Other titles from L. J. Whiskens
Danny Boy...
Danny Boy is the debut short story of Laura J Whiskens. Self-published in July 2013 this is a heart-warming story about a young girl, Catherine, who tells the tale of her childhood friend, Danny.
Catherine takes the reader on a journey through her childhood and her observations of how the public react to someone who is 'different'. Her best friend is born with Downs Syndrome and Catherine becomes aware from an early age that people look at him strangely and keep a distance from him.
Danny Boy explores how one little girl came to see through the mask of disability and see the big beating heart which lies beneath, when others could not.
The book has received 5* reviews and fantastic comments from readers and fellow authors alike and reached no. 16 in the Amazon Kindle Top 100 (Short Stories) in July 2013. Furthermore, following the diagnosis of a close family member, 50% of proceeds for Danny Boy will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support (UK) in recognition of the work they do for cancer patients.
Reviews:
From Authonomy
First I want to say that, in my opinion, short stories are the hardest to write well. Every word has a definite purpose and you have less of them to express feelings, create imagery, etc. So I applaud your successful effort of creating two great and different short stories!
This is such a beautiful story of great friendship without prejudice and unconditioned love. I had Goosebumps throughout the story and I was surprised when tears started pulling down my cheeks in the end. But you know what, I feel sorry for those people who didn’t open up to Danny and couldn’t see past his ‘condition’, because they missed out – not him.
S. T. Grace, author of 'Innocence'
I've just read Danny Boy - what an emotional story. It feels so very real that I wonder if this is an actual memoir of yours as opposed to a work of fiction?
I really feel the connection between you and Danny and you establish a very special friendship even though it's only a short story. The ending is particularly sad and I feel that you dealt with Danny's death with great maturity. It was a beautiful scene.
I'm looking forward to reading The Hunter next!
E. Mirza, author of 'Red Hands'
My heart just broke with the story Danny Boy. Oh, how happy, wonderful, sad, amazing! I sometimes am blessed to spend time with children with down syndrome, autism, etc. and your story touched my heart.
E. Kathleen, author of 'The Sticks and Stones of Hannah Jones'
Catherine takes the reader on a journey through her childhood and her observations of how the public react to someone who is 'different'. Her best friend is born with Downs Syndrome and Catherine becomes aware from an early age that people look at him strangely and keep a distance from him.
Danny Boy explores how one little girl came to see through the mask of disability and see the big beating heart which lies beneath, when others could not.
The book has received 5* reviews and fantastic comments from readers and fellow authors alike and reached no. 16 in the Amazon Kindle Top 100 (Short Stories) in July 2013. Furthermore, following the diagnosis of a close family member, 50% of proceeds for Danny Boy will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support (UK) in recognition of the work they do for cancer patients.
Reviews:
From Authonomy
First I want to say that, in my opinion, short stories are the hardest to write well. Every word has a definite purpose and you have less of them to express feelings, create imagery, etc. So I applaud your successful effort of creating two great and different short stories!
This is such a beautiful story of great friendship without prejudice and unconditioned love. I had Goosebumps throughout the story and I was surprised when tears started pulling down my cheeks in the end. But you know what, I feel sorry for those people who didn’t open up to Danny and couldn’t see past his ‘condition’, because they missed out – not him.
S. T. Grace, author of 'Innocence'
I've just read Danny Boy - what an emotional story. It feels so very real that I wonder if this is an actual memoir of yours as opposed to a work of fiction?
I really feel the connection between you and Danny and you establish a very special friendship even though it's only a short story. The ending is particularly sad and I feel that you dealt with Danny's death with great maturity. It was a beautiful scene.
I'm looking forward to reading The Hunter next!
E. Mirza, author of 'Red Hands'
My heart just broke with the story Danny Boy. Oh, how happy, wonderful, sad, amazing! I sometimes am blessed to spend time with children with down syndrome, autism, etc. and your story touched my heart.
E. Kathleen, author of 'The Sticks and Stones of Hannah Jones'