Simple Simon

Simple Simon, by William Poe, follows Simon Powell through a gritty, painful path and ultimately becomes a story of healing . . . At his counselor's urging, Simon is earnestly trying to make sense of his life by writing down his story. Simon grew up in the 1960s in Arkansas, where he faced adversity because of his homosexuality. This pain and tension sets the stage for the rest of his life. He seeks solace in Reverend Moon's Unification Church, through drug and alcohol abuse, and through unhealthy relationships. Eventually one of his relationships heads him in a positive direction--Thad, Simon's former lover, encourages Simon to seek treatment for his drug addiction. The counsel and healing that result are the impetus for this story. (Taken from Clarion ForeWord Reviews).

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Reviews

"Simple Simon's message of reconciliation and hope is truly for anyone who has struggled to resolve the truth they know about themselves with the way others see them. The power of forgiveness and acceptance can resonate with all readers." Melissa Wuske, Clarion Foreword Reviews

". . . Simon remains an extremely compelling character, and readers will find themselves invested in Simon's fate. He may be self-destructive, but he's always trying to adhere to a moral compass--although one that's been badly damaged by his life experiences. It's an engaging story throughout, and it's rarely obvious where Simon will wind up. A sweeping, unpredictable fictional autobiography." - Kirkus Reviews

"...Poe's narrative moves quickly and smoothly, and fills in the blanks left in Simon Says. These first novels by Poe will leave his readership wondering--and waiting for--what he comes up with next." -Publishers Weekly

"Simple Simon is a story that will ring bells of hope not only for gay people, but for anyone who has ever suffered from crippling self-doubt." -- San Francisco Book Review

"Though a work of fiction, the autobiographical SIMPLE SIMON by William Poe is an honest, wrenching look at what it means to try to cope in a world where you are misunderstood. As a result, its triumphant ending is all the more satisfying to the reader. [the author] made me see his side of the story and feel his emotions [the author] sets out to encourage others in his situation, and in similar situations . . . with this book, he succeeds . . . anyone reading SIMPLE SIMON will learn much, and will find the time well spent." -- Judge, 22nd Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards.

Read a Sample

Publication Date: 09/09/2013
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Binding Type: Paperback (print)
ISBN 13: 978-1477624999
ASIN: B00F2R8CYC
No. of Pages: 462

William Poe

About William Poe

Award-winning writer, William Poe earned a bachelor's in art from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a master's in anthropology from the University of Nebraska. Poe's novel, Simon Says (ISBN:978-0615559575) is the winner of the 2013 International Book Awards in the category Fiction: Gay & Lesbian. His novel, Simple Simon (ISBN:978-1477624999) is a finalist in the Book of the Year Award 2013 in Fiction Gay & Lesbian (Adult Fiction) Clarion ForeWord Reviews. Simple Simon received 5 of 5 stars in each category from the judge in the 22nd Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards. Poe is also the author of the acclaimed poetry collection Myths and Rhymes (ISBN: 1479233919). His latest publication is a collection of poems and short stories, Endings: Poetry and Prose (ISBN: 1516836936).

All books by William Poe