Book Review – Lockless Doors in the Land of Harsh Angels by Dave Matthes

Available at Amazon.

I read this book as a paperback. This is an unsolicited review.

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The Review:

I really enjoyed this book. The tragedy and drama of the Ponce siblings kept me up a bit late a couple nights as I read it. Each one a train-wreck of a person but somehow lovable – flaws, quirks, and all. I appreciated how unapologetic each of them were. Unapologetic in their personality and in their decisions. In their love and in their mistakes. It was as if Matthes created a family who on the surface appears dysfunctional, yet they have each come to realize who they are and they aren’t afraid to be themselves.

The story is told from Ed’s point of view, as he finally reveals (in the form of an admission to himself and the reader) the Moment which altered his entire future. The crossroads which really had no other options yet he blames himself and never quite gets past that corner. You want to slap him and hug him. To offer to be his confessor. To help him forgive himself and move forward.

Of course we don’t get that chance, and Matthes has done what every good storyteller does: gets in your head and in your heart. Or rather, allows his characters to do so.

My Overall Score:

I give this book 5/5 stars. Excellent story. Great length; really good characters – every one of whom is believable and neither overdone or cliche; nice setting; some laugh-out-loud, shake-your-head parts; memorable and well-written. Highly recommended reading.

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be a good writer: read.
~tara caribou

A FINAL NOTE ON REVIEWS: it may seem that I am harsh on many writers for their editing, formatting, grammar, punctuation, etc. I do so unapologetically. First, because this is a review not a popularity contest. Second, because honest criticism should help us grow as artists.

The fact of the matter is, these things MATTER. A mathematician must use his tools and use them correctly to be an effective mathematician. A surgeon cannot simply say, “I know I can’t sew the wound closed but at least I could remove the appendix or whatever that thing is called.” Same with writers. We can’t claim to be writers yet refuse to use proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. We can’t claim to be a photographer just because we know how to push the button on the camera (or phone). There’s an art to it.

So while I may appreciate the artist as a person and their words, I believe that it does us all a disservice to claim that lower quality editing is okay, whether in word, deed, or omission of criticism. Instead: believe in yourself! Believe in the power of your words! Put the effort into being the very best you can be. Ask for help. Grow and learn.