Reichold Street

by R.L. Herron

Set in a working-class American neighborhood in the turbulent 1960s Vietnam era, REICHOLD STREET deals with tough issues: alcoholism, bullying, family dysfunction, criminal activity, suicide, murder and the horrors of combat. It takes you from teenage introductions to the searing tragedy, yet remarkable redemption of war.

Albert Parker arrives in the neighborhood, bringing with him the emotional scars of parental loss and all the aggressive attitude a dysfunctional and abusive step-father can create.

His struggle to fit in, and the stories of the people around him as he tries, create a powerful story about friendship, love and loss.

Masterfully written in the manner of J.D. Salinger (Catcher in the Rye), William Golding (Lord of the Flies) and Stephen King (The Body), this debut novel was a 2012 Readers Favorite Gold Medal Winner that KIRKUS REVIEWS calls "Skillfully written and emotionally charged."

291 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2012

About the author

His earliest known ancestor arrived in the colony of Virginia, from what is now Northern Ireland, in 1635. A mere 313 years later, Ron was born.

He has written multiple works of fiction.

His novel REICHOLD STREET was a 2012 Readers Favorite Gold Medal Winner that KIRKUS REVIEWS called "Skillfully written and emotionally charged..." and WRITERS' DIGEST commented, "Readers are in for a treat when they pick up Reichold Street..."

His 2013 fantasy collection ZEBULON was a Readers Favorite Silver Medal Winner.

Among his other books are two powerful thriller sequels - ONE WAY STREET, and STREET LIGHT, that Shelf Unbound named as one of their "100 Notable Books for 2015."

His novel, BLOOD LAKE, a modern horror/thriller...that begins with a Cherokee curse uttered in 1838...was published in May 2016. The BookLife Prize in Fiction (Publishers Weekly) called it "...strong prose and well developed characters ... an atmospheric tale..." and Readers' Favorite named it a 2016 Bronze Medal Winner. It was selected by the online review magazine Shelf Unbound as one of their "100 Notable Books for 2016" and it was a Foreword INDIE 2016 Book-of-the-Year Finalist.

For his novel, DEAD END STREET, The BookLife Prize in Fiction (Publishers Weekly) said "...the tension in Dead End Street operates at a slow sizzle..." and Readers' Favorite awarded it 5-Stars "...poignant and moving...highly recommended..."

You're invited to visit his web site BROKEN GLASS for more information, and Ron would be delighted if you'd join those who already follow his illuminating indie-writing blog PAINTING WITH LIGHT. He promises you won't get spammed, since he only updates every couple of weeks.

All of Ron's books are available online at both Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
PICK ONE UP NOW & START THE ADVENTURE!

Reviews

[R.L. Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK. Writing a review for your own book is a bit devious...right? Perhaps. Even though it's a book I'm really proud of writing.

But I've done it before (with my Silver Medal Winner ZEBULON).

As I explained with that review, me leaving a review for my own book isn't meant to be devious. It's more like waving a large flag to let you know "HEY, IT'S HERE!"

In the wonderful world of indie publishing the marketing mantra that makes the most sense (unless you're an author who is already insanely wealthy) is "earned media." I've blogged about that, and what the term means is "exposure you don't have to pay for."

My first novel REICHOLD STREET was a big hit when it was published. Readers Favorite awarded it Five-Stars and a Gold Medal in 2012. The prestigious Kirkus Reviews called it "Skillfully written and emotionally charged." My story collection ZEBULON won a Silver Medal the following year. Not unworthy achievements.

But it's tough getting an indie book noticed, particularly when numbers not much bigger than "zero" are the top end of your marketing budget. So, I've resorted to trying to create some of that "earned media" (also known as word-of-mouth).

I'll let the books speak for themselves. I think they're good. Really good. Try them ... and be sure to tell all your friends.

[Ms. Just One More Book (Kris Miller) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A multi-dimensional narrative about life’s ups and downs told through the eyes of the various characters living on Reichold street. In late August of 1962, Paul and four of his longtime friends are outside when an unfamiliar car pulls up to the old Cantwell Home. From out of the car steps out what initially appears to be a normal family of a mom, dad, two boys and a girl. It doesn’t take long for those living here to realize that appearances are deceiving. The father, Carl, trying to drown his schizophrenia in alcohol, terrorizes his family in unfathomable ways. The oldest boy, Albert, still reeling from the unexpected death of his real father and laden with the scars of emotional abuse from his step-father, keeps everyone at arm’s length by any means necessary, including violence. As events in this family’s life continue to unfold, it will incorporate the lives of many others in the neighborhood. A raw, gritty coming of age tale, Reichold Street is a powerful anthology of various nostalgic and, often heartbreaking stories told by numerous narratives. Unforgettable characters that showcase a wide range of humanity, Herron demonstrates true artistry in the ability to encompass every emotion in a hauntingly poignant manner. The unpredictability of the plot twists, combined with vivid scenery and stellar storytelling, ensnares its reader and refuses to let go until the final word is read. A memorable story not soon to be forgotten.


~ Kris Miller, TopShelf Reviews

[Topbookreviewers · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This is one of those books that makes you laugh, cry, reminisce, want to run into the novel to try and save the day and much more. Reichold Street, by Ronald L. Herron is a must read for people of all ages. The storyline is set in 1962 and written about a family who moved to Reichold Street, told from a number of character perspectives. The author pointed out in the Prologue that the concept started out as short stories and morphed into a novel. Herron created a smooth flow from story to story and, while doing so, created an intense depth of emotion that connected all of the characters. The main characters, Albert and Paul are the focal point. The stories revolve around the new family on the block and what transpired during the time that they lived there and the impact that time period had on the characters’ lives. The unique perspectives of the characters showed that we can all see the same thing and tell a completely different story.

Reichold Street is an indie novel that you want everyone to hear about. This book was read from start to finish, without putting it down. My continued reflections about the stories, for days after, was what made the novel truly amazing. It evoked conversation in everyone around with the question of, “Have you read this book?” If they hadn’t, then a quick description and the comment “You have to read this!” Book clubs need to pick this one up and continue the dialogue and discussion. Don’t let this one slip under the radar!" TBR-TopBookReviewers

[C. Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Review of Reichold Street by R. L. Herron

[Preface about my reviews: I do not write reviews that give away the story, telling you the premise of the book and possibly becoming a “spoiler alert.” I figure that if you want to know more about books these days, you can click on the various “Look Inside” features booksellers offer and read enough of it to get a feel for the writing. You can also go to the author’s website and see if they have a “Sneak Peek” section of the work. You can even read other reviews that reveal more. I also rate my books on two different scales. My Star-Rating Scale is posted below. The other is the rating system used in the movie industry (G, PG, PG-13, etc.). I feel this rating too is a much needed element in reviews today and helps the reader know “who” should be reading what when it comes to children and young adults.]


Reichold Street is written in a themed, anthology style. What does that mean? Like most anthologies which are compilations of separate stories centered on a common theme, the author states in the foreword that he used this anthology style and wrote several short stories revolving around a theme. Together, these stories form a “coming-of-age” novel about a man named Paul. His friends call him Paulie.

Told in first person from Paul’s perspective, it starts in August of 1962 in the mythical town of Brickdale, on Reichold Street, of course. From the beginning, another character emerges alongside Paul. His name is Albert Parker. The story is as much about Albert as it is about Paul. Their interactions—from high school when Albert’s family moves to Brickdale to their involvement in the Vietnam War—are chronicled in this short-story format, following the lives of these two young men.

The stories delve into several issues: dysfunctional families who deal with domestic abuse and alcoholism; strained friendships; unsympathetic educational professionals; the ravages of war including death; and suicide.

The author tells us in the Afterword that all the accounts and locations are fictitious, except for the account of the attack on Cu Chi Base during the Vietnam War on March 10, 1969. As you read the stories, you get a sense that the author is pulling from real-life experiences either from his own life or people he knew over the years. The circumstances described are sometimes too detailed to not believe they are, at least, rooted in someone’s real life.

This book is not a “feel good” read in the “puppies running in meadows filled with flowers” sense, but if you are into this genre and like gritty, character-driven stories, with some rough language from time to time, then it might be up your alley. You might even see it as a “feel good” story because the main characters do develop strong ties.

It’s not the kind of book I’d pick up and read off the shelf, but that’s because this genre is not one I read very often.

On my scale (see below), I rate this 3-stars because I’m not into this genre very much. However, if you are, you might like it. I also rate it PG-13 for violence and language.

My Scale:
5 stars – It doesn’t matter what genre you read, this book is a must read! It’s all about “story.” You won’t regret it.
4 stars – This may not be your genre, per se, but I feel confident you’ll enjoy it, nevertheless.
3 stars – This book will be a good read if this genre is one you really like. If it is not “your genre,” then your final thoughts may vary, but I don’t disparage it in any way.
2 stars – This book had potential, but fell short, in my humble opinion. Genre or no, it was all about the writing and the story, or the lack thereof.
1 star – If you buy it, read it, and spend any of your time on it, do not blame me. You were forewarned.

[Compulsion Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1962 Albert Parker moves with his family to Reichold Street in the working class town of Brickdale. Almost immediately the high school teen begins causing trouble. Albert is big, mean and always spoiling for a fight…at least that’s the image that he seeks to project.

Told through the eyes of various characters, Reichold Street slowly unfolds the story of a young man struggling to survive in the home of a mentally-unbalanced and alcoholic step-father. Author Ronald L. Herron pulls off a unique literary trick by writing Reichold Street as an anthology. Each set of chapters is a standalone story told through the perspective of a different character living on Reichold Street. Together, these stories overlap and blend to add depth to the events that occur on Reichold Street and the characters who participate in them. Each set of stories expands Albert’s character, showing us his many different sides: bully, protector, genius, patriot and hero.

Herron writes of a traumatic time with a sure hand. Most of his characters speak from the pages with strong, defined voices. The Vietnam War lingers in the background and then strikes toward the end of the book.

Overall, I was impressed with what Herron was trying to accomplish, though I’m not sure that he fully succeeded. The challenge of overlapping stories is that the reader must traverse many of the same events over and over again. This definitely affected the pace of the story, and at times my interest waned as I hit a familiar scene once again. Also, several characters seemed to race through their stories, barely pausing for breath before they handed over the baton.

Overall, however, Herron shows great promise as a writer, and I think Reichold Street foretells of great works to come.
(This book was provided to Compulsion Reads by the author for review.)

[Brian MacLearn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for Reichold Street by Ronald L. Herron 5 stars.

Reichold Street is a themed anthology. The author has cleverly woven together individual character personas into a central plot. The collection of stories all revolve around Reichold Street and the common bond of the characters in the novel. The majority of the story takes place in the later part of the nineteen-sixties. Each character has a unique voice. They share the memories of the events happening during that time, not just on Reichold Street, but also in their school, their town, and their personal lives.

I was able to live each moment with Paul, Albert, Janice, Puz, the twins, and all the well-written characters interwoven throughout the novel. Herron choreographed the emotions and personalities of each character, allowing me to join in as one of the street's residents. Many times, authors like to direct us with their narration, but in Reichold Street, Herron gives us multiple perspectives, and lets us construct our own opinions. No one, and nothing, is what it seems at face value.

The biggest question for me, as I read deep into the novel was, how will the author pull all of the storylines together and end the book. He didn't disappoint me, and I felt the ending brought closure. Reichold Street deals with some tough issues, such as alcoholism, suicide, bullying, criminal activities, family dysfunction, and the horrors of fighting in the Vietnam War. In other words, the characters and the emotions of the novel are portrayed realistically. It was time well spent with Paul, Albert, Janice, and the rest of the residents on Reichold Street. I look forward to reading more of Ronald Herron's novels.

Brian MacLearn.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the read Reichold Street by R. Herron. Brought me back to a familiar time and place in my teen years. Also, found myself feeling empathy for a main character that reminded me of someone close in my own life. Good read.

[Greg Schindler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ron's book is peopled with characters I could touch, and who, in turn touched me. No, the book wasn't perfect. But as a writer, I envy Ron's remarkable ability to delve into interesting and diverse characters.