Kindle Edition El blog de Alex Canton-Dutari Amazon Category:  Relationships Publisher: Amazon Digital Publishing Type: Fiction Pages: 68 Copyright: Aug, 2011 Price: $0.99 (eBook) A peek at a gym´s underworld  The story depicts a project that develops within a gym in California when Rhonda, a fashion designer for plus size ladies, decides to hold a fashion show. The characters that intervene unfold a story of physical effort, grief, overcoming financial dire straits and commitment to body image preservation for the sake of love.       Excerpt *** I am pedaling on a static bike while writing on my moleskin notepad. The gym is huge and at 9 a.m. it is attended mostly by housewives taking a few hours off to do some yoga, spinning, rhythmic dancing and sharing gossip while comparing maid service. From my vantage point in the balcony, I can spot a world of fellow sufferers; most have to shed more weight than seems realistic to do so in a lifetime. The country is going through an epidemic of obesity, especially around the middle – not of the American region but of the abdomens of its residents. However, there is a group of young girls who I could see nothing wrong with. Later, I found that they were beauty pageant hopefuls. Parallel to that setting, another was formed by young, perfectly-shaped men. They were either aspiring male models or fitness-freak gays. While riding my static bike, I sense that every gymnast – a better name than gym junkies – has a story.

By Greta Burroughs
5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining way to spend an evening November 3, 2011
By Greta Burroughs
Sweat, Glamour and Light Sins takes place in a gym or what some would term a health or exercise club. That is not a setting most people would find very interesting but Alex weaves a wonderful story around the people he meets during his daily workout.
Everyone has a unique story and together make a very entertaining read revolving around a fashion show for larger women. It amazes me how the author can take a rather mundane subject and with his sense of humor make a very interesting story.
I am a big fan of Cirque du Soleil and the aerial silks performance in "Quidam" is one of my favorite acts. Alex includes a version of the aerial silks in his book that really grabbed my attention. I highly recommend this book.

By Sweet Georgia Press
4.0 out of 5 stars Abuelo saves the day - OFFICIAL May 7, 2012
By Sweet Georgia Press
Sweat, Glamour and Light Sins, by Alex Canton-Dutari, gives us a glimpse into the gym life of a retired therapist (affectionately known as Abuelo, or grandfather). While most dread the gym and "get in and get out", Abuelo utilizes the gym for mental support and quickly realizes that the gym's subculture has changed since he was young. Most notably, people are "...less private about their personal information." As a result of the gym's inner core, Abuelo becomes privy to the personal lives of many of the participants. In turn, he introduces the reader to several colorful characters including Rhonda (a fashion designer and boutique owner catering to "slightly overweight women"), Issi (a beauty pageant hopeful) and Jack (a handsome college student with a few "light sins").

This novella was a slow start for me and I found the setting quite mundane. Despite these hindrances, the author still manages to weave an interesting storyline. Sweat, Glamour and Light Sins is a light-hearted novella that you will find endearing. As much as Abuelo tried to distance himself from the role of therapist, he still found himself acting as an advisor and confidant. It was abundantly clear that he was well-respected in the gym setting and a good listener who gave sound advice when solicited.

Given the ending of the story, I think Abuelo can give himself a huge pat on the back. While his days in an office setting may be over, this grandfather's days of therapy are far from over!

By Annarita Guarnieri
5.0 out of 5 stars An entertaining reading March 13, 2013
By Annarita Guarnieri
This is one of those books I approach with a slight anxiousness, because it doens't belong to any of the genres I usually read... actually, it is a genre I do not like very much... and I was afraid that might throw a shade on my evaluation of the story.
And I was pleasantly surprised.
The story started just as I expected, with a light tone, light situations... in a few words, it seemed to be nothing more than a way to spend a few pleasant hours reading.
As I went on, however, as I got to know Rhonda, Issi, Jack and all the other characters much better, I gradually became aware of the true value and potential of the book, and of the talent Alex Cantòn has as a writer.
For in this 49 pages there are more different layers and there is more depth than I have found in many more ponderous tomes.
What fashinated me... so gradually it took me a little while to become aware of what was happening... was not only the way Alex delved into the personal history and problems of each character, but also the way he explored the human mind using those characters as models through which to exemplify different situations and the way they overcame their difficulties.
From Issi's (apparently) silly problem of getting rid of an embarassing name, to Jack's more serious problem of getting involved into something that might mar his reputation and Marcos way of carving a place in life for himself, the reader travels through a microcosm that in a very subtle way prompts some inner evaluation and bring his/her own problems into perspective.
While somewhat original, the style in which the book is written is brilliant too, and perfectly complements the development of the plot.
I have only one question... how it is that Jack Russells have suddendly become so popular? LOL