PRESS/MEDIA COVERAGE for Sentenced to Shakespeare
Advance praise for Sentenced to Shakespeare: "Iris Dorbian is the rarest talent as a writer--the writer with a heart of gold. Her sensitivity in creating the character of Leah, and in realistically infusing empathy into every corner of Leah's plight and growth as a person, makes this book a must-read for the pre-teen, teen and adult audience. Sentenced to Shakespeare is an inspirational, deep, illuminating and wonderfully enjoyable read that makes you think, page by page, of what you would do if in a similar trying circumstance as this complex and fascinating character. Leah's very unique journey of self-discovery rings true on every level; it's so heartening to see a story about a young girl finding her power and strength through creative exposure and expression. Yet her growth will universally resonate with anybody who is or has ever been an adolescent feeling in over his or her head--and that's everyone. The perfect summer read for teenagers and those who support them." --- Lisa Mulcahy, best-selling author of Building the Successful Theater Company and The Essentials of Theater
BREAKING (11/15/19): Thank you so much to Lee Giguere for his intelligent and thoughtful review of "Sentenced to Shakespeare." The review appeared in the October 26-27, 2019 (weekend edition) of The Journal Inquirer in Manchester, Connecticut.
BREAKING (2/15/20): Just got another sweet review from the blogger Acme Teen Books. Here's an excerpt: "Having a program like the Shakespeare program helps to address issues in a positive manner and help kids who might simply learn more bad habits by being expelled or sent to juvie to learn positive coping skills. This story brings all of this to light and more. It is well-written with all of the ups and downs that teens go through in a single day. The plot is interesting and well-rounded with a good variety of characters both well behaved and not. I loved reading it and would suggest it to other teens and their moms for sure!" Thank you so much!! Here's a link to the full review if you would like to check it out.
BREAKING (2/3/20): Just got a lovely and perceptive review of my book "Sentenced to Shakespeare" from the blogger Mythical Books: Here's an excerpt: "I liked how the author caught Leah’s internal monologue. It quite endowed the story with her innocence, seriousness, and sincerity with herself...It is a book that parents could give to their children. But I think it will be better for parents to read the book too and afterward to discuss with their children all the aspects which were identified very well by Iris Dorbian. Sentenced to Shakespeare is a serious book, but a pleasant read nonetheless. Enjoy!" Check out the full review.
Five-Star Amazon customer reviews for Sentenced to Shakespeare:
From Tom J: "Sentenced to Shakespeare is a young adult novel that even adults will enjoy reading. At little over 200 pages, it is a very quick read and most readers will not stop until they finish reading the book. The premise is relevant: what do we do with our youth when they commit a crime? Should we punish without rehabilitation? What happens to a young girl when she gets caught up in the cogs of our justice system. Leah, the book's main character is found guilty of assault. Rather than send her to prison, she has to take a Shakespeare class.
The novel speaks eloquently of loneliness and a person's innate desire to be accepted and loved for who they really are, regardless of what they will sometimes show to the world around them. Dorbian clearly loves Leah and it comes out in her prose. The author's style is such that it doesn't preach to its audience; the words ebb and flow with elegant ease. Leah is a wonderful character and her transformative journey is beautifully crafted.
This is a book that will resonate with young adult readers. I finished the book in one sitting and enjoyed it thoroughly."
From Rosa: "Our advanced technology dictates the way we communicate today, we have come far but at a great loss. The need to be accepted, loved and appreciated by peers has always been for some, if not many ... complex and heartbreaking and can have consequences through adulthood. Leah, the main character, is touching, painful at times. But she becomes one of the lucky ones. Her being sentenced to the Shakespeare program saves her. Her story is most poignant today and I think should be read by young people AND their parents and it would not be a bad idea to place this book on a reading list for middle school and up."
From Amazon customer: "This is a wonderfully entertaining young adult novel about the horrors of teen bullying and how the victim can overcome. It's an important read for kids to learn that there is life after bullying and there are people who care about the victims (even if they're clueless as to how to stop it). Educators would do well to read the book as well to learn that they can become more adept at detecting the signs and intervening). I was also fascinated to learn that there really are programs centered around Shakespeare, designed to help troubled teens become productive citizens to stay on the right side of the law!"
Reviews/Praise for "Great Producers: Visionaries of American Theater"
Theatermania.com - Highlights: "This competent and easy to read tome..." and "Reading the lengthy quotes by Fran Weissler is like having her right in front of you. This first-hand approach makes it very easy to assess the theatrical values and practices of each producer, noting where they diverge and where they come together."
Stage Directions - Highlights: "This is an enjoyable and informative read."
Amazon.com reader: "If you love theater, or are interested in producing, this book is a must-read. Each chapter deals with a different producer's life and career, and Dorbian captures not only the essence of each person, but also why they are so good at what they do. It includes lots of sage advice to anyone considering mounting a show, no matter how big or small the production."
Midwest Book Review: "A good performing troupe is only as good as its weakest link, and a weak producer will sour it more than anything. "Great Producers: Visionaries of the American Theater" is a guide to effectively producing live theater. With advice from many of the best producers in American theater today, it acts as both a set of tips for aspiring producers and a look backstage for fans. "Great Producers" is a highly recommended book with a dual appeal."
December 8, 2019: "45 Books From 2019 for Theatrelovers," Playbill
October 26-27, 2019: Book Review: Journal Inquirer in Manchester, Connecticut
October 3, 2019 - Radio Interview - Tell Me Your Story with Richard Dugan
September 30, 2019 - Radio Interview (starts at 33:54 in podcast link) - The Bill Newman Show - WHMP
September 8, 2019: Blurb in ThisFunktional
August 26, 2019: Radio Interview - The Tom Sumner Show -1470 WFNT Flint’s News Talk/WFOV 92.1 FM
August 17, 2019: Interview - Dave's Gone By
July - Class Notes Summer 2019 - NYU Alumni
Iris Dorbian (WSC) has published a new novel, Sentenced to Shakespeare (Sunbury Press/Milford House Press).
Copyright © Iris Dorbian. All rights reserved.