Blog Tour: Anthony by Harold J. Fischel (Review)

Welcome to my stop on the Anthony by Harold J. Fischel blog tour hosted by Premier Virtual Author Book Tours.

Publisher: Harold J. Fischel (April 3, 2014)

Category: New Adult, Coming of Age, Contemporary Fiction

Tour Date: May/June, 2015

Available in: Print & ebook, 309 Pages

Life has never been easy for Anthony, the secret love child of a well-known US general and his beautiful mistress. After his father perishes in a plane crash, his cancer-stricken mother, Yuni, is forced to move with him to a tiny New York City apartment. And to make matters worse, he’s flagged as an easy target for neighborhood bullies, who constantly terrorize him inside and outside of school.


But after a brutal attack prompts him to fight back in a fit of rage, things start to turn around for the young boy. He shows promise joining the swim and wrestling teams in school, and begins to grow into the tall and physically fit body he inherited from his father.

Just when Anthony’s situation seems to be getting better, however, tragedy strikes his life yet again. In order to put the pieces back together, he turns to some of the strong female figures in his life. But it’s the one girl whom he least expects who may have the power to heal him—shedding his image as the illegitimate son through the magic of love and helping him leave his tragic childhood behind.

Praise for Anthony by Harold J. Fischel:

“It’s not often that I find a book that truly moves me, but Anthony may have just been it. Anthony is so real…such a realistic and poignant character. He is bitter, confused, sad, angry, and while his experience is not necessarily the norm of a typical young adult, you can easily relate to him. What a transformation. Anthony goes from a scared and weak child to a fierce, understanding, and competent young man. Fischel writes with skill and craftsmanship that is a joy to read. I would read anything else he has to offer in a heartbeat.”- Katelyn Hensel, Readers’ Favorite

“The young boy, Anthony, captures your heart in the first few chapters, and you will want to continue with him through his happy, frightening, joyful, daunting journey toward manhood. A good read from start to finish.” J. Herrick, Amazon Reviewer

“New Adult, Coming of Age, Contemporary Fiction’s coming of age story, Anthony, is inspiring and heartwarming. Fischel’s writing style is accomplished and smooth, and I quickly became immersed in this athletic and ethical story of triumph over adversity. Anthony is a marvelous book and is highly recommended reading.”- Jack Magnus, Readers’ Favorite

“Loved the story line, could not put it down. Although it is listed as a novel, it is sad to think this is reality for some kids.”- Donna Connely, Amazon Reviewer

“Anthony by Harold J. Fischel is a wonderful coming of age novel. I loved the story of Anthony,… I welcomed all the surprises and I loved all the characters. Anthony was resilient and strong, even when he was still a kid. Everything he experienced growing up only made him stronger, some of the things that happened to him even made me cry. All the supporting characters also played big roles in Anthony’s success. Overall, a good book with great characters.”- Lorena Sanqui, Readers’ Favorite

Queekie Girl Reads Reviews...

Anthony by Harold J. Fischel

Anthony tells the readers about a boy wise beyond his years. Even though his life has been going through ups and downs, he's a boy who knows how to handle situations that involves protecting his family and the importance of being independent. Anthony didn't live in a beautiful environment as he was growing up, he faces different circumstances. His mother was all he could lean upon. Yuni, mother of Anthony, a mistress of an immensely popular soldier, Chip Walker, the father of Anthony. Unfortunately, Anthony didn't get the chance to know his father that much as tragic death had his life.

Anthony grew up real fast as I followed his life. I like that he doesn't complain much about the problems that comes his way. He's caring towards people and doesn't judge them. He's mature enough to know about hurting other people and making it worse for anyone. I adore him for so many reasons. His obedient pet even loves everything about him. Now, why won't I do the same. He's a sweetheart. That's why I didn't bother question Rita's relationship with him although I was a little against it because it made me uncomfortable. Well, that's just my opinion. But I do understand, why the relationship has to happen in the story. It connected to how Anthony will treat a woman selflessly and he needed someone for comfort, love and that's all he have left. Love and a home to go back to - family. He learned to turn a new leaf out of it too.

The things I didn't really have enjoyed was how it was kind of repetitive. The part where Anthony keeps getting in trouble and how it makes me cringe. The book ended pretty abruptly and I'm not exactly sure if it was really the ending or it was mistakenly left open ended for the readers to find out how the book focuses on Anthony's life and the purpose for the title. The connection of the ending didn't match to the Anthony in the story that I'm truly curious about. It was a little out of touch with Anthony. Just not what I expected it to be. It doesn't necessarily sums up Anthony as whole when the ending was written as it was.

Honestly, I find Anthony and the characters are well-rounded and full of emotions. The story started off really adorable and sweet that I imagined the little Anthony very animated when he talks to people. It's realistic and it will move readers to tears and makes the heart excited about Anthony's life.

(Actual) Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

About the Author

Harold J. Fischel, a graduate of Washington & Lee University and the NYU School of Law, has lived and worked on four different continents. His family fled the Netherlands shortly after the Nazi invasion, moving to Curacao and Aruba before settling in the United States in 1952.

After law school, Fischel served the US Army in Germany, later retiring as a captain. Since then, he again lived in the Netherlands, before returning to the United States to work for the US subsidiary of a Chinese company.

Fischel is now retired and living in Michigan with his wife, Jan, and their beloved Labrador retriever. He has two daughters, five wonderful grandchildren, and two great sons-in-law. Since retiring, he has published two novels and is working on a third.

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Thank you for joining me today on the blog tour! Let me know if you're going to read the book too. I hope you guys enjoyed your time checking out the post above! Happy reading everyone! :)