, she is going overseas with her boyfriend and Haskell will be moving to L.A. with his aunt and uncle. Haskell absolutely does not want to uproot his life; however, after a strange going away party where Haskell kissed a boy and liked it, he decides it might be best to run away from the embarrassment. Haskell finds it difficult to adjust to life with a family, but eventually makes it work. In L.A. he also finds some friends, but he is still worried that he might be gay and the implications of what that might mean for his future.
Haskell Himself is a unique view into the defining year for a young man in the 1960's. Haskell's character is complex and he is at a time in his life where he is changing and growing as well as living in a decade that is redefining lifestyle and freedom. The writing truly made me feel for Haskell as he went on an emotional roller coaster. The descriptions of the inner turmoil Haskell faced within his head were wonderfully done and I was amazed as Haskell went from confusion to denial and acceptance. Along with his sexuality, Haskell also figures out how to be a friend and family member. I thought these transitions were just as thoughtful. I enjoyed seeing 1960's L.A. through Haskell's eyes, especially since he was involved with acting. I would have loved to see how Haskell actually dealt with being on set for his movie and how he dealt with the possible fame it brought. Overall, an important and insightful historical coming of age story.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Haskell Himself is a unique view into the defining year for a young man in the 1960's. Haskell's character is complex and he is at a time in his life where he is changing and growing as well as living in a decade that is redefining lifestyle and freedom. The writing truly made me feel for Haskell as he went on an emotional roller coaster. The descriptions of the inner turmoil Haskell faced within his head were wonderfully done and I was amazed as Haskell went from confusion to denial and acceptance. Along with his sexuality, Haskell also figures out how to be a friend and family member. I thought these transitions were just as thoughtful. I enjoyed seeing 1960's L.A. through Haskell's eyes, especially since he was involved with acting. I would have loved to see how Haskell actually dealt with being on set for his movie and how he dealt with the possible fame it brought. Overall, an important and insightful historical coming of age story.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
March 18, 2020
Talk about turmoil. Pity Haskell Hodge.
He’s growing up during the “best years of life,” smack dab in the middle of the sexual revolution, is highly intelligent and well on his way to a promising career as an actor. What many would see as opportunity, Haskell sees as an inconvenience at best, a horror at worst.
So why all the angst? Haskell is a gay at a time when being so was as destructive as one could endure. Although his sexuality simmers for a time, Haskell devotes much of his time trying to “drive the homo out of me,” and he spends a lot of time wondering why “my brain [is] so miswired?”
However, as the girl he hopes will prove to himself that he’s straight tells him, “You can’t take the you out of you.”
As far as the writing goes, there are two standout things about this novel deserving mention. The first is how adept Seigel is at capturing the physical reactions to emotional upheaval as Haskell make his move from the East coast to the West and likewise through the time span covered.
The other aspect of this book is that this book closes with one hell of a last line.
Delve into the mind of Haskell Hodges: the journey is worth it.
He’s growing up during the “best years of life,” smack dab in the middle of the sexual revolution, is highly intelligent and well on his way to a promising career as an actor. What many would see as opportunity, Haskell sees as an inconvenience at best, a horror at worst.
So why all the angst? Haskell is a gay at a time when being so was as destructive as one could endure. Although his sexuality simmers for a time, Haskell devotes much of his time trying to “drive the homo out of me,” and he spends a lot of time wondering why “my brain [is] so miswired?”
However, as the girl he hopes will prove to himself that he’s straight tells him, “You can’t take the you out of you.”
As far as the writing goes, there are two standout things about this novel deserving mention. The first is how adept Seigel is at capturing the physical reactions to emotional upheaval as Haskell make his move from the East coast to the West and likewise through the time span covered.
The other aspect of this book is that this book closes with one hell of a last line.
Delve into the mind of Haskell Hodges: the journey is worth it.
March 28, 2020
Sixteen-year-old Haskell Hodge is a former child star actor who is dealing with a crisis of identity in the worst time possible. Fearing he might be gay, in 1966 when such things were not acceptable, he is resigning himself to a lonely life. Meanwhile, in the neighborhood, bullies have set their sights on him and are relentless in their pursuit of Haskell. In a time of sexual freedom, Haskell learns the harsh lesson that freedom for some does not mean freedom for all. When a career opportunity comes along to play a bully on screen for a major movie, Haskell has to determine if he is willing to play the personal cost for his career success.
Very emotional book. We are taken on the rollercoaster of a lifetime in this book, the physical and emotional highs and lows that will end up shaping Haskell as much as his external environment. The author is able to recreate the feel of the sixties complete with the counterculture and revolution in social norms about clothing, music, drugs, dress, sexuality, formalities, and schooling while still giving us a poignant story about this boy who had to grow up to quick and is in danger of losing himself in the process.
Very emotional book. We are taken on the rollercoaster of a lifetime in this book, the physical and emotional highs and lows that will end up shaping Haskell as much as his external environment. The author is able to recreate the feel of the sixties complete with the counterculture and revolution in social norms about clothing, music, drugs, dress, sexuality, formalities, and schooling while still giving us a poignant story about this boy who had to grow up to quick and is in danger of losing himself in the process.
January 20, 2020
The story is set in 1966. Haskell lives with his mother in New York. But she barely sees her, because of her work. When his mother suddenly, with no warning, decides to take time off work and travel with her boyfriend, it comes as a shock to Haskell. He has to move across the country, to live with his aunt and uncle in California. Leaving his school, from everything he knows.
He is faced with bullying, a lot. He is not the kind of guy, to fit in. He loves theater, acting, has no idea about most of the sports. And he might be gay.
Growing up is tough at any age, it seems extra hard for Haskell.
It's a beautiful story of growing up, of being different and finding yourself in difficult times.
The writing is just beautiful. I felt like I was there with Haskell.
It's the kind of story that touches you, moves you, pulls at all your heartstrings...
I highly recommend it!
received from Xpresso Book Tours
He is faced with bullying, a lot. He is not the kind of guy, to fit in. He loves theater, acting, has no idea about most of the sports. And he might be gay.
Growing up is tough at any age, it seems extra hard for Haskell.
It's a beautiful story of growing up, of being different and finding yourself in difficult times.
The writing is just beautiful. I felt like I was there with Haskell.
It's the kind of story that touches you, moves you, pulls at all your heartstrings...
I highly recommend it!
received from Xpresso Book Tours
March 27, 2020
Haskell Himself by Gary is an unputdownable coming of age story with an LGBT twist. Haskell is a 16-year-old kid growing up in the sixties. Even with the sexual revolution going on, he is struggling to find his place as a gay young man. He's already had a modicum of success, as a former child star but wants more from life. Added to his own complicated path is the fact that his mother takes off, leaving Haskell with his aunt. This book is a great story, an expose' of the culture at the time, and interesting to read. Emotional upheaval and conflicting emotions feature prominently in this story, giving it a relatable edge. You can relate to Haskell's struggles. Issues like bullying are also tackled, making this a relevant novel, even today. Highly recommend.
Read
April 5, 2021i feel a little bad about it but i just couldn't get into it. it has so so many wonderful reviews so this book is obviously right for so many people, i'm just not one of them sadly. it just started way too abruptly and was all over the place which i usually don't mind, so i'm not too sure why it bothered me so much with this book. i'm also not a fan of first person pov \at all\ so maybe that had something to do with why i just wasn't clicking with it. again, this is definitely the right book for some, just not for me.
only leaving a semi-review and not rating it as i did not fully finish it.
only leaving a semi-review and not rating it as i did not fully finish it.
Read
November 10, 2019Haskell Himself is an incredibly engaging book.
To me the sign of a good book is while I’m in the process of reading it, I am thinking about the characters, wanting to tell them my thoughts, and then still thinking about them when the book is over.
I definitely had this experience with this book.
The book is very timely and many high school students can identify with the confusion around their sexuality and relationships, whether gay or straight.
Thank you Gary Seigel for writing such a wonderful book. I look forward to the next one.
Shoshana Brower
To me the sign of a good book is while I’m in the process of reading it, I am thinking about the characters, wanting to tell them my thoughts, and then still thinking about them when the book is over.
I definitely had this experience with this book.
The book is very timely and many high school students can identify with the confusion around their sexuality and relationships, whether gay or straight.
Thank you Gary Seigel for writing such a wonderful book. I look forward to the next one.
Shoshana Brower
December 28, 2021
Growing up and become aware I was gay in England in the sixties, also crazy about the theatre and having acting talent, I am a few years older than Haskell but could identify with so many of his problems.This is a really lively, entertaining and endearing book. I loved it.
It was especially interesting to read having just published an account of my own journey in A Proper Contentment, although, unlike Haskell, I was never to get into films.
I look forward to reading more novels by this author.
It was especially interesting to read having just published an account of my own journey in A Proper Contentment, although, unlike Haskell, I was never to get into films.
I look forward to reading more novels by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2020
Haskell Himself is an absolute delight. The novel is wonderfully engaging, enchanting, and moving. Haskell’s journey of finding himself felt palpably real. I found myself lost in Haskell’s world and thinking about him throughout the day. I highly recommend this fantastic read.
November 1, 2021
Great story
This is a great story. It grabs you and takes for ride in the ups and downs of teenage life and adult life in the moment. The characters are great and it shows how people change. The narrator with the audio addition of the book makes it come alive. Too! Go for it.
This is a great story. It grabs you and takes for ride in the ups and downs of teenage life and adult life in the moment. The characters are great and it shows how people change. The narrator with the audio addition of the book makes it come alive. Too! Go for it.
May 14, 2020
This was a good book & well written . I found Haskell's perspective interesting and I sympathize with his situation. It wasn't really my cup of tea but a good book nonetheless.
April 2, 2021
Believable...
For the most part I believed in all the characters, their lives and struggles. Will there be a sequel, if there was / is, I would read it.
For the most part I believed in all the characters, their lives and struggles. Will there be a sequel, if there was / is, I would read it.
March 12, 2022
It begins not bad, but the whole book is terrible. The plot completely crumbled. The impression that the author himself became boring, or the book finished another person.
January 17, 2023
This is a really well-written book but god almighty it bummed me out
February 9, 2020
The book is well written and it does describe the teenage angst so well but I must admit I wasn't a fan of the main character. I did really enjoy the relationship he shared with his cousin and I was sad that the friendship with Henri didn't survive.
January 23, 2020
Haskell Himself is a wonderful, poignant, coming-of-age story. Set in the 1960s, the social climate plays a huge part in Haskell's journey of self-discovery and self-love. But the lessons learned and messages delivered are timeless, and still very relevant in today's world. Gary Seigel delicately deals with themes of bullying, searching for acceptance and sexual orientation in a book that is absolutely gripping, yet still entertaining.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
January 19, 2020
Haskell is a delightful young man and I was drawn into his story from the first page. He’s intelligent and funny and slightly out of tune with his peers. His journey to find and define himself while navigating a new living environment is something that many of us can relate to. I loved this book and look forward to reading further adventures of Haskell.
January 20, 2020
YA angst, a book full of feels. Loved it!
4.5 Stars
4.5 Stars
January 11, 2020
A few of the other reviewers of Haskell Himself mention that this is a book they couldn’t put down. I could, and did, several times. First of all, the internal angst-ridden, am-I-gay-am-I-not-gay monologue of the protagonist would often send me into reveries of my own similarly conflicted adolescence. Secondly, the detailed descriptions of Southern California in the late 1960’s would cause me to pause and call up my own memories of certain physical locales referenced by the author, Gary Seigel, who is himself an L. A. native. His vivid descriptions of the landscape, both of the San Fernando Valley and Haskell’s interior terrain are evocative and irritating, lovable and laughable. The extremes of the adolescent thought process, both catastrophic and fantastic, are captured in technicolor detail here. Along the way, Haskell puts muscle to his musings, and this book reveals itself for what it truly is. This is a debut novel about a young man’s becoming. And what a fine debut it is.
January 16, 2020
This coming to age novel is tells the story of Haskell and his journey to find who he truly is. This tale of a young gay male shows the hardships of growing up in the 60’s where being queer is strongly disapproved of by the general public. Gary Seigel captures the essence of growing up queer and the trials and tribulations that come with it. Highly recommend this book and looking forward to the sequel!
January 11, 2020
Haskell grabbed me on page 1 and wouldn't let go...
He is a fully engaging and lovable, quintessentially quirky teenage male: full of hope, full of contradictions, full of angst about being gay, and full of plans....many of which go awry. The latter provide many humorous and poignant twists and turns of the plot.
From his peripatetic mom to his steadfast uncle to his dream boat fantasy boyfriend to his pig Latin fluent girlfriend, he is surrounded by a wonderful collection of characters orbiting around his typical teenage self-introspection.
Along the way, the author provides a written homage to 1960's southern California in much the way that Tarantino provides a visual homage in "Once upon A Time in Hollywood."
I started Haskell Himself late one evening and didn't finish it until 3 AM the next morning. It ruined my sleep but made my day (and week).
He is a fully engaging and lovable, quintessentially quirky teenage male: full of hope, full of contradictions, full of angst about being gay, and full of plans....many of which go awry. The latter provide many humorous and poignant twists and turns of the plot.
From his peripatetic mom to his steadfast uncle to his dream boat fantasy boyfriend to his pig Latin fluent girlfriend, he is surrounded by a wonderful collection of characters orbiting around his typical teenage self-introspection.
Along the way, the author provides a written homage to 1960's southern California in much the way that Tarantino provides a visual homage in "Once upon A Time in Hollywood."
I started Haskell Himself late one evening and didn't finish it until 3 AM the next morning. It ruined my sleep but made my day (and week).
November 1, 2020
Haskell Himself is a coming-of-age story set in the 60s of a 16-year-old kid whose life is uprooted from New York when he is sent to live with his aunt’s family in California.
Even with the sexual revolution gathering strength, Haskell makes some uncomfortable discoveries about his own sexuality. Coming to a new town, the fear of labels and exposure, frustration, misery, adolescence confusion, the bullying that ensues, trials and tribulations of being different, his search for acceptance and self-love against the backdrop of Hollywood dreams and aspirations, makes this a very engaging read.
The thoughts shared in this book are timeless and very relevant today especially because of the changing political climate around the world. I particularly liked Haskell’s equation with his Uncle Ted and cousin Hope. Haskell is a smart kid with quick wit and awkward charm. But for a book written in 2020, I hoped that some topics would be treated with a bit more depth; and some social and political issues that were tapped into are explored further. Just felt like an opportunity missed. Maybe we will get to see more of that in a sequel someday. Irrespective of this, we need more such stories coming out, we need to meet more Haskells and learn from their journeys. They need to be given their due place and space in this conversation. We need more such books. But above all what we need the most is empathy.
Even with the sexual revolution gathering strength, Haskell makes some uncomfortable discoveries about his own sexuality. Coming to a new town, the fear of labels and exposure, frustration, misery, adolescence confusion, the bullying that ensues, trials and tribulations of being different, his search for acceptance and self-love against the backdrop of Hollywood dreams and aspirations, makes this a very engaging read.
The thoughts shared in this book are timeless and very relevant today especially because of the changing political climate around the world. I particularly liked Haskell’s equation with his Uncle Ted and cousin Hope. Haskell is a smart kid with quick wit and awkward charm. But for a book written in 2020, I hoped that some topics would be treated with a bit more depth; and some social and political issues that were tapped into are explored further. Just felt like an opportunity missed. Maybe we will get to see more of that in a sequel someday. Irrespective of this, we need more such stories coming out, we need to meet more Haskells and learn from their journeys. They need to be given their due place and space in this conversation. We need more such books. But above all what we need the most is empathy.
Read
October 7, 2019As a friend of the author, Gary Seigel, I was able to read the last draft of this book before publication, as well as a much shorter earlier draft. I'm pleased to say I found it very well written, with a fast-paced and entertaining style, leavened with dark and quirky humor. At the same time I found the final draft very thought-provoking. Haskell is trying to come to grips with the possibility of being gay at a time when homosexuals were a minority almost universally despised--by conservatives, liberals, the religious, the secular, in all countries, and at a time when homosexuals had very little political organization or support. In the process, he encounters obstacles that were typical in the late sixties and that persist in many ways today, but he also finds within his nature an important resource that gives the book a very satisfying and significant resolution. There are one or two sexually explicit passages but they are fully justified for both literary purpose and humor. I would recommend this book highly for young adults of all ages and all sexual identities and preferences.
January 11, 2020
Haskell just wants to be himself, if he can figure out who that is. He is at once old for his years and still coming of age. He meets challenges along the journey with self-reflection, adolescent confusion, humor, and poignancy. The author paints a vivid picture of his characters and settings making up Haskell’s world, and I can easily see a transition to screen. I can’t wait to learn of Haskell’s next adventures!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews