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Arcadia,
My Arcadia |
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"Once I started reading Arcadia, My Arcadia I couldn't put it down. Nicholas Kokonis writes to touch your heart and makes real the experiences of so many immigrants who have struggled to find their way to America. "...more than an inspirational story."
"For me, it's like looking at a classic movie that is full of mystery and suspense."
"Angelo's story opened my eyes to my own potential."
"A considerable accomplishment...Others did the same and many like you persevered and triumphed. But few have told the story as well. Congratulations, and thank you for rescuing a part of history."
"Now I understand how important family is and how lucky I am to be here in America, this amazing land."
"Αγαπητέ κε Κοκκώνη
"It is impossible not to become motivated to do something great after reading this book."
"I've
just finished reading
Arcadia, My Arcadia.
The central character, Angelos Vlahos, brought tears to my eyes more
than once. Quite honestly, I couldnt put it down. It is so
well-written and compelling. It is so superbly crafted, it could easily
serve as an historical background to rural village life for students of
Modern Greek."
"Arcadia, My Arcadia is a page-turner...In addition to its literary value, this book is a singular literary document of an era (1950s) in the life of Arcadia. With a novel like this to his credit, Nikos has amply demonstrated that everywhere he goes he carries Arcadia with him, making it another 'movable feast' as it were. Frankly, I
know of no better way to pay homage to one's country...It is with keen
Arcadian pride that I salute him as a worthy citizen and gifted writer
and enthusiastically recommend Arcadia, My Arcadia as a sui
generis book that will make a fine addition to every citizen's
bookshelf and every public library. It will be enjoyed by everyone who
treasures good literature, whether Arcadian or not, again and again. Congratulations
to the author!"  Demetrios Konstantopoulos with author "I
just finished reading your book, Arcadia,
My Arcadia.
I congratulate you for a job well done. At least 80% of your
description relates to my life in the village, my school years, my life
with the eaters of the city, my school teacher and priest, my
decision and steps for preparation for coming to the United States. I
enjoyed the precise descriptions of the village life, the proverbs, the
customs, the Oneirokretes. You are making an excellent connection with
your characters in the different chapters, keeping the reader anxious
for the next happening. Again, congratulations!" "An
interesting book, written with sensibility and inspired by
ever-beautiful legendary Arcadia. My heartfelt congratulations."
"You have every right to be proud of Arcadia and your work." "I
enjoyed your style of writing and found it easy reading. I
identified with Angelos. Throughout the book you held my suspense and I
kept wondering if he would make it to America before the book ended.
That is a good subject for your sequel. I found the short chapters very
enjoyable with separate episodes. You did a fine job and trust that you
will follow through with the sequel." "You have
written an excellent novel, depicting truism in life experiences and
the internalized power of an individual to discriminate between good
and evil in his persistence for a better tomorrowI thoroughly
enjoyed reading Arcadia, My Arcadia. Its literary merits
include both realism and romanticism...Your literary style of writing
is comprised of simple phraseology, and is rich in vocabulary and
references of famous world writers and persons. The plot is more like a
documentary. I can visualize this novel made into a movie...It is an
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Bookman Old Style;"> "You
remind me a lot of Mark Twain."
"Thank you for the shipment of 24 copies of Arcadia, My Arcadia. I will keep one and the others I will give them gifts to my relatives and friends. With your book you make me feel proud and happy and in return I give you a big Bravo! for a well-done job. God bless you, Nikos." TED STAMISON, Villa Park, IL "I
find this type of project (Arcadia, My Arcadia) inspirational
and uplifting. Your story reminds me of Angela's Ashes, the best
seller about a boy growing up in Ireland who makes the journey out of
poverty and becomes a teacher in America. My suggestion to you is this:
Find a director who may have an affinity for this kind of film. Maybe
someone who is Greek, or a Greek producer, someone who might have some
connections with financing in Greece. Contact the Greek Film
Commission. You might be able to produce it for under $10 milllion. I
have traveled throughout Europe. I loved Greece and found the people
loved there to be some of the warmest people Ive ever met. I wish you
luck. "I
would like to express my congratulations and great pleasure derived
from reading this fascinating historical novel (Arcadia, My Arcadia)." "I
loved your book
Arcadia, My Arcadia!
Thank you for many hours of enjoyment. Congratulations for a truly
wonderful accomplishment."
"Arcadia,
My Arcadia is a beautifully written, poignant cliff
hanger. I exercised much restraint not to turn to the last page to see
if the protagonist was ever able to leave Greece. I couldnt help but
compare Angelo's odyssey to leave Greece with that of my parents who
came here in the early 1900s from Agios Petros, Arcadia. Much success with Arcadia,
and I do believe its begging for a sequel." "I
was delighted to read your book. I was surprised how similar our
childhood was. I lived in a small farm village in Germany during WWII.
Relatives from the US sent CARE packages to us so that we could trade
the cigarettes and coffee for food from the local farmers." "Once
I started reading it I could not put it down. Now I want my sons
to read your bookWish I could have been to the Museum in Chicago for
your affair. My cousin Arcadia said it was wonderful." "I enjoyed meeting you and reading your book." I find
stories like this refreshing.
"Exceptional!
Superb, well-written manuscript and a captivating
story. My brother George read it as well and his reaction was similar;
he, too, wept. A good piece of literature. I applaud the author!"
"It
is a volume with intricate plots, the product of your labor, effort
and zeal that finally paid off exactly as you deserve. I think that in
addition to the literary value, the meaning of the struggle as
described in the events of the narrative will become a vivid document
of the history of Arcadia for the future generations."
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