The Summer of Grumps By Terry Groves
Could life get any worse? Not only has Mike been denied his summer job and time with his friends, he's been dumped at his grandparents. A big city boy trapped in small town Aylmer Ontario with his grandfather hates him…and for no good reason, well, almost.
Mike has managed to find himself in trouble a lot over his sixteen years. Putting action before thought, he has built himself a nasty reputation and driven a wedge into his parent’s marriage. While they head to Mexico to work on their issues, Mike is facing the consequences of his actions. Thank goodness for Gramma.
Deciding to make better choices for himself, Mike resolves to build a relationship with his grandfather, but the old man isn’t going to make that easy. Can Mike break his habit of bad choices and figure out how to turn Grumps into Gramps and save his summer holidays?
Book Reviews From The Beach - By Russell
Hey, Book Reviews From The Beach - Lovers, sorry for the delay. I had a review already from another author and Christopher decided to contact the author to have him fix a few things, issues, facts. It wasn’t that the book was written poorly or not enjoyable. It actually was good. It was just that the information inside was incorrect. I suppose a creative license taken a bit too far. We, Christopher and I had a discussion about writers, fiction, and creative thought, yet still needing to make sure that the story still has authenticity. Yes, the story should be yours. But it also needs to have some correct facts as well. Together we decided that this author deserved a better review and another chance.
On to Terry Groves and his new novel “The Summer Of Grumps.” A kind of coming into life or of age, feel-good book. Right off the bat, I’m going to tell you that Groves has amazing expertise to effortlessly immerse you into the life of his characters and story. For much of the book, it feels as if you’re sitting there next to the main character, Mike, as he works his way through year 16 of his life. Going through every emotion and situation with him. He builds on the relationships he has with family and friends that naturally makes you feel as if Groves is writing about you. Everyone has troubled experiences from their teen years. The Summer Of Grumps just reminds you of them. But it also reminds you that you lived through it and can make it through anything. Interestingly enough, for 16, Mike is very complex and capable of self-evaluation and understanding compromise. Something that I think he found or learned from the complications of his parent’s troubled marriage.
Mike finds himself spending the summer with his grandparents, missing his summer job, missing his friends, and living with a grandparent that doesn’t really like him, of life for that matter. Hence – Grumps and not Gramps. Through the summer he tries to reconnect, learn to like if not love his Grumps and hopefully turn the soldier that brought the war home with him into a grandfather that he could respect and love. Grumps, of course, didn’t make it easy. Grumpy Old Men rarely do.
The Summer of Grumps is an easy read. A feel-good book that I enjoyed very much. It made me smile, laugh, and sometimes cry. Something that I think we all want in a good book. It helped to remove me from the situation at hand and offered me a different reality, even if only for the time it took to read it. Sadly, like any good book, I now miss the story and the characters. Hopefully, Groves will offer us a book 2 to let us know how the story continues.
And lastly, KUDOS to the author for knowing who the Smashing Pumpkins are. Color me orange and impressed.
4.5 waves for this one.
And extra .25 for the Smashing Pumpkins so a solid 4.75
Terry Groves – 5 Waves is going to be tough, for anyone but I think you could probably do it. For now, a really great job!
Next up is Elizabeth Stevens and her book, Night Terror – another scary one, I can’t wait! Stay tune beach readers.
Have a sunny day,
Russell
Breaking Rules Publishing continues to accept submissions in all genres from writers around the world. Please email Sam at info@breakingrulespublishing.com or visit our website for submission details at www.breakingrulespublishing.com.