And now, with my publisher promising to publish, after a ten year writers block I am in the process of completing my next novel, "The Hole Digger" which is the sequel to Becoming.

My reviews for Becoming:

"As one raised in a Chicago neighborhood around the same time Lichterman grew up in his, I found this coming-of-age novel very reminiscent of my own childhood and adolescence. However, to enjoy this book, one needn't be from Chicago (or Peoria, for that matter), nor a child of the same era. The scenes, characters, experiences, relationships, conversations and events in this book are vividly and brilliantly depicted in a way that will awaken fond, fearful, and passionate memories in the reader fortunate enough to acquire this gem of a book. It is a poignant, humorous and timeless tale that moves along at a satisfying pace."                                         -J. Magoun
                                                    Thousand Oaks, CA

 "You just know the author either lived next door or maybe on the next block `cause
that's the way things were growing up in the late 30s, 40s and into the `50s. There was no TV showing "things" or a computer to "Google" what a boy needs to know. It was just day-to-day wonderment and exasperation to face.
The story was so close to my younger years that I started to bet myself that he would add other happenings of my life, and he sometimes did.
Oh! The fun, anger, bitter joys of your growing years that the author brought back."
                               -David Wilkins
                                Newbury Park, CA

"Fantastic!!! I couldn't put the book down. The author has a way of making you feel everything his characters are going through. What a delightful trip through growing up when times were much less threatening. I wish this would have been published when I was growing up."
                                -Bonnie Northcott
                                 Westlake Vlg, CA

"I realize that most people will enjoy the setting of the book, and that it will bring back memories, but this is actually a timeless subject. It's about growing up and, mainly, learning how the opposite sex -- boys -- deal with girls. But it's also learning that your parents are human. These subjects will go on till the end of time. Mark is very adept at revealing to women how their husbands and sons think. And it's nice to know that they are just as scared and inquisitive about us as we are about them."
                             -Dona V. Cunningham
                               Westlake Vlg, CA

"Loved the book. It brought me back to an earlier
time and I loved being there as "a fly on the wall." I found it easy to empathize with Mitchell. He gave me great insight into "coming of age" from the prospective of a boy. I wish I could have read it when I was growing up...could have let me understand that those "cool" boys were just as insecure as I. A must for us old folks and certainly a good read for everyone!"
                                  -Joyce Black
                                    Los Angeles, CA

My Reviews for The Climbing Boy:

"Mark Lichterman wrote an excellent book. I truly believe that Disney or Pixar studios should do an animation movie of the book. It would make a great film that would appeal to both adults and children. I hope he writes more books in the future."                        -Carter McIntyre
                                      Winnetka, CA

"Loved it, best book I have read in years. A friend told me about it and loaned me a copy. Whatever I say would not begin to do it justice. Buy it or if necessary borrow it but read it and enjoy. I'm sure you will as I did, want it in your permanent collection. Mark is a true artist and I look forward to his next work" 

-Don Davey   Carmel, CA

 "This 'feel good' tale by Mark Lichterman, a relatively unknown, but upcoming author, is way more than just another Christmas story. It is a classic description of the London chimney sweeping trade, brought to life by superb characterization of its main players. The reader immediately bonds with Zachariah, an eight year old child, who you want to bring home, bathe, feed, clothe and just cuddle. He will steal your heart while other feelings of anger, rage and resentment arise from the provocative personality of William Johnson, the boy's Master. Lichterman, in expert fashion, weaves a very twisted, intertwining yarn that has you holding your breath until the very end. This book is a must read. "  

    -Bruce Berger   Westlake Vlg, CA