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Southbound (Paperback) - Common
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- GenresSports
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First published January 1, 2014
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About the author
Jason Beem
1 book8 followersBorn and raised in the south suburbs of Seattle, Washington, I was born the day Mt. St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980. A graduate of such prestigious institutions like Meeker Junior High and Kent-Meridian High School (Go Royals), I studied at the University of Washington from 1998 to 2002, getting a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in English. I played cards in Vegas for a year after college, went to Gonzaga Law School and promptly dropped out when I started having daily panic attacks. I bounced around after that, first working at a poker room, then tried real estate, before I found my real passion of announcing horse races. I’ve worked as a horse racing announcer since 2006. I’ve called races at Portland Meadows, River Downs and even a few at my hometown track of Emerald Downs. Along with announcing, I’m a musician (youtube search Stabone, you won’t regret it. Or just my name for solo stuff), a Master’s student at Lewis and Clark College in their Mental Health and Addictions program, a lover of baseball, and a writer.
My first novel, SOUTHBOUND, is slated for release in March 2014 from Pandamoon Publishing.
My first novel, SOUTHBOUND, is slated for release in March 2014 from Pandamoon Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 8, 2014
Review on Southbound by Jason Beem
Jason Beem’s Southbound is an eye-opening exploration of the darkness of human excess and addiction pertaining not only to gambling but other types of compulsive behavior. Ryan McGuire, has a disease manifest in all types of gambling but his primary focus is on horseracing. It’s what he knows best; he is a racetrack announcer and has been exposed to the temptation to gamble for all his life.
Ryan has a few other problems that are attached to his compulsive personality as well. Some of it he may have inherited from his father who was an alcoholic and also liked to bet on the ponies. So, Ryan knows about his weaknesses but tells himself he has everything under control. Yet he is always aware that in a moment of weakness he could lose control. He fears it is inevitable, that it’s only a matter of time before he breaks down and relapses. And his compulsive need for human attention compels him to seek one-night stands over longer-term relationships. Even when he has longer relationships he seeks attention on the side that threatens any relationship he has.
Compulsive gambling is the biggest threat he has to finding companionship, though. In the past, he has spent time away from others, studying racing forms and picking horses. Attending Gamblers Anonymous meetings Ryan has been able to step away from the pain and destructive behavior. He manages to save money and begin a relationship with a young professional. Even though he hasn’t placed a bet for more than two years, he lives with the knowledge that it only takes the one time of caving in to the weakness for his addiction to return. It only takes a single trigger.
Southbound reads like a personal account of an addict, lending insight into the mental processes behind the ill-advised choices and warped logic that results in placing bets against long odds. It is an often-poignant portrayal of the pain associated with anxiety attacks brought on by the imbalances of his life.
Jason Beem, the author, is a recovering compulsive gambler and, like Ryan McGuire, he is a professional announcer at a horseracing track in the Pacific Northwest. Unlike Ryan, in Jason’s moment of weakness, he found writing a book about the repercussions of returning to the maddening life of a professional gambler satisfied his urges to place bets, thus averting any personal downward spiral. The story he shares is a compelling and spellbinding. The reader is allowed inside to feel what it’s like to be at a racetrack betting the bankroll on the nose of a horse. We feel the adrenaline pumping, experiencing the sounds, smells, and sights of a racetrack through the eyes of an experienced racing man. We are thrilled at the wins but agonize at the losses as we wonders whether Ryan’s southbound journey down I-5 will end in his life’s biggest score or another total bust.
Review based on an ARC supplied by the publisher. Book is scheduled for real ease on March 31, 2014.
Jason Beem’s Southbound is an eye-opening exploration of the darkness of human excess and addiction pertaining not only to gambling but other types of compulsive behavior. Ryan McGuire, has a disease manifest in all types of gambling but his primary focus is on horseracing. It’s what he knows best; he is a racetrack announcer and has been exposed to the temptation to gamble for all his life.
Ryan has a few other problems that are attached to his compulsive personality as well. Some of it he may have inherited from his father who was an alcoholic and also liked to bet on the ponies. So, Ryan knows about his weaknesses but tells himself he has everything under control. Yet he is always aware that in a moment of weakness he could lose control. He fears it is inevitable, that it’s only a matter of time before he breaks down and relapses. And his compulsive need for human attention compels him to seek one-night stands over longer-term relationships. Even when he has longer relationships he seeks attention on the side that threatens any relationship he has.
Compulsive gambling is the biggest threat he has to finding companionship, though. In the past, he has spent time away from others, studying racing forms and picking horses. Attending Gamblers Anonymous meetings Ryan has been able to step away from the pain and destructive behavior. He manages to save money and begin a relationship with a young professional. Even though he hasn’t placed a bet for more than two years, he lives with the knowledge that it only takes the one time of caving in to the weakness for his addiction to return. It only takes a single trigger.
Southbound reads like a personal account of an addict, lending insight into the mental processes behind the ill-advised choices and warped logic that results in placing bets against long odds. It is an often-poignant portrayal of the pain associated with anxiety attacks brought on by the imbalances of his life.
Jason Beem, the author, is a recovering compulsive gambler and, like Ryan McGuire, he is a professional announcer at a horseracing track in the Pacific Northwest. Unlike Ryan, in Jason’s moment of weakness, he found writing a book about the repercussions of returning to the maddening life of a professional gambler satisfied his urges to place bets, thus averting any personal downward spiral. The story he shares is a compelling and spellbinding. The reader is allowed inside to feel what it’s like to be at a racetrack betting the bankroll on the nose of a horse. We feel the adrenaline pumping, experiencing the sounds, smells, and sights of a racetrack through the eyes of an experienced racing man. We are thrilled at the wins but agonize at the losses as we wonders whether Ryan’s southbound journey down I-5 will end in his life’s biggest score or another total bust.
Review based on an ARC supplied by the publisher. Book is scheduled for real ease on March 31, 2014.
March 31, 2014
Jason writes about what he knows and understands...the journey gambling can take anyone on if they let it take control. From the remarkable lows to the fleeting highs, Southbound explores horseracing in all of its detail. I came away seeing how complex the world revolving around the Ponies can be.
The detail is from someone who has lived it, and continues to live it everyday. The storytelling takes us along for the ride with Ryan as he hits bottom and begins the climb back up, knowing the whole time another fall can never to far away.
As someone who knows a man that lost everything at the track, I have a better understanding of how that world can become so all encompassing and even got a look at how someone can think salvation is just one more bet away.
Get this book and look into a world you hope to never see for yourself
The detail is from someone who has lived it, and continues to live it everyday. The storytelling takes us along for the ride with Ryan as he hits bottom and begins the climb back up, knowing the whole time another fall can never to far away.
As someone who knows a man that lost everything at the track, I have a better understanding of how that world can become so all encompassing and even got a look at how someone can think salvation is just one more bet away.
Get this book and look into a world you hope to never see for yourself
April 2, 2014
Jason Beem shines in his debut novel, Southbound. Once I flipped this book open I could not set it back down - I loved everything about it. The main character, Ryan McGuire, has a sarcastic, witty, tone and each chapter is full of raw emotion that you are able to feel and carry with you even after you've finished the book.
Before I read the book, I watched the book trailer which was also amazing and depicted what I was about to read perfectly. If you want to watch something amazing, watch this --> [...]
Bravo Jason on creating such a wonderful read. I will most certainly look forward to your future books as Southbound has turned me into a huge fan.
Before I read the book, I watched the book trailer which was also amazing and depicted what I was about to read perfectly. If you want to watch something amazing, watch this --> [...]
Bravo Jason on creating such a wonderful read. I will most certainly look forward to your future books as Southbound has turned me into a huge fan.
April 2, 2014
I'll be the first admit that I don't like novels written in first person unless the voice is unique, believable and true. Jason Beem's "Southbound" nailed the desperate voice of an addict and I was greatly impressed by how believable I found the main character Ryan to be. I think it takes guts to write a central character as completely real with awkward, uncomfortable flaws laid out bare for the reader. At times I was rooting for Ryan and at times I thought he was pathetic (the character, not the writing!) and this roller coaster of attitude towards the main character is what really sold me on the novel. I felt like Ryan was in the same room with me, relating this story. I felt that I could truly see him and hear him and that, to me, is the hallmark of good character development.
Aside from the voice of the main character, I was also impressed by Beem's ability to make someone like me (who knows absolutely nothing about horse racing and very little about gambling) feel like they were experience the rush of the highs and lows of watching and betting on the races. I will admit that at times there were points when I wanted more of Ryan's personal story and less details about the many races in the book, but I also found myself holding my breath near the end of the races and the thrill was appreciated.
Southbound is certainly not a light-hearted read, but if you appreciate raw, realistic characters and true-to-life story lines, then it is definitely for you!
Aside from the voice of the main character, I was also impressed by Beem's ability to make someone like me (who knows absolutely nothing about horse racing and very little about gambling) feel like they were experience the rush of the highs and lows of watching and betting on the races. I will admit that at times there were points when I wanted more of Ryan's personal story and less details about the many races in the book, but I also found myself holding my breath near the end of the races and the thrill was appreciated.
Southbound is certainly not a light-hearted read, but if you appreciate raw, realistic characters and true-to-life story lines, then it is definitely for you!
April 2, 2014
Those of us that wrestle with inner demons on a regular basis, know a simple truth. When you find that method or tool that helps you fight those demons, you unleash your capabilities to put out your most amazing material. Jason Beem’s new novel, Southbound is flat, scary good. It is a testament to the demons he fights on a daily basis.
Ryan, the main character, is believable in every aspect. His love of horses and racing is only overshadowed by what those loves wakes in him. His flaws, and there are many, are starkly presented in all their ugliness, but with great understanding gifted to the reader about what he’s thinking and how he justifies his actions to himself. This character is presented cleanly and powerfully, with no safety net.
Gambling addiction casts a despairing shadow over Ryan and this is painted for the reader with absolutely no decoration. The darkness is always there, always waiting, and the reader will know that better than Ryan does. You know what’s going to happen as its inevitable, but you can’t help but root for Ryan on his highway to personal destruction.
Putting your money down on this book is no gamble at all. I make odds at least 100-1 that you’ll love it. Jason Beem has demons like we all do, and he’s found writing an effective tool to carry on the fight. He’s also created a powerful commentary on the dangers of gambling. I look forward to his next novel.
Ryan, the main character, is believable in every aspect. His love of horses and racing is only overshadowed by what those loves wakes in him. His flaws, and there are many, are starkly presented in all their ugliness, but with great understanding gifted to the reader about what he’s thinking and how he justifies his actions to himself. This character is presented cleanly and powerfully, with no safety net.
Gambling addiction casts a despairing shadow over Ryan and this is painted for the reader with absolutely no decoration. The darkness is always there, always waiting, and the reader will know that better than Ryan does. You know what’s going to happen as its inevitable, but you can’t help but root for Ryan on his highway to personal destruction.
Putting your money down on this book is no gamble at all. I make odds at least 100-1 that you’ll love it. Jason Beem has demons like we all do, and he’s found writing an effective tool to carry on the fight. He’s also created a powerful commentary on the dangers of gambling. I look forward to his next novel.
December 6, 2014
f winning at the racetrack? After reading South Bound I think not, it seems the system is set up for gamblers to think they can outsmart it and the very rush that Ryan talks about is in fact what the betting structure teases EVERY gambler with. Can you beat me this time?
The allure of trying, the rush of thinking 'yes I can' has trapped and tapped out his bank account every time. Funny thing with Ryan, he knows the outcome and the emotions to follow, but he can't stop himself and the reader can't help but to root for him.
Ryan McGuire is like a train wreck you know it's going to happen, your teeth are clenched and fist tight while you wait for the boom and the dust to clear. This journey that Beem shares with the reader is outstanding. I knew nothing of gambling but by the time I finished this book I felt well equipped to place a bet, but I won't.
Gambling, wasn't Ryan's only vice he has compulsive behaviors that made me a little sad. Just when you thought he had it together the spiral begins.
Excellent storytelling, brilliantly flawed characters.
A complimentary copy of this eBook was provided by the publisher for the purpose of my honest and thoughtful review.
4 Book marks
The allure of trying, the rush of thinking 'yes I can' has trapped and tapped out his bank account every time. Funny thing with Ryan, he knows the outcome and the emotions to follow, but he can't stop himself and the reader can't help but to root for him.
Ryan McGuire is like a train wreck you know it's going to happen, your teeth are clenched and fist tight while you wait for the boom and the dust to clear. This journey that Beem shares with the reader is outstanding. I knew nothing of gambling but by the time I finished this book I felt well equipped to place a bet, but I won't.
Gambling, wasn't Ryan's only vice he has compulsive behaviors that made me a little sad. Just when you thought he had it together the spiral begins.
Excellent storytelling, brilliantly flawed characters.
A complimentary copy of this eBook was provided by the publisher for the purpose of my honest and thoughtful review.
4 Book marks
September 17, 2015
South Bound is the story of Portland announcer Ryan McGuire. Ryan begins the book as a recovering gambling addict, however, in short susession his girlfriend kicks him out and he gets laid off from the off season. So he decides to head to California and try to support himself through playing ponies. The story covers his struggles to control his gambling as well as other tendancies to mess up his personal life. It also tells the tale of a few big horses that he becomes attached to over this period and their races. I always enjoy the opportunity to read a racing book and this one is clearly written by someone who knows the sport. I also found the book to be very well written, it certainly felt like something written by a professional author not a racetrack announcer giving writing a try in his spare time. That being said I didn't like this book as much as others out there because the main character annoyed me. I got frustrated at his continual insistence on doing stupid things with predictable results, even though perhaps that is unsympathetic of me as addicts can't help themselves it is what makes them addicts.
Please note I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Please note I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
August 4, 2014
Growing up in racing I've seen a lot of people like the main character Ryan, come and go. Mostly go. What resonates with this story however, is the fact that we humans are flawed. Greatly, greatly flawed. We're not necessarily bad people, but we are broken. In one way or another, all of us are. Ryan is a compulsive gambler, and although there is a great deal about horse racing here, it's not the story. The story is the man and his disease.
Well written and engaging from start to finish, I recommend this book toward two types of people: (1) every horse racing fan out there, because you've been there or know someone who has and (2) anyone who is flawed.
Reading Southbound was time well spent and I hope you'll enjoy it too.
Well written and engaging from start to finish, I recommend this book toward two types of people: (1) every horse racing fan out there, because you've been there or know someone who has and (2) anyone who is flawed.
Reading Southbound was time well spent and I hope you'll enjoy it too.
June 21, 2020
I finished this book about a week ago after about five starts. It took that many starts, and I had to keep “taking breaks,” because I am very much not a thrill-seeker. This book is a very visceral read!!! The entire read kind of made me feel like I was on top of a roller-coaster about to take the plunge toward death. And it ended just as abruptly!
I have never been a problem-gambler, and thanks in part to this book, I never will be. I can’t even begin to imagine spending that kind of money or living that recklessly. Very, very scary and uncomfortable for me. My stomach gets queasy just thinking about it.
I loved all the background stuff! Reading about the different tracks, and the horses, and we get a glimpse into the entire world of horseracing; not just what happens on the track. Very well-written – wish Mr. Beem would write another book! Something else to do with horse racing – the backstretch? The trainers? The owners? I’d like to read more, and he’s got a great perspective. Great read!
I have never been a problem-gambler, and thanks in part to this book, I never will be. I can’t even begin to imagine spending that kind of money or living that recklessly. Very, very scary and uncomfortable for me. My stomach gets queasy just thinking about it.
I loved all the background stuff! Reading about the different tracks, and the horses, and we get a glimpse into the entire world of horseracing; not just what happens on the track. Very well-written – wish Mr. Beem would write another book! Something else to do with horse racing – the backstretch? The trainers? The owners? I’d like to read more, and he’s got a great perspective. Great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2014
Southbound spins a story that manages to entertain and excite while not pulling any punches about the lows of gambling.
The protagonist's relationship with racing is complex and interesting: an addict who works in and loves the sport that supports his vice. His relapse provides the reader the opportunity to both love and detest the track. Beem conveys the adrenaline of the race as well as the visceral, sickening feeling of loss, making this book a quick, enjoyable read that is also meaningful and thought provoking.
The protagonist's relationship with racing is complex and interesting: an addict who works in and loves the sport that supports his vice. His relapse provides the reader the opportunity to both love and detest the track. Beem conveys the adrenaline of the race as well as the visceral, sickening feeling of loss, making this book a quick, enjoyable read that is also meaningful and thought provoking.
January 26, 2023
Great horse story about love and obsession!!!!
Well written and easy to read and comprehend, even if you have never been to a racetrack in your life they are explained in such vivid terms you feel you are there watching the horse turn for home!!!!!
Well written and easy to read and comprehend, even if you have never been to a racetrack in your life they are explained in such vivid terms you feel you are there watching the horse turn for home!!!!!
April 15, 2014
I wrote it...so I have to give it 5 stars right? I hope everyone enjoys the book and if you don't..well I hope everyone enjoys the book!
September 25, 2016
Unreal good by a talented guy! I bought copies for fellow Horseplaying friends.....Loved it too.
Waiting on a second book .............
Waiting on a second book .............
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews