9½ Couples
Wendell Scales
(Guest Reviewer - Maggie Hall)
2003 Capulet House Publishing
ISBN: 0972872809

An inspirational novel about how communicating true feelings can bring redemption & salvation to troubled relationships.

Guest Reviewer Maggie Hall writes:

What an incredible novel! I devour books all of the time & found 9½ Couples to be one of the most memorable works of fiction I have ever read. The author, Wendell Scales, cleverly keeps your eyes glued to the pages with his exciting prose, your fingers eager to flip the page in anticipation of what is to come, while he gingerly holds your heart in his hands -- caring for it -- as you experience the highs & lows of each couples' conflict.

The nine couples in the book could easily be your next door neighbors, friends, co-workers, family, & interestingly enough -- I saw myself.

As a woman, I was surprised that a man had written this material. Dr. Scales seems to write from his “heart of hearts”, & generates beautiful images within your mind with well chosen words. A great example is an excerpt that appears on the back cover: “...like many women, she hungered for a carat of conversation, a solitaire of sensitivity, earrings of ecstasy, a tiara of tenderness, an amulet of appreciation, and a ring of respect...”

I wonder if he might have been a woman in a previous life; he certainly writes like a female that has experienced the joy & pain of love.

9½ Couples: Life, Love, Intimacy, just as the advertisement promised, took me on a journey through the delicate issues that besiege the lives of nine unforgettable couples. Their conflicts come about because the partners do not communicate their true feelings to one another. For me, the worst conflict is the couple dealing with the “AIDS Terrorist.” However, true to his craft, the author counters this character's sleaziness with a “forbidden fruit” love story that restores your faith in humanity.

The chapters are based on Dr. Scales' premise that “There are two sides to every situation, & each side has sides of its own.” Each couple's chapter is a complete story; presenting both partners' points of view regarding the conflict, as well as the outcome of the situation. But, don't be fooled by the pretty prose, the steamy passages, or the tear-jerking scenarios; this novel is full of twist, turns, insights, & unexpected endings.

This book has spawned a new genre: Reality Fiction. It could easily be a reality television show, or a cable series.

After I finished reading 9½ Couples, I was disappointed when I couldn't find any other books by this fabulous author. However, I was astonished when the bookseller told me this was Dr. Scales' first work of fiction, because he writes like a seasoned professional. I understand he has another novel in the works.

To me, this inspirational novel heralds a vision of hope for both good & troubled relationships. Like Oprah, Dr. Scales wants to relieve pain & suffering for couples & individuals in troubled relationships. In fact, Dr. Scales strongly agrees with Oprah: Things can & will get better, if you work to make it happen.

Read this novel!: If it were a tea, 9½ Couples would be a perfect blend of Earl Grey, with some good old down home Lipton to boot!
(10/10/04)

Guest Reviewer - Maggie Hall
2004©Maggie Hall