Unabashedly Classless

by Russell Ernst

As I got closer, I could see that there were at least twenty people, mostly adults, but some teenagers too, and each of them was holding a sign with a different phrase on it. One read, Stop covering for the kid! and another read Our way or the highway, immigrant scum, while a few others were even more crude and not worth mentioning. A heavyset man was standing on a stepstool, his angry voice bellowing out through a bullhorn, What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now! He went back and forth with his minions, piercing my eardrums each time with his maddening shrill. I stood directly in front of the assembled group, waiting for a pause. When it came, I seized upon the opportunity.

Ella Richardson is a teacher at Fallsworth High School and is highly regarded by her creative writing students. Her new student, Alex Patorovsky, quickly becomes an outcast in Fallsworth following a despicable incident that his peers and many of the town's adults are convinced he was responsible for. Emotions boil over in the town, and Alex becomes a pariah, putting his safety in jeopardy. Ella is forced to set aside her initial fears about Alex's character and her own childhood trauma to confront the community about their prejudices.

Genres: Fiction

221 pages, Paperback

Published May 8, 2024

About the author

Russell Ernst has been a financial industry professional for more than twenty-five years, serving in a variety of roles with Deutsche Bank and S&P Global. Russell has been a frequent guest speaker at Rutgers Business School and plays an active role as an industry mentor to MBA students.

In addition, Russell enjoys the art of storytelling. He is a vocal participant of his local book club and supports all genres. He is passionate about pursuing activities outside of his career. Russell is a three-time marathoner and a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo. Unabashedly Classless is his first novel. Russell lives in New Jersey with his wife and two sons.

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story with an important message. Alex, a high school student, is accused of a crime without any proof beyond him being new to town and somewhat of an outsider. His teacher, who at first is wary of him as well, comes to his aid when things get really crazy. Very well written with an interesting twist at the end. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Ashleigh Pressy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alex is new to Fallsworth and is an outsider in the highschool. Even his teacher, Ella Richardson, has questions about this new student. Then an event happens that shakes the Fallsworth community. And everyone is quick to place the blame on Alex.

This book explores how easy it can be to get mixed in with the masses . Bullying is not just students. Adults can be just as ignorant. This book explores what can happen when one adult decides to stand against the masses and defend Alex.

I got thoroughly drawn in but found it hard to stay focused through some parts. I think it is a book worth reading it opened my eyes and hopefully I'll think before being so quick to judge.

Thanks to the author, publisher and Goodreads for this Kindle edition that I won through a Goodreads giveaway!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Really enjoyed the story and the characters! Can’t wait to read his next one.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

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