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Central Park Song

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Can love really conquer all? What if you met someone from an entirely different world who could change everything in your world -- and in ways you never imagined?

“Central Park Song” explores that scenario and is an urban love story reminiscent of “Good Will Hunting,” “Pretty Woman,” and “Six Degrees of Separation.”

Rodney is a passionate black man with brilliant talents but a mental illness that leaves him homeless. Melinda is a white Manhattan law partner with an artistic soul, trapped by the pressures of corporate law, her wealthy father, and her three-year boyfriend. A charming chance encounter leads to a magical courtship and life-changing choices that make an unlikely New York romance possible.

WARNING:
1) this is a PG love story so there is NO HOT SEX in it, and
2) this is a screenplay (which means that it’s formatted differently, and written entirely in the present tense with an emphasis on actions and dialogue rather than inner thoughts).

If that hasn’t scared you away yet, all purchase links will be posted here: http://tinyurl.com/CentralParkSong

ebook

First published April 1, 2014

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About the author

Zack Love

8 books907 followers
Pardon the minimal content here. You're more likely to find new stuff on my author site: http://zacklove.com

And here's my bio:

Zack Love graduated from Harvard College, where he studied mostly literature, psychology, philosophy, and film. After college, he moved to New York City and took a corporate consulting job that had absolutely nothing to do with his studies. The attacks of September 11, 2001 inspired him to write a novelette titled “The Doorman" (http://tinyurl.com/TheDoormanAmazon), and heightened his interest in the Middle East. A decade later, that interest extended to the Syrian Civil war, which provided the backdrop for his latest work. In late 2013, Zack began releasing his unpublished works of fiction and became a full-time author. He has published comedy, psychological and philosophical fiction, and romance. Zack enjoys confining himself to one genre about as much as he likes trying to sum up his existence in one paragraph.

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Janet.
57 reviews
April 17, 2014
"LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!"

INT. TIM HORTON'S COFFEE SHOP - 7 P.M.

TITLE FADES IN: CENTRAL ALBERTA, SPRING 2014

Winter is still looming over the prairies. People meet at their local coffee shop to pass the winter blues and share stories.

Chrissie, 39, sits in the coffee shop watching people in the parking lot come and go.

Janet, 39, sits across from her friend, Chrissie, watching people enter and exit the coffee shop.

Chrissie: So, what have you been reading lately?

Janet: A new heart warming story from a great author, ZACK LOVE.

Chrissie: Tell me about it then.

Janet: It is about a chance encounter between a lady who is a
lawyer and a homeless man. That one event changes both of their lives forever.

Chrissie: I'm intrigued now, tell me more!

Janet: Well, Melinda, the lady, is smart, strong and caring. Rodney, the homeless man, is brilliant, charismatic and unique. Together they seem to make each other realize that where they are in their lives isn't truly where they want to be.

Chrissie: I'm very interested now.

Janet: Yes, it is an incredible story and written in a screenplay format. Don't be scared of the format, take a chance and experience something new. You won't be sorry! I still was able to visualize the story and feel what the author wants you to through the characters.

Chrissie: What was your favourite part?

Janet: A quote, "When you look for beauty, you usually end up
finding it."

Chrissie: That is a fantastic quote! What is name of this story?

Janet: "Central Park Song" by ZACK LOVE. I am going to get it for your Kindle so don't worry about it. My gift to a great friend!

Janet: (cont'd)
I just think that this story reminds us that everyone has beauty and I don't mean physical. You can only truly see a person's beauty if you open your eyes to their soul.

Chrissie: Great! I can't wait to read it now!

Janet: The artistry in the words is unparalleled. Something special and extraordinary! Simply beautiful! Thank you Zack!

THE END
Profile Image for N.M. Silber.
Author 17 books1,434 followers
December 23, 2014
This is a story for people who believe that fate can bring two souls together ... or maybe it's a story for people who don't believe that, but wish that someone would convince them that they’re wrong. Either way, this is a story that has the power to make even a cynical mind believe in serendipity.

This well-written screenplay challenges many stereotypes, and poses the sociological question, under what circumstances might an affluent white woman become romantically involved with a homeless black man? It stands as a reminder that the superficial can illusionary. A person can have the "right" education, the "right" job, the "right” address, and the "right" partner, and still feel empty inside. Likewise, someone who doesn't even have a bed of his own to sleep in can have a brilliant mind and possess an incredible talent.

The female protagonist's character arc is well executed as she employs introspection and comes to the realization that she is unfulfilled despite the trappings of success. The male protagonist, likewise, grows and develops as he begins to fully understand his worth and overcomes personal challenges to realize his potential. In the course of surmounting inner conflict, the equation of happiness with finding someone who appreciates you as you truly are is uplifting in a world obsessed with superficiality.

The pace is good and the dialogue flows well. The secondary characters are interesting and well drawn. The premise is original, thought provoking and timely. I could easily see this being a very marketable vehicle for a well-established African American actor. It would be a shame if does not eventually get optioned. It would be a terrific film.

This is a story so good that it can speak to one's soul. And that's a rare and precious gift. So, this screenplay is like a hidden treasure ... or maybe it's like a treasure map. Either way, reading it can bring you much more than merely a couple of hours of escapist entertainment.
Profile Image for Anna- Maria Butucescu.
4 reviews91 followers
April 16, 2014
Whether we call it coincidence, destiny or fate, in one moment lives can collide and change forever.
It is a chance encounter that brings the young, brilliant, but homeless Rodney and the beautiful Melinda -- a successful lawyer from an affluent family -- together.
Albeit coming from entirely different backgrounds, the two form an immediate connection and inadvertently fall in love.
But, as Shakespeare would say, "The course of true love never did run smooth". The protagonists are forced to confront and overcome their innermost fears, face social antagonism and stand up for their love before being rewarded with a "happily ever after" at the end of the script.
Following the principles of storytelling, the screenplay is vibrant, deeply romantic and engaging. The pace is brisk, the dialogue witty and memorable, the characters relatable, compelling, driven by passion and ambition. In addition, there are some superb supporting characters.

Favourite quote:

"When ideals are but rotting phantoms of youth, and love is
an empty echo of solitary illusion, and every breath lingers
into a heavy, gray pain, then eternal sleep is the last sweet
mercy I ask for." -- Rodney
Profile Image for Ker Dukey author.
7 reviews25 followers
April 15, 2014


I struggle with PG-rated romance (I know, I know “smut lover” I just like sex with my romance) but that doesn’t take away from Zack’s intelligent, beautiful story telling, as i find with all his work.

This quote appears in the screenplay and captures the spirit of this story: "When you look for beauty, you usually end up finding it." ...sigh!

You can’t plan love or when someone will crash into you in a way that makes you question your purpose and path. With an unlikely friendship, can love still blossom against all the odds? Read and find out, in this new romance from Zack love!
April 16, 2014
"When you look for beauty, you usually end up finding it." If there is a line from Central Park Song, the newest release from Zack Love that sums up the story for me it is this. Central Park Song is brilliantly written story that is actually a screenplay. While this is my first time reading this type of format, it works so well that you are transported into the story. Melinda is a successful lawyer and Rodney is a brilliant, handsome, young man who is homeless. Despite being from such different backgrounds, their chance meetings leads to a strong connection between the two. While their feelings grow, both Melinda and Rodney have to face their own realities and struggles. Can they overcome them and have a happily ever after? You just have to read and find out. Central Park Song is a well written story that you can't put down. Zack Love knows how to tell a story, whether it's a screenplay, short story, or novel. The beauty of Central Park Song is that it shows that connections and love can happen any where and with anyone. It shouldn't matter, who you are or where you come from. I love the optimism of that message.

Rodney says it best when he says "When you look for beauty, you usually end up finding it." You'll find it in this great story.
Profile Image for Ginger Snaps.
437 reviews23 followers
December 30, 2014
This was the first screenplay I've read but despite the different format, it was just as easy to sink into the characters and their lives as it is for me when reading a story in book form. I love that this story showed the difference between those who seem to have nothing by most people's standards, yet feel so full inside vs. Those who seemingly have everything yet feel so empty. It took one those homeless people who views life so simply and with so much love to help someone living the rat race discover how to actually live and see beauty. I loved that this book so accurately depicted a mental illness that plagues so many people and how it shows why it's not so easy to just "take your medicine". While he was a very minor character, I'd also love to hear the story of the elderly Ethiopian chess-playing wise man and how he ended up dispensing wisdom to other homeless people in Central Park. I hope the author someday tells his story as well.
Profile Image for Julie Jaret.
Author 4 books121 followers
May 5, 2014
Everything Zack Love writes is different from everything else he’s written (at least so far as what I’ve read -- and that’s all his currently published work). There is no “Zack Love formula." Still, there are a few common threads running through his work. Originality -- of story, of character, of voice and tone; a sense of humor; and an outlook that is raw, natural and real. With regard to those elements of Mr. Love’s work, I suppose you could say Central Park Song is more of the same. But it’s also more than that.

It’s a beautifully-written love story set right in front of our noses, in a part of the world most of us never see.

Central Park Song would make an excellent indie film, and I hope to see it in a theater someday. In the meantime, I’m glad Mr. Love has made the screenplay available, as I really loved the movie that screened in my mind.
Profile Image for Kim.
Author 19 books266 followers
April 15, 2014
I don't usually read screenplays but Central Park Song is such a beautiful, intriguing story I had to set aside my usual "novels and short fiction only!" stance and step outside my comfort zone. I was not disappointed. Central Park Song is a charming romance about two people whose chance encounter crosses social barriers and makes you wonder if dreams really can come true. Lovely story that really made my day.

Another winner, Zack! Can't wait to read your next story!
Profile Image for Verna Loves Books.
426 reviews60 followers
April 23, 2014
Let me say that this was one of the most creative and beautiful stories I have ever read. I loved that Zack wasn’t afraid to write something completely different than most authors. He did an amazing job with this screenplay and I am so honored I got to read it because I really enjoyed it and fell in love with the story. It’s absolutely delightful.

Rodney is unlike any other man you will read about. His soul is artistic and filled with so much delightfulness. I loved how he described love, how he saw it. You could feel it within your own soul when you read his words. I was so mesmerized by this man and loved watching him grow and become more than anyone thought he would be.

Melinda is a wonderful woman. I enjoyed following her journey. She is strong and vibrant and I loved that once she met Rodney all of the goodness and love within her came to the surface more and she saw that she needed to make some changes in order to truly love herself.

Rodney and Melinda are definitely not two people you would ever see being together. But let me say that you can’t pick who you fall in love with and these two souls belonged together. I adored their relationship and loved watching it grow. So if you have a fondness for a romantic and beautiful love story I highly recommend you read this book. It’s remarkably written and will touch your heart in so many ways.

To give you a little snippet here is one of my favorite quotes from this wonderful book:

Let the park live in you until it sings you a song. Taste the air of dampened wood in your mouth. Hear the autumn leaves rustling in the zephyr of your mind. See the squirrels bounding across branches hanging from your thoughts. Let your soul frolic in the smell of the park’s grass. Touch every inch of the park that you memory can fly through as if you had only two more minutes left to live.
April 15, 2014
I loved it!!!!!

I admit I was a bit skeptical at first, not of whether I would like the story, but of being able to understand it. Because it is a screenplay, the format is not what you would be used to from reading books. I am happy to say that this did not interfere at all with my enjoyment.

Zack Love has such an amazing way of putting words down on paper and creating a story and image in your mind. His intelligent way of writing allow the scenes to flow, immersing you in a world of skyscrapers and run down buildings, taking you right along with the characters on their journey.

I clearly pictured Rodney and his adventures....I sensed his despair when he felt helpless and heartbroken, as well as his happiness when he did good for others. I also saw Melinda and her sense of justice. The way she struggled with what her heart told her to do and what society expected from her. All these scenes were clearly expressed and I could picture them like images on a television screen.

The relationship between the characters, especially Rodney and Melinda, prove that regardless of where or how you live, love can be found anywhere. As stated in the story, "When you look for beauty, you usually end up finding it." This is a story of two people finding each other by chance and helping one another on their path to self discovery.

Don't let the idea of a different format deter you from picking up a copy. You will not regret reading this story.
Profile Image for Jessica Leonard.
240 reviews16 followers
April 21, 2014
Okay honestly! Is there anything this man can't write?!?! I laughed and loved 'Sex in the Title', then went on to an intriguing and unique read with 'City Solipsism', leading to 'The Doorman' which had me thinking for hours and practically speechless after, and now 'Central Park Song'

This, again, is a short from a different angle. Written as a screenplay I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it. I was nervous but I think my drama club script reading kicked in and the whole thing was perfect and played beautifully in my mind. Like a script to an episode of emotional struggles from various people in different situations. I found myself reading the parts and acting like the characters. Trying to put myself there emotionally and it was amazing! Kind of sparked a fire in me that hadn't been there for a long time.

The story itself is very beautiful and I love how Zack includes a worldly conflict in almost all his reads. One that people may not feel comfortable talking about but when you read his stories you find yourself wanting to and realizing that these problems exist in society. Central Park Song is not an exception to this.

Touching and inspirational!

5 *WINK* READ

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Profile Image for Diane.
69 reviews
April 26, 2014
This review is my opinion. Please read all synopsis, warnings and reviews prior to purchasing a book.

This is a screenplay and the first I have ever read. It was a little different reading but still interesting and entertaining. As I read I was able to picture in my head a movie screen showing what was happening.

I thought the story would be lost with all the other information in the screenplay (i.e. where people are, how they are looking, age information, etc) but it wasn't. I was able to put myself there at every scene. I had emotions just like with a normal book. I wanted to yell, smack some people in the head and cry. I was amazed that I could enjoy this type of read.

Rodney and Melinda are each amazing people but from two different backgrounds. A chance encounter brings about feelings Melinda didn't expect. However, she is concerned about the background issues and as a result loses out on love.....however, sometimes time shows the heart what really matters. It isn't about race, color, religion, money or looks...it's about the soul reaching out to another soul.

Read this screenplay. Give it a shot. As you read put yourself in a theatre and watching the big screen. See these words come to life.

Profile Image for Myriam.
12 reviews12 followers
April 17, 2014
A very sweet and endearing story of two polar opposites souls who connect through art and the search for beauty!

Melinda is a rich high power attorney from a well-to-do family; Rodney is a homeless genius with a dream...
The entire time I was reading this script, it played on in my head like a Hallmark movie! If you've never watched the Hallmark channel then it's hard to put into words the awesomeness and appeal of just a good old fashion romance! This was very well written, just like all of Zack Love's different works and just as enjoyable. I seriously recommend it to anyone who enjoys just a good, wholesome fairy-tale! A truly enjoyable read!!

P.S. I know that some would be skeptical in reading something in screenplay format. I can tell you that your fears of difficulty and not being able to understand it are NOT needed in this book. Zack Love makes it extremely easy and comfortable to read, going as far as including a guide on how to read it at the beginning of the book. Go one-click and read it...you won't regret it! ;)
Profile Image for Crystal Solis.
363 reviews21 followers
April 20, 2014
This screenplay was a well written love story about a man and a woman who would've never met and fallen for each other the way they did if it hadn't been for fate. She was a well to do high powered attorney living the big dream that all law students dream about when she started to question if she was truly happy. He was a happy go lucky homeless man that underneath was a genius that couldn't get himself together. A chance meeting changed them in a way that neither saw coming. You cannot control who you fall in love with and these two fell hard. Society tried to keep them apart, but circumstance and fate pushed them together.
The reoccurring theme in this story seems to be, "When you look for beauty, you usually end up finding it." However, in my opinion this story is more like a Beetles song, "All you need is love".
Zack Love has proven over and over how diverse his writing ability can be, I cannot wait to see what else this talented writer will surprise us with next.
April 16, 2014
In his Latin epic poem, The Aeneid, Roman poet Virgil wrote, "Omnia Vincit Amor" which means, "Love Conquers All" And that's exactly what Zack Love writes about in Central Park Song! This screenplay is about Rodney and Melinda, two totally different people from two totally different worlds. As both search for their true dreams and desires,they meet and their connection is immediate. And as is always true with life and love, there are many obstacles that are in their way. I don't want to spoil the story by telling you anymore, but I will say that Zack Love has written an awesome love story here and his words weave a tale that is beautiful, touching and heartwarming! And definitely a must read! :)

One of my favorite quotes (among many) from Central Park Song: "I think that love completes the soul. Just like knowledge completes the mind"
Profile Image for Maria "Rosie" Poli.
200 reviews11 followers
April 17, 2014
Complimentary copy provided by the author for an honest review. I am a smut reader, I like hot, erotic love stories. Central Park Song is not hot and it's not erotic, but it is a love story. A beautiful love story. Another thing that is different, it's a screenplay. I was a bit wary, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It put me in the director's seat and I was creating the movie as I read. This story tugged at my heart. It touches on two very important issues, homelessness and mental illness. We tend to shrug off and ignore people who fall into any of these and this story shows us the human side. I truly enjoyed reading Central Park song, it put a smile on my face and made my heart skip a beat. I picture Christian Keyes playing Rodney and Natalie Dormer playing Melinda. I recommend Central Park Song, it's a love story with guts.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pou.
78 reviews11 followers
April 15, 2014
Wow just WOW!!!

First time reading a romantic screen play, I know I know is very different from want we are used to but hey can't blame a reader, right?

This time I'm not going to give a personal review because for me it was just to much. instead I am going to leave you with a few lines and maybe you could understand what I felt. I hope you really enjoy it like I did.

...if each day, each hour,
you feel that you are destined for me
with implacable sweetness, if each day a flower climbs up to your lips to seek me,
ah my love, ah my own,
in me all that fire is repeated,
in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten,
my love feeds on your love, beloved,
and as long as you live it will be in your arms
without leaving mine.

By Pablo Neruda

Note: got the ARC from the author.

Profile Image for Lisa.
153 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2014
Central Park Song is not my usual love story (i love intimate scenes to go with my love stories) but beautiful & meaningful (a PG version if you will) all the same. This raised issues to my attention that is not usually in the forefront of my mind, making me think.
Again Zack Love writes his magic and enthrals his readers.
I loved the fact it was a screenplay and you had the actions/settings all set up for the scene.
Fate, luck or coincidence works in mysterious ways, whatever it is that brings these individuals together it works pretty well but with many work and social pressures Melinda doesn't know which way to turn. It was an outstanding piece of writing. Would recommend to anyone.
Profile Image for Daina Lazzarotto.
36 reviews4 followers
May 28, 2014
What a fantastic story about finding love in the most unlikely of places. This story is written like as a screen play and I felt that with it being written like that it allowed me to see the story clearly. If you haven't read any of Zack's stories before then this is a good place to start. The romance in this story grabs at your heart and allows you to understand that just because people don't live in the best place, wear the best clothes or eat out at the best places doesn't mean they don't have a great big heart and a lot of love to give.
Profile Image for Anima.
2,549 reviews48 followers
April 15, 2014
Just bought it and read in an hour! I couldn't put it down. Beautifully written in screen play format. Every thought and emotion spoken. My feelings ranged from praising Melinda to wanting to slap Don and James to clapping for Rodney. I felt myself smiling quite frequently. Lovely work Mr. Love!
Profile Image for Donna.
36 reviews10 followers
March 5, 2015
When you least expect something Bamm there it is. What a wonderful love story.It was a different type of reading, Reading a screenplay was a surprising good read, Mr. Love as always writes with such feelings and takes you on a wonderful journey.
20 reviews1 follower
Want to read
April 11, 2014
I can not wait to read this.. Holy smokes Zack is doing a romance... Am I excited Hell Yes I am..Aren't You
November 1, 2014
4.5*
I'm going to start by saying that the only screenplays I have ever read, I read in school and I hated them (to be fair it was probably more because I hated being told what to read than the actual screenplay!) and I didn't think that I would ever see how any one would enjoy reading them! This is the first screenplay I have read voluntarily and I was pleasantly surprised, I actually found I enjoyed reading it and was able to form an amazing mental picture! Now having said that it could be all down to the fact that Zack writes in a unique way as I have also found that I am able to make an astoundingly clear mental pictures when reading his other works as well! I really liked the story and found myself doing something I rarely do.... Cheering for a HEA. I loved the characters and how there is such a varied selection of them, you have quite literally every personality type known to man in this screenplay and they all compliment each other! I found this to be a very addictive read and actually finished it in one sitting! Congratulations Zack you have officially obliterated all of my preconceptions about screenplays!!
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