I feel there is nothing better than this published today. It hits the standard for a haute literary work then surpasses the norm with a tapestry of evocative emotion, vivid memories, and stark realism. Stackhouse lyrically paints redeemption in brushstrokes that leave me curious,introspective, and in the end wiser for the experience. It is a wonderful heartfelt slice of Americana. --DSchnabel, author
GREAT! In 15 pages I can see that you my friend have a fantastic, page turning story to tell. It only left me wanting for more. I think we grew up with a similar religious background, so I can really relate. I can't wait to read the full story, --M.Swain, Realtor I just finished reading the excerpts from your novel. It has moved me deeply to the depths of my soul with tears in my eyes. It was spell bounding, the type of read one cannot put down but must read right through to the ending. Your use of words is pure poetry and you create visual images and emotions with your words. The description of Detroit was heartwarming. People who would ask "why did you take your mother's death so hard?" either never had a close relationship with their mother or a significant person in their life, or have yet to experience this.Such lack of empathy is so rampant in our world today. She has never left you and her love has always surrounded you. I see a lot of my son in "Jesse" (lead character). I did not have a close relationship with my mother, but my son and I are very, very close like you were with your mother. Although he has grown up knowing deep spiritual things and how God works, I know he will have a difficult time with my passing. So I try to prepare him. . .I would like to purchase two copies of your book, one for me and one for him, autographed by you, of course. Thank you for such a moving experience. --MMitchell, Retired Educator All I can say is WOW!! Your excerpts from the novel are fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed your writing and your story. Very profound. Please let me know when the book is out, I will read it from cover to cover. I would love to share this with family and friends. Please let me know if I can do this --C. Lovely-Moore, Realtor It was beautiful. I can't think of a better word to describe it. Trying to do so seems like an injustice --Deb I just finished reading the excerpts from your novel and I thoroughly enjoyed every word.! It left me wanting to know more...more about Jesse...his mother...and his journey into madness. I am looking forward to reading the complete novel and wish you continued success. Thanks so much for sharing. Below is a quotation from C.S. LEWIS that holds meaning for me: "With my mother's death, all settled happiness, all that was tranquil and reliable, disappeared from my life". Peace be with you --BF, Retired Educator
In a word, Mother's Milk is compelling. The novel grabs you and you don't want to let go until the very end. Even then you crave more. Stackhouse vividly and courageously portrays every son's worst nightmare, losing the woman who nursed him from infancy to adulthood. -- N.Finegood, Director All I can say Skip is Wow! I really cannot wait to read this in full. It is very interesting and touching. It is historical and in just a few pages you have taught me about Detroit,,, but leaves me wanting to know more. I felt enough of the hurt and pain to make me appreciate my parents even more. I look forward to reading this book in it's entirety. -- C.Lee,.Realtor This my friend, is wonderful work. Thank you so much for sharing this with me. This work is designed to heal and inspire many to continue their journey on a road that is paved in indescribable pain, undeniable regret and only someone who has traveled this road is qualified to direct such a journey. I am not sure if I ever shared..19 years ago my Father took my Mothers life in the only home I knew and proceeded to take his own life. They had been married for almost 50 years and no abuse ( that I ever knew of) existed in this very normal home. My Father did suffer from a brain tumor we found later and we are sure that this was the culprit to this demonic act that so changed my life forever. Because of this...burying my parents 3 days apart, losing everything I've ever really known or understood, I am who I am and though I hate it's reality, it defines me and how I love, teach, coach and support others. It is my story, my journey, my DNA. I can't wait to read your book and share with many and I say YES to this project! And, yes to your statement below; "I am taken, especially in retro-spec, by my ability to function…normally, while dealing with the controlling demons that attacked my life. Yes, for all of us there is a moment . . .a moment unexplained, unaccepted, unacknowledged, unforgiving, unloved, unexpected, unresolved and even forbidden; but in its wake, lives are altered, forever changed, and generations are affected. I had such a moment that nearly took my life." -Sherry S., Productivity Coach, Training and Development Coach. As one of the few people who has had an opportuity to read the entire book before its release, I must say that I was honored to do so and I thoroughly enjoyed it; and so I found myself reading it again-something I personally have never done. I am amazed at the brilliant style of writing, the artistic flare and use of language, with vivid, visual depictions of landscapes, people and places. Your words took me there. The theme of the story captivates me in so many ways-fond remembrances and reflections of Detroit neighborhoods, families, youth, happiness -and then the realities of growing up-a brutal interruption of life. Death, grief, love, happiness, lost opportunities, bad choices-so many emotions, you just can't put the book down-what a journey! But it is the unrecognized suffering of the masses in our society that causes me deep introspection. I would love, absolutely l-o-v-e, to see this story depicted on film. It is among the best books I've ever read. Mr. Stackhouse, sir-you have a winner! -- R.M., Entrepreneur I have read the shortened version of your book and am looking forward to reading the whole story . I am a white, female, married for 50 yrs, age 70, living in North Oakland County. I grew up downriver from Detroit and spent time in Detroit shopping with my mother. Reading is my hobby and I mostly read mysteries, but there is a mystery to me in your story and I look forward to learning more. By the way, I love the cover. I have walked many steps holding the hands of my sons. I admire the woman your mother was. --D.Beeman, Retired Dear Skip, I have finished reading the excerpts of Mother's Milk. In honesty, your story is very good. In reading your excerpts it brought overwhelming memories for me and of my mother who I took care of until she died. . .Skip I have never been very good with words nor have I been good at expressing my feelings however after reading excerpts from Mother's Milk I did not want to stop reading, I wanted to know more about the boy and the man who lost his dear mother. From what I read, Mother's Milk is very interesting, intense, heartfelt and for me overwhelming. I cannot wait to purchase your book.--A.Benton You are quite a writer. Your thoughts are so gracefully noted like a song. I must say that Cid and I enjoyed reading "Mother's Milk". We would like permission to share the exceprts with members of my social club and a few friends who really enjoy reading a good book. --B.Davis, Assoc Broker Amazing! -and taking the literary world by storm, Mother's Milk is a compelling story by first-time novelist Dwight "Skip" Stackhouse. It starts as a seemingly light-hearted story of a young man's childhood, his family, and his rise to the top of the religious sect he was reared in-but an incredible tragedy, the death of his mother, turns his world upside down and depression sends him spiraling out of control. Stackhouse does a masterful job examining the scientific link and natural connection between a mother and child, while weaving through blissful memories of happy times, adolescence, innocence and possibilities. The author then
takes the reader on a thought-provoking and shocking exploration through the world of addition, and on a turbulent journey of pain and self pity that leaves the reader unable to release the book. This story would span over fifteen years, and leave a trail of hurt and confusion among loved ones while nearly destroying his own life, until that incredible mother and child link is revealed in a heart-warming finale. Mother's Milk delivers! It's an emotional smorgasbord-you will laugh, and cry, reminisce, and on some level recognize your own struggle on the pages.It is beautifully written!- a real "page- turner", that will leave you applauding at the end and only wanting for more. This student of James Baldwin has surely made him proud; I certainly am.- Zane S., Actor Let me say first of all,even if Skip never gets published, he can die knowing in his heart he is an incredible author, writer and wordsmith. Really, I don't read novels, love stories, mysteries and entertainment books, just because in my eyes I am too far from where I need to be in life and they distract me. But the excerpts you sent me from Skip's book are majestic, compelling and heart-touching. Every subject left me wanting to read that whole chapter. His vocabulary is so profound and on point, you are put right there in that scenario. Plain and simple, Skip is a "Kick-a__ writer!" Would I buy the book just based on the title?- probably not , but if a man dares to read any "one" page I believe he, like myself, will have to have this publication. --G. Wright-Business Owner Sorry it's taken so long to get back to you but you know how life happens! I am absolutely awe struck by your excerpts. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. I really believe that your "story" will touch a really large portion of the population. Based on your epilog - it is a courageous story that I think is very relatable. You should be able to hear James Baldwin applauding at the lessons learned by his student. I'm just so excited ! S. Ward-Actress (wife of the late Cedric Ward, Director) Skip, your story is beautifully written... the words have stayed with me long after I stopped reading. This book provides a necessary message today and I applaud you! ---D.Stoner, Assoc. Broker You a have a marvelously melodic and relaxed writing style, it flowed very nicely. --CS, Librarian I loved a couple of your descriptions, like "ancient dance of color" to describe the color changes of the leaves of trees, and "Mother Nature had been murdered here, and the sun dethroned." P.Drabant-Editor I really like the way it's written! I especially like the scene with the
cake/crack contrast, I thought it was brilliant.-- J.Gilmore,Film-maker |
AuthorI am very excited about the release of my first book, Mother's Milk. I am anticipating the release of my second book, a collection of romantic peotry and letters in the spring of 2014. The two pieces of work exhibit artistic diversity of pen and thoughts. Hopefully readers will enjoy both. A third publication, release anticipated in late 2014, will be a series of short stories and essays. Writing is an art and a pleasure; publication has long been my dream. Categories |