The Simple Gift

Reader reviewed by Nikki

I Loved the simple gift, the characters, the descriptions of the settings in the book as well as the fact that the book was written in free verse.
This was the first book of free verse I have ever read and now I can't wait to read more.
I know many teens that ususally don't like to read that have been completely absorbed by this wonderful book and it's fantastic characters
The simple gift is truly a heart warming, emotional, rollercoaster ride of a novel that can be enjoyed by all ages and walks of life, thankyou to steven Herrick for giving us the gift of such a wonderful free verse novel

Reader reviewed by carmen alexis

With a story that is based on poems and verses, the author has to be
able to capture the interest of readers and tell a story in a matter of
words. And Steven Herrick definitely did that. It's been awhile since I
was able to read one of these novels mostly because I get distracted
easily. But Billy definitely held my interest as he took me on his
adventure. It was a touching story and imagines the life of a runaway.
It also gives hope to those unfortunate souls that they can still be
saved and find a place in the world.


Reprinted here with author's permission.

Reader reviewed by Marissa

This book is seriously the best thing I've read ever. Its so powering and it shows how life can be tough and sometimes you just have to pick yourself up and not depend on anyone else. The only thing I think was bad about this book was that Billy never made peace with his Dad.

Reader reviewed by Dardam

This boook was all good until the final pages. Even though the ending left us thinking it was dodgy that we didnt read a conclusion instead of the end of a chapter.All over the book shown many good issues about world but was to UNREAL. The book focussed on too smaller part of billys life and didnt give us a bigger idea of the rest of it. As it being UNREAL the Arthur Steven Herrick makes life as a bum to be worthwhile and to get out there and be homeless. But realistically life as a homeless bum is un worth it and it ruins your life. All over this book is un worthit really unless your forced to read it at school.

Reader reviewed by Mrmacomouto

I thought this book was some what misleading.

The book portrays that a homeless life is somewhat fantastic, if someone was to really run away from home and live in a train carrage there is no chance in hell that they are going to get a nice job a girlfriend and a house.

I think he needs to stop living in the "dream world". Sure this book is a nice idea but homlessness is not a cushy life, there are no beautiful women, or grand old houses.

Or is there?

Reader reviewed by Souley

I didn't think much of this book. This book left me with an empty feeling. How do we now what will happen to Billy? your ending was crap thats why i didn't like it that much.

Reader reviewed by Shabnam Gould

I found this almost like an autobiography. It was wrote with great depth and made you wonder what would happen to Billy. I thought that the story line kept on moving, so it didn't get boring and lumpy.

Steven Herrick is a prime example of a modern writter who will soon become a classic author in years to come.

Reader reviewed by Hev

Hey, just wanted to say that i think this book is one of the best i have ever read. steven may say that he cant dipict what the female thinks or how she acts but i think that you did it beautifully without falling into the common trap of chauvinism which is what many male authors do. your plot is fantastic and the characters to me feel real so once again congrats on a fantastic piece of writing