Comments
"Leaving
Glorytown will leave readers with unforgettable lessons about the struggles
that people experienced under Fidel Castro's leadership and the opportunities
that come with freedom."
~Rutgers University Project on Economics and
Children
The boy was excited
to see soldiers but mystified by "the Voice" broadcast from cars and
light poles, "a crazy tapestry of the same Voice at different intervals,
volumes and pitches. Who was this Voice? I had no idea, but I figured he was
someone important." The voice, of course, was Castro's, and as Eduar
grows, he becomes more aware of the regime's power and threat. Calcines' new
memoir, Leaving Glorytown: One Boy's Struggle Under Castro, tells the story in
an authentic child's voice, an effective way to get it across to young readers.
This is Calcines' first book, but he demonstrates a sure hand with narrative
voice, never slipping into adult polemic but keeping the story that of a young
boy who may not know much about political ideology but feels its all-too-real
impact on his life every day.
~St
Petersburg Times
“Calcines’ vibrant
writing gives readers an intimate, front-porch view of his family will captivate readers and open a door to a subject seldom written about for
teens.”
~Booklist
“Calcines . . .
nonetheless recalls being surrounded by loving adults who weathered adversity
with a combination of strong character and unshakable faith.”
~Kirkus
Reviews
"I had such a
wonderful time tonight at the B&N record on book-selling the first
night...I heard one of the employees say your book did better than Warrick
Dunn's book did...not a bad start! I'd love to see it on the New York Times
best seller list!"
~Shauvon
Powell
"This book is
your personal testimony of how far you and your family have come since the
hardship of your youth. This book is a tribute to your heritage. I am very
privileged to be in your company. I know that this story is going to break many
records, and reach an audience of great diversity."
~Kim Mygrant
"What a great
debut! I think God is going to use this book in a mighty way. You are the whole
package, man: godliness, passion, humor, humility. To whom the Lord has given
much, much is required. I think God is ready to take His creation called Eddy
Calcines for a major spin."
~Dr.
Bill Reynolds