Black Cloud: A Still Life

by Mark Anderson

This is the story of learning, relating, and coming of age as seen through the eyes of Erik, the son of an old atomic bomb builder turned rocket scientist. Based on a true story, the love in this... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595183395
• ISBN13: 9780595183395
• Release Date: May 2001
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 364 Pages
• Weight: 1.28 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

FIVE STARS- a winner!

This is a really great story; I had a tough time putting it down and wanted to read it again when I finished ! Mark Anderson has a gift; a writing style that feels so real- I could easily visualize his characters and surroundings. His descriptions and wording just flow and keep you thoroughly absorbed.What is truly amazing, though, is his candor and bravery in telling of his life experience; this is a true story. We think that we are unique in the way our families function (or disfunction!) and that terrible things happen to us alone, which sets us apart from the rest of the world. But we are all connected; some of us more than others can truly relate. The knowledge that forgiveness is possible and a blessing- even in the face of unbelievable cruelty, is truly healing and inspiring.A very fine and engrossing story- I cannot recommend it highly enough!

Good books are not always on the best seller lists.

As a psychotherapist and author, I have been telling clients and workshop participants for years about the power of writing. "Keeping a journal while in psychotherapy is an excellent way to deepen and accelerate your progress," I tell them. No doubt the author, Mark Anderson, benefited greatly from writing this engaging memoir (slightly disguised as a novel), but the magic of Black Cloud is in its therapeutic value for readers. Anderson's story is felt at multiple levels --- ranging from simple "good reading" to a poignant testimony that our families' "craziness" does not have to do us in. This book entertains while it instills hope. Black Cloud delivers what its back cover promises: simple lessons of love and the miracle of the human spirit.

An amazing and touching story.

I don't know how he got away with telling those touchy details about the abuse and incest in the main character's story (based on a true story?). Yet he does it with no blame or judgment. At some times this family seems very warm and normal, then the unexpected happens. When it was all over I felt very moved and hopeful for the human condition. I highly recommend it!