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Backseat
Michael's freshman year of college has not gone well either socially or academically. In 1969, failure from college or dropping out of school means the draft and possibly Vietnam. Michael desperately wants success, acceptance and popularity. He believes that pledging a campus fraternity can help put him on the right path. As the final hurdle to get into the fraternity, he must hitchhike 1,500 miles over a weekend; a road trip which could save his freshman year and possibly change his life. The rides he gets, the people he meets, and the obstacles he overcomes on his journey do change his life -- but in an unexpected way.
198 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2012
2 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
Tom Wascoe
2 books32 followersTom Wascoe was born in Milwaukee,Wisconsin and lives with his wife in the Chicago area. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, graduated with an M.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin System, and served as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources and a Corporate Office with a Fortune 100 company. His previous book is "Backseat."
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 11, 2013
I received this book through goodreads first reads. Thank you for choosing me. "Backseat" was a delightful and at times painful reminder of that rites of passage time in life. For the popular ones it is an easier time of adjustments yet not without pain; BUT for the awkward ones it is almost suicide. The title was how Michael viewed his life or his value if you will. He felt like he didn't have anything to bring to the table. Through this cross country journey, he gained more than a frat signature, he gained insight and awareness AND the ability to know that he was fine just the way he was and other people do not define who you are. By the end of the book I applauded Michael for his "ah ha" moment. This book should be required reading for first year college students in Personal Development Class. I look forward to reading more insightful writing from this author!
December 1, 2012
Backseat was a quick read about finding one's self. It was enjoyable enough, but I found myself wanting so much more! There were many aspects of the story that I feel could have been developed and expanded on. Even the climax of the story, if you can call it that, is pretty quick to the point and over before it really starts!
October 30, 2012
I received this as an ARC, so I would like to say thank you.
This novel was a short novel about a college freshman who embarks on this trip as part of a ritual to get into a fraternity. The main character, Michael, is an awkward introverted kid who doesn't have any close friends, is terrible with girls, and isn't doing well in school. He is paired to go on this trip with Randy, this popular jock who gets all the girls and is sure to get into the fraternity.
This novel was fast paced and I enjoyed how Michael matured and learned through out the novel. Thankfully, he stood up to Randy, because he was the biggest jerk and he deserved it.
However, I felt that the novel never reached a climax and I was waiting for until the very end. I also thought that Michael's character was a bit irritating at times.
Overall it was an alright book.
This novel was a short novel about a college freshman who embarks on this trip as part of a ritual to get into a fraternity. The main character, Michael, is an awkward introverted kid who doesn't have any close friends, is terrible with girls, and isn't doing well in school. He is paired to go on this trip with Randy, this popular jock who gets all the girls and is sure to get into the fraternity.
This novel was fast paced and I enjoyed how Michael matured and learned through out the novel. Thankfully, he stood up to Randy, because he was the biggest jerk and he deserved it.
However, I felt that the novel never reached a climax and I was waiting for until the very end. I also thought that Michael's character was a bit irritating at times.
Overall it was an alright book.
March 24, 2015
Backseat was written in a style that kept my interest. I related quite well to the main two characters challenge and enjoyed the story structure of the two guys hitch hiking 1,500 miles to accomplish their goal. I especially liked the rides they got and the people they met along the way. This story brought me back to my first few years of college and the obstacles I had to overcome to establish my own identity.
June 30, 2014
This novel is a coming-of-age story about a college freshman who goes on a road trip to get into a fraternity. The protagonist is the awkward kid typical of this type of story, introverted and lacking in friends. The pacing of the novel was largely good and the story well written, though the ending could be improved.
June 1, 2015
Has a message
Having done some hitchhiking in college it brought back memories. I also had some good experiences, but cannot say that any lessons were learned, such as meant in this novel.
Having done some hitchhiking in college it brought back memories. I also had some good experiences, but cannot say that any lessons were learned, such as meant in this novel.
July 15, 2012
Tom's maiden voyage into writing was a smashing success! Great character development and storyline. It was easy to get involved with the characters and relate to their experiences! Highly recommend.
August 17, 2015
The author had a perfect opportunity to characterize the people stopping to give Michael and Randy rides but they flew by so quickly I could never really get engaged with any of them.
December 26, 2012
I won this story as a Goodreads ARC. Agree with Rebekah below. It makes a nice anecdote or short story.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews