Let me begin with a scandalous understatement--Norman Weissman has lived an unusually "filled-to-the-brim" life. His memoir, My Exuberant Voyage, is composed of selected chapters from his lifetime of engaged, passionate living as "a witness to history" on the world stage. Weissman draws upon his diverse experiences: growing up in Brooklyn, NY in the years prior to World War II, his stint as naval carrier-based aviator during the war, and as a global documentary filmmaker, film and TV writer-director and novelist, and more. Weissman has the kind of tales worth telling and does so with authority, honesty, intelligence and a clear moral compass. This is one very good read from someone well worth listening to. Richard Geller, author of Raspberry Man
CROWN ISLAND is a memorable book. I rarely read a novel whose characters stay with me the way they have done after putting this book down. I can see Crown Island in my mind's eye, and I can imagine all too well what it must have meant to Peter Chello to be introduced to the world of Marie Wainwright. Quarrytown is also real in my imagination and I can mentally walk down Granite Street all the way to the dock and "watch" Steve Clements bring the Lost Penny in with the Island people heading home at the end of summer. Andre James, Playwright.
"I finished reading Crown Island moments ago. I am weeping gently. What a lovely book. With the right director, it would make for a beautiful film, as well." Eileen Fischer, author of The Perfect Medium.