"I want to thank you for completely ruining my only day of getting things done. I read all 296 pages, and then I read parts of it again, the only time I got up was to take my kids to school and pee. I have not even eaten breakfast and it’s almost 2:00. I cannot say if it’s because I know you, I know the characters, I have been in the background of some of your stories, but I was compelled and moved beyond words. I have often thought that the characters of our high school would deem a great reality show or movie. You nailed it. The detail is unbelievable and the memory is amazing. To me, it has screenplay written all over it for a movie, but again, am I bias? It kind of feels to me like the movie “Crash." Your reflections back and forth, my anticipation of what laid ahead as you stood at the grave in the beginning? You depicted each character perfectly. I don’t know what to say except sheer beauty, well written and full of honesty. I could go on for days about it, but dammit,
I have other stuff to do. You should be proud and anxious to publish. Unbelievable!"
"Wow, Chris! Wow! I experienced everything you hoped the reader would experience. Wow!"
"I sat down to start reading this morning with the intention of reading a few pages for each of the next few days until I was done. I was captivated by the story and read the whole thing this morning. My reaction? Shock. Amazement. Sorrow. Sadness. Happiness. Pity. Gratitude."
"I started reading this today and have spent a good part of the afternoon reading it. You have an amazing recall, and I can really relate to the heartbreak, trying to bounce back, and taking things personal to a level that makes us feel unhealthy."
"Wow…what can I say? You have done an incredibly difficult thing in putting all of your thoughts and emotions into this life story. Honestly, I actually sobbed out loud in some parts; even though I already knew what was to happen. I can totally relate to many of the things you talk about – what you think about people and events and whether other people ‘think’ that much…these have always plagued me, too. I’m not sure I have ever known anyone as morally grounded as you. I think, even if no one ever reads this, that it has been a cathartic experience for you and I applaud the balls it took to put it on the page!"
"WOW! Thanks to you I have had a completely unproductive day at work reading this cover to cover!"
"I can’t tell you what a privilege it was to read your book. I was enthralled, engaged and honored to see inside of your mind. I have always, always held you in a tremendous high regard, after reading the book that only served to heighten my thoughts of you! Thank you for sharing your life with me."
"First, I want to say “Thank You” for writing your memoir and sharing your deepest and most heartfelt feelings/actions/experiences with me (and others) and soon the rest of the world. I am confident the writing of the words has helped you tremendously in your healing progress and I commend you for staying strong and making your life worth living. I appreciate your willingness to share in hopes of helping others heal through their own trials and strife. I am saddened by your story but also uplifted by your strength in God to continue forward. For that alone, I admire you and I thank you. It does my heart good to hear you say that and to be open to God’s path for you and know there is still good in this world to be experienced. You are a strong human being, my friend. You are lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful friends and family that have helped guide you along the tough road. I cried, I smiled, I laughed and I sobbed through your story. Thank you for the heartfelt words of your life, so far. I feel like I know you so much better and I am honored to know such a wonderful, caring, sensitive and strong guy who seeks the best in people and focuses on the good things in this life. Thank you for the laughs during your high school/early college days…..all too familiar. Brought back a lot of memories (some of which I didn’t want to remember, but none the less memories). I share your feelings with religion and appreciate your efforts in describing what our God is truly about along with bringing all faiths together as one sharing a common goal: To Be Good and Do Good. You carried this message throughout the entire book - I learned and shared a lot from you in that sense. I am truly grateful for you, putting into words, the strength and glory of God."
"I finished your book. I knew once I sat down I wouldn't get up again until it was complete. That was almost the case, just had to stop a few times for this or that. Thank you for allowing me the honor of sharing in your journey. I learned lots about you, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word. You have a gift, Chris States."
"I have read your story over and over again. I very much enjoyed getting to know you better through your words. You made me laugh, you made me cry."
"I found the book to be very hopeful and uplifting. We can all relate to the ups and downs of a spiritual journey. I believe God does take those who are open spiritually down tougher paths in life so they can teach and inspire others. You have done that. God does not promise smooth sailing through life and many times puts his biggest followers in the Bible through the roughest times to test their character. I am very proud of you. I hope you are in a better place now and becoming closer to God. Thanks for sharing your life!"
"For a first book, I think you did a really good job. I can tell after reading it, that you have a lot of depth and sensitivity, which a lot of men don't have or are afraid to show. It shows that you have a very strong sense of character. Great job! I liked you before, but I really like you now."
"It's great. In the end.....I wouldn't change a thing. You've been much too hard on yourself over the years. But you probably know that. PS: I haven't had a good cry in awhile. You gave me one. Thanks."
"I started your book this morning and I wanted you to know that you are not only a talented artist but writer as well! I am enjoying it tremendously. You are a beautiful writer. I found myself wanting to just devour your story. I completely cried in two parts of the book. Truly, I was impressed at the level of writing, having a hard time believing it was your first time. I fully enjoyed taking a look inside the inner workings of Chris States and truly feel privileged to get an early read."
"Within the first 20 minutes of starting your book I was sobbing on the floor uncontrollably because it touched me so deeply. I can’t wait to get through the rest of it."
"I'm just starting chapter 9---I'm hooked!! Good sign---can't wait for you to publish it so I can lie down and read it again. I am beginning to know who you really are--wonderful. Love your honesty."
"I finished your book. Well done my friend. Hopefully my pain, bitterness and loneliness can be replaced with kindness, love and an open heart. Just like you have tried to create for yourself. Thank you for sharing your memoir with me. Your story will stay with me. It is a gift. It is hopeful and moving. It is the power of the human spirit and God's love that shine through your story. Thanks."
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