COMMENTS FROM GREEN ROOM READERS

This is a very unique story that is pretty much unforgettable.... and an easy-to-read book that always made me look forward to the next chapter. As many of the reviews indicated.... it's a great and HEROIC story that just does not come along very often, and if stories like these exist... they are not told often enough. Pride, joy, tension, and tears... for many reasons... are some of the feelings that the story evokes. And for many of us who perhaps lived a "small part" of this story in our lives.... it's very important and memorable.  Richie Larson

This is a story that goes directly to our hearts, maybe because it provokes our brains with a lot of true. It’s incredible how the lead character, Kyle, touches so deep everyone he knew and now everyone that reads the book. Adolescence is always full of drama, humor, crazy ideas and overwhelming feelings, the author captured all of this very well.  João Daltro

A fantastic coming of age story, full of honesty and feelings that gives the true meaning of friendship. Mr. Kelly has the ability to put into words the emotions others often search for.   Jason Dean

Green Room is the heart-touching, soul searching novel about teen-agers who never asked to be born finding their OWN way in a world they never made. Laying bare the shame of shame, outing the hypocrisies of our society, revealing the innocence of young people who are guilty of only trying to be THEMSELVES and would rather love one another than kill each other. It is a novel that merits the acclaim of Salinger's "Catcher In The Rye" of a generation ago. A must read for all teens whose biggest question in life is "Why?" and all parents willing to give them an honest answer. Gerald Hay (zyx)

This is a book that I really got a lot out of. I suspect that at any age, but especially if you are in your teens or early twenties, this story really lets you in on the fact that you aren't alone. Finding out that love between to friends is not only all right, but not uncommon. It is again, very honest, there are no empty rewards to be gained from reading it. There are lessons to be learned from Kyle on love, respect, friendship. I find it hard to express myself, to put down what it is that catches me and holds me with this story. Mostly because it is true. I highly recommend it to anyone in their high school or college years, but of course I think its a great read to anyone of any age.  Jack Greenman

A very interesting and unusual coming of age story about a teenage boy and his many friends in Australia. Once into this true story it is very hard to put the book down. It contains a balanced blend of humor and everyday teen life, with expected emphasis on the varied romantic experiences of the characters as they struggle through their mid-teen years. The lead character, Kyle, is one very unusual young man who has a special knack for making many lasting friendships during his high school years.  David Quaid

"Lightening in a Bottle" Reading about Kyle's friendship with Brett, as well as Stuart and everything else. This book has had quite a solid impact on my life. Its certainly one of the most touching and human books I have read yet.  Thomas Waltham

Read the "Green Room" books several years ago and cherish both. You have inspired me. You have given me something I can't even describe. Gary, YOU, are a very special individual.  Brian P

First, I have to say that you are a truly amazing writer - your writing really blows me away, in fact. You have a real talent for story telling that is at least as good as any writer I can think of (and yes I do include all the great names when I say this). Your writing, when you make the effort, is clear, concise, realistic, engrossing, heart-wrenching, believable, immensely enjoyable, educational, edifying and at least as good as anything ever written. Simon

I just wanted to tell you that I think this is one of the most touching stories I have ever read in my entire life. Thank you for bringing Kyle into my life. Eric

Green Room has to be one of the best stories that I have ever read, and I am a former English professor. This will be greatly enjoyed by thousands more, and popular in the US as well as Australia, and beyond to many countries. Thank you for letting me see. Jim

Wow, what a story! You have a fantastic way of writing, Gary. I loved it -- hated the ending, of course. That and several other places had me bawling. But on the other side of the coin, many times I had to stop myself from laughing out loud. Many laughs, many smiles, many tears. Very nicely done. Dave

An absolutely awesome story, extremely well written, cohesive, well-flowing, and full of wonderful life advice to young people everywhere, regardless of their beliefs or lifestyles. Rudy

I just completed reading your magnificent book 'Green Room'. I was completely overcome with emotion, much more than I was with the real incidents when they occurred. Marcel

I've enjoyed this story, although I think I only understand about half of it. Half a world and half a life away. Anyhow it's a great achievement. Thank you! Tony

I read the entire book in one night. I just couldn't stop reading. I am assuming that most of this is true. Do you correspond with Brett and crew anymore? If so could you update on how they are doing? I lost my partner in the 9/11 attacks. Your mentioning of it and how it affected those across the world was touching. This story was a great tribute to a person who meant a lot to a lot of people. Mark

Firstly, I guess, a quick description of me so you know who you're talking to: I'm John, a 19 y.o. kid currently living in England. I just finished reading the Green Room, and I'm now immersed (to the point of not being able to pull away from the computer screen... lol) in the sequel. I just wanted to message you, basically to say thanks. Large parts of my life, which I assumed were things that only I dealt with, I discover are shared by others. As you no doubt know, being a teenager is hard and a lot of the time not much fun, but your books have comforted me by leaving me in the knowledge that I'm not the only one out there working through certain questions in my life. Wishing you all the best, Thanks again for taking the time to write down your experiences, John

Let me tell you that I read your story in the past three days. To say that I was angry when you killed Kyle would be a major understatement. And yet I analyzed the decision and what would of happened had he lived in your story. I must say it was absolutely amazing, gut wrenching after his death and I cried so much I think you owe me money for tissue. It was so amazingly real. You have a gift , one that made me ride on a roller coaster that I was sorry to see end. Thank you so much for writing it. Love from America a huge fan of Kyle and his friends, Chris

Hey, Chris, the reason "It was so amazingly real." is because...you guessed it...it was real! Gary