Leaving Disneyland

Mr. Parsons knows this world. I thank him for allowing me access to it. He's compassionate and honest in his prose.

This book is incredible. The author has taken on a scary subject and shown an uncanny compassion toward the plight of his character. Language that reminds me of Trumbo's letters and a protagonist who defies cliches. A solid world created by a solid newcomer. Good work!

Leaving Disneyland is a compelling novel on so many different levels. On a purely aesthetic dimension, it is a pleasure and a welcome challenge read - a pleasure because Parsons' writing is beautiful and confident, a challenge because his artful language provides careful clues to understanding his characters and the layered significance of his narrative. Parsons' characters are well-rendered and subtly portrayed - many of his secondary figures are so well-depicted that they seem to deserve a short novel of their own. His dialogue is paced, energetic, and consuming; you will become so engaged, so intimately connected with the conversations in this book, that you will often feel tense, even personally endangered. Finally, as a depiction of the experiences of life in prison and the difficulties of rehabilitation, Leaving Disneyland is masterfully researched and powerfully presented. Parsons' readers will leave Disneyland wiser, a little shaken, and hungry for more from this terrific new talent.

A damn fine read from a damn fine new author. The book is a vivid, intense, and gripping story of the struggles of a man trying to cope with a challenging present caused by his criminal past. Doc, the protagonist, is the most compelling and complex character I have encountered in a long time. Worthy of the honors it has already received.

I loved this book! It read very quickly, and I soon became engrossed in the details of Doc's life. At times this book was very funny, and at times harrowing. Moreover, Parsons shines a much-needed light on conditions in our nation's prisons. He must have done a lot of research because I really got the feeling he was telling it like it was. Good story, important subject: I highly recommend it.