Official Review: The Arrival by Ian C. Dawkins Moore

rssllue · Post by **rssllue** » 15 Apr 2016, 12:39

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Arrival" by Ian C. Dawkins Moore.]

3 out of 4 stars

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When I first read the synopsis for the book, The Arrival: How to Survive in America by Ian C. Dawkins Moore, I expected quite a different story than I actually received. I thought that it was going to be a book about the author’s traveling to America from his homeland of England and his experiences along the way. The book does indeed contain some of this, but it is also so much more than just his traveling to the U.S. to live.

Decades of the author’s life and experiences are laid out for the reader in the pages of this book. The tone shifts quite a bit as the years go by and Mr. Moore changes throughout his experiences and learning. There are times of anger and exasperation that later on shift to hope and joy. The author is definitely not afraid to put his life and naked emotions/reactions on display for the reader to see, warts and all.

This manuscript is quite difficult to pin down as to what category it should be classified within. It is most assuredly nonfiction, but beyond that, the waters get a little bit murky. The contents cover many topics such as: philosophy, poetry, social commentary, self-help, travel journal, and even a dash of infomercial near the end. The author is just as adept at discussing his time in foreign countries as he is at bringing his views of culture to the fore.

This book had me quite conflicted in how I felt about it. As I first started reading it, I was taken by Mr. Moore’s viewpoint along with the eloquence with which he wrote. The chapters were mainly made up of essays from throughout the adult life of the author. It was a little disjointed for me as he had poems interspersed with his chapters, but that was mainly just a format that I am not used to. However, once I did finally get into a good flow, I found myself struggling through the middle part of the book. It began to delve into more of the social commentary where me and the author did not always see eye to eye. This, along with him recounting some of his exploits living in Africa, Israel, and elsewhere, kind of put me off from wanting to read the rest of the book. I am glad that I finished though, as another shift to almost a self-help format saw me and the author getting along better once more.

The entire book made me feel like I just had a long, frustratingly good discussion with an intelligent man that I believe would challenge me in my thinking. I also believe that Mr. Moore would actually listen to my thoughts and beliefs as well, which often seems to be quite the lost art, as he brings up himself in the book.

Here I have to give a quick warning for those who dislike strong language as it does appear in some portions of the book.

My overall rating for this book is a 3 out of 4. I would have given it a 2.5 if that were an option as I think that it truly is a book that most would be in agreement with much of what Mr. Moore states, but not in sync with other positions or beliefs that he holds true. Those who like to have themselves challenged and enjoy some grit with their conversations would most likely enjoy this book. This seems to me to be a book that would challenge the reader to come with an open mind, but also to have their convictions ready to measure against its contents.

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The Arrival
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Gravy · Post by **Gravy** » 26 Jun 2016, 22:00

You read too quickly!

Also, sounds interesting

rssllue · Post by **rssllue** » 26 Jun 2016, 23:13

It was a very unique read to say the least.

gali · Post by **gali** » 27 Jun 2016, 21:34

Great review! I am not sure the book is for me, but enjoyed reading your review.

rssllue · Post by **rssllue** » 27 Jun 2016, 22:53

Thank you very much, gali!

Post by **bookowlie** » 28 Jun 2016, 11:28

I enjoyed reading your balanced and honest review! I am not sure if the book is my cup of tea, since I don't care for a disjointed style in books. However, the information sounds interesting.

rssllue · Post by **rssllue** » 28 Jun 2016, 11:52

Thank you very much! It is definitely unlike any style of book that I have ever read before.

e-tasana-williams · Post by **e-tasana-williams** » 28 Jun 2016, 12:38

Thank you for the thorough review, rssllue! I'm with the other readers, as I don't tend to like this writing style. By your description of the book, it sounds like the author was a journal keeper over the years, and took entries directly from his journal(s) to create the book. Perhaps this would explain the change in voice over time, the inclusion of poetry and the wide range of topics addressed?

rssllue · Post by **rssllue** » 28 Jun 2016, 14:34

Thank you very much!

That indeed does seem to be the way that the book was ultimately put together. Taking so many years of his life and experiences and trying to put them into a cohesive format must have been quite the challenge for the author.

Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 30 Jun 2016, 13:43

I really enjoyed reading your honest review, rssllue! Like others have said, I'm not sure if this is for me. However, it seemed as if the book gave you much thought, which can be a good/accomplishing task in it of itself. Anyway, great review and you did a wonderful job explaining the book.