This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Born in Stockton, CA, John Rallios was raised in the nearby community of French Camp. His love for stories began at a slow start around the age of 11 when his father read him just the first page of Tarzan. He was hooked, but it wasn't until the age of 14 when John read a book in its entirety (Tucker's Countryside) that his love for stories blossomed into a dream to be a writer. He wrote sporadically for the next 34 years while working as a firefighter, a detention officer at a juvenile hall, and a case manager at a mental health facility. The fulfillment of that dream, however, began about four years ago by a few simple but powerful words from his wife: "Either write or stop talking about it."
That was how the "Gopher" story came about at last
Reviewed by Ray Simmons for Readers' Favorite
John L. Rallios tells the story of a normal backyard gopher eating a magic carrot and becoming self aware, with a voice that is perfect for readers of all ages, but especially for young people. I was delighted as Gopher discovered the nature of things like friendship, loyalty, loneliness, and evil. The first quarter of The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard takes place in the wizard Menlo's cottage in the woods, and is the perfect place for the newly sentient Gopher to learn about himself, the world, and his human friend. But when Gopher and Menlo venture into the neighboring village for winter supplies, Gopher experiences things and learns hard lessons - just like all of us in this journey called life.
I think this book is awesome. I can't remember an animal character I have had as much empathy for as Gopher. Not since Watership Down have I cheered for an animal so much. The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard is the kind of book you hope your child discovers early as they embark on the wonderful journey of reading for pleasure. In fact, I have picked this one to read to my kids myself. John L. Rallios paints this magical world with a deft brush. Menlo the wizard, Gopher, Adia and her father, all are presented in a way that brings this world and this story to life. There is something called tone, and tone can make the difference between an okay story and a great story. This is a great story.
