“A magical love story....radiant with the small joys, humor, and life affirming pathos that dignify the human spirit in an age of pessimism.”

“There’s something wonderful about being a first novelist. Borsten doesn’t hesitate, he simply goes for it....and, believe me, does a very good job in convincing the reader that the so-called retarded people are far closer to the heart of infinity....An earnest, brave, interesting novel.”

“In The Great Equalizer there is, to an uncommon degree, evidence wonderfully apparent of a large talent at work, to the tunings, the purposes, of an equally large and lively heart. When the writing takes off, as it frequently does (sometimes with a whoosh), the surprise, the delight, that marks fine writing, exciting writing, is there in abundance. Most of all, this book speaks to the simple, basic fact of love; it is, indeed, a celebration of it, of its power with us still, come upon it where and as we will.”

“A felt sensitive first novel by a writer of talent for whom the future is wide open.”

“Written with pathos, joy, humor, and compassion, this brilliant first novel has characters I will never forget.”

“A touching, daring first novel by a compassionate writer. A lively, thoughtful debut.”

“A compelling story of love and awakening amid subtle generational conflict....Borsten provides poignant, painful, and joyous glimpses of life in the group home....imaginative and touching.”

“This lyrically written, compassionate journey through an anguished but ultimately incandescent awakening of understanding is so full of humor, so alive with the comprehension of the agonies and alleyways and—yes—glories of the human spirit, it fairly leaps from the page.”

“From the pages of THE GREAT EQUALIZER come humane and delightful portraits of people mistakenly thought to be inhuman and unlovable. Borsten’s patients and caregivers are rendered with lyricism, grace, and innocence. In a grim cynical world, this books sounds a clear essential affirmation—love is possible—anywhere.”

“A splendidly original whiz-bang novel by a talented young man. I admire the writing, a musical prose come under a craftsman’s control and put to the service of a sympathetic view of mankind and an appreciation for life in all its variety and beauty. Although death is said to be “the great equalizer,” in Rick Borsten’s novel it is life which breaks through in unlikely places and turns the ordinary miraculous”

“There is more here than a love-conquers-all theme. The best is the author’s sensitive, deep understanding of how love and patience work in the halfway house. He carefully molds us into the mind’s eye of each character, sometime with tears, sometimes with laughter, always sensitively.”

“A touchingly compassionate novel….exquisite kaleidoscopic imagery. At times the novel’s language, every rich in compassion and feeling, takes on a decided rhapsodic Joycean ring.”

“Full of humor and asylum insight, conveyed with compassion and tenderness. Borsten is a writer of great talent....a skillful stylist.”

“THE GREAT EQUALIZER has its heart in the right place. The story is a warm one, and the characters memorable. Borsten and his book demand attention.”