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Member Reviews

Whirlaway by Robert Wintner is an engaging and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of relationships, identity, and personal growth. The story follows a man named Tom as he navigates a turbulent journey of self-discovery, love, and loss. Set against a backdrop of emotional depth and introspection, the book blends rich character development with themes of change and redemption. Wintner’s prose is both compelling and reflective, making this a powerful read for those who enjoy character-driven stories with philosophical undertones.

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Thank you to NetGalley for an advance read copy of this book in return for an unbiased review. Please note since receiving my copy, the final version has been published and may have slight changes to it.

This book is about poor addicts trying to make it rich in Hawaii with a charter boat called Whirlaway. The author does a great job personifying the erratic thought process of the addicts mine. It feels like an addict wrote this book. At least what I think an addicts mind would be like. Honestly, it gave me a headache reading it. I didn’t find it an enjoyable read.

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DNF. I tried to get into the book but there seemed to be nothing to grab onto for me. I didn't relate to either character and didn't much like them either....their goals and aspirations seemed ridiculous and centered on the stereotypical "sex, drugs and rock'n'roll" trope. I wanted to give it a shot since it's not my normal genre, but I couldn't make myself keep going as I wasn't enjoying it.
Thank you to Robert Wintner, Twice Backed Books and NetGalley for the ARC. 1.5 stars.

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I really like this book it was pretty good easy read definitely recommend
The book grabbed me from the the beginning to the end

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Nope, did not like this one.
Dialogue runs on, all sex, drugs, .
Very little description of anything except when rebuilding the yacht.
I forced myself to complete it, hoping that there would be improvement, alas that did not occur.
Thanks for the ARC for my opinion. I dod appreciate it, just can't give this one much of a review.

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Escapees from 9-5, two guys with innate skills for adventure sail to Hawaii for the good life. Robert Wintner chronicles the sweltering challenges in the fantasy chase on a 1-way trip to the secret life some men ponder and some live to regret. WHIRLAWAY is a repellent yet fascinating parable set in a free-booting era, delivering the beauty and the balm, the headwinds and breaking waves, the love and longing of distant shores. Adventure brings wayward souls home when least expected.

WHIRLAWAY is a tale for those who fail to toe the line, who seek a different dream, who roll the bones and go for broke. Martin and Jack know what they’ve been missing. Meant for more than dead-end jobs and withering youth, adrift in fading dreams and graying horizons, they reach a point—a wall facing a yacht harbor, where they smoke a joint to facilitate a vision. A big picture of balmy weather, women and money leaves only two questions: Why not? Why work, when they could be yachting?

Martin knows a guy who wants to fit in with those who don’t. Nuel is a brain surgeon, fairy godfather with a laser wand and an itch of his own. Nuel agrees to back a loan for a sailing yacht. It’s named for a racehorse, after all. Doctors do well on racehorses, so friends might as well embark on the tropical phase of their destiny. This vision too is facilitated.

Martin and Jack never had more than the wits between them, and though they ache from liquor and drug, they surge inside, casting off for open seas and a blue-sky promise. They inherit the wind and nothing more or less.
I really wanted to like this book, but I couldn’t connect with the characters or writing style. That doesn’t mean it’s not a good book, of course—everyone has different tastes so if the description appeals to you, give it a go.

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None of the characters are likeable and that is why I read the book, A book that you didn't have to think when reading since the characters goals for the first part of the book that I read was to secure funding for a boat so they could live life doing little work and doing drugs and having sex with women. A typical beach read.

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If a book doesn’t hook me within the first 50 pages, I give up. This one was easy to give up on. Unlikeable characters, talking about girls. Stilted dialogue went nowhere fast. Thanks anyway. Move on.

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Whirlaway by Robert Wintner is a quick adventure read but this book left a bit to be desired. Two men take on a sailing adventure.

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I did not care for this book at all, it was very hard to follow. None of the characters were like able. I struggled to finish this book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This was a new author for me but I really enjoyed it! I think it’s a good summer read and I recommend it to others. Can’t be wait to read more from the author in the future!

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This is a story that reads like a song or poetry. It has rhyme and rhythm that puts you in a relaxed state of mind. The characters are eclectic and different. They are all struggling to do life but seem happy non the less.

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DNF. I just couldn't get into this. None of the characters are likeable, so I didn't care if they accomplished their goals--the goals for the first part of the book that I read was to secure funding for a boat so they could live life doing little work and doing drugs and having sex with women--not exactly lofty aspirations.

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This is probably a “man’s book”. It was not for me. Male introspection. Might get better when he gets to Hawaii but I didn’t get that far. Sail on.

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Couldn't finish it...just rambling about nothing much! The story of a lover or drifter or mooch...not sure which title fits the best. I was bored!

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Ugh. This is a tough one. Not your typical feel good, guys sailing around Hawaii. I struggled with this one from start to finish.

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I have been a sailor most of my life and lived on a boat for many years and was looking forward to reading about another adventure. “Whirlaway” left me looking for more. I am sorry to say that I could not get past the Hawaiian dialect and slang to appreciate the story which did seem well written, It was just not for me. I have given it 3 stars for a decent yarn but it was just too distracting with the language usage.

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This book is impossible to read. The words are mixed up and there is no story. Could not get past 20 pages..

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