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Changing Faces & Change The World: NiceGuy's Book
NiceGuy
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  #1 (permalink) Default 09-22-2007
 
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After 10 months, my book is finally available for sale; I negotiated with Z, and due to my two years of loyal service and a little free advertising for him, he's permitted me to sell my book here -- at my biggest market.

At the link above, there's information about the book; this is the forum's chance to get to know their beloved NiceGuy a little bit better.

Any purchase is greatly appreciated, thank you.


-NiceGuy

Other reviews

Quote:
Originally Posted by vsen View Post
Excellent book.

Finished my copy in the first night, it's definitely one of my new favorites. It wasn't a lengthy book, but it did take me longer to read than I thought, because of so much stopping and pondering, which I LOVED by the way.

I've lent to another one of my friends and I plan on lending it to alot of them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by the midas touch
i'm still only partway through part 7 right now, but from what I've read so far--i've thoroughly enjoyed it. Hook? Check.
Quote:
Originally Posted by .:Frosty:.
My review...

Changing Face
NiceGuy has a great style of writing here, unlike any I've read in my lifetime. His ability to use simple short stories to all convey one meaning, one concept was great. Within these short stories you could see the different faces being used. His ability to use everyday im conversations also added the "real" factor. After reading the book, I felt like I could just talk to NG about life,death,depression,creation,etc. I've never felt that feeling with any other authors I've read.


Changing the World
The section on soul with Lammie was really thought provoking as well. It engrossed me with all the possibilities being offered about soul. My favorite quote was from here. "...that a question like that is best left open, to maintain an open mind. A conclusion is closure, closure is suffocation". I also loved how you could see Russel's(Storm's) mind being shaped while NG sat and pondered with him.


A great technique in the book that I found great was the inclusion of philosophical characters, such as the wise man, the cynic , and the realist to name a few. How their views connected with the short story was incredible.


Overall, this book was great. I'm not one to browse books on philosophy, but this one has opened my mind up for new and greater thought provoking books.

Great job NiceGuy. Keep with your writing. Your talent with words is amazing
The book is only 100 pages guys, not a very long read for those of you with ADD.

To those wondering -- if you were in the book, you'd know already.

It'll ship anywhere.

If you're somehow confused as to how much it is or where to order it, stop being a bonehead and click the link. It will also be available (if it isn't already) on amazon and bn.com

Quote:
Originally Posted by [show] View Post
unfortunately it is not on bn.com or amazon. i was looking for a "don't see the book you're looking for. request it here." link, but could find no suck thing. maybe we can all write bn.com requesting copies of your book?
My publisher said it would take a few days.

To those commenting/criticizing the title, it's intended to say "Changing Faces & Change The World." It's a two part book, Changing Faces is the first half, Change The World is the second half. The two don't have to both be in preterit tense.

Quote:
Originally Posted by johncootrane View Post
So how much is it going to be?
Click the link... it's 15 bucks plus shipping and handling. If you can't read that much into it, maybe you shouldn't buy it :P

I paid a publishing fee. Not gonna say how much, but it was pricey.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Blink View Post
The whole concept of this book seems like you came up with the idea sophomore year of highschool, then later wrote about it while in college. I read part of the excerpt it lets you read, and while I can't complain about how it's written, I couldn't find myself interested unless I was one of the classic fake, egotistical b..ches you meet in highschool. I don't believe that each day people get up and act one way "because of my friend John." I believe that the majority of people are themselves, and will always be themselves, but who's to say there is no such thing as influence? If my friend has some funny word he says or he acts some way to be funny, would I be not myself if I played along, and sometimes did it as well, because people got a kick out of it and/or the two friends simply thought it was funny? I'm still me, and just because people have influenced the way I act, doesn't mean I'm putting on a facade. Granted, there's thousands of people out there, who aren't themselves each day, due to what they've gotten themselves into. Kids getting into gangs, and popular kids in highschool, are a couple I could see falling into the changing faces group.
I'm not going to try and sell the book to you if you find it unappealing, but I'd like to take some time to clear up some things.

The general concept of book 1 (Changing Faces) is merely a rough depiction of a social philosophy; as with all philosophy, there are no answers, only ideas. The focus of the book is on the main character, not on the people around him. Thusly, there's really no generalizations on how ALL people act that way -- the people the character encounters embody a single "Face," to which the main character adapts.

Quote:
The second part I found almost humorous. First of all, like Zeague said, "I wonder who that could be," and second of all, because of the idea behind it. You make it sound like you're the Giver, and you're gonna unlock Storms' mind and change his life forever, then he changes the world as your apprentice lol.
Not me, the character. And yeah, that's kind of the concept of the book. It's fiction, I'm allowed to make up crazy sh.t like that.


Quote:
I'm sure this will get flamed and/or deleted, and thinking of it now, the whole "changing faces" theme is all too prevalent here on H3F. I'm gonna guess that about half of the people that reviewed it and said "sounds great I'm buying," will get it, try to read the first page, and stop. Not because they don't like it, but because they got suckered into buying a book they don't like or even understand, because it was on H3F.
I think the book has lots of relevance to the forum, or at least how people interact on a forum. I'd hope that the readers who buy my book don't purchase it on account of just helping a friend out. To the readers who read very little, the book may have more appeal than those who read lots of great literature. It's not literature quality; I focus more on philosophy than storyline, because philosophy is my passion.

You'll never get a post like this deleted. There's nothing I want more from my readers than criticism. It's what helps me write a better book next time.

Quote:
Sorry man, just doesn't look like a read for me.
That's fine dude.

Also, I will say that after reading up on a lot of other writers, the general system of your first book is just getting it out there. I'm not trying to make a living selling books -- I have to sell 140 copies just to break even on this thing. I'm satisfied in itself having my work published at such a young age; it's a good sense of accomplishment.

My next book is something I'm going to take a LOT more time on. Now that I know the publishing processes and all the things needed to go through, I'm more aware of what it takes to really write a book. I'm writing a dark satire, which will consist entirely of fiction, rather than having most of the events taken from real life. For those interested, here's the thread I made on it.

Thanks Blink. I had a really hard time while writing this finding criticism to better refine the work. I'm past this book now; I have more writing to do, and no time to waste dwelling over what's already done.

Quote:
Originally Posted by xmav3rick View Post
I take it this book is about psychology...if i remember right i think i saw that you posted somewhere that you are study psych. or something...but this is f.ckin awesome that you actually published a book...congrats man..
It's philosophy, not psychology. Psychology is a science, philosophy is a love of wisdom. But thank you.

I'm not doing autographed copies anymore -- they're too expensive and inconvenient. Diabolic has to wait far longer to receive his book than anyone else.

Word from my publisher: Your readers should be able to special order your book from any bookstore as it is available through Ingram, the world's largest book distributor.

So anyone wondering if they can get my book at your bookstore, you can if you go in and request it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by KSP89 View Post
This book had so many points that I had to wear gloves just to pick it up.
Perhaps the best line I've ever read in response to my writing.

THANK YOU, KSP, for providing such a detailed and complimentary review.

Because this book isn't written in conventional literary styles, it's rather appropriate to have an unconventional literary review of it.

I only wish I'd read Vonnegut before finishing this novel. I got 11 new Vonnegut books on Friday for my birthday (pretty much all I got, really).

In response to Quality, I had full intentions to provide unique, perhaps unpractical, perspectives on issues that challenge the answers we've come to accept. Understanding other people, of all kinds, allows a broad horizon of perceptual possibilities -- I'm outstandingly satisfied that theme was picked up on.

When I was in the writing process, I was convinced it was capable of becoming a catalyst for change; as I completed it, edited it, and published it, my confidence in that ambition simmered greatly. I'm overwhelmed by your reassurance.

The good deeds that take place, and the proposition to others to perform similar deeds (such as the coins in the vending machine), are most certainly intended to be taken literally.

I was aiming for a mind-f.ck; mind f.cks are my favorite, especially when I'm able to challenge a reader to such an extent.

As for the ending, heh, I got the idea in a spontaneous moment of inspiration about two months after I began writing the book. I went to my computer, wrote the entire conclusion, saved it, hid it, and never touched it again. As you [might've] read in the introduction, I'm a strong advocate of presenting unedited work. All [great] writers care about two things -- portraying their theme, and the conclusion. The ending of any story is all that ever matters; it's the most important part of any story.

Interesting that you mention Siddhartha; my english professor at the time of me writing this book read the first chapter and the fifth chapter (Good Deeds) and said quote: "Shades of Hesse's Siddhartha, but unlike anything I've ever read." After he said that, I borrowed (and never returned) Siddhartha from a friend and read it. It's unbelievable to me how many parallels I've made with famous authors and pieces of literature. I found another parallel after finishing the book with Vonnegut's "God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater" which is my favorite Vonnegut book thus far. If you haven't read it, I strongly recommend doing so.

I appreciate your review moreso than your purchase of my book. The money never mattered to me; my only desire was inspiring, challenging and enlightening my readers, with the ultimate purpose of creating change.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tommy Donnelly View Post
I would be down to read your book but the title......lets just say it would be very wise to rethink it, unless it's already 100% a go, in that case you have the woarst titles I've ever seen for a novel.
You're aware that it's not a novel (novel has a page requirement I did not meet) and that it's a two part book? Someone early on in this thread commented about the inconsistent verb tense used; Changing Faces is the first story, Change The World is the second.

The book has been published and for sale for a good while now.

Woarst title ever witnessed is rather observant. Besides, aren't we not supposed to judge a book by its cover?

Quote:
Originally Posted by CeRoNuS View Post
I wish I could order it somehow... but I can't.

8[
Tell your parents to. I may not be able to speak for everyone, but when a teenager stops playing video games and says they want to read a book, parents are a little more interested in buying it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by xPBxBuLLeT View Post
I'll go down to a local bookstore and tell them to order a few copies.

if at first they decline I will subject them to cruel inhumane torture until they do
I'm pretty sure they're obligated to order it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Edrix
What exactly is the book about?
There's a [sloppy] description on the page you order from, as well as two exerpts. I have never been very consistent with the description of the book, as it's not conventional in the abstract writing techniques and themes I applied. If you click "KSP89's book review" in my signature, he provides a wonderful review that may help you grasp the concept and structure of the work. I've written a different kind of description since the one posted on the order form website.

Quote:
The book is unique in the writing world; I made it a point not to follow conventional writing formulas and methods, I wanted originality. Much of the text is conversation between the main character, myself really, and other REAL people I've had the wonderful benefit of encountering over the internet. I've utilized the internet and the community of it very well, and it's helped a lot. The book doesn't create any three dimensional characters; I made it a point to focus on the ideas of the individual, not what they look like. So there's not much character development, only philosophic babble.

I'm not very good at describing the book, since it's not simple enough to generalize or summarize; but here's what I got:

The book is called Changing Faces & Change The World; it's a two part book, the first story, Changing Faces, is about the main character's struggle to discover true self, having enveloped himself in creating "Faces" that apply to different social cliques. People act differently depending on who they're with -- whether in front of authority, elders, peers, children, etc. It's a reasonably well developed social philosophy. The internal struggle the character faces centers around the question "Is it better to be yourself, or better to be a good person?"

The second book, Change The World, is a pure dialectic. It's all moral philosophy, with a few tangents in there to avoid boring the young readers of my target audience. It's all about how to make the world a better place.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PMblaneH8NATION View Post
Ok, but what does this do for society?
What is the point of this book, just to talk about selflessness?
Odd question, but is the kind of question I wrote the book for.

It's not only concentrated on selflessness -- there are several themes. You'll have to read it for yourself. What does it do for society? What will you LET it do?

The conflict people are having with the title is the verb tense usage. "Changing Faces" is an ongoing verb, such that it is occuring now all around the world. "Change the World" is a command, something for the reader to do. Also, the two are separate short stories, Change The World is like a sequel, so there's no sense in using the same verb tense and making it "Changing Faces & Changing The World."

Quote:
Originally Posted by Leetie Pants View Post
Just bought mine. Cool. Just so you know, you are the first person to EVER make me buy a book and actually want to read it. Props.
Haha. I've gotten a few comments like that.

You're my target audience though -- not just teenagers and young adults of my generation, those who like philosophy and intellectuality -- but young, furtile minds like yourself to pick up a book they wouldn't have even considered, especially getting those who never read anything but dialogue on their old SNES games to read something interesting and thought provoking.

Last edited by NiceGuy; 12-11-2007 at 01:34 PM.
 
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Changing Faces & Change The World: NiceGuy's Book
H3F Carnage
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  #2 (permalink) Default 09-22-2007
 
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You title confuses me.

Not the concept, the wording.
 
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Changing Faces & Change The World: NiceGuy's Book
Zeague
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  #3 (permalink) Default 09-22-2007
 
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I'm buying it.

Quote:
Through this community, Guy finds a prodigous teenager, Russell Storms; Russell is a mind with potential as high as Guy's, yet trapped inside a cage. Guy motivates himself to inspire Russell, in the process inspiring himself to Change The World.
Wonder who this is...

Last edited by Zeague; 09-22-2007 at 08:26 PM.
 
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MeetMrUrlacherr
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  #4 (permalink) Default 09-22-2007
 
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Once I deposit money into my checking account I will order one from you buddy.



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FierceElite
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  #5 (permalink) Default 09-22-2007
 
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I already have a copy as you know, but I may buy one anyway. No guarantee, but I might.
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AlienatorAlex
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  #6 (permalink) Default 09-22-2007
 
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Looks amazing, NG.
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Its PJ Bia
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  #7 (permalink) Default 09-22-2007
 
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Dude thats so cool that you wrote a book, takes a lot of patience and skill. If I were big on reading i would deff. pick this up but reading and me don't mix well. I'm sure it is a very cool book to read though. Congrats on it man.
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Jon Is Hostil3
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  #8 (permalink) Default 09-22-2007
 
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i'll take a copy!
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Wow Hostile. Pro much?
 
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PhilliesPhan
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  #9 (permalink) Default 09-22-2007
 
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I'll be getting it, though at least half of it I will not understand...
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Sean
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  #10 (permalink) Default 09-22-2007
 
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I'm gonna read it, then pass it on to my pops or siblings. I know it'll be a good read.
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