Suzanne Meredith on October 27, 2018 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
This book is a collection of exquisite poems composed during a period of grief following the death of a loved one by suicide. The poems poignantly express the writer's intensely felt anguish and thoughtful reflections as he reacts to an unthinkable loss, and are a beautiful tribute to the love of his life.
While he was stunned and overwhelmed by feelings of abandonment and hopelessness, "people heaped on sufferings more." Writing this poetry helped to console him as he courageously and creatively struggled to come to terms with Sarah's suicide. The poems also express gratitude and empathy for a great love, profound vulnerability, yearning for reunion, and the eventual blessing of peace.
This book would be a most welcome gift for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide as well as for anyone who may want to learn more about the impact of suicide. I also think that anyone who appreciates poetry would value this book very highly. I loved the sheer beauty of these poems!
William Riddle on October 12, 2018 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
An amazing book! My wife and I read this book together because it is so clear and poignant that it has to be shared.
In delicate, carefully crafted poems, Mr. Wallace relates the shock and sense of abandonment following the suicide of his beautiful, beloved wife. You can feel the love. You can feel the pain. And you can see the long, slow recovery of someone left behind.
This book would be especially helpful to people working to prevent suicides, as well as to suicide-loss survivors. After finishing it, the book made us appreciate the 40 years we have enjoyed together. Thank you, Mr. Wallace!
Ann Janes-Waller on October 17, 2018 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
Not a book for everyone, but remarkable if you’re up to … a searing look into the grief for a love lost to suicide. In reflections, family photos and poems written over twenty-five years ago, Roger Wallace deals with his feelings of the one left behind -- the grief, the self-doubt about what could have been done, the loss of innocence, the helplessness, the memories of joy and companionship forever gone.
But this is also a tribute to a great love. Perhaps these are universal feelings to those scarred by the deep depression and suicide of a loved one -- embers that glow, that can warm but also cause pain, that persist in the ashes for a long time.
This book is a collection of exquisite poems composed during a period of grief following the death of a loved one by suicide. The poems poignantly express the writer's intensely felt anguish and thoughtful reflections as he reacts to an unthinkable loss, and are a beautiful tribute to the love of his life.
While he was stunned and overwhelmed by feelings of abandonment and hopelessness, "people heaped on sufferings more." Writing this poetry helped to console him as he courageously and creatively struggled to come to terms with Sarah's suicide. The poems also express gratitude and empathy for a great love, profound vulnerability, yearning for reunion, and the eventual blessing of peace.
This book would be a most welcome gift for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide as well as for anyone who may want to learn more about the impact of suicide. I also think that anyone who appreciates poetry would value this book very highly. I loved the sheer beauty of these poems!
William Riddle on October 12, 2018 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
An amazing book! My wife and I read this book together because it is so clear and poignant that it has to be shared.
In delicate, carefully crafted poems, Mr. Wallace relates the shock and sense of abandonment following the suicide of his beautiful, beloved wife. You can feel the love. You can feel the pain. And you can see the long, slow recovery of someone left behind.
This book would be especially helpful to people working to prevent suicides, as well as to suicide-loss survivors. After finishing it, the book made us appreciate the 40 years we have enjoyed together. Thank you, Mr. Wallace!
Ann Janes-Waller on October 17, 2018 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
Not a book for everyone, but remarkable if you’re up to … a searing look into the grief for a love lost to suicide. In reflections, family photos and poems written over twenty-five years ago, Roger Wallace deals with his feelings of the one left behind -- the grief, the self-doubt about what could have been done, the loss of innocence, the helplessness, the memories of joy and companionship forever gone.
But this is also a tribute to a great love. Perhaps these are universal feelings to those scarred by the deep depression and suicide of a loved one -- embers that glow, that can warm but also cause pain, that persist in the ashes for a long time.
Robert L’Homme on June 7, 2017 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
“Dancing On Their Tails” brings the beauty of fly fishing even to readers who have never sat in a boat in the rain, waiting for a bite, never felt the tug of a trout on a fishing line or the pleasure of landing a fine, fat fish that will be served up as dinner at the end of a long day.
All that said, just as there is more to fishing than just catching fish, there is more to “Dancing On Their Tails” than an account of a few fishing trips into the Canadian Rockies. It is an exploration of Life’s big questions – “What are we here for? Are we in a WYSIWG World, where what you see is what you get, and there just ain’t no more?”
And searching for the answers is the quest of the novel’s main character, Bruno. Bruno Papazzi is a plumber – to be more precise, a very successful plumbing contractor – whose approach to life is as blunt and down to earth as is his always colorful and frequently obscene language. More importantly, in addition to being a plumber/fisherman, Bruno is a cynic. He sees himself abandoned in a world populated by idiots whose purpose in life is to unload their shortcomings onto his shoulders, and push their problems into his ToDo pile.
Bruno talks to God, mainly to let the Deity know exactly what a mess He’s made of things. God never talks back – not in so many words – but he does deliver a message. His revelation is that learning how to deal with Life’s periodic sewage malfunctions, each in our own way, is what we’re put on earth for.
Even with its realistic depiction of fly-fishing in the Canadian Rockies, though, this is a novel focused more on the fishermen than the fishing, about relationships rather than just relating the experiences of its principal characters. Funny, engrossing, and yes, at times profane, “Dancing On Their Tails” is as close to the experience of being there as you can get with words on a page.
Nan on May 18, 2017 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
Months later I smile when I think about the characters in “Dancing On Their Tails”. Or sigh. Through their foibles and weaknesses I can laugh at myself; maybe even forgive myself. Deep inside I sing with the hope and joy that comes just often enough in the midst of real-life mourning. I wonder with the musings that go deep and leave questions bigger than answers. Read it.
Ross Day on March 27, 2016 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
I received this book as a gift, and a gift it is indeed. A very enjoyable read, relaxed and easy with short chapters. Wallace thru Bruno observes and speculates upon all the BIG questions we all ask ourselves, as well as entertaining comments on lousy neighbors, art, and architecture. I found myself with a pencil as I went along underlining all the little nuggets Bruno is coming up with!
Dennis Boozer on April 1, 2015 rated it 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
I almost gave up on this book as it started very slowly for me, but glad I stayed with it as it finished strong. Recommended reading.
Beth Sammons on July 13, 2014 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
I really connected with this book. I have felt myself feel like Bruno. But at the end of the day I have always felt thankful and have connected with real people just like Bruno. This book let me see I'm not the only one that feels this way. Another connection that made me laugh, I've had friends like Glen, you kind of look around for the video cameras, is this a joke? This person drives me nuts and he thinks we are friends? ;) I highly recommend this book, for a laugh, for a cry. It was hard to put down.
Lisa Harmon George on April 16, 2014 rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
I chose a 4.5 instead of a 5 because I did not like some of the cursing in the beginning of the book. I realize it was necessary to establish the character's personality, but found it a bit offensive. Other than that, I LOVED this book. Full of life truisms, about friendship, marriage, nature, love and life in general. Did a great job of describing the beauty of the northwest British Columbia Lakes area. I felt like I was on the water with the characters in the book!!!
Rowana Trott on July 23, 2014 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
When a friend gave me this book, recommending it highly, I admit I had my doubts. It was obvious from page one that this was a man's book -- The great outdoors? Curse words? FISHING?! Not for me, I thought. But the deeper I got into "Dancing on their Tails," the more intriguing and compelling it became. I loved its main theme -- seeking answers to the eternal cosmic questions -- and I found the dialogue and characters realistically trenchant. And, I have to confess, by the end of the book, I really got into the fishing … Altogether a very pleasant surprise. I hope this author will write many other books.
Wendy J. on August 20, 2013 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
The "hook was set" reading the first page of "Dancing on Their Tails". It was - I know where this fellow is coming from! This is one of those "couldn't put the book down" kind of novels. An awesome first novel by Roger Wallace.
Tayen on Oct 03, 2014 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
This book has a little something for everyone. It has made me laugh out loud, it has made me cry and it has made me ask myself some very interesting questions. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and exploring the relationships between the different characters, which the author has captured in a way that I could easily connect to them; making it very enjoyable to read. I was really drawn in to this book and feel that there were many different layers to the storyline. Great book. I am hoping that there will be a sequel to this book as I have enjoyed following the main character's life. I don't want to say too much for fear of spoiling the book for anyone else, but I would highly recommend reading it.
Marilyn Stanley on Aug 13, 2014 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - it held my interest from start to finish.
I highly recommend it!
John Scott on Oct 06, 2013 rated it 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
Bruno Papazzi is angry. He's angry at his idiot neighbour; he's angry at the customers of his plumbing business; he's angry at his secretary, Lydia; he's angry at God; he's just angry! The only time he's NOT angry, is when he goes on his annual fishing trip. The story follows Bruno over several of these trips, as he learns about friendship, kindness, God, and life and death. Most of all, he learns about himself.
In his debut novel, Wallace paints a perfect picture of a tranquil lake resort that makes even those of us with no knowledge of fishing believe we are there. It is us who are casting our lines, choosing our flies, reeling in the trout. This is a wonderful feel good novel, with short easy to read chapters making it a perfect read before bed, or on your morning commute.
Mark van Oppen on December 5, 2014 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
Many of the other reviews got it right; beautiful fishing and nature imagery in a story about overcoming challenges, anger, and experiencing life. The characters were setup very well and this was a great read with short chapters that make stopping and starting easier. I am looking forward to the next RWW book!
Gillian on Aug 05, 2014 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
Enjoyed this book immensely. The characters and storyline are strong and funny.
I liked it and so will you.
Fletch Waller on Oct 29, 2014 rated it 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
One approaches a self-published book with some constrained expectations. In Dancing ..., however, those only added to the discovery and heightened the delight -- this is a very good work. By no means is it just a man's book, though its setting is the fellowship of fishing buddies; it is a deeply moving exploration of rapport and insight as the protagonist, Bruno, reveals a deep sensitivity and empathy with who appear to be mis-matched boat mates. The characters and male banter ring true, in my experience with fishing camp outings, but underneath Bruno's irreverant, macho exterior lies the human being we would all want as a friend in time of need. A very good novel (I don't give 5 stars easily.)
“Dancing On Their Tails” brings the beauty of fly fishing even to readers who have never sat in a boat in the rain, waiting for a bite, never felt the tug of a trout on a fishing line or the pleasure of landing a fine, fat fish that will be served up as dinner at the end of a long day.
All that said, just as there is more to fishing than just catching fish, there is more to “Dancing On Their Tails” than an account of a few fishing trips into the Canadian Rockies. It is an exploration of Life’s big questions – “What are we here for? Are we in a WYSIWG World, where what you see is what you get, and there just ain’t no more?”
And searching for the answers is the quest of the novel’s main character, Bruno. Bruno Papazzi is a plumber – to be more precise, a very successful plumbing contractor – whose approach to life is as blunt and down to earth as is his always colorful and frequently obscene language. More importantly, in addition to being a plumber/fisherman, Bruno is a cynic. He sees himself abandoned in a world populated by idiots whose purpose in life is to unload their shortcomings onto his shoulders, and push their problems into his ToDo pile.
Bruno talks to God, mainly to let the Deity know exactly what a mess He’s made of things. God never talks back – not in so many words – but he does deliver a message. His revelation is that learning how to deal with Life’s periodic sewage malfunctions, each in our own way, is what we’re put on earth for.
Even with its realistic depiction of fly-fishing in the Canadian Rockies, though, this is a novel focused more on the fishermen than the fishing, about relationships rather than just relating the experiences of its principal characters. Funny, engrossing, and yes, at times profane, “Dancing On Their Tails” is as close to the experience of being there as you can get with words on a page.
Nan on May 18, 2017 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
Months later I smile when I think about the characters in “Dancing On Their Tails”. Or sigh. Through their foibles and weaknesses I can laugh at myself; maybe even forgive myself. Deep inside I sing with the hope and joy that comes just often enough in the midst of real-life mourning. I wonder with the musings that go deep and leave questions bigger than answers. Read it.
Ross Day on March 27, 2016 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
I received this book as a gift, and a gift it is indeed. A very enjoyable read, relaxed and easy with short chapters. Wallace thru Bruno observes and speculates upon all the BIG questions we all ask ourselves, as well as entertaining comments on lousy neighbors, art, and architecture. I found myself with a pencil as I went along underlining all the little nuggets Bruno is coming up with!
Dennis Boozer on April 1, 2015 rated it 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
I almost gave up on this book as it started very slowly for me, but glad I stayed with it as it finished strong. Recommended reading.
Beth Sammons on July 13, 2014 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
I really connected with this book. I have felt myself feel like Bruno. But at the end of the day I have always felt thankful and have connected with real people just like Bruno. This book let me see I'm not the only one that feels this way. Another connection that made me laugh, I've had friends like Glen, you kind of look around for the video cameras, is this a joke? This person drives me nuts and he thinks we are friends? ;) I highly recommend this book, for a laugh, for a cry. It was hard to put down.
Lisa Harmon George on April 16, 2014 rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
I chose a 4.5 instead of a 5 because I did not like some of the cursing in the beginning of the book. I realize it was necessary to establish the character's personality, but found it a bit offensive. Other than that, I LOVED this book. Full of life truisms, about friendship, marriage, nature, love and life in general. Did a great job of describing the beauty of the northwest British Columbia Lakes area. I felt like I was on the water with the characters in the book!!!
Rowana Trott on July 23, 2014 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
When a friend gave me this book, recommending it highly, I admit I had my doubts. It was obvious from page one that this was a man's book -- The great outdoors? Curse words? FISHING?! Not for me, I thought. But the deeper I got into "Dancing on their Tails," the more intriguing and compelling it became. I loved its main theme -- seeking answers to the eternal cosmic questions -- and I found the dialogue and characters realistically trenchant. And, I have to confess, by the end of the book, I really got into the fishing … Altogether a very pleasant surprise. I hope this author will write many other books.
Wendy J. on August 20, 2013 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
The "hook was set" reading the first page of "Dancing on Their Tails". It was - I know where this fellow is coming from! This is one of those "couldn't put the book down" kind of novels. An awesome first novel by Roger Wallace.
Tayen on Oct 03, 2014 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
This book has a little something for everyone. It has made me laugh out loud, it has made me cry and it has made me ask myself some very interesting questions. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and exploring the relationships between the different characters, which the author has captured in a way that I could easily connect to them; making it very enjoyable to read. I was really drawn in to this book and feel that there were many different layers to the storyline. Great book. I am hoping that there will be a sequel to this book as I have enjoyed following the main character's life. I don't want to say too much for fear of spoiling the book for anyone else, but I would highly recommend reading it.
Marilyn Stanley on Aug 13, 2014 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - it held my interest from start to finish.
I highly recommend it!
John Scott on Oct 06, 2013 rated it 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
Bruno Papazzi is angry. He's angry at his idiot neighbour; he's angry at the customers of his plumbing business; he's angry at his secretary, Lydia; he's angry at God; he's just angry! The only time he's NOT angry, is when he goes on his annual fishing trip. The story follows Bruno over several of these trips, as he learns about friendship, kindness, God, and life and death. Most of all, he learns about himself.
In his debut novel, Wallace paints a perfect picture of a tranquil lake resort that makes even those of us with no knowledge of fishing believe we are there. It is us who are casting our lines, choosing our flies, reeling in the trout. This is a wonderful feel good novel, with short easy to read chapters making it a perfect read before bed, or on your morning commute.
Mark van Oppen on December 5, 2014 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
Many of the other reviews got it right; beautiful fishing and nature imagery in a story about overcoming challenges, anger, and experiencing life. The characters were setup very well and this was a great read with short chapters that make stopping and starting easier. I am looking forward to the next RWW book!
Gillian on Aug 05, 2014 rated it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
Enjoyed this book immensely. The characters and storyline are strong and funny.
I liked it and so will you.
Fletch Waller on Oct 29, 2014 rated it 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com
One approaches a self-published book with some constrained expectations. In Dancing ..., however, those only added to the discovery and heightened the delight -- this is a very good work. By no means is it just a man's book, though its setting is the fellowship of fishing buddies; it is a deeply moving exploration of rapport and insight as the protagonist, Bruno, reveals a deep sensitivity and empathy with who appear to be mis-matched boat mates. The characters and male banter ring true, in my experience with fishing camp outings, but underneath Bruno's irreverant, macho exterior lies the human being we would all want as a friend in time of need. A very good novel (I don't give 5 stars easily.)