Every Town Needs a Castle

At OpenBookReview  August  2011    9/10 rating www.openbookreview.com/post_ review/

N 67   past_  Anonymous ( no country , no age )

The perfect mix of reality, nostalgia, small town politics and the pursuit of a personal vision embraced by a cacophony of personalities who live with gusto day in and day out.

If you're not afraid to reduce the number of sleep hours, because you simply can't put the book down and close it because you're falling asleep, start reading it early Saturday morning. If you're one that squeezes the feelings and lets your imagination run away, as if you're watching a 3D, technicolor, stereophonic series of events that surrounds you, then you will go a lot slower and you may have to call in sick rather than dislodge yourself from the content of the pages in this wonderful story.

I will have to read it again...

At OpenBookReview  August  2011    10/10 rating http://www.openbookreview.com/post_review/

I have known Dwayne Hunn, the author since 1972 when he was my teacher in High School. He lived at "The Castle" with Michael and the rest of the gang. This book is an excellent memorial to Michael Rubel and was equally a funny memoir to those who didn't know Michael well or even knew of him. The end pages of Mr. Hunn's book were interesting because this was the time I first met him and didn't quite understand what was happening in his world. I am forever grateful for his teachings and of his patience with everything in his life.
kat p  8-5-11

EXCELLENT! Truly a great memorial to Michael. Your book brought back fond memories of those 3 years.  And fond memories of that place are few and far between.  I MEAN Glendora in particular ....... NOT the castle, Michael or you , as my teacher.  And it DID answer all my questions that were brought up while I was reading it.  That’s a GREAT author for you.  I hope your signing and sales there at the Village Book store are astounding.  Facebook isn't presently letting me post my "book report," so I hope this comes thru ok to you. 

                  Katherine 1-25-11

“We thought you were a bunch of hippies doing dope up there.”

Successful Glendora businessman interjects from audience during Village Book shop book presentation of February 12, 2011.

   ---

Dwayne,

The more I went through your book, I decided you constructed it in the same way that the Castle projects took form. The book seems to be very related in its format, spellings, mythology, etc., to the way and means the Pharm grew into its current legendary status.  You’re a product of those times, and you’ve done well. 

^{Chris R   email 2-24-11}

Congratulations on the book; I ordered one and am enjoying it tremendously    :-)

Diana O email  3-4-20111

Dwayne, I enjoyed reading Michael’s writings especially. I have some of those same ones in his folder. We all miss him.  I talked to him every week and we always had a laugh together.

Dorchen F 3-5-2011 email

Hi Dwayne,

 Just finished your book....and I not only thoroughly enjoyed it ,but found it rejuvenating and inspiring. I remember spending some time at the pharm with you...working hard (among other things) eating well and sleeping like a dead person or a dead drunk person. There was always a positive and challenging attitude toward every project that was laid before us... I loved being a part of that! I also remember laughing a lot.....You pharm hands were an eccentric and very diversified talented group.  In other words you were all crazy!... but in a good way.  I have nothing but fond memories of my visits and working weekends with you, Michael, and Glen.

I have to run to get my youngest (Natalie 14yrs) from soccer practice so I'll close for now.

 I'll send you some of my memories from the days with you at the pharm soon...or better yet, why don't you come for a visit.....we have plenty of room and I have some free airline tickets.

 Peace and Safety Third!

Jack M  3-10-2011 email

Dwayne:

Loved the book… Just like I remember everything.  Sure do miss Michael and the packing house meetings.
Ruff  3-13-11 email

 Adages, a lot of them are in Dwayne's book. His book started out as an idea for just publishing grandfather's sayings (few, if any, of which are original, but still important that these are what informed Michael's life).    —Scott

I've attached my poem, Builders.  I'd like to dedicate it to you and to all the Michael Rubel's of the world. 

Builders

 I saw them tearing a building down.

A Gang of men in a busy town.

With a yo heve ho and a lusty yell,

They swung a beam and a side wall fell.

I asked the foreman, "Are these men skilled,

Skilled as the men you would hire if you were to build?

He laughed and said, "Oh, no, indeed.

Common labor is all I need.

I can wreck in a day or two

What builders have taken years to do.

So I asked myself as I went my way,

Which of these roles have I tried to play.

Am I a builder who works with care,

Who measures life with a rule and square?

Or am I a wrecker who walks the town

Content with the labor of tearing down?

                                    -- Jim E, emailed

Dwayne - I have to tell you that I am reading your book now and I'm on page 89.  I bought your book to be nice and I really can't put this book down.   I am really glad I had the opportunity to meet you and thank you  for putting such an amazing story in your book.  Can hardly wait to finish....it's a great read!!   God bless. 

Kathy J email 7-31-11