The Official Stephen R. Moore Web Site: Reviews

Reviews

Bob, A reviewer,
I loved it!
Thank you Mr. Moore. I experienced a range of emotions, reliving part of my own life. I could relate to so many of the characters. This is an excellent coming of age story. This would be great reading for anyone gay/lesbian or those that are friends or family.
Mrs. E. Ant.,

'Moore' than an admirer.,
I COULD NOT PUT THIS GREAT NOVEL DOWN!!!
I laughed, I cried, I was startled and surprised as I breezed through every chapter in Mr. Moore's first great novel. When I reached the end of one chapter, I could not stop and take a break. I wanted to find out what happened to all of the characters. I hope that there will be a continuation to this story in the near future. Mr. Moore has a bright future ahead of him as an author and I have already become a faithful fan.

Cheri Rosenberg, A reviewer,
Review of Dancing in the Arms of Orion by Cheri Rosenberg
Daniel Peterson is a typical teenager entering his senior year of high school in Stephen R. Moore’s debut novel, Dancing in the Arms of Orion. He has more to deal with than just deciding what he is going to do in the future—he also has to acclimate to a new school, make new friends, and come to terms with being gay. We meet him during the summer his family plans to move to Whaler’s Cove in the historic Towne of Ulm. At first, Daniel is apprehensive about the move, but his newfound friends and possible love interests quickly alleviates that feeling. Ever the optimist, Daniel makes the best of every situation and even likes his new school. He particularly likes Whaler’s Cove when he spots the boy of his dreams—a lifeguard at the town pool—and discovers they are neighbors. Daniel’s senior year turns out to be chockfull of highs and lows, first times, and new experiences as Daniel comes to terms with being gay, helps friends in need, and matures into a fine young man. He forms a fast and lasting friendship with his neighbor, Cristal, and the two help each other through tough situations. They are both way more mature than their years. All of Moore’s characters are noteworthy and add to the story about a group of friends who manage to make it through unscathed on their way to adulthood. Moore writes a charming coming of age novel about a wonderful boy any mother would love to call her son. He not only gets along well with his parents and adorable younger sister Melissa, but he even cleans his own room and does his own laundry. He is a mother’s dream come true. Daniel also has a terrific relationship with his father that he cherishes. He is wise enough to know he risks destroying what they have if his father cannot accept that he’s gay. I recommend Dancing in the Arms of Orion to impressionable teenagers because I think it deals with prevalent gay/straight teen issues realistically, honestly, and offers sound advice and solutions. Parents of teenagers would benefit from it as they deal with raising their children in today’s world. Adults who enjoy reliving their youth through reading will enjoy this book too. This book offers something for everyone. Moore successfully tells Daniel’s story in the first person and ends up making the reader feel that much closer to him. Daniel is a person anyone would be happy to call a friend. This entertaining story of love, family, and friendship is uplifting. This reviewer hopes it is the first of many more love stories to be written by talented author Stephen R. Moore. A terrific first effort. I give Dancing in the Arms of Orion five stars.

"Daniel and his friends are more than mere fictional characters. They are so real I missed them when I turned the last page. As I turned the pages of 'Dancing In The Arms Of Orion' I was fascinated, thrilled, terrified, and finally walking on air. It's a beautiful story that I'll want to read again and again."

— Mark A. Roeder
Author of the Gay Youth Chronicles Series

Stephen R. Moore's debut novel, Dancing in the Arms of Orion, is a solid work of fiction in the tradition of Mark Roeder's "Gay Youth Chronicles." Told from the narrative point of view of high schooler Daniel as he comes out to himself, his family, and his friends, the author has managed nicely to create a multidimensional character with internal conflicts, personality traits, and a voice that rings true throughout the book. Secondary characters also ring true, which is saying a great deal about Moore's potential as a writer. A good first effort.

—Ronald L. Donaghe
Author of The Continuing Journals of Will Barnett series

"Wonderful! Sensitive! Powerful! Delightful! The author brings us to an environment where we'd all like to be with characters we'd all love to spend time with! It is extremely well-written by a very talented new writer,"

— Anthony J. Zatti
Author of the Camping in the Backyard series