Location: Panama
Member Since:
Feb. 07, 2011
1 reader has added this author as a 'Favorite Author'.
Alex Canton-Dutari
Biography
Alex Canton-Dutari lives in Panama City, Panama. Holds a PhD in clinical psychology, now retired and a widower. He devotes most of his time to writing short novels plus helping with his six grandchildren.
Where to find Alex Canton-Dutari online
Where to buy in print
Books
Smashwords book reviews by Alex Canton-Dutari
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Caffe' Seduzione
on March 30, 2011
A good story writer can say in 5 words what most say in 10. Bri comes through as an expert. The concept "serial dater" set the tone for a very modern plot, including Facebook, Skype and so on. The story echoes as the dream of every disappointed American housewife.
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Dear Jack: Tracking the journey from only child to big brother
on March 30, 2011
I felt that I was intruding in someone's diary, thogh invited to take a peek. A great legacy for his children. Are you a parent, dear reader? Try following Mr. Holland's example.
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I Wish I Would've
on March 30, 2011
I gave this novel 5 stars. It is an excellent exposé of real hatred. The author warns you with G-Pa rather than Grandpa and grandmother as "an old cat sitting on a fence screaming in heat." Aynoit's narrative is straight, no fancy words and hit you as honest as can be. This book must be read!
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An Unassigned Life
on April 07, 2011
The author does a wonderful job that includes social criticism -- sarcastic passages "under the sun of Tuscany," a hit at the Church's own dubious followers, the intricacies of the traditional book publishing underground, mental health issues... All handled with what I like to call "serious humour." In the end, it reads as a warning to all of us: We better believe in something... otherwise, afterlife may be tough!!! Pass on the word, this book is a must!
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Male Fraud
on April 07, 2011
When I read the funniest description of a woman with a cold I knew that this book was not going to be a a boring love story. Though the equality message comes through, the author does not bash men. Nevertheless,I doubt a man could have written a Novella such as Male Fraud.
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Circle City Blues
on May 18, 2011
Circle City Blues by Susan Wells Bennett Reviewed by Alex Canton-Dutari I was a bit apprehensive upon reading a poem by an author writing in first person -- male and female -- as the welcoming words to the story. In a very short time I encountered one of my favourite themes: Elizabeth Kübhler-Ross’ stages of grief. Got hooked right away… The story is very believable, and Ms Bennett knows how to make the words flow and engage the reader. Can a man really say: “My heart unexpectedly lurched and, to my horror, I felt my eyes sting as if I were about to cry.”? Yes, he can, especially under emotional pain. The mastery of the author? How could she get under a man’s skin and think, act and feel as such? This takes a Master’s mind in a woman’s body? Not that simple. I would say only in Ms Bennett’s body.
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The M-16 Agenda
on Aug. 19, 2011
The M-16 Agenda by James Wilcox Reviewed by Alex Canton-Dutari As I am not a US citizen and do not reside in such country I do not feel qualified to say much about the political descriptions depicted in this interesting novel. Nevertheless, I was impressed by the author's use of first and third person assigned to the main presidential contender's personal stories. This technique is not always successful. It was in this case. On the other hand, the way politics is handled depicts a similar world pattern -- I recognized several dynamics familiar in my country. Therefore, the story is scarily believable. As Mr. Wilcox is a teacher, I feel confident that the passion underneath his words, especially in the M-16 Agenda, stems from his knowledge of what may be facts. In this case, the genre of this novel could be "creative non-fiction." The plot is of actual interest, and I am sure that there will be many readers who will react to the political theme rather than the prose, which adds a perk to the author's creativity. To make the reading perfect, I would suggest another editing process for some minor slips in grammar, punctuation and word meanings -- "emancipated" instead of .
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The Prophet's Wives
on Sep. 28, 2011
The Prophet's Wives by Susann Wells Bennett Reviewed by Alex Canton-Dutari I am convinced that Susan Bennett must have been a member of a polygamous community in a previous life. Though I still can't determine if as wife or husband. Her ability to create characters that depict this variety of real-life society is amazing. Add well-written English that makes reading the book a journey into what may be twisted minds, though perhaps not. But, I am a fan and may be biased.
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Kiwi in Cat City
on Dec. 20, 2011
After I read this interesting story I wondered if it was a "children's book" or a book for adults with the capacity to follow a child's fantasy in their mind. I decided that the plot was adult intended, though the adaptation to the cat species was a believable fantasy.... After all, we have seen enough cats of all ages dressed in many garbs… of course, less than dogs. Cats are more dignified. I tried reading some passages out loud as if telling a story to a child. It worked! Yes, I want to read the sequel of this well-written and well edited book
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6692 Pisces the Sailfish
on Oct. 13, 2012
Reviewed by Alex Canton-Dutari While reading the introductory notes by the author I was assured of two main things: 1- No excess of sailing lore and 2- References to South Africa's apartheid from an observers viewpoint. The reference to the boat's curse I interpreted more as a vehicle for the story to develop. On the other hand, "Sailing is the price I reluctantly pay for the time I enjoy anchored safely in a new port" assured me that this book was about more than sailing. A hint of a feeling of revenge opened my mind to an underlying story, which was masterfully portrayed. And I was admired, as a clinical psychologist, that such a painful secret was patiently carried by the main character's soul until the right moment. I appreciated learning some traditional South African rites such as brai, which is also practiced in my country, Panama, though not in an official racist and gender apartheid, in the countryside. The sandblaster incident was hilarious, and the ancestral beliefs and traditions of the people of Madagascar were valuable cultural inputs. There were mild grammar slips, though they may be actual bits of South African lore when the author related to something that really hit home. This is an author whose works I shall continue reading. About the boat's curse? I think it actually enhanced the owner's life.
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Living With Ogres
on March 01, 2013
I found this story very easy to read, and the fantasy used was very easy to picture in my mind - not that it was simple but well described. There is a tendency for me to expect happy endings, but the way the author ended his story left me with a feeling of wanting more or the need for more. I think it is an open ending, which may be closed with a sequel or the reader's own final scene.
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Jack The Homework Eater
on March 01, 2013
Though this story seems directed more at teenagers than adults I found it quite enjoyable, especially as it was well written. Some situations may have not been quite believable from my adult stance, though my child inner being accepted the presence of several dozen children cramming into Alex' room. The final lesson learned was not expected by me, and I was quite pleased by it. I will definitely read more stories by Mitt Ray. BTW, I was taken by "Tea being eaten," an expression I would have frowned upon had a close British friend not explained to me that "tea time" is more than just tea but includes "chewables."