Eight stars
First and foremost, a large thank you to Scott Semegran for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
I am always pleased to receive another book by Scott Semegran, as he has yet to disappoint me. His stories are well-written and full of excitement, sure to keep the reader interested well into the evening. In this piece, two unlikely characters cross paths and form a strong friendship. Their experiences are vastly different, though they appear to connect with ease. Semegran weaves together a great story that is sure to pique the interest of the reader.
Henry ‘Hank’ O’Sullivan has lived a solitary life since his wife and daughter died. The widower nurses his pain through regular trips to a watering hole in Austin, Texas, where his regular libation keeps him fuelled. When he as an unfortunate incident while beating up a mouthy barfly, Hank finds himself in trouble with the law and is sent to complete some community service. This 65-year-old has done a lot in his life, but picking up garbage on the side of the road is a new low.
Luis Delgado has seen a lot in his sixteen years. Living with a strict father and wanting to escape from it all through his art, Luis fills his time with trespassing and causing mischief. Luis is now stuck doing community service as well, along the same strip of interstate. When Hank comes upon him one day, they chat and soon create a great friendship.
While they are both outsiders, their friendship grows when each shares a desire to go to Houston to settle something that they have always wanted to do. Jumping in Hank’s 1970 Plymouth Barracuda,they begin the journey down the highway, navigating as best they can and with eagerness in their hearts. With an old flame someone Hank hopes to meet again, and a mother Luis has not seen in years, both are ready for whatever comes their way.
Houston may not have all the answers they seek, but their time together helps develop a wonderful bond between them. They soon realise how much they need one another, rather than the isolated lives they have been living. A great story peppered with some humorous moments, Scott Semegran does well with this piece.
The premise o the novel is both simple and effective. Scott Semegran does well to lay the groundwork and builds from there with ease. His story is strong and well-rooted, permitting things flow too easily from point to point. Semegran adds adventure and intrigue throughout the journey, taking the reader on as a third wheel. The adventures and issues are fully believable, as is the connection builds between Hank and Luis.
Development of this connection, as well as the individual characters, proves both important and effective throughout the reading experience. I am happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the piece and kept myself interested with seeing how the characters’ connection with one another and those they met along the way. Both Hank and Luis have wonderful backstories, as well as developments that shape them in the present, which is sure to add depth to the story.
The piece was strong and kept moving effectively. There is little time for pensive thought and reminiscence. Semegran does well in this regard and kept me wondering what might be awaiting this unique pair. Their connection drove the story home, as well as how things came together by the end. I can only hope to see more by Scott Semegran in the near future, as his stories are always a pleasure to read.
Kudos, Mr. Semegran, for another winning piece of writing.
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