Review of Bellamy

[Jorge Leon Salazar]

This book set in the 60s and 70s includes comments on issues of the time, such as homophobia and racism, which are still the cause of prejudice and social struggles. Calvin is a character that may be relatable for some.

[Amy Luman]

I had a friend growing up in the 70s who probably had ADHD, but no one knew. It was just not diagnosed then. I feel badly for Calvin since these things were not his fault. Congratulations on BOTD!

[Aanchal Saxena]

This is such a detailed review, which I really appreciate! I find Calvin's character extremely relatable, and I commend the author for delving into racism and homophobia head-on, which a lot of authors are sometimes hesitant to do. Looking forward to reading this book!

[Do Thi Huong]

I think I can relate to Calvin at some points, particularly about never living up to expectations and feeling like an outcast in his family. I also want to learn more about the lives of people who grew up in the 60s and 70s. The book seems interesting to me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[Cristina-Ioana Toader]

Great review! I truly appreciate your strong endorsement, highlighting "Bellamy" as a powerful and thought-provoking read.

[Charmaine Mahlangu]

Calvin is a mischievous and adventurous child who can't stop getting into trouble. Born into an abusive stepmother who treats him as an outcast, he finds school and making friends quiet difficult. This is where Bellamy comes in . An imaginary friend to comfort him.

While he grows up he does not have a childhood as easy as any other persons childhood. He is also surrounded by abuse and ill treatment but that does not stop him . He makes friends with two other friends in the neighbourhood and unfortunately one of them dies. The characters, almost all of them that surround him are suspects to this murder as he does not trust anyone. Will he solve this case? Is he correct about the forever smiling Reverend ?

The characters in the book are exciting I must mention . Calvin is my favorite but the smiling Reverend Bartholomew Michael Markey happens to be my better favorite. I agree. No one is constantly smiling and that makes him really dodgy of a character. The step mother Dasha annoyed me but I am glad all turns out well with Calvin.

The author spends so much time within his head , I mean Calvin's head its annoying. It takes up 75% of the entire book. It felt like he could not separate himself from the story to a point whereby I am starting to think that he is the Calvin behind the story. His emotions are all over the pages and it makes it feel like a memoir or a diary instead. Which was rather confusing for me.

I am rating the book 3 out of 5 . The neatness in the arrangements of characters. Their introduction also were great. Editing skills were amazing and the tone was almost like a humour mirrored with anger. He just needs to keep it less subjective that's all but otherwise this is a great read.

[PandaMommy86]

Your review definitely compels me to buy the full version. I just finished the sample pages available on Amazon and can honestly say knowing what it feels like to never quite fit in that I am able to relate heavily to the protagonist, Calvin. Excellent review and it definitely catalyzes me to purchase the full version! Thank you!

[Jenna Padayachee]

Captivating!
G. Bradley Davis has a great way with words.
Calvin's circumstances and secret friendships leave the reader engaged.
The murder plot that arises further draws my attention as I feel it is simply another traumatic event that Calvin is positioned to endure.
I do wonder how Calvin navigates everything, and I am already firmly rooting for his victory and also for justice.
Congratulations on achieving BOTD!

[Pranav Dewangan]

The way it tackles serious issues like racism and homophobia through the eyes of Calvin, a child dealing with ADHD in the 60s, seems powerful and relevant.

[Brienna Cooper]

Great review!

Calvin is an outcast in his family; his stepmother constantly reminds him he will never live up to expectations. He also feels like the third wheel of his friend group. However, Calvin has an imaginary friend, Bellamy, to ease the loneliness. Calvin also befriends the other social outcasts of the town: an African-American girl his age and an older gay gentleman. However, Calvin hides these relationships from everyone else in his life, as he doesn't want those associations to give others more cause to shun him.

Wow! At a base level, I’ve seen story structures done in this manner to cover these particular topics (i.e prejudice, fitting in vs. belonging) done many times before. I would say that the strength in these setups lies not only in the response to the inciting incident that forces the characters to evaluate themselves, but also in where their values were both before said incident and after it’s resolved. Hopefully, all of that is made clear because that’s when people will show you who they really are.

[Jaadugar Yadu]

The characters learn valuable lessons about acceptance, empathy, and the importance of standing up for what they believe in. This leaves a positive and lasting impression on readers.

[Martina Sette]

This book offers a poignant portrayal of Calvin's struggles with societal and familial rejection in the 60s. The author's depiction of Calvin's ADHD frustrations and friendships highlights enduring issues of racism and homophobia, making it a thought-provoking read.

[Kaitlyn Canedy]

I know so many people with ADHD now, and it is evident that the world is trying to change how these people are instead of trying to find a different way to teach them. Bellamy is an eye-opening book for those unfamiliar with the struggles of this special need. Thanks for the review!

[Gerry Steen]

This is a good historical novel that will appeal to baby-boomers. I was a child of the 60s. Nostalgia will be part of my reading experience. Calvin is an intersting character. I am looking forward to reading this gem of a book.

[Moisés Alcántara Ayre]

This is a read that addresses the theme of prejudice, its impact on those 'left aside' and the consequences that those being judged need to endure: How much can those being judged by the majority truly endure?