←Recommendations of Twelve Books

A beautiful depiction of loss, memory, and the things we keep. TWELVE BOOKS is suffused with a love of literature and the close connection between certain people and the books that resonate in their lives. Tender work, and sentimental in the best way.

Sometimes a play isn't really about the characters or the action but instead about the feelings it invokes. "Twelve Books" is such a play. The spirit of a father comes back from "beyond" to visit his son who is busy packing up the father's belongings. The two connect once again over their love of books. The play is either that simple or that complicated, but I guarantee it will get you thinking about the books you grew up with and the books you cannot part with.

Books can be so evocative,just seeing the cover of one can throw back memories, good ones and bad.
And to theses twelve books the skillful hand of Philip and you have a tender, ghostly two hander, sweet and poignant. I can see this being staged in a cosy library, with more than just twelve books on the shelves.

Sometimes a book is a gift given to another in place of words and feelings that could never fully be expressed without them. “Twelve Books” meditates on the tenderness with which those gifts are given, and the hope that they might one day be read — and received — in full. Books, and plays like this one from Philip Middleton Williams, have the power to bridge gaps between generations, between hearts and minds.

Tender is certainly the feeling that comes over one while reading this. The idea of the young and older characters existing in another time and space is fascinating and never faltered. The dialogue was delightful and the premise hits us all. Anyone who has ever loved a book or a series of books knows the feeling of wanting to pass along the treasure to your children. Mine was the Douglas Adams books passed along to my son.

I was fortunate enough to experience “Twelve Books” in person at the M1A Miami One-Acts Winter Session, and I’m so glad I did. Philip Middleton Williams has crafted a tender two-hander that richly and beautifully explores the connections between fathers and sons, the stories we share, and the stories we pass down. This play resonated with me deeply, as I own a collection of my own father’s beloved books, books that I am still, and probably never will be able to part with.

I had the honor of directing the first production of “Twelve Books” at the Miami One Acts very recently. When I read the script for the first time, I knew I was about to direct something truly special. It’s amazing how something so simple as a collection of books can bring a father and son together again, even after the father has passed on. Truly amazing play Philip! Your father would be so proud <3.

A lovely meditation on loss and enduring connection. The power of stories to change lives is compellingly illustrated. It was a real joy to share this moving journey with two such warm and engaging characters.

"Twelve Books" is a beautiful consideration about father-son bonds and understanding, the importance of story, and gratitude for the time we have together. It has the feel of delving into a photo album and remembering -- a quiet, embracing short play by Philip Middleton Williams. [24/10/07]

An absolutely perfect play about the power of books to connect us, to take us to other places, to help us escape, and to help us land exactly where we are supposed to be. A masterful piece of writing by playwright Philip Middleton Williams, who writes with such empathy for his characters. I teared up several times. You'll be looking at your bookshelf in a different way after reading this and making your own set of favorite books to pass on. Thank you for giving the world this beautiful play!