Novels by Joe Wellman
God Hates Fags, my latest novel is now on sale. For more information go to www.godhatesfags-anovel.com
My earlier novels, The Private Lives of Teachers and Payson Heights, are now available as ebooks at Barnes & Nobel.
The Private Lives of Teachers
This is a story about a small group of people who are in front of us fourteen to eighteen years of our lives. This is a story about teachers. We think we know them, but mostly all we know is an image. Set in a suburban high school, the story focuses upon the lives of teachers beyond the classroom as the reader follows them into their lounge, their relationships, their pasts and their secrets. The Private Lives of Teachers is the story of fourteen Payson High School social studies teachers, an eclectic group with unique and troubling backgrounds, struggling with the basic needs, demands, and issues of life. Follow them for one full year and discover their world beyond the classroom.
Reviewer Saundra Julian wrote:
Wellman’s book, The Private Lives of Teachers, exposes the teaching staff at Payson High School as more than the stereotyped images society demands of them. So be prepared to step beyond the classrooms, chalk dust, and report cards to see the human side of these instructors of higher education.
As the new school year begins, the stage is set and divides the precipitants into two groups, the “doers” and the “watchers.” The “doers” play their sexual games, hoping their sins are undetected. And the “watchers” take notes to be used at a later time.
You watch, almost like a voyeur, as lives are destroyed and lies are exposed. Now, take a deep breath because Mr. Wellman is not finished with you yet as he pulls you deep into the souls of these people give you a glimpse of raw human emotion.
The Private Lives of Teachers is an “R” rated book that tantalizes without offending and I highly recommend it for your reading pleasure.
Sandra Julian is an author and reviewer.
Available at Amazon and also as an ebook at www.diesel-ebooks.com and www.lybrary.com
Payson Heights
A feud, the fiery deaths of three little girls, and a confession, are events that come together and threaten four lives in the suburban community of Payson Heights. The deaths create a major community controversy that draws Jack Schroeder into the conflict, as he becomes chairman of an ad hoc committee attempting to find suitable housing for the area’s migrant workers. A confession, made in confidence to a minister, is used to thwart the aims of the committee and threatens the lives of four people, including Jack’s wife, with exposure of a rape and assault they had covered up. The ensuing controversy is intensified with an ongoing fight between two of the most powerful people in the community. The story climaxes with a dramatic ending when the participants come together at a hearing to determine whether suitable housing will be allowed in the village.
Payson Heights has been selected as a finalist for the 2007 Allbooks Review Editor’s Choice aware for fiction.
Reviewer Cheryl Ellis of Allbooks Review wrote:
When a migrant worker and his wife yearn to provide their children with a better life in America, they do all they can to make it work. Unfortunately, there is a horrific fire resulting in the heart wrenching deaths of three little girls, which throws a suburban community into a huge controversy.
Cover-ups, escalating feuds, affairs and a confession to a minister add to the turmoil and more ruined lives.
The truth has a way of being found out and the story ends with a surprising, deadly climax after many closet skeletons are released.
Wellman’s writing is intriguing and concise. He has taken on real life controversies and clearly written of stigmas and prejudices in regards to immigrant and trailer people, as well as the power of the church to some people.
“I found Payson Heights to be written with considerable skill and this reader can find no fault as he tastefully relays his story. I would highly recommend reading it.”
God Hates Fags, my latest novel is now on sale. For more information go to www.godhatesfags-anovel.com
My earlier novels, The Private Lives of Teachers and Payson Heights, are now available as ebooks at Barnes & Nobel.
The Private Lives of Teachers
This is a story about a small group of people who are in front of us fourteen to eighteen years of our lives. This is a story about teachers. We think we know them, but mostly all we know is an image. Set in a suburban high school, the story focuses upon the lives of teachers beyond the classroom as the reader follows them into their lounge, their relationships, their pasts and their secrets. The Private Lives of Teachers is the story of fourteen Payson High School social studies teachers, an eclectic group with unique and troubling backgrounds, struggling with the basic needs, demands, and issues of life. Follow them for one full year and discover their world beyond the classroom.
Reviewer Saundra Julian wrote:
Wellman’s book, The Private Lives of Teachers, exposes the teaching staff at Payson High School as more than the stereotyped images society demands of them. So be prepared to step beyond the classrooms, chalk dust, and report cards to see the human side of these instructors of higher education.
As the new school year begins, the stage is set and divides the precipitants into two groups, the “doers” and the “watchers.” The “doers” play their sexual games, hoping their sins are undetected. And the “watchers” take notes to be used at a later time.
You watch, almost like a voyeur, as lives are destroyed and lies are exposed. Now, take a deep breath because Mr. Wellman is not finished with you yet as he pulls you deep into the souls of these people give you a glimpse of raw human emotion.
The Private Lives of Teachers is an “R” rated book that tantalizes without offending and I highly recommend it for your reading pleasure.
Sandra Julian is an author and reviewer.
Available at Amazon and also as an ebook at www.diesel-ebooks.com and www.lybrary.com
Payson Heights
A feud, the fiery deaths of three little girls, and a confession, are events that come together and threaten four lives in the suburban community of Payson Heights. The deaths create a major community controversy that draws Jack Schroeder into the conflict, as he becomes chairman of an ad hoc committee attempting to find suitable housing for the area’s migrant workers. A confession, made in confidence to a minister, is used to thwart the aims of the committee and threatens the lives of four people, including Jack’s wife, with exposure of a rape and assault they had covered up. The ensuing controversy is intensified with an ongoing fight between two of the most powerful people in the community. The story climaxes with a dramatic ending when the participants come together at a hearing to determine whether suitable housing will be allowed in the village.
Payson Heights has been selected as a finalist for the 2007 Allbooks Review Editor’s Choice aware for fiction.
Reviewer Cheryl Ellis of Allbooks Review wrote:
When a migrant worker and his wife yearn to provide their children with a better life in America, they do all they can to make it work. Unfortunately, there is a horrific fire resulting in the heart wrenching deaths of three little girls, which throws a suburban community into a huge controversy.
Cover-ups, escalating feuds, affairs and a confession to a minister add to the turmoil and more ruined lives.
The truth has a way of being found out and the story ends with a surprising, deadly climax after many closet skeletons are released.
Wellman’s writing is intriguing and concise. He has taken on real life controversies and clearly written of stigmas and prejudices in regards to immigrant and trailer people, as well as the power of the church to some people.
“I found Payson Heights to be written with considerable skill and this reader can find no fault as he tastefully relays his story. I would highly recommend reading it.”