Bluestown

The voice and characterization in this novel, and the writing in general, are stellar and engaging. It's a great coming-of-age, sons and fathers, story, often humorous, filled with original detail and insight. Reminiscent of Russo's "The Risk Pool" and (just a touch) "Stand By Me" (the movie version), but completely original. If you like music, the blues, and guitar playing, you'll love it even more. A great read, well worth the time! Not sure how anyone, male or female, could dislike it.

The voice and characterization in this novel, and the writing in general, are stellar and engaging. It's a great coming-of-age, sons and fathers, story, often humorous, filled with original detail and insight. Reminiscent of Russo's "The Risk Pool" and (just a touch) "Stand By Me" (the movie version), but completely original. If you like music, the blues, and guitar playing, you'll love it even more. A great read, well worth the time! Not sure how anyone, male or female, could dislike it.

One of the best books I've read yet!!! If your a father or a son... read this book!!! If your a musician... OWN IT AND STUDY IT!!!

Geoff Becker's novel is a subtle, warm-hearted, funny, observant treasure of a book. I only wish I'd read it when it first came out. Rarely have I found a novel by a young writer with so little cynicism in it. Every sentence is handsomely, expertly crafted, and the story gathers emotional force with clarity and resolve. This is the best father-son novel I've read in years, capturing all the nuances of that difficult, misunderstood, treacherous, holy bond; what Cheever called "my future and my doom." It made my summer.

A friend loaned me this book, and I didn't know what to expect. But this is one of the very best first novels of the year, in my opinion. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in music, or father son stories. Great stuff