Review by Cisquall0507 -- The Not So Great American Novel

Cisquall0507 · Post by **Cisquall0507** » 23 Jul 2020, 12:37

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Not So Great American Novel" by James E. Doucette.]

4 out of 4 stars

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The Not so Great American Novel by James E. Doucette is like a diary where in the author narrates every important part of his life to share to His future descendants. And He was able to use this book to get back on track in the life that He really wants. Reminiscing the events and people that once part of the author’s life was a big part of the story. It’s like this novel is the His way of keeping them in and not to forget them. While reading the book I was able to experience the intention of the Author in sharing a glimpse of the past to the present.

I like the novel to the point that while reading it I feel like it was intended for me. Its like reading a fairy tale story wherein your imagination is the limit. The only difference is that this novel is a true story. The story is not only about a man in his early days, but it also shows the reader the experiences that the Author had at that time with that it feels like while reading it we readers was able to have an idea of the past. For me it’s a good thing to have such book about our roots. It’s somehow provided a sense of accomplishment to have an idea about the history of the family. And that is the purpose that was mentioned by the Author at the start. Having this book pass down to the future generation is not a bad thing as a matter of fact maybe this book triggers a new custom to the family.

I like how the Author narrates how He faced different challenges in life and how He was able to overcome it, from having less to having more. It provides motivation and inspiration to others who’s experiencing the same dilemma in life. It’s a good idea to put translations of deeper words or terms so that readers don’t need to check for the meaning, with that I was able to read the novel continuously without worrying to miss a word that I didn’t understand. Another good thing in this kind of novel is that for the people with the same generation as the Author can look back into the past, and for the next generation for them to appreciate the difference and simplicity of life before compare to the present. It’s not only about the story of a person but a more on a history book where we can learn a lot of things.

Maybe for me there’s a point where it is somehow boring reading some parts especially when it is just narrating a normal day and mentioning different names of people that others have no idea who they are. But I’m sure its not like that to the family members of the author since somehow, they have an idea of the relationship of the Author to those people.

Lastly, I was pleased to see that this book is very well edited. As a matter of fact I failed to find any grammatical error throughout the whole story. Or maybe, I was just to hooked up into the story that I failed to notice even one. Aside from the one mentioned above regarding some parts that kind of boring. There’s nothing to dislike with the book. Maybe for some this maybe a not so great American novel but for me, it is. I rate this novel 4 out of 4 stars. And I recommend this book to those people whose experiencing difficulties in life and for those people who loves reminiscing the past.

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The Not So Great American Novel
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Patrick Maina1 · Post by **Patrick Maina1** » 04 Aug 2020, 05:26

We all experience challenges in life some of which we think are too huge for us.With the right attitude and a supportive family,you can overcome these challenges.Cancer is one such challenge.This is a wonderful srory and your review made me want to read it.

Hazel Arnaiz · Post by **Hazel Arnaiz** » 04 Jan 2021, 18:40

Another good thing in this kind of novel is that for the people with the same generation as the Author can look back into the past, and for the next generation for them to appreciate the difference and simplicity of life before compare to the present.

It is nice to know the book is relevant to both the past and present generations. The past generation can relate to the author’s experiences, while the present can appreciate the simple life of old times. Thanks for the insights.