Review of Ray Flannery’s Book
Moany Mc Moan
The Accidental Hero
Date 11.9.2017
“Tonight is one of calm and stillness. Its 8pm and I am at home. Quietly relaxing. I have a free evening. A few hours of total peace, total escapism awaits. In anticipation….? Of what you may wonder? I have in my hand the eagerly awaited publication of Ray Flannery’s new book “Moany McMoan: The Accidental Hero”.
You see, I love books. I love reading. Always did. The excitement I feel as I gaze at this cover is immense.
This is no ordinary book. It is an exquisite story of 12 days in the life of a 10 year old boy, Moany Mc Moan. A pure gem of a book, an absolute ‘must of a read’.
Even before I begin to read, I gaze longingly at its cover. At the illustration of Moany Mc Moan, the coolest dude in town. The cover design is eye catching. Vivid illustrations create the first sense of fun and wonder that is contained in the pages inside. The illustration on the cover reflects Moany’s character, so cool, as if to say: ‘I’m here guys, I get into trouble, but you know I’m OK’. The cover of the book is blue. Now for anyone like me, who has studied Complementary Health Therapies, the colour blue is about the throat chakra and speech. And this book speaks to you. Its captivating simplicity transports you directly into Moany’s world, his school friends, his family, his teachers and his local town where he lives.
Reading a book is like a ritual. It takes time and preparation. Anticipation. Excitment. And this book has all of these ingredients.
I now flick through its pages. Smell its print. Glance at the funny vivid illustrations that are dispersed throughout its pages. I look more closely at some of the illustrations and decide I like this super cool dude.
I’m still holding the book. I read the back cover, Book Hub Publishing notes, the authors acknowledgements, glance at the table of contents and I am ready to begin.
But before I start I make some steaming hot tea. Another ritual. I light the fire. I’ll let you in on a secret. I turn off my mobile phone. In case of interruption. Terrible to admit to such a crime. In this technological age of instantaneous need for communication. But honesty prevails. My friends know and understand my love of solitude. My children raise their eyes to heaven and exclaim “oh, it must be a book”. Acceptance. Human desire. Need. Love. To escape into the world of Moany Mc Moan.
And so I begin.
Now, I’m not going to give the story away. But I will let you know that from the first sentence I was hooked. I laughed out loud at the beautifully vivid depiction of Moany from the word go. I joined Moany in his world. I loved every word, every line. I lived in Moany’s world, in his home town of Bandan. I got to know his family, his best friend “Whingy”, his school, his everyday. But I lived it through his eyes. His excitement. His wonder, awe, fun, annoyance. The quirky insights of a 10 year old boy. Told in his own words, from his perceptions. Cool dude, like I said. And funny too. I won’t give the story away. But I laughted and spent a magical evening with Moany.
I love this book. It is magical, fun, quirky, and beautifully written and illustrated. It is a children’s book but it is also for adults. It tickled my sense of fun inner child lurking to escape in a wonder world of fun and innocence.
Ray, you are a beautiful writer, illustrator and I am completely enthralled by the character of Moany Mc Moan.
Every parent, aunt, uncle, friend should purchase this book and read it to their children, nieces, nephews, friends children etc. I can’t wait to read more adventures of Moany’, this lovable dude. Ray, your perceptive ability to enter a child’s mind and see the world as a 10 year old boy is immense. I have no doubt this book is the first of many. And like the character Moany, the author Ray Flannery will become a household name.
Again, many thanks to Book Hub Publishing for seeking out and discovering such wondrous talent. I’ve had a wonderful evening. Me and Moany. You’ll enjoy reading this book. I want to impress on you its sense of wonder. Children will experience a rare and special sense of curiosity as you read it with them. It will make you smile and laugh as you share these magical moments with them. And that is priceless!!”
Thank you Moany
Thank you Ray
Thank you Book Hub Publishing.
Children's Books
