When Ray, an alcoholic English bricklayer is deported from the US to the UK on a drug charge, he has no idea that his life is about to change forever. Shattered by his knowledge that he is a failure, Ray dedicates himself to self-improvement and unwittingly puts himself and his family on a path to disaster once he reads The Secret.Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' FavoriteAs a lover of the Law of Attraction, the subject matter of this book intrigued me. I found the writing style of the book in the first person perfect for the story line. The character of Ray/Ramon was flawed and tortured but he made a great lead character. The supporting characters were also very realistic, especially Juan who made a great villain. The writing style of the author was natural and flowed effortlessly. The teachings of manifestation and visualization were superb regarding that true power lies within us, but that your emotions must be in line with your thoughts. The example of how Ramon gives all of his attention to what he feared, not what he desired, was a stark warning to the power behind the teachings of The Secret. The references to automated behaviour in humans and their lack of belief that they have the power to change their lives were also very powerfully relayed. The entire story is brutally honest about the mindset of an alcoholic too, as Ray's ego and mind battle for control. Either the author has done extensive research, or he has written from personal experience, because this is a gripping read and I highly recommend it.Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite Ray Dennis Does The Secret: A Simple Law of Attraction Story follows the hapless London bricklayer as he takes stock of the latest developments in his life story and tries to figure out how to make changes, painless and easy ones if at all possible. Troia's story emphasizes the inherent problems with educational institutions determining who goes on to academic or professional pursuits and who becomes a bricklayer. By Ray's standards, and the bench mark she sets out for himself and often achieves, that system failed him utterly. Ray is engaging and personable, and the reader can't help but feel some connection with him as he is ensnared by a cult-like religious sect, and his story only gets better after that. Troia's character study is perceptive and keen, and the author's affection for his character is evidenced on every page. Ray Dennis Does The Secret: A Simple Law of Attraction Story is highly recommended.Reviewed by Tracy Young for Readers' Favorite What a great book. Who would have thought that the story of a London bricklayer could have so many twists and turns? The path that Ray Dennis Does the Secret takes is a dark and twisty one with such emotional turmoil it will leave you reeling. The Secret is an interesting era for Ray and Gary Troia draws the reader in beautifully. Set in London, America, and Spain, the book has a fascinating backdrop to a truly intriguing story. Ray Dennis is a character with many sides and I am looking forward to reading more about his exploits, and I look forward to more bricklayers'tales!Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite Gary Troia has presented an intriguing drama of the possibilities of manifestation in Ray Dennis Does The Secret: A Simple Law of Attraction Story. This story is thought-provoking and challenging in many aspects. The up-and-down cycle of Ray's life is heart warming at times and excruciating at other times. He truly experiences the best of life, along with the most painful events one could imagine.His ongoing search for power and respect leads to unintended consequences. There are many characters in the story, representing both good people and malevolent people in today's world. The story moves along at a fast pace, as Ray's thoughts propel him to create various scenarios. Ray Dennis Does The Secret by Gary Troia is a captivating, unforgettable read.
About the Author: Biography Gary Troia was born in South-East London and studied Spanish and Philosophy at Middlesex University and the Universidad de Deusto. In 2010, he left behind a career in education and moved to a small Spanish village, where he began his lifelong dream of writing. His first book, Spanish Yarns and Beyond, is a humorous account of his time in Spain. 'A great play on words, witty and well written, ' was how one reviewer described the book. A Bricklayer's Tales, published in 2013, is a collection of ten tales, including: Angel Dust, the peculiar story of a man whose new life in America leads to conversations with Ancient Greek philosophers. Mrs. McClintock, an absurd farce in which a Glaswegian couple retire to Spain, and A Bricklayer's Tale, the story of a disillusioned, alcoholic bricklayer. Coming soon, Gary's début novel. Gary now lives in Winchester, with his partner Marina where he continues to write. Follow Gary: www.garytroia.com