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Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite
Full Circle by Theodore Jerome Cohen is the poignant story of one man's 50-year journey from the beginning of his music lessons as a child, to his triumphant debut as a concert soloist, following a fascinating lifetime of intriguing diversions. Loosely based on the author's own life, Full Circle will captivate readers as they accompany Teddy on his path from grade school, through high school, college, army life, and multiple careers. Many of his experiences will fire a spark of recognition with readers, although certainly different for each reader. I was rather astonished at the many events, interests and circumstances I had in common with Teddy. At the same time, I marveled at how different many of the outcomes were. Throughout the story, I was able to fully engage with Teddy's motivations and his thought processes.
Full Circle is personally revealing for both the author and the reader. Many anecdotes resonated with me, reviving memories long forgotten. The story is very well written. Regardless of how fictional certain portions of the story may have been, it is all very believable; it is easy to place yourself in the thick of the action. (Except for the parts where talent came into play, in my case.) Cohen has proved time and again, with his many other novels, that he possesses an enviable writing ability. Although it is not even remotely like his other books, his authorial talent once again shines in Full Circle. I have read literally thousands of books over the past eight or ten years, but I can't recall reading anything quite like Full Circle. I hesitate to call it unique, because the word has been overused in so many book reviews, but "unique" really is the best descriptor for this story. Nothing else fits quite as well. I believe Full Circle will find a special place on the bookshelves or e-readers of many a reader. Check it out; I'm confident you will be glad you did.