4 out of 4 stars
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Parkway South is a fiction novel written by Robert O. Smith and published in early 2013. Featuring a Language Arts teacher as the main character, the story of Del Crandall is spanned over his life and experiences. Although the story was written for entertainment purposes only, it reads like a non-fiction timeline of events. With a slow but continuous build up, Parkway South is a memorable story that will leave your mind in a wandering state.
Del Crandall, the main character in the story, is best known to his colleagues, students and student parents to be a one of a kind and exemplary educator. With his admirable techniques and newly developed take on the teaching industry, Del masters within his profession. Year after year, Del surpasses the previous, and even accepts the honor of a Teacher of the Year award. Little does he know; all his hard work and dedication will soon be thrown out the window. When Del’s career, and even more so, his future in general are halted by a horrific accusation, where will he turn?
The storyline within Parkway South is unlike any I have read before, and offers a new insight to the world of child endangerment. The character development throughout the story has a slow build, but benefits the story line, as it continuously creates a connection to the characters involved. The themes riveted throughout the story include that of inspiration, abuse, desperation and psychosis.
Although Del’s character is referred to multiple times as the “twisted teacher,” I found myself liking him all the same, despite his dark and deeply-rooted flaws. Ridiculed all his life, Del has finally found his way and is now desperately clinging on to what little bit of sanity remains within his constant ups and downs.
I was pleased with the writing within the story and found no editing errors during my read. I am always able to enjoy a story more when there are no interruptions by flaws found. As an avid reader of psychological thrillers, I enjoy reading books that will make me think and question everything that happens along the way. Parkway South did not disappoint when it comes to the thrilling aspect, and left me wanting more and more in regards to the characters involved. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Parkway South, and will gladly rate the story 4 out of 4 stars. As an engaging and game-changing read, I have no doubts that others who enjoy thrillers and psychological stemmed books will find the same enjoyment I have. Although I have no qualms recommending this to other readers, I feel the need to give a reader’s discretion warning, as the novel includes graphic scenes of abuse and daring sexual scenes.
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Parkway South
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