Reviews of my book are not something I have sought. However, several readers have written critiques of Three Hots and a Cot, Stories of Courage from People Struggling with Homelessness, Addiction, and AIDS. Below are samples of their book reviews and recommendations in 2019.
Amazon Book Reviews
6 Reviewers Gave 5 Stars Each! YEA!
Showing 1-6 of 6 reviews
Ctina
5.0 out of 5 starsBeautiful- eye opening!
June 4, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
An absolutely beautiful and fascinating read. Three Hots and a Cot consists of 14 powerful and honest monologues that demonstrate the impacts of homelessness.The author wants everyone to know that homelessness can happen to anyone- even you and me- and we should not judge those who are currently homeless; rather we should help them.
The stories in this book are heartbreaking, eye-opening, powerful, insightful and beautiful. You can feel the impact of job loss, addiction, chronic illness and know that it could happen to anyone. It’s clear too that people who are labeled as homeless want everyone to know that they are people too- they have talents, family, things to offer to others, love to give- and want to be loved just like anybody else. Faith is a powerful theme that runs through the stories and have helped many individuals not give up hope and keep the dream alive to go after their goals.
Thank you to BookTasters and Nancy Wyatt for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
– Jan 
Experience the Discomfort of Homelessness from the Comfort of Your Home!
May 3, 2019
Format: Paperback
Told against the backdrop of a homeless shelter “Three Hots and a Cot” allows you to see the impact of homelessness. This book, adapted form the stage play, is told in vignettes of short monologues. Feel the impact of job loss, chronic illness, and know that you too could become part of this story. The words will help you feel the powerful emotions of those who must live in shelters, for now. Allow this book will move you and impact your heart, open your senses and feel the stories. As a nurse that has worked in the HIV/AIDS community, taken care of patients who were homeless in parking lot’s “Three Hot’s an a Cot” is a look inside these lives that many will never experience. The glimpse goes into the dark hidden spaces of homelessness. It peaks into the reasons that we never thought of. It gives a glimmer of how the homeless children feel and answers some of the “why” do they end up like this. I found this a fascinating read that gave an open honest view of homelessness. I would go so far as to call it a must read for medical professionals and those who volunteer with the homeless. I would encourage all who dare to feel the poignant telling of these true stories and allow yourself to experience the homeless crisis through their eyes! This book has been performed on stage as well and licensing for theater groups is available.
– Diane Riley
Everyone should read this book
June 4, 2019
Format: Paperback
I received a copy of “Three Hots and a Cot” by Nancy Wyatt for review purposes.The author interviewed a number of homeless shelter residents in Washington, DC, to create dramatic readings. These vignettes and some original poetry by residents have been offered as a spoken performance to raise money and awareness for organizations that help the homeless and those with substance abuse problems.
Wyatt has now turned the spoken performances into a book. She writes, “We don’t ask you to feel sorry. We ask you to learn and understand.” Readers will learn a lot and, it is hoped, understand more after going through this short book.
Each prose/poetry piece has an introduction to set the table and to help the reader go from one reading to the next. The first piece will hit many readers: the person had been in the upper middle class before becoming homeless. He/she admits to ignoring homeless people, panhandlers, and homeless and hungry children until he/she became homeless him-/herself.
Another piece explores the memories of a person who experienced hunger as a child, who did everything expected—got an education and a good job—only to lose it all, becoming a homeless and hungry adult.
Especially striking are the poetry pieces. One poem, titled “Statistics,” reads in part:
Statistics don’t tell you of our humor . . .
How we laugh until we cry
…
Statistics don’t tell you we know how to love, too. . . .Another poem, titled “You Call Him ‘Derelict.’ I Call Him ‘Darling’!” has as one stanza:
Whereas most people see an old man.
I see an old and Universal soul.
Whereas most people see an ole’ drunk,
I see a Miracle.The book contains 14 monologues/poems. My recommendation: Buy this book. Inhale this book. Share this book. It needs to be read by all.
– ReadnGrow
Honest, Revealing, Painful
April 24, 2019
Format: Paperback
These honest accounts of people who are homeless, addicted, or ill are heart changing. These are not pathetic or pitiful pleas for assistance, but simple statements of the realities of these peoples’ lives. Many have fallen into homelessness through a disaster as simple as a home fire or loss of a job. Many have struggled through and gotten out. Many have not. They all are human beings, their stories conveyed with dignity.
The purpose of these stories is simply to raise awareness. The ‘ask’ at the end is likewise simple. Just help where you can. I would like to have had contact information for support or aid agencies that readers might contact. Perhaps this can be added to the electronic version.
– Janet T
Insightful and Real
April 11, 2019
Format: Paperback
The 14 powerful monologues included within this book are beautifully written and give deep insight into the lives of people who are experiencing homelessness, addiction, and AIDS. From their own perspectives, they describe how they got to that place, and what life is like for them, within the walls of the shelter, and without. The reader is able to gain an understanding that these life situations truly can happy to anyone, and thus, wells up empathy and a desire to help, which was the intention when they were first created.
I believe this is an important compilation and highly recommend it to anyone who doesn’t understand homelessness, and think that this book, and the original screenplay, should continue to be used to educate people about these issues.
Book Reviews – Katherine M. Gotthardt
A reflection of ourselves
April 30, 2019
Format: Paperback
Powerful and poignant, this book doesn’t just illustrate society’s ills–it makes a timeless statement. You come away recognizing both the strength and fragility of the human condition and how they coexist in the characters’ lives, as well as our own. Well done!
Good Reads and
Book Tasters Critiques
Booktaster’s Christina Forster rated it it was amazing!
An absolutely beautiful and fascinating read. Three Hots and a Cot consists of 14 powerful and honest monologues that demonstrate the impacts of homelessness.
The author wants everyone to know that homelessness can happen to anyone- even you and me- and we should not judge those who are currently homeless; rather we should help them. The stories in this book are heartbreaking, eye-opening, powerful, insightful and beautiful. You can feel the impact of job loss, addiction, chronic illness and know that it could happen to anyone.
It’s clear too that people who are labeled as homeless want everyone to know that they are people too- they have talents, family, things to offer to others, love to give- and want to be loved just like anybody else. Faith is a powerful theme that runs through the stories and have helped many individuals not give up hope and keep the dream alive to go after their goals.
Thank you to BookTasters and Nancy Wyatt for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Nancy also provides writing services to you. They range from business letters to books, from classes to speeches, and from resumes to performance arts pieces.
Use the contact form below or email her at MyPersuasivePresentations@gmail.com for details.
