THE FATHERS WE FIND

PRAISE FOR "THE FATHERS WE FIND"

"Charles Ries' The Father's We Find reminds me of Frank McCourt's (Angela's Ashes, "Tis, Teacher Man) memoirs with their keen attention to character and strong voice. Ries' characters'  ring loud and clear. I can hear them calling, long after putting the book down. When I read a book that resonates with my experiences, one wrought with so much care and detail, I know that this is a winner. When characters follow me for days after reading, when I'm sad to see the story end, I know this is true."

Karla Huston
Winner of Main Street Rag 2003 Chapbook Competition Contest

"I read your book last weekend. It was so wonderful. Your main character Chuck is so real. I couldn't put it down - I finished the reading in nearly one sitting. I loved it. Honestly, I rarely laugh while I read. I can't even remember the last time that I laughed or giggled while reading. However, I was laughing near tears a few times while reading the book. Chuck's innocence and seeing the world through his naive but watchful eye was just wonderful."
Dr. Michelle M. Bria / Milwaukee, WI

"This is an age-old story but it is told with such clarity that it is one of the best tellings. I laughed, I cried. I am grateful. This is a very, very good novel. A memoir. A difficult love story with many layers. Read it, then give it to a friend. Learn about mink and blackberry brandy... and love."
Pablo Teasedale / Santa Cruz, CA
Review Featured in Free Verse


"Few authors capture the narrative voice with the perfect balance of self-deprecating humor and poignant insight that Charles Ries brings to THE FATHERS WE FIND. Ries' account of a small-town farm boy set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War combines humor and heart to create a truly remarkable memior. The narrator stumbles his way to enlightenment with help from a series of delightful men in a journey that is hilarious and nostalgic."

Camille N. Cline
Editor / The Literary Spa
Acquisitions Editor / Taylor Trade Publishing


"Charles Ries' story of his youth and family life is full of colorful characters, evocative details, episodes both harrowing and humorous, and subtle wisdom. Every family - every life - should have a chronicler as honest, clear-eyed, and loving as Charles Ries."

Larry Watson
Author of Montana 1948 + five other novels
Professor at Marquette University

"I just finished your book. My heart is still warm from the "afterglow" of your book. You have me filled with the thoughts of those lessons that we all learn when we don't really know we're learning them. I did not know I was reading a great book until I was silently yanked in by the characters--and then I looked back and wondered how I got there. I read the last page three times--the first time as it flowed, second time for you and the third time for me. I always know a good book not only because it speaks directly to me, but also because I listen. I had to ponder a bit before closing the back cover. Now I need to know when you are going to publish, because I can't wait to share it with friends--I already know who I want to give it to."
Tracy Weyers / Green Bay, WI

"THE FATHERS WE FIND is just wonderful. A book can do so many things. It takes you where you've never been, exposes you to worlds you haven't experienced and makes you aware you are not along in this journey. Your memior does all that. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it."

Mary Kay Ring / Lake Geneva, WI

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