Street

by A.D. Metcalfe

1970s New York City is borderline bankrupt. Police departments, public schools and other municipalities are struggling under massive layoffs, buildings are abandoned, and the streets are rife with crime and drugs. For Johnny Alvarez, a precocious young runaway, the decay and lawlessness offer camouflage and opportunity. He squats in an empty apartment in a derelict Washington Heights tenement and gathers a gang of streetwise kids, most of whom struggle with their own issues. Johnny is haunted by the abuse he suffered at the hands of his sadistic older brother. The crew tries to keep his head straight with belonging and levity, but the turbulent nature of the street triggers unwanted memories, which spin Johnny into recklessness amid the city’s seedy underbelly.

"A thought-provoking coming-of-age novel imbued with psychological dimensions...Its blend of gritty realism and psychological depth makes it a recommendable choice for readers seeking a coming-of-age novel that navigates the challenging journey from adolescence to maturity amidst a backdrop of urban hardship and complexity." ★★★★
― Literary Titan

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2023

Reviews

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Street, authored by A.D. Metcalfe, is a thought-provoking coming-of-age novel imbued with psychological dimensions. Set in the vivid backdrop of 1970s New York City, the narrative unfolds through the experiences of Johnny, a twelve-year-old runaway from Miami. His odyssey through the urban labyrinth of NYC is marked by forming lasting friendships, delving into petty criminality, and a relentless quest to evade capture.

The haunting echoes of Johnny's past are intricately interwoven into this tale of survival and self-discovery. His ordeal at the hands of an abusive older brother adds layers of complexity, challenging the protagonist's resilience and mental fortitude. The exploration of these traumas, particularly in scenes where Johnny's grip on reality wavers, is handled with literary finesse. Metcalfe's skill in conveying the protagonist's fractured psyche, even from a third-person perspective, is notably immersive, especially during a pivotal scene that offers deep insight into Johnny's internal turmoil.

The novel's setting in the 1970s is rendered with meticulous attention to detail, encompassing the era's unique cultural tapestry — from the colloquial language and fashion to the prevailing social attitudes and pop culture references. This richly textured portrayal significantly enhances the novel's atmospheric quality. However, the narrative occasionally lapses into cultural stereotypes, which, while reflective of the period, sometimes seem superfluous to the story's central themes. A certain level of discomfort arises when portraying a romantic encounter involving Johnny and an older teen. Given the characters' ages and inexperience, the scene's depiction may strike some readers as unconvincing or overly idealized. This aspect of the story, though potentially contentious, adds a layer of complexity to the exploration of adolescent experiences.

Street remains a compelling read. Its blend of gritty realism and psychological depth makes it a recommendable choice for readers seeking a coming-of-age novel that navigates the challenging journey from adolescence to maturity amidst a backdrop of urban hardship and complexity.

[Amy Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Street grabs your interest from the very first page and takes you on a fast paced ride at the edge of your seat. The story is completely engaging and creates a tense curiosity that keeps you turning the pages. The setting of NYC in the seventies is authentic and palatable while the characters are easy to form an emotional attachment with. For me, Street has all the elements of a great novel and leaves you wanting more. I am looking forward to this author's next book!

[Michael Solomowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful story that takes you on a ride you won't want to get off. Well-written narrative follows the life of runaway teen Johnny Alvarez, who escapes an abusive Miami family to face life alone on the streets of New York, only to return later to learn the truth of what really happened. But he's never alone. Fast-paced and engaging, Metcalfe captures the mood and climate of 1970s New York and delivers a compelling and impactful story. Well done.

[Jinny Heilala · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a fluid writing style and characters with heart and soul, A.D. Metcalfe led me into a city I have never known. The challenges and perils these street smart boys face are huge, but loyalty, trust and daring carry them through. When I finished STREET, I found myself reflecting on people and places from the book and hoping for a sequel to take a second tour of Johnny’s world.

[J. Cunis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Street is a wonderfully crafted story that will keep you engaged and on edge from cover to cover with no lapses. A.D. Metcalfe is a great storyteller. Her characters are well developed and the dialogue authentic. I highly recommend this book.

[Vincent Metzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great narrative and descriptions of how an out of towner would view the subway and the park. Great detail down to the roaches. Looking forward to seeing how it ends.

[Nikki Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was truly a page turner, I couldn’t put it down and stayed up late to keep reading. An amazing story of resiliency in the most difficult situations. Can’t wait to read the second in the series.

[Alana Pagnotti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love a book that I read fast just because I want to. I did fly through this book because I wanted to see what the characters were doing, if they’d be all right. This is a story of a kid who lives on the street in a rough neighborhood of New York at a time (the 1970s) when much of the city had a reputation for being a dangerous place. So, it does get raw. Also, Johnny’s (the main character) horrid past is interwoven in to the story. His circumstances left me with a deep concern for his well-being, as well as for the other characters. I actually felt sad when I found out one of the sidekick characters was doing something harmful and unexpected. I like when an author can make me feel something, it keeps me interested. And, I love when an author endears you to a character who may be up to some unsavory business but you still have to root for them, as I did for Johnny.

There is an inspiring theme of brotherhood in this story that is so supportive, so non-judgmental and beautiful, actually. It made me think that men would enjoy this book as much as I and the women in my book club did. Also, I never skimmed through anything in this book as I often do when the author adds too much fluff for whatever reason. I paid full attention to every word because they were all important to the story.

This is a beautiful story, if you are not offended by the gritty details. I loved it and was so pleased to have a book that I was eager to read.