Ally

'Dear Janet', the latest addition to Deborah Brandon's catalogue, will not disappoint. Readers familiar with her work will recognise the overwhelming, resounding truth that spills from its pages. Like all of the author's work, 'Dear Janet' is an intimate and individual account of universal feelings - that is, you will find yourself relating to this piece with emotions almost visceral, regardless of whether you have actually experienced anything like the events portrayed in the book. This is true of all of Deborah's titles, which often deal with very specific issues in such a way that they are universally understandable. None of this is to say that 'if you have read one, you've read them all', however, as despite the fact that you will notice many of the same characteristics in each of the author's offerings; truly original writing, brilliantly drawn characters, and generally the most 'true fiction' you will ever encounter, 'Dear Janet' is as unique as each of its predecessors. Which is to say, extremely. Personally, reading this book was an emotional event for me, from which it took some time to recover. As I have come to expect from Deborah's work, it is completely unpretentious, so well-written that you won't even notice the skill behind the wording - something I suspect comes naturally - and heartbreaking at the same time as inspiring. Most importantly it is absolutely unlike anything you have ever read before. I had learned from past experience to make sure I got a copy of this as soon as it became available, and reading 'Dear Janet' has only increased my inclination to do the same in the future.

Gary Santoro

"nonpaying customers who saw the blimp" -- These stories transport you into the worlds and minds of different characters in a personal way. Deborah explores the personality wonderfully. I found the settings to be more "late 20th century" than "early 21st century." I loved most of all "The Blimp." A metaphor? Realization. The transportation towards the future. I look forward to reading more from Deborah Brandon! - G.S.

Catherine Arnold

Swallow, and Nonpaying Customers Who Saw The Blimp. Fresh, vivid, very good writing and characters. A pleasure to read. I'm also happy that Swallow made me feel that I understood eating disorders, something I'd never really grasped. I would like to see Deborah's work picked up and widely published -- it just makes sense that this will eventually happen.

jacob arrow

Swallow, 2nd edition. Above all it's REAL. Every character breathes and lives, and is extremely believable. I had the sense that every word, and the shape of every paragraph, was thought out and believed. It's beautifully written. I am definitely planning on purchasing the 3rd version as soon as I can.

Heather Parker

While reading this book, I found myself painfully longing to meet each character. The imagery is astounding.. the characters unique and raw, individuals of beauty and struggle. Eating-disordered or not, this peice gives the reader an inside look of daily struggles, thoughts, and horror that ED-sufferers deal with on a minute-to-minute basis. Wonderfully done, I'd purchase another book in a heartbeat.

ricepaper

Exit Wound (no longer available for purchase, I believe): a collection of spellbinding, breathtaking poetry. Deborah Brandon is a writer with whom you must become acquainted. She is truthful, visceral, inspired, inspiring. Allow yourself the pleasure of owning one of her works.

Julie

I have purchased several things from Deborah Brandon but the one that stands out the most is Lie of the Beholder. I found it touching, personal and honest. Each story was wonderfully well crafted and I have re-read it more than once.

Nicole Buchalla

Swallow: This book is a fantastic portrayal of what the life of eating disordered people are like. It's extremely well written, with a lot of intelligence on the subject. The characters are portrayed so that even someone without an eating disorder can relate and feel their pain. There's nothing cliche about this book or the writer, it's all real, often frighteningly so. I would highly reccomend it to anyone who wants a chilling look inside the minds of very well written and developed characters.

mary

sheer and heartwrenching and fluid and wonderful and the most beautiful women ive ever not met

flightless

"Swallow" chapbook: lovely production and the writing is splendid. It's raw and honest, vivid, and often gorgeously poetic.