Review by Linnis -- Road to Delano by John DeSimone
Posted: 31 Aug 2020, 20:49
[Following is a volunteer review of "Road to Delano" by John DeSimone.]
Road to Delano by John DeSimone is an excellent coming-of-age story to add to any bookshelf. DeSimone does a great job with writing a piece of history in a vividly realistic way to inform readers of the Delano Grape Strike, an event I had no idea existed, but with characters and side-plots interesting enough to turn the book into an entertaining read. It is an enthralling story of both destiny and justice that will get you sucked in reading.
This narrative takes readers on a journey through the turbulent days of Central California during the 1960s. Main character Jack Duncan loses his father and soon the grapevine farm he lives on faces financial struggle. As Jack becomes a teenager, he believes his future is not in Delano and instead with baseball, but he has to put his mother’s struggles before his dreams, and in doing so reveals a secret twist to his father’s death that changes everything; he was murdered!
While Jack and his best friend Adrian search to seek justice, a different type of justice and inequality is brought to attention by Cesar Chavez as the migrant farmers begin to take a stand against the unfair treatment of them from employers.
I would rate Road to Delano 3 out of 4 stars. This book was clearly professionally edited because it passed in the eyes of a stickler for grammar like me. No errors like misspells and run-ons caught my attention. The main reason it’s neither a two nor a four is simply because while it’s an enjoyable read, I wouldn’t add it to my favorites. This book doesn’t have that thrill that has you rapidly turning pages or a strong emotional tug at your heartstrings. Still, the author’s way of making the connection to the characters simple and quick with an entertaining and engaging enough plot that will keep you from letting the book collect dust.
I recommend this book to anyone considering to venture away from their normal taste in book genres and try something new. Historical fiction was never really an enjoyment of mine until I read this narrative, and even compelled me enough to look into the Delano Grape Strikes. In my opinion, I think this book will also be a good recommendation to really any age over 16. Profanities are very mild and there are certainly no bedroom scenes, but I don’t believe younger readers’ minds will be intrigued enough by the premise, nor fully grasp everything in this story. Also recommended to those who love baseball! Overall, I hope readers will give DeSimone’s book a chance to fill their day.
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Road to Delano
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Road to Delano by John DeSimone is an excellent coming-of-age story to add to any bookshelf. DeSimone does a great job with writing a piece of history in a vividly realistic way to inform readers of the Delano Grape Strike, an event I had no idea existed, but with characters and side-plots interesting enough to turn the book into an entertaining read. It is an enthralling story of both destiny and justice that will get you sucked in reading.
This narrative takes readers on a journey through the turbulent days of Central California during the 1960s. Main character Jack Duncan loses his father and soon the grapevine farm he lives on faces financial struggle. As Jack becomes a teenager, he believes his future is not in Delano and instead with baseball, but he has to put his mother’s struggles before his dreams, and in doing so reveals a secret twist to his father’s death that changes everything; he was murdered!
While Jack and his best friend Adrian search to seek justice, a different type of justice and inequality is brought to attention by Cesar Chavez as the migrant farmers begin to take a stand against the unfair treatment of them from employers.
I would rate Road to Delano 3 out of 4 stars. This book was clearly professionally edited because it passed in the eyes of a stickler for grammar like me. No errors like misspells and run-ons caught my attention. The main reason it’s neither a two nor a four is simply because while it’s an enjoyable read, I wouldn’t add it to my favorites. This book doesn’t have that thrill that has you rapidly turning pages or a strong emotional tug at your heartstrings. Still, the author’s way of making the connection to the characters simple and quick with an entertaining and engaging enough plot that will keep you from letting the book collect dust.
I recommend this book to anyone considering to venture away from their normal taste in book genres and try something new. Historical fiction was never really an enjoyment of mine until I read this narrative, and even compelled me enough to look into the Delano Grape Strikes. In my opinion, I think this book will also be a good recommendation to really any age over 16. Profanities are very mild and there are certainly no bedroom scenes, but I don’t believe younger readers’ minds will be intrigued enough by the premise, nor fully grasp everything in this story. Also recommended to those who love baseball! Overall, I hope readers will give DeSimone’s book a chance to fill their day.
******
Road to Delano
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon