Dave Goss Meet the Author

If you would like to schedule a book signing and/or lecture with Mr. Goss,
you may contact him directly @
boggdweller@yahoo.com
or by calling 1-989-686-6479

DANNY
Book Description
Meet Danny Pratt: a bright but naive boy trying to find his way through the confusing and turbulent 1960s in the small, conservative town of Bay City, Michigan. Though his family is quite poor, they have enough to eat and a humble home for shelter. Terrified of the eternal fires of hell, young Danny tries to follow the path that his church has set before him. He is honest and trusting to a fault. His journey into adulthood is humorous, awkward, and typical as he reaches puberty and tries to define himself. He inevitably discovers that he is not capable of the perfection that he seeks. Danny’s father is the only member of the family who realizes that his wife is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. To the rest of the family, she has simply become mean-spirited, self-centered, and forgetful. The story of Danny Pratt is the story of an unremarkable man who lived a somewhat adventurous life, who would otherwise be forgotten in the countless grains of sand along the shoreline of the Saginaw River. Danny’s energy is vital. His intentions are (mostly) good.

ISBN: 1-4241-2492-1, 262 pages, 6 x 9

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AUTHOR'S BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Dave Goss grew up in Bay City, Michigan. His life has been
shaped by this conserative river town - alive with the history
of the lumber industry that once flourished there.

After a four-year enlistment in the U.S. Air Force as an
artist/illustrator,he furthered his artistic interests at the
Colorado Institute of Art. Otherthan his stint in art school,
an occasional class at local colleges, and a longlist of varied
employment, Dave considers himself a self-educated person.

He is married and has three grown children and seven grandkids.
He continues to live just outside Bay City, near the Saginaw Bay.

Both men and women will love this book, July 31, 2006

Reviewer:

Marcy Garcea

Yes, I love the cliche about escaping through a book, but too often the place it takes you is not very compelling or interesting in many books I have been reading lately. I liked being in Danny's world for a while. When it begins to feel a little like home, you know it is a good book.

Danny has the guts and bravado that many young boys embody (or wish to embody) before they notice their own mortality. Danny, however, lives during a time that is less accepting of his need to discover and test his limits. Somehow Danny believably manages to escape death, the wrath of God and the equally terrifying wrath of his parents numerous times throughout the book (but he also gets caught a few times too).

Beyond Danny's adventures, there is also a touching story of a young man learning about his parents' frailty and disappointments and accepting that they are human, too. This book touches on the sweet, the sad, the hard and the forgotten people we have all known during our lives.

I recommend this book as a great way to see the 1950's and 1960's for those of us not yet born, and to relive them for those who were there. I found his story very real and compelling. I thought that I might not like it because it was from a boy's point-of-view, but Danny's emotionality comes through even as he is testing his physical limits.

A flip side to "Angela's Ashes", July 14, 2006

Reviewer:

Patti J. Feiger (Grand Rapids, Michigan)

I was absorbed in this book, and read it in two sittings. "Danny" reminds me of "Angela's Ashes" with sober parents. Though he had a good home life, the restrictions of Danny's parents' religious beliefs seemed to be a catalyst to Danny's rebellion.
Danny's search for the meaning of life in a small town during the rebellious 60s is a struggle many people of his generation fought through. I felt as though I had been there myself. His spiritual awakening at the end of the book makes me ask the question, "What happens next?" I truly hope to see more from this author.

A Great Escape

Marcy - USA (7/31/2006)

A walk in history

Gayle - Michigan/ USA (7/13/2006)

I enjoyed every single page of this delightful book. Danny Pratt is a mischievious young American boy who takes us along with him on his adventures as he grows up in a strict Christian home. Located in a Michigan town, the author shares vivid memories and details that make the town come alive to the reader. The characters are so real and defined that you feel as if you know each one of them by the end of the story. This is the type of book that as you turn the final page, you sigh... because you end up wanting more!