Some of my favorite books are ones where I can’t tell whether its real or not – fiction or nonfiction. Now, what I’m saying is that I DO know that the book is fiction, but because the writer has crafted such an engrossing, rich story filled with complex characters and tense emotional situations, I get so engrossed in the book that it seems real. Recently I finished reading Born to be a King 1: My Little Gypsy Prince by Harry AnderS. This was such a book (don’t be fooled by the cover – it makes perfect sense after you get engrossed in the narrative)!


Written in the first person, a retired Dutch psychotherapist and writer is enjoying his retirement in a beautiful village at the base of the mountains. Getting to know the new village where he recently moved, he slowly begins to settle in and reconnect with his personal self. One afternoon, while relaxing in the sun on the porch, the narrator sees peeking through the bushes a pair of eyes. And not any eyes, but magical eyes that belong to a small gypsy boy. As the book unfolds, Harry (the gypsy boy) and the Dutch psychotherapist go on an emotional rollercoaster as they discover their connection to each other and to the world.

Rarely does one encounter a book that has as much personal, raw experiences embedded in it as Born to be a King 1.Perhaps it is because Harry AnderS is a retired psychotherapist, applying his lifetime of psychological and therapeutic knowledge to the creative endeavor of book writing. However, do not for a moment believe that this is merely a case study disguised as a fictional narrative. No, Harry AnderS has employed the entire field of psychotherapy to this book, including the often neglected but equally important extra-mental phenomenal experiences. These include such things as psychic mediums, past lives, spirit helpers, and the like. Magically interwoven into the narrative, these extra-mental phenomenal experiences just add to the richness of the story.

Rather then your standard mystery or thriller, this book entertains through the beautiful narrative creativity of the written adventure. No guns, no murders, no conspiracy theories or the like. Born to be a King 1: My Little Gypsy Prince is simply the adventure between a man and a child – a child who turns out to be a very special boy indeed. I highly recommend this book - not only is it perfect for people looking for a great read, but for parents or individuals who deal on a regular basis with young adults. I just can't wait to read the rest in the series.

> Your insight is far beyond the common man. I want to add my praise for your interesting and warm story. This is a believable story of love, that's great to read. The way you are telling it....so much compassion and love. You have put me through the emotional rollercoaster. Please know that you are appreciated; and keep up this excellent writing.

> A wonderful well balanced story. Deep and proper, a masterpiece in its genre. It has brought many tears to my eyes. You seem to have a gift to write from the heart. Your subject matter is strong and gripping. Your compassionate handling of the story line reaches the heart. I eagerly await your next book...

> I salute you sir for a most impressive debut in a foreign language. Your story is charming and you have a real gift for narrative. You show a deep insight into the working of the mind of the broken or hurt and the important part that listening and interpreting is of any really meaningful relationship. Thank You, for such a moving, loving story.

> This is by far the best story. You truly have a talent for writing. Your characters touch my soul, and I admire your courage to tell it like it is: just because a man cares about a boy, it is NOT always sexual. Men, many of whom haven't the slightest sexual interest in children and are quite mainstream in their sexual orientations, are hunted, denounced, and punished in modern-day witch hunts. I applaud you for showing that men and boys can express love and tenderness by physical closeness without the man coercing sexual acts from innocent and frightened children. I think I’m in love with this story.

Now, I am blushing too much...