Few people, if any, use the English language the way Gary Kissick does. You can see his poet background in every sentence. Winter in Volcano is intriguing, disturbing, sexy, eloquent, and funny. I've probably gained him a reader or two -- although lost him a sale or two -- by passing around my copy of his book. I hope he has another in him soon.

Gary Kissick is poetically descriptive and eloquent in his narrative of forbidden love. He is also wildly funny. An English teacher at a small Catholic college in Hawaii falls in love with a student. They begin to secretly date, exploring their island paradise while trying to avoid suspicious co-workers, former lovers, an abundance of apparitions and a pair of dim-witted student athletes. Winter In Volcano is so witty and erotic, each page will have you both laughing out loud and uncomfortably aroused.

This is the funniest book I've read since LUCKY JIM. I found myself laughing outloud. It's also the most erotic book I've read, yet very honest in its accurate portrayal of a love affair. But perhaps most importantly, it's a total immersion in 70's Hawaii, when there was something magical in the air. I felt that I was there, snorkelling in Hanauma, standing on the rim of a live volcano, drinking Mai Tais, smelling the exotic flowers, listening to local legends. Finally, I was greatly impressed by the quality of the writing. Kissick's descriptive powers are impressive. This is not a novel that was dashed off in a year; this is clearly a labor of love. I've recommended WINTER IN VOLCANO to all my friends.