Boys

Stories About Bullies, Jobs, and Other Unpleasant Rites of Passage from Boyhood to Manhood

De: Scott Semegran

Narrado por: Cody Roberts, J.R. Moorland, John Stempien

The best-selling, award-winning book with three captivating stories

IndieReader Discovery Awards: Winner for Short Stories, 2018.

These are the stories of three boys living in Texas: one growing up, one dreaming, and one fighting to stay alive in the face of destitution and adversity. There's second-grader William, a shy yet imaginative boy who schemes about how to get back at his school-yard bully, Randy. Then there's Sam, a 15-year-old boy who dreams of getting a 1980 Mazda RX-7 for his 16th birthday but has to work at a Greek restaurant to fund his dream. Finally, there's Seff, a 21-year-old on the brink of manhood, trying to survive along with his roommate, working as waiters and barely making ends meet. These three stories are told with heart, humor, and an uncompromising look at what it meant to grow up in Texas during the 1980s and 1990s.

Narrated by J.R. Moorland, John Stempien, and Cody Roberts.

©2015 Scott Semegran (P)2018 Scott Semegran

Reseñas de la Crítica

"The writing is sharp and unpretentiously thoughtful, and since each of the main characters finds solace in companionship, this is an affecting literary depiction of the comforting power of friendship. Each of the stories can be read on its own, but taken together, they make a coherent, thematic whole, skillfully produced. An endearing collection that deftly captures the need for youthful fellowship." (Kirkus Reviews)

"Verdict: With nary a dull moment, Scott Semegran's Boys features short stories filled with unexpected nuances that draws readers right into the heart of his well-developed characters." (IndieReader. 5 Stars. IR Approved.)

Audio Was Lacking Some but Loved the Story Itself

This is a very interesting look into the minds of boys and young adult males. This author has a way of writing that really pulls you in and makes you reflect. There are many parts I could relate to... especially the financial struggles with jobs that you need but sometimes hardly feel worth having.

I absolutely LOVED that the very first story in this collection took me back to The Benevolent Lords of Sometimes Island and gives a backstory to one of the friendships from that book. I also loved that this story ended on a positive note vs. the horror it could have ended in.

It is helpful to note that this isn't a book for thrill seekers or readers who want a fast-paced page turner. While this is highly enjoyable, it is meant to be savored and reflected upon. I'm sure we all know someone who either went through these scenarios or we ourselves have gone through something similar.

I chose to listen to the audio for this one and while it wasn't great throughout it's entirety, it didn't make me cringe either. I don't listen to much audio and it says a lot that I finished this one AND, for the most part, enjoyed it. How I feel about the audio in no way reflects my love for the story itself. Overall, a good book, and one I would definitely recommend.