the word on the street: what people are saying about Closet
Heather McElhatton, author of Pretty Little Mistakes (Harper Collins US/Headline Review UK)
'Your writing is wicked strong. Bitch!'
Kim Brittingham, author of Parking Backwards and Fat is Contagious, New York, USA
'Consider Alison Aston the female equivalent to Augusten Burroughs. Fifty years from now, universities will teach courses around a core group of writers who distinguished themselves in our time -- and Alison Aston and Augusten Burroughs will top the list of required reading.'
Andrew Attias, author of Bogg the Dwarf, UK
'I just read the excerpt and all I can say to anyone visiting this page is "Go and bloomin' well read it"! Great and I want to read more. Feel proud.'
Well Read Bookshop, Newcastle, UK
'The book looks fantastic, something our customers would love. Good luck!'
Augiogeist
'Fabulous Alison! I loved the excerpt. You've a new voice that i'd love to hear more of!!!'
Ben
'so i read your excerpt and the main plot, and i like it. it reminds me a lot of augusten burroughs (not so much running with scissors, but dry), which is a good thing because he happens to be one of my favorite authors. keep up the good work!'
Larry, San Francisco, USA
'I listened to and was thus massively entertained by the chapter of Closet. I think back on when I was 23 - my ninth year of being 15 - and the me of then empathises strongly with the Rebecca of now. The emotional content is spot-on, and the arc of the episode just kept me happily running. Not to mention the rapid-fire figures of speech in Rebecca’s head - glorious!'
Shana, USA
'Enjoyed the reading. So funny. Rebecca’s a great character–she’s sarcastic and cute and serious…can’t wait to find out more. I’m going to the beach in about a month and your book needs to be in my bag!'
Cath, Auckland, New Zealand
'You are as sharp as ever! Amusing, engaging and amazingly clever use of metaphors and similies. Let us know the day this masterpiece is published.'
Joe, New Jersey, USA
'Reading through the excerpt, I gathered a sense of someone head-over-heels in love with the English language; a writer with the ability to convey subtleties and nuances of emotion in one simple turn of phrase. It captured the scene with a flowing grace that was humorous and heartfelt. If that is a fair sample of the rest of the book then I am sold. The true test is that when I got to the end I said, "And then? What happens?" Leave them hungry for more. Bravo.'
Therese, Stockholm, Sweden
'Of course you'll be a famous name here in Sweden! Before you know it, you and me will be chatting away while you're signing books here in Stockholm. Tell you what, the first drink is on me.'
Kari, Michigan, USA
'I loved it. I really did. You are very talented! Very descriptive and I find myself wanting to know what happens. Is this in stores?I would really like to read your book! In fact, I am such a fan, that I am going to add a link to your page on my site! Hope that's okay!'
Rab, Dublin, Ireland
'I was pissing myself laughing at your novel extract. I loved the line about the fur covered beauty being 'more of a threat to the rabbit population than myxomatosis could ever be.'
Amanda
'I read the excerpt from your book and it’s very nicely done. I think one of the reasons I like Augusten so much is because his written voice matches the one in my head. Reading your excerpt, I got the feeling maybe you have that too?'
Laura
'I like your style because it is very lyrical; poetic almost. I enjoy thinking about what I am reading.'
Danielle
'Read it and loved it - Where can i read more? You are a fantastic writer. I am very envious'
Diane
'Wow Alison....I loved it...so I am going to look for it and enjoy the whole story...edgy humor and real life are my things.....love it.'
Laura
'I think it's great! Have you contacted Augusten's publisher? I'm reading Sellivision VERY slowly because there are no more books of his to read. SO...if you could get your book published soon...You could feed my addiction...'
Jamie, Orange County, USA
'What a delicious beginning! I think this novel will have a widespread appeal to everyone. Not to compare you to another writer because I'm sure that's irritating, but this reminds me of a character in Augusten Burroughs' 'Possible Side Effects' - his friend the "lipstick lesbian" who is a Manhattan socialite disgusted by stereotypical dykes and keeps getting horrendous dates through the internet. I noticed you're a fan of his as well. Anyways, I'm excited about your book and in reading more literature from England, period. The dialect is sharper and more interesting to me and confirmed after I read Notes on A Scandal a few months back.'
Tracey
'I checked yours out and I loved it, I must say that I would buy and read. It seems to be light and witty which is always a plus for someone like me who is working on Masters degree and needs humor more than facts.'
Tara
'I read the excerpt and it was pretty good. I couldn't stop until i got to the end. That's good because I'm not a reader. If a book catches my attention, it's a good one. Hope all goes well for you in your writing career.'
Cassandra, Manchester, UK
'I read the excerpt and enjoyed it. More novels with sexual diversity is just what the market needs - I've never been a fan of the straight, chick-lit stuff anyway.'
Virginia
'The excerpt leaves me with an urge to keep reading along with a new inspired curiosity of the British culture. There are things that I as a young American in her early twenties have never encountered. There is also a passion in finding yourself vulnerable in the presence of powerfully beautiful women that I can seriously relate to. I enjoyed your excerpt very much and am looking forward to reading your book!'
Stephanie, Michigan, USA
'Your story is wonderful truly funny, I loved it, I wish you much luck with your story.'
Shannon, Studio City, USA
'LOVE the excerpt, I am not telling you this to stroke your ego; it's really really good! And I am really a despiser of bad, over-the-top writing--this is NOT THAT. I'm very excited for you and can't wait to hear what happens. You are SUCH a talent.'
Sarah James
Amazing excerpt!! I want the book, now!! I've got to know what happened!!! Thanks for being an artist!!
Lara Tupper, author of A Thousand And One Nights and creative writing teacher at Rutgers University
'Your novel's premise sounds fascinating!'
Deb, Swindon, UK
'Wow! Such colourful writing, has you laughing and sighing within seconds. Jumps you straight into the shoes of Rebecca. Give us some more!!'
Lennat, Singapore, Hong Kong
How do I read the whole book? How? How? How?
Now you leave us all hanging...
Chuku, Los Angeles, USA
'Nice excerpt from the novel... I like it! I want to know what happens next but alas, I must wait. Talented AND a tease, you are.'
Jen, Sydney, Australia
'This is awesome! I really enjoyed listening. The description of Sophia had me giggling so much. Writing style really flows and carries you along. Does she see Sophia again? I want to know NOW NOW NOW!'
Amy
'I just read an excerpt of "Closet". Is it released?? I would love to buy it!'
Katie, San Francisco, USA
'Brilliant, funny, engaging - can’t wait to read the whole novel!'
Heather
'I loved it. I would definitely read. I read a crap load and I can tell you that the characters and dialogue were very captivating. '
Jen, Australia
'I had a squizz and a read of the snippet, all i can say is can't wait to read the whole book as i can just tell its going to be a hardtoputdowner.'
Clayton, London, UK
A fabulous read. I loved it. I can't wait to see the completed book!
Kevin, New Jersey, USA
'Loved the excerpt. Very funny, nice dialogue, great scene-setting etc. Love the back and forth of external details and internal emotional exposition. The contrast is great for humor and narrative flow. Good stuff!'
Jen
'I read the little exerpt, and it is just wonderful! Funny and intense. Can't wait to read the whole thing.'
Sarah, Wales, UK
'Congratulations on finishing the book. Just read the little snippet you gave us and wow I loved it, I want to read more!! I love your humour and have a feeling I wont want to put this book down. Let me know where and when I can buy it.'
Lilly
'I read your excerpt and I love it! "tell-tale splotches"! lol!! Wow, really good. Can't wait till it's in print. :)'
Tammy
'I enjoyed the excerpt, especially the character voice and the way she's grounded ("neat, tree lined, little street") contrasted against the atmosphere and particularly against Sophia. You cut it off at just the right point--when I was reaching for more.'
Kayleigh, London, UK
'More more more! Where do we get more?! Well done Alison Aston, very bloody funny!'
Nikki
'Bravo, that was wonderful. I can't wait to get the book and read the whole thing.'
Ricki Thomas
'I've just read the excerpt, and I just wanted to say how fantastic it is, I would definitely read it. All credit to your writing!'
Katie
'Sorry it took me this long to let you now that I thought the excerpt was fabulous! It completely left me wanting more. You’re brilliant darling.'
Suzanne
'Quelle hoot!! Gotta hear how it all turns out…… '
Dingo, Bristol, UK
Fantasic! Brilliant! I can’t wait for more!
Jo
'Great writing style! Very interested in this one when its available! Good luck with it'
Peeky
'I read your blog and am officially hooked...can't wait to read your novel :-)'
Madam V, Sussex, UK
'Congratulations, it looks to be a very interesting novel. I look forward to reading your bulletin says its in all good book shops!'
Rachael
'Hey! just read the little snippet from your book, it was really good! can't wait to read the rest.'
Noodle, Bradford, UK
'Loving the blogs and reading the snippet of your book was the perfect cure to my raging hangover... so I thank you :o)'
Ilana Jacqueline, South Florida, USA
'ah, a woman after my own heart! The "gay bridget jones" I must read as soon as you get this book published! I just read the excerpt on your site. It's cute, I like it. (there now, no tears!) Make sure you send me out a galley as soon as you get a deal!'
KK
'Now that I've read the excerpt I'm even more excited to read the whole novel! I really like it!
Great work!'
Vanessa
'Great excerpt. Vivid and witty.'
'Your writing is wicked strong. Bitch!'
Kim Brittingham, author of Parking Backwards and Fat is Contagious, New York, USA
'Consider Alison Aston the female equivalent to Augusten Burroughs. Fifty years from now, universities will teach courses around a core group of writers who distinguished themselves in our time -- and Alison Aston and Augusten Burroughs will top the list of required reading.'
Andrew Attias, author of Bogg the Dwarf, UK
'I just read the excerpt and all I can say to anyone visiting this page is "Go and bloomin' well read it"! Great and I want to read more. Feel proud.'
Well Read Bookshop, Newcastle, UK
'The book looks fantastic, something our customers would love. Good luck!'
Augiogeist
'Fabulous Alison! I loved the excerpt. You've a new voice that i'd love to hear more of!!!'
Ben
'so i read your excerpt and the main plot, and i like it. it reminds me a lot of augusten burroughs (not so much running with scissors, but dry), which is a good thing because he happens to be one of my favorite authors. keep up the good work!'
Larry, San Francisco, USA
'I listened to and was thus massively entertained by the chapter of Closet. I think back on when I was 23 - my ninth year of being 15 - and the me of then empathises strongly with the Rebecca of now. The emotional content is spot-on, and the arc of the episode just kept me happily running. Not to mention the rapid-fire figures of speech in Rebecca’s head - glorious!'
Shana, USA
'Enjoyed the reading. So funny. Rebecca’s a great character–she’s sarcastic and cute and serious…can’t wait to find out more. I’m going to the beach in about a month and your book needs to be in my bag!'
Cath, Auckland, New Zealand
'You are as sharp as ever! Amusing, engaging and amazingly clever use of metaphors and similies. Let us know the day this masterpiece is published.'
Joe, New Jersey, USA
'Reading through the excerpt, I gathered a sense of someone head-over-heels in love with the English language; a writer with the ability to convey subtleties and nuances of emotion in one simple turn of phrase. It captured the scene with a flowing grace that was humorous and heartfelt. If that is a fair sample of the rest of the book then I am sold. The true test is that when I got to the end I said, "And then? What happens?" Leave them hungry for more. Bravo.'
Therese, Stockholm, Sweden
'Of course you'll be a famous name here in Sweden! Before you know it, you and me will be chatting away while you're signing books here in Stockholm. Tell you what, the first drink is on me.'
Kari, Michigan, USA
'I loved it. I really did. You are very talented! Very descriptive and I find myself wanting to know what happens. Is this in stores?I would really like to read your book! In fact, I am such a fan, that I am going to add a link to your page on my site! Hope that's okay!'
Rab, Dublin, Ireland
'I was pissing myself laughing at your novel extract. I loved the line about the fur covered beauty being 'more of a threat to the rabbit population than myxomatosis could ever be.'
Amanda
'I read the excerpt from your book and it’s very nicely done. I think one of the reasons I like Augusten so much is because his written voice matches the one in my head. Reading your excerpt, I got the feeling maybe you have that too?'
Laura
'I like your style because it is very lyrical; poetic almost. I enjoy thinking about what I am reading.'
Danielle
'Read it and loved it - Where can i read more? You are a fantastic writer. I am very envious'
Diane
'Wow Alison....I loved it...so I am going to look for it and enjoy the whole story...edgy humor and real life are my things.....love it.'
Laura
'I think it's great! Have you contacted Augusten's publisher? I'm reading Sellivision VERY slowly because there are no more books of his to read. SO...if you could get your book published soon...You could feed my addiction...'
Jamie, Orange County, USA
'What a delicious beginning! I think this novel will have a widespread appeal to everyone. Not to compare you to another writer because I'm sure that's irritating, but this reminds me of a character in Augusten Burroughs' 'Possible Side Effects' - his friend the "lipstick lesbian" who is a Manhattan socialite disgusted by stereotypical dykes and keeps getting horrendous dates through the internet. I noticed you're a fan of his as well. Anyways, I'm excited about your book and in reading more literature from England, period. The dialect is sharper and more interesting to me and confirmed after I read Notes on A Scandal a few months back.'
Tracey
'I checked yours out and I loved it, I must say that I would buy and read. It seems to be light and witty which is always a plus for someone like me who is working on Masters degree and needs humor more than facts.'
Tara
'I read the excerpt and it was pretty good. I couldn't stop until i got to the end. That's good because I'm not a reader. If a book catches my attention, it's a good one. Hope all goes well for you in your writing career.'
Cassandra, Manchester, UK
'I read the excerpt and enjoyed it. More novels with sexual diversity is just what the market needs - I've never been a fan of the straight, chick-lit stuff anyway.'
Virginia
'The excerpt leaves me with an urge to keep reading along with a new inspired curiosity of the British culture. There are things that I as a young American in her early twenties have never encountered. There is also a passion in finding yourself vulnerable in the presence of powerfully beautiful women that I can seriously relate to. I enjoyed your excerpt very much and am looking forward to reading your book!'
Stephanie, Michigan, USA
'Your story is wonderful truly funny, I loved it, I wish you much luck with your story.'
Shannon, Studio City, USA
'LOVE the excerpt, I am not telling you this to stroke your ego; it's really really good! And I am really a despiser of bad, over-the-top writing--this is NOT THAT. I'm very excited for you and can't wait to hear what happens. You are SUCH a talent.'
Sarah James
Amazing excerpt!! I want the book, now!! I've got to know what happened!!! Thanks for being an artist!!
Lara Tupper, author of A Thousand And One Nights and creative writing teacher at Rutgers University
'Your novel's premise sounds fascinating!'
Deb, Swindon, UK
'Wow! Such colourful writing, has you laughing and sighing within seconds. Jumps you straight into the shoes of Rebecca. Give us some more!!'
Lennat, Singapore, Hong Kong
How do I read the whole book? How? How? How?
Now you leave us all hanging...
Chuku, Los Angeles, USA
'Nice excerpt from the novel... I like it! I want to know what happens next but alas, I must wait. Talented AND a tease, you are.'
Jen, Sydney, Australia
'This is awesome! I really enjoyed listening. The description of Sophia had me giggling so much. Writing style really flows and carries you along. Does she see Sophia again? I want to know NOW NOW NOW!'
Amy
'I just read an excerpt of "Closet". Is it released?? I would love to buy it!'
Katie, San Francisco, USA
'Brilliant, funny, engaging - can’t wait to read the whole novel!'
Heather
'I loved it. I would definitely read. I read a crap load and I can tell you that the characters and dialogue were very captivating. '
Jen, Australia
'I had a squizz and a read of the snippet, all i can say is can't wait to read the whole book as i can just tell its going to be a hardtoputdowner.'
Clayton, London, UK
A fabulous read. I loved it. I can't wait to see the completed book!
Kevin, New Jersey, USA
'Loved the excerpt. Very funny, nice dialogue, great scene-setting etc. Love the back and forth of external details and internal emotional exposition. The contrast is great for humor and narrative flow. Good stuff!'
Jen
'I read the little exerpt, and it is just wonderful! Funny and intense. Can't wait to read the whole thing.'
Sarah, Wales, UK
'Congratulations on finishing the book. Just read the little snippet you gave us and wow I loved it, I want to read more!! I love your humour and have a feeling I wont want to put this book down. Let me know where and when I can buy it.'
Lilly
'I read your excerpt and I love it! "tell-tale splotches"! lol!! Wow, really good. Can't wait till it's in print. :)'
Tammy
'I enjoyed the excerpt, especially the character voice and the way she's grounded ("neat, tree lined, little street") contrasted against the atmosphere and particularly against Sophia. You cut it off at just the right point--when I was reaching for more.'
Kayleigh, London, UK
'More more more! Where do we get more?! Well done Alison Aston, very bloody funny!'
Nikki
'Bravo, that was wonderful. I can't wait to get the book and read the whole thing.'
Ricki Thomas
'I've just read the excerpt, and I just wanted to say how fantastic it is, I would definitely read it. All credit to your writing!'
Katie
'Sorry it took me this long to let you now that I thought the excerpt was fabulous! It completely left me wanting more. You’re brilliant darling.'
Suzanne
'Quelle hoot!! Gotta hear how it all turns out…… '
Dingo, Bristol, UK
Fantasic! Brilliant! I can’t wait for more!
Jo
'Great writing style! Very interested in this one when its available! Good luck with it'
Peeky
'I read your blog and am officially hooked...can't wait to read your novel :-)'
Madam V, Sussex, UK
'Congratulations, it looks to be a very interesting novel. I look forward to reading your bulletin says its in all good book shops!'
Rachael
'Hey! just read the little snippet from your book, it was really good! can't wait to read the rest.'
Noodle, Bradford, UK
'Loving the blogs and reading the snippet of your book was the perfect cure to my raging hangover... so I thank you :o)'
Ilana Jacqueline, South Florida, USA
'ah, a woman after my own heart! The "gay bridget jones" I must read as soon as you get this book published! I just read the excerpt on your site. It's cute, I like it. (there now, no tears!) Make sure you send me out a galley as soon as you get a deal!'
KK
'Now that I've read the excerpt I'm even more excited to read the whole novel! I really like it!
Great work!'
Vanessa
'Great excerpt. Vivid and witty.'
Come on, someone give me a book deal already??!!! Or do I need to make this list longer than the Tour de France first?!!!