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Billy Goat Hill
1958. Eisenhower is in the White House, Elvis is in the army, and eight-year-old Wade Parker is thrilled that Duke Snider and the Dodgers have moved west from Brooklyn. Yet all is not well in the Parker household. On the darkest day of his young life, Wade plunges into the midst of an unimaginable crisis. Worse yet, his younger brother witnessed what happened, and he can’t keep a secret for a truckload of Abba-Zabbas. With an abundance of brotherly love and the unseen grace of God, the brothers venture alone on dangerous exploits around northeast Los Angeles. A powerfully imaginative coming-of-age story seasoned with hooligan humor, Billy Goat Hill is an inspiring account of a young man’s quest for God. Culminating with a startling climax, the reader is embraced by the central theme of forgiveness and salvation that can only come from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Dorothy’s cyclone had nothin’ on Scar.
Los Angeles , 1958. Elvis is in the army. Eisenhower’s in the White House. And eight-year-old Wade Parker heads out for Billy Goat Hill to run the Crippler in the dark—just like Gooey dared him to. But Wade and his kid brother, Luke, run into Scar, the most fearsome character they’ve ever had the misfortune to meet at four in the morning. They won’t realize it for years to come, but knowing him will change their lives forever.
Wade’s family is already disintegrating over the loss of a child. If there’s no place like home, what happens when home is falling apart? Wade begins a decades-long journey, searching for answers. But when your life has been shaped by loss, murder, alcoholism, and betrayal, how do you find forgiveness?
Story Behind the Book
“I wrote this novel to fulfill God’s plan for my gift...to glorify Him and evangelize the lost. Originally written before I gave my life to the Lord, I now realize how much God, through the writing, was working in my life. There is much of my own life story, some actual events, and a lot of metaphorical reflection, embodied in the fictional character of Wade Parker. The writing was deeply cathartic, and not long after completing the original version of this novel, I surrendered my heart to Jesus. By God’s grace I am now directed to write in His service.”
Dorothy’s cyclone had nothin’ on Scar.
Los Angeles , 1958. Elvis is in the army. Eisenhower’s in the White House. And eight-year-old Wade Parker heads out for Billy Goat Hill to run the Crippler in the dark—just like Gooey dared him to. But Wade and his kid brother, Luke, run into Scar, the most fearsome character they’ve ever had the misfortune to meet at four in the morning. They won’t realize it for years to come, but knowing him will change their lives forever.
Wade’s family is already disintegrating over the loss of a child. If there’s no place like home, what happens when home is falling apart? Wade begins a decades-long journey, searching for answers. But when your life has been shaped by loss, murder, alcoholism, and betrayal, how do you find forgiveness?
Story Behind the Book
“I wrote this novel to fulfill God’s plan for my gift...to glorify Him and evangelize the lost. Originally written before I gave my life to the Lord, I now realize how much God, through the writing, was working in my life. There is much of my own life story, some actual events, and a lot of metaphorical reflection, embodied in the fictional character of Wade Parker. The writing was deeply cathartic, and not long after completing the original version of this novel, I surrendered my heart to Jesus. By God’s grace I am now directed to write in His service.”
- GenresFiction
368 pages, Hardcover
First published April 11, 2005
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 12, 2016
I couldn't finish it.
December 31, 2016
I have a little bit of a love/hate relationship with this book. At times I was enthralled by the story of these two brothers, their adventures, their relationship, their fears and their triumphs. I thought the writing was excellent...well most of it anyway.
I'm not sure if this counts as a spoiler or not, but at the end of the book (after the conclusion of the story) the author affirms what I had already guessed, which was that much of the story and events described in the book were reminiscent of his own childhood with his brother. What the author also divulges, however, is that this version of the story is not the original publication, but rather it is an adaptation of his first book which he self published. In THIS version he was paid by a Christian publisher to insert all sorts of out of place jesus stuff that, in my opinion, completely ruined the book.
Don't get me wrong, I am a Christian myself, and I love to read great nonfiction theological works and even more so I love to read authentic accounts of personal testimonies written by grace embued believers about their conversions. That being said, the religiosity inserted into this book seemed very forced and inauthentic. I'm not questioning the authors faith, just honestly critiquing his ability to insert fictitious "faith shaping" events into the story in a believable way. It is a classic case of taking a great work of art (an authentic-even if embellished-memoir of the author's childhood thoughts, feelings, emotions, and inner dialogue) and ruining it by trying to "christianize" it like they do the stupid tshirts that change slogans from "got milk" to "got jesus" or from "Reeses Pieces" to "Jesus FreesUs".
At the end of the day I cannot recommend this book, though I must admit it held my interest the entire time. I would very much like to see a copy of the original version and review THAT BOOK on its own merits; I suspect the review would be MUCH more favorable.
I'm not sure if this counts as a spoiler or not, but at the end of the book (after the conclusion of the story) the author affirms what I had already guessed, which was that much of the story and events described in the book were reminiscent of his own childhood with his brother. What the author also divulges, however, is that this version of the story is not the original publication, but rather it is an adaptation of his first book which he self published. In THIS version he was paid by a Christian publisher to insert all sorts of out of place jesus stuff that, in my opinion, completely ruined the book.
Don't get me wrong, I am a Christian myself, and I love to read great nonfiction theological works and even more so I love to read authentic accounts of personal testimonies written by grace embued believers about their conversions. That being said, the religiosity inserted into this book seemed very forced and inauthentic. I'm not questioning the authors faith, just honestly critiquing his ability to insert fictitious "faith shaping" events into the story in a believable way. It is a classic case of taking a great work of art (an authentic-even if embellished-memoir of the author's childhood thoughts, feelings, emotions, and inner dialogue) and ruining it by trying to "christianize" it like they do the stupid tshirts that change slogans from "got milk" to "got jesus" or from "Reeses Pieces" to "Jesus FreesUs".
At the end of the day I cannot recommend this book, though I must admit it held my interest the entire time. I would very much like to see a copy of the original version and review THAT BOOK on its own merits; I suspect the review would be MUCH more favorable.
March 25, 2023
A car made in 1955 would not be corroded in 1958 in the Southern California climate, no matter how bad the owner was at maintenance.
I almost didn't continue reading this book because of that simple fact. But I'm glad I did! Based on a glimpse of reviews I scanned, I was afraid it was going to be too religious and was surprised when it wasn't....
...until it was! But by then I didn't care because I was invested in the story. Twas a good one!
P.S. How did Rodney save Lyle from the sewer?
I almost didn't continue reading this book because of that simple fact. But I'm glad I did! Based on a glimpse of reviews I scanned, I was afraid it was going to be too religious and was surprised when it wasn't....
...until it was! But by then I didn't care because I was invested in the story. Twas a good one!
P.S. How did Rodney save Lyle from the sewer?
October 28, 2022
I didn't like how the story timeline jumped so quickly into adulthood with quick summaries. I was attached to the young boy, not the man he grew into because of it, so it was hard to have empathy and connect with him after that. I like the different characters in The book, especially Esther and Rodney, and hope that I am a light like they are to those around me.
October 11, 2017
I didn’t finish this book.
December 6, 2011
Almost halfway through now and really enjoying it. I am really loving Cavendish!! It is such great characterization and the relationship between the boys is very realistic.
Finished the book and must say it was a good one with memorable characters. I was however disappointed in the ending. Felt anti-climatic:(
Two young brothers, Wade and Luke Parker, are being raised by their mother who works all the time and spends very little time with her boys. They are full of curiosity and love adventures, and one adventure brings them into the life of police officers Cavendish and Miss Cherry. Over the years the police keep tabs on the boys before the boys abruptly are moved to a new town and told never to see the police again.
Eventually the boys grow up and go through their issues, but Wade's journey is perhaps the most memorable as he hits some very low lows before changing his life around.
Good read, a clean read, no "trash". I recommend it!!
Finished the book and must say it was a good one with memorable characters. I was however disappointed in the ending. Felt anti-climatic:(
Two young brothers, Wade and Luke Parker, are being raised by their mother who works all the time and spends very little time with her boys. They are full of curiosity and love adventures, and one adventure brings them into the life of police officers Cavendish and Miss Cherry. Over the years the police keep tabs on the boys before the boys abruptly are moved to a new town and told never to see the police again.
Eventually the boys grow up and go through their issues, but Wade's journey is perhaps the most memorable as he hits some very low lows before changing his life around.
Good read, a clean read, no "trash". I recommend it!!
June 21, 2016
This story reminded me a bit of "Stand By Me", the Steven King story made into a classic film.
Wade and his Brother Luke are 8 and 6 at the start, but the novel encompasses several decades of their lives. there always seems to be something beneath the surface, partially hidden in the story, kind of like the way kids understand things. Everything is wonderfully divulged in the ending, and all of the mystery and doubt and fear is washed away.
The book is really a testament to forgiveness and faith. Despite their horrible childhood, kids survive and often turn out all right, if they're lucky. No one is perfect, but love and real dedication can turn the worst tragedy into something that can be endured.
This story was simple on the surface, but quite deep and involved at the same time. It surprised me in a good way, and kept unfolding as I read. It was beautifully written and many of the characters were roughly based on real childhood memories by the author.
Wade and his Brother Luke are 8 and 6 at the start, but the novel encompasses several decades of their lives. there always seems to be something beneath the surface, partially hidden in the story, kind of like the way kids understand things. Everything is wonderfully divulged in the ending, and all of the mystery and doubt and fear is washed away.
The book is really a testament to forgiveness and faith. Despite their horrible childhood, kids survive and often turn out all right, if they're lucky. No one is perfect, but love and real dedication can turn the worst tragedy into something that can be endured.
This story was simple on the surface, but quite deep and involved at the same time. It surprised me in a good way, and kept unfolding as I read. It was beautifully written and many of the characters were roughly based on real childhood memories by the author.
May 5, 2011
1958. Eisenhower is in the White House, Elvis is in the army, and eight-year-old Wade Parker is thrilled that Duke Snider and the Dodgers have moved west from Brooklyn. Yet all is not well in the Parker household. On the darkest day of his young life, Wade plunges into the midst of an unimaginable crisis. Worse yet, his younger brother witnessed what happened, and he can’t keep a secret for a truckload of Abba-Zabbas. With an abundance of brotherly love and the unseen grace of God, the brothers venture alone on dangerous exploits around northeast Los Angeles. A powerfully imaginative coming-of-age story seasoned with hooligan humor, Billy Goat Hill is an inspiring account of a young man’s quest for God. Culminating with a startling climax, the reader is embraced by the central theme of forgiveness and salvation that can only come from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
March 18, 2015
Got this book out of our church library. Up until midway through the book it was like pulling teeth to get through it then he started growing up and it picked up the pace almost too much. In the end, it was a great book all about forgiveness. I personally could relate to the boy's childhood life. It did have some surprises at the very end. I believe the author may have been a little too detailed at the start of the book which is what made it seem like forever to get through. Overall, the message was great and you do get to know many of the characters very well. There is a follow-up book but I am having a very hard time finding it.
January 5, 2009
I really, really wanted to like this book. I really did. But I didn't.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews