The Flamer Paperback – February 15, 2012

This was a thoroughly enjoyable and unpredictable story! It was so lively and poignant! And enriching and funny! I'm sending a copy to my boys in college, who happen to be studying engineering, for some remarkable leisure reading. It will be a classic, it is that rich.The Flamer's sassy conversations are delievered sans the the typical mundane punctuation. Of course! Leave it to the engineer.Maybe you will win a Nobel Prize yet, Ben Rogers! You deserve it!

I bought this book based on reviews at Amazon and High Country News. It was OK, but certainly not on my top ten lisr

Having grown up in the 80's-90's I found this book to be very nostalgic. Oby is a unique and complex character. The book feels fresh and new. Something different. I highly recommend a download or purchase in print.

About much more than a boy who plays with fire and later questions his sexuality, "The Flamer" speaks to relationships between peers, parent/child, even touches on the important role a great teacher can play in a child's life. It will make you think of your youth, your experiences and the many momentous firsts that come with growing up. Remember making a big mistake, the first day of your first job, your very first kiss? This book took me home; to a time when I was young, made some poor choices, and learned to live with the consequences. No matter where you grew up, or during what era, Oby is a universal character who has a unique ability to force readers back into their memory banks to fondly reminisce over their own childhood firsts. Enjoy the ride!

"The Flamer" is a fun read with a good original story and a clever writing style. As the title indicates, Ben Rogers has a knack for choosing words and creating believable, interesting characters who evolve throughout the novel. If you enjoy a good story and if you enjoy an author who has a keen ear for realistic dialogue you will enjoy this book.

The story of Oby Brooks evolves quickly in painted detail. Ben Rogers pulls you into a young man's life with a dramatic opening scene and a vivid a description of a boy whose mind is simultaneously superbly developed and incredibly naive. With a fresh writing style and attention to detail, this novel is a great read and hopefully is the first of many successes for this young author.

I loved this book. The characters are so unique and carefully drawn. The settings are odd and almost surreal, yet the story is really a universal coming of age story. I'm telling everyone about it.