Reviews

What Others Are Saying About Noki

Roy Jones, Jr.

NOKI: The Unforgettable, Delightful Underdog Boxer

Recent interview with Dr. Farrago about NOKI

The following are all from Amazon.


5.0 out of 5 stars 

Noki was great!

I thoroughly enjoyed Doug Farrago’s new book “Noki”. I found the author’s knowledge of boxing and styles fascinating. Also, the fine detail about the boxing business, promotion, characters, and culture was fantastic! However, the story is so much more than boxing. Highly recommend this book.

Ray


5.0 out of 5 stars 

Not just for boxing fans.

I wouldn’t consider myself a huge fan of the sport. However, I am a huge fan of humanity, which this book is about, with the boxing world as a backdrop.

Doug Farrago’s considerable boxing knowledge helps draw the reader into the story. He revealed many previously unknown facts to me about the sport.

See if you pick up on what Dr. Farrago hints at as he unwinds this “tale of the tape.”

H.N. Schultz


5.0 out of 5 stars

 A mix of themes that build…

Wow.

I’ve always loved boxing themed storylines. Tales of the underdog facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, a dingy gym, sounds of bags being hit, buzzers, the violence, and that ever-present “unsavory” underbelly contingent never far from the sport. Noki definitely delivers on it all.

What I didn’t expect was being drawn into second, third level metaphors, glimpses of deeper meaning beyond what I’d already assumed, flashes of deja vu just out of conscious grasp until the reveal and resolution leaves you smiling, maybe remembering something from your own childhood.

Noki offers a reminder that what appears on the surface as “simple” is often much deeper and more meaningful than first assumed.

AL


5.0 out of 5 stars 

Great book

Must admit. Boxing tops football as my most hated sport. Yet, this book is a charmer. Really pulls you into the story. Even though the author tells you upfront it is a fable, I didn’t see it coming because the characters felt so real.

HVNLY


5.0 out of 5 stars 

A sweet story set in the not so sweet boxing world

Noki is written in the minimalistic style of Cormac McCarthy and coveys the seedy side of boxing along with the joy of the sport enjoyed by fans and boxers alike. Noki is an autistic savant with the talent for mimicking any boxer he watches. With his savant understanding of the art of boxing, and with the help of Bug, his conscience and confidant, Noki goes from gym janitor to boxing hero. I don’t want to spoil the end, but the author provides insight into his time in the boxing world, and “Easter Eggs” sprinkled throughout the novel for your enjoyment after you finish the story. I found this to be truly enjoyable and heartwarming.

DS


5.0 out of 5 stars 

Loved it!!!

I loved loved loved this book! I’m a slow reader and also lose interest easily if a book doesn’t catch me in the first chapter. This one got me within the first few paragraphs. The character development is fantastic. Easy to feel the vibe between characters. Could totally see this being a movie. I hope this author writes many more books!! Judging by his writing, he seems like someone who has a big heart. Keep them coming!

LT Denver


5.0 out of 5 stars 

Good story

Boxing is not a topic I usually spend time on, but this book was a fun, quick read. I have followed Dr. Farrago for about 20 years and, although I don’t always agree with him, I have found him insightful and honest. As a family physician myself I recognize the elements that make the story so real, even though it is only a fable. There are unexpected plot twists and a lesson of redemption. The language is a bit salty at times, but realistic. Be sure to read the last three pages for a taste and explanation of the multi-layered story.

Kathy Lawler



5.0 out of 5 stars 

Great Story!!!

Great book! I loved this story!! I really enjoyed how the author tied the world of boxing to the world of Disney. The author’s knowledge of the styles of different boxers was quite impressive. I appreciate how the author shed light on the autism spectrum as well as the special needs community. Very touching story !!

ECP


5.0 out of 5 stars 

Noki is a wonderful read!

Noki is a wonderful read! I could not have imagined a story which takes place at the 3-way intersection of the rough and tumble of professional boxing, the purity of autism, and the timeless and familiar comfort of Disney fables. It is a real page turner with something in it for everyone. The ultimate telltale of all is that Douglas Farrago wrote the first book that I have ever read in one day. And don’t you just love the name? Go Noki!

Erika C.



5.0 out of 5 stars 

Heart-warming Story

This is a heart-warming story in which the author has creatively intertwined some of his favorites, though otherwise unrelated, things. There is a surprise at the end – DON’T PEEK! I admit I did struggle with the rough language, even though it is undoubtedly true-to-life for the setting. Nevertheless, by the end, I was in love with Noki and his team.

Kathy


5.0 out of 5 stars 

A great sports story

Anyone who has been involved in sports or competition will likely enjoy this book. It’s a great boxing story, but it’s unlike any I’ve ever read before. Like any good story, it captures the reader early and keeps you interested until the very end. But it’s more than just fun to read, it gives you plenty to think about: human nature under stress, greed, redemption, compassion, good vs. evil, living a good life. You will also learn something about the fascinating characters in the history of boxing, including some extraordinary athletes, those who support them as well as those who take advantage of them. I’m already looking forward to the movie.

Tom F.


 5.0 out of 5 stars

A heartwarming story!

NOKI is the story of a boy who overcomes autism to become a world class athlete in the world of boxing. Sound interesting? You bet it is! The book is short and easy to read, but the story of Noki is hardly a simple one. Raised within the context of his father’s commercial boxing gymnasium, Noki meets and bonds with an out of luck midget (little person) who then, somehow, helps him grow and flourish as an amateur, and eventually, a professional boxer. The author is a physician whose keen insight into the worlds of boxing and autism help him weave a heartwarming tale of personal struggles and finally redemption for almost every character in the book. I literally consumed the entire book over a couple of days. There is a delightful, LOL, moment very near the end that I should have seen coming but didn’t. Do yourself a favor, do not read ahead.


I highly recommend Noki. Be sure to read it before the movie comes out, and it will. It’s just too good of a story.


David E. Rogers, M.D., MBA