Read What People Are Saying About Retrieved
These comments are from readers, editors and even Literary Agents.
Jean N: Where the hell is Morgan Chai? She's supposed to be at the top of New York's Best Seller List! Isn't anybody paying attention to this remarkable writer? And I'd like to know how in the heck she is able to shift gears to write such wonderful comedy after writing such emotional books? If you don't believe it, read 'Retrieved' and 'Stolen Lives', then read 'Cripple Creek.' I've read that she has a Sci-Fi trilogy soon to be released and I can't wait! I check this website several times a month just so I can get the first copies of the trilogy. Morgan, your fans await!!! Nov ‘08
Jerry B: I have several friends who have purchased "Retrieved" and "Stolen Lives" and they raved about them. Even several years later, they will come up in conversation. I have tried to get them to send you their comments. In a nutshell, Retrieved is one of the best books I've ever read, and I read a lot. And I was so shocked that the sequel "Stolen Lives" was a good as "Retrieved". In fact, I might go so far as to say it was even better. Could someone please tell Morgan that she needs to write more. I want all of her books! Oct ‘08
Amanda S: I found your website because a friend of a friend of a friend made mention of your name and the books you wrote. I was so interested in the comments that other people made about your books that I bought Retrieved. I wanted Stolen Lives too but it wasn't for sale yet. I see it is now and I've already ordered it. I have only had Retrieved for less than two hours and my world has come to a halt because I can't put it down. My husband will just have to order out tonight if he expects dinner. Sep 18, 2008
Jim Beistle Vice Chair Team Amber Alert: I work looking for missing children both domestically and internationally. Your book remains the most realistic one to what we know is rampant matter of abuse globally. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all who want a visual painting of words where action and desperation exist looking to retrieve loved ones taken in dire consequences. I have shared this book with a number of left behind family members and our staff. I will be purchasing more soon for my gift giving. Please write more soon. May ‘08
Sep 26: Hey, Morgan. Would you believe it!? I've read two chapters of Retrieved.
It's keeping my interest. It sure is different, though. It's been so long
since I've read fiction that it took some getting used to.
Sep 29: Still reading Retrieved. It's more compelling than I wish. Yesterday
I read two chapters, and again today. Mateo and Poncho just made it back
to the city. I had decided to only read one chapter a day. I hope I can
hold the line at two. :-)
"Retrieved" is one of the few books we would ever have paid full cover price for. My wife and I loved the entire book from cover to cover. We cannot wait for the sequel. Books are supposed to take you on a ride and "Retrieved" was a real ride. We just cannot say enough about "Retrieved" except why hasn't it been snatched up by a major publisher. Ron and Tammy L, Cedar Street Printing. April 18, 2006
"Retrieved" was the best book I have ever read. I could not put it down. I was so glad that I loaned it to a friend of mine, who is a high school principal, because now I have someone I can talk to about it, plus my friend now wants Morgan to speak at our local high school. Kim, International Bank, April 6, 2006.
Yes, please do advise when Stolen Lives is available for purchase. I have written a comment for posting, if you wish to use it.
This was one of the most disturbing, if not the most disturbing, books I have ever read. Morgan's depiction of Mateo and other children in the "camps" was horrifying. A year after reading, I can still see in my "mind's eye" the scenario she painted in words. Too many people are afraid of offending someone's sensibilities and would shy away from such vivid descriptions - to the loss of the material being presented. This, in fact, does a disservice to the reader, who is left to imagine his own scenario - as humans we always try to put the best "face" on a situation, so could never imagine how really bad it is.
"Retrieved" has made a number of us more "aware" of what is truly going on. Realizing that awareness is half the battle, it is with disgust and fury that we now quickly pick up on things we would have previously not even noticed. The sad part is the extent to which the acceptance of child disappearances has permeated our lives - no one wants to know!
I applaud Morgan for her courage in writing "Retrieved", and look forward to reading her next book, "Stolen Lives".
If Morgan ever decides to write her memoirs, put me at the top of the list.
Sandra, December 14, 2005
I wasn't sure about ordering the Extreme Woman's Cookbook, but after reading Retrieved, I just knew that it had to be something new and different. I am so glad I did. Morgan, if you ever get to MN, look us up. My whole family wants to meet you! Ian, MN, Nov 12, 2005
First of all I would like to acknowledge Further Beyond for daring to represent Morgan Chai. It is a brave step, because after reading Retrieved I understood why Morgan could not get any agents or publishers interested. It is TOO REAL, and publishers don't like that, it appears. There are some brave ones, but they are very few and far between. But Morgan Chai is a master storyteller, and she writes not only from the heart, but from her life's experiences. Secondly, after reading Retrieved and falling in love with it, and so did my husband and 3 teenage children, we ordered The Extreme Woman's Cookbook. We were not let down. The recipes are great, some are outlandish, but taste excellent, and the stories in each section of the book are hillarious. We all agree that Morgan needs to have that out of this world sense of humor in order to balance her x-ray eyes...eyes that see straight into the soul of all life. We keep checking the website for new books by her! Please hurry Morgan, your audience in California anxiously await your magic! Clair N, CA, April 28, 2005
I can't wait to get my order. I read Retrieved, as a draft in 2003 and loved it. And I hear your cookbook is a riot. Can't wait! Carol F, October 2004
Oh, did I ever enjoy Retrieved. It hurt to read about the kids, but I couldn't put it down, and at the end I wished there was more. I can't wait to read the sequel, or the next in the series, whatever it is. You are a great writer and really reach into the core of the human spirit and psyche. I will keep checking this site for the release of any other books you write. Thomas. October 15, 2004
I ordered and read Retrieved and although it was a shock to get through (the truth) I kept on with it and when it was done I didn't want it to be over! What a great book. Why aren't major publishers taking notice! What a shame. Maybe it will be their loss! Linda S, September 15, 2004
Dear Ms. Chai, My name is Anna. I Work Part-Time for Jim Beistle and Team Amber Alert. I recently had the privilege to read your book "Retrieved," I absolutely loved it. It starts out from page one as intriguing and very graphic.(which I love) I think your book has been one of the best I have read.(and I'm a reader! :)) I was also very moved my the images your words painted in my mind while reading this book. I have never been moved to actual tears by a book, but yours did. Poor Mateo! I cannot wait to read your next one. You're a very talented writer and I cannot believe that someone could paint such a graphic picture with words. Also I can't help but believe some of the things in the book are true. But don't worry, you don't have to tell me. I'll just believe it for the moment. lol. Again thank you for the privilege of reading it. Oh yeah and the spiral binding is very clever...I loved that! Sincerely, Anna. July 19, 2004
Morgan, as promised, while fishing in Canada I read your book, Retrieved. This is one of the few books that I have read in my lifetime that I was sad when I finished it. I LOVED IT!!! I didn't want it to end and felt like I had lost a friend when I finally put it down. What a wonderful story. Mike is reading it now so will get his take soon. So, what's going on with getting this baby on the shelves? Congratulations on a wonderful book.......Mary Jo, June 21, 2004
Hi Morgan, just stopped by to check out all the updating to the website since my last visit. I hope people are reading Retrieved. If they are not reading, they won't ever know what they have missed. The book is a truly work of art. Esther Luttrell, my agent, and I agree that you are the kind of writer that comes along once every hundred years or so. I only give compliments to those that deserve it. I am a straight forward person. Don't believe in blowing smoke. God Bless you in all your endeavors in life. Never be discouraged, you have a special gift that only could have come from God. It is not easy for unknown writer's. No one seems to hurry in this business, but there is reason for it. It's something that can't be rushed, when it is done right. It takes a lot of patience to do what we are doing. We are Blessed and helping others with what we are doing. Good Luck! Evelyn Fort Stewart <Evelyn@evelynfortstewart.com> April 16, 2004
Morgan, Let me know when you finish the sequel! I cannot tell you how much I loved Retrieved so I gues I will just have to read it again (for the third time) while I wait for the sequel, Stolen Lives. Please keep my email handy or call me when Stolen Lives is ready for sale! J.H - April 2004
I can't tell you how wonderful I think Retrieved is. I am a writer myself and I have one book finished and another half done. I ran into the same thing Morgan did with agents and publishers. Thank You, Donna W, Shelton, WA, April 01, 2004
I love your website. Do you have any more of Morgan Chai's books or writings? Retrieved is absolutely the best. Thanks Tanya, March 30, 2004
Hi Morgan. I just finished reading RETRIEVED and it is nothing short of Brilliant. Very scintillating, to say the least. Morgan, not often do we find a talented writer/author such as yourself. This is the best and most inspiring book I have read since Margaret Mitchell's "Gone With the Wind". It kept me spellbound for two days of the best reading I have done in quite some time. It is told in such exquisite explanatory way, that it was impossible to lose sight of the story line for me to put it aside. I did manage to put it aside for a few hours to rest my eyes. Truthfully it is the first book I have read from front to the end in many years. Most of the books I have attempted to read, last about half way through, not Retrieved. I predict that we will see Retrieved on the big screen in time. If the movie producers don't snatch this up, something is really wrong with them. Evelyn Fort Stewart, Internationally published Author of "Totally Discombobulated" "My Miracle" and "Til Death Do Us Part". Evelyn<evelynfortstewart.com, March 6, 2004
Congratulations to our friend and neighbor. Chuck read Retrieved and couldn't put it down. It took him a day to read it. He said it would make a great movie. Looking forward to your next book. Linda and Chuck Austin, February 29, 2004
"RETRIEVED:" WHAT AN EXTRAORDINARY MIND--to be able to compile her experiences into such a remarkable, entwined, exciting, yet deeply thought provoking suspenseful thriller! She so eloquently paints a picture in the readers mind that excitement flows from one episode to another. She paints from the depths of the earth to the depths of each soul, involving one's being to the point of tears or relief. I love her depth of thought, analysis, research, and uncanny ability to provoke thought so eloquently. WOW! Morgan is THE BEST OF THE BEST! What else does she have ready???? Jackie S, February 17, 2004
I loved reading Retrieved! It was a non-stop read! I'm anxiously waiting for her next book...any of her next books. She evidently has lived a thousand lives to be so knowledgeable about everything. Helene, February 08, 2004
Excellent writer....Very very intriguing plots. Keeps your interest at a peak!! I have met the author, and she is a fascinating and charismatic person. So very intelligent! She knows her stuff. One gutsy gal!!!!! Dee J, February 05, 2004
R.W. Nicholson writes, Jan 24, 2004: The book we all have been waiting for - This is a must read!!! International Child Abduction and murder, Central American Drug Trade, Corruption, Intelligence betrayal, and more! Retrieved is remarkable, unforgettable and emotionally captivating. Morgan triumphs in her phenomenal ability to express passion, compassion, and honor in her writing. She has gracefully and precisely addressed a difficult and serious modern subject while upholding a superior standard of excellence. (R.W. Nicholson & Associates, Child Advocate, 725 Franklyn Rd, Kelowna, B.C., Canada, V1X 3T9— www.rwnicholson.com
Esther Luttrell writes, Jan 17, 2004: I'm speechless. What a writer Morgan is. It makes me want to hide my pens and paper from myself. Morgan has the potential of being the hottest author since Hemingway. I savored the words, the combination of words, and loved the book! (Esther Luttrell, head of literary departments for Starcraft Agency (Hollywood) and Jackson Artists Agency (Mid-west). She publishes Screen Writers News (www.screenwritersnews .com) and is the author of "Tools of the Screen Writing Trade." She goes on to add, "You my girl, are one fantastic writer!"
Carol R writes, Dec 2003" Morgan, what a book! Your writing is awesome and you've ruined me for some of my favorite writers. They don't hold a candle to you writing, and believe me, I read a lot, and am very picky about what I read. You go girl!
Christy VL writes, Dec 2003: I recently finished reading your novel Retrieved and wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. Well Done! I understand from your talented brother that most of the content was real. Keep up the great work!
Dystel & Gooderich Literary Management writes, Dec 2003: Thanks so much for letting us review your manuscript for Retrieved, which several of us read with interest. Unfortunately, after careful consideration we have decided that we are not the appropriate agents to represent this book. ...you are a fine storyteller.
Robert L writes, Mar 17, 2003: I read Retrieved in three days and it was indeed entertaining and intriguing. I could not put it down for long. The prologues to each chapter was an added highlight. They could very easily become the basis of your next endeavor - a non-fictional book on your personal outlook and philosophy of life.
Harriet V writes, 2003: Morgan, sorry I wasn't able to get the draft of Retrieved back to you as promised, but Fred had to go to California and he took the book with him. He's never done that before, so it says a lot about it.
