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The Vitamin Kid
In the cutthroat world of late 1920s and early 1930s Hollywood, Henry “The Vitamin Kid” is a boxer on a fast track to success. Recruited by the seasoned coach, Hap Connor, Henry’s rise to fame is swift, but far from easy. He must navigate the harsh realities of a career that demands sacrifices—both in and out of the ring—while facing corrupt promoters, gambling gangsters, and the pressure to compromise his integrity for wealth and recognition. As fame and fortune come quickly, Henry finds himself entangled in a world where love and personal relationships complicate his focus. In a city where success is fragile, Henry must fight harder than ever—not just for victory, but to stay true to himself.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 7, 2024
I really loved this book. It was very powerful, and I found it hard to put down. It was very emotional and really well written. I really loved the powerful character arc in this story. If you are looking for a very moving story, this book is perfect for you.
May 25, 2025
I loved learning about its history - how Tyler helped finish and put out into the world something his great grandfather started. That's a really great story and a worthwhile project.
The book is not a long read. It follows Hap, manager of a fighter named Henry. Hap is down on his luck, his wife has left him, and he wants nothing more than to get her back. His hope is if he can find a winner, his fortunes will change and he can win back the girl. Enter Henry. Henry is sensitive, maybe even a bit simple, but he has a lot of heart and is a great fighter. Henry meets Patricia, the health food peddler, and becomes "The Vitamin Kid."
The story doesn't demand much from the reader but it definitely reflects its time, which is actually one of the things I like about it. There's an authenticity in the language that speaks to this being a something written by someone who lived in that era, preserved in this adaptation.
For me, this was just not my story, and I found at points it was a bit of a chore to keep going. By the end I was counting pages and just trying to finish. This isn't an indictment of the work but rather a reader mismatch. Sci-Fi and Fantasy are more my thing, and I also like deeper, more character-driven stories.
Overall though, it was a cute story. It doesn't demand much, tells a complete tale, and would be great for someone interested in sports fiction or the time period. 3 stars because for me it did feel more like work and less like a joy, but that is NOT going to be everyone's experience.
The book is not a long read. It follows Hap, manager of a fighter named Henry. Hap is down on his luck, his wife has left him, and he wants nothing more than to get her back. His hope is if he can find a winner, his fortunes will change and he can win back the girl. Enter Henry. Henry is sensitive, maybe even a bit simple, but he has a lot of heart and is a great fighter. Henry meets Patricia, the health food peddler, and becomes "The Vitamin Kid."
The story doesn't demand much from the reader but it definitely reflects its time, which is actually one of the things I like about it. There's an authenticity in the language that speaks to this being a something written by someone who lived in that era, preserved in this adaptation.
For me, this was just not my story, and I found at points it was a bit of a chore to keep going. By the end I was counting pages and just trying to finish. This isn't an indictment of the work but rather a reader mismatch. Sci-Fi and Fantasy are more my thing, and I also like deeper, more character-driven stories.
Overall though, it was a cute story. It doesn't demand much, tells a complete tale, and would be great for someone interested in sports fiction or the time period. 3 stars because for me it did feel more like work and less like a joy, but that is NOT going to be everyone's experience.
May 1, 2025
The Vitamin Kid is a slow burn, character driven story that captures the spirit of classic underdog boxing tales.
It follows a washed up fight promoter named Hap who discovers a young, oversized fighter named Henry. Henry isn’t much for conversation, but he can throw a punch, and that’s all Hap needs to believe he’s found his ticket back to the big time.
With the help of a sidekick, and driven by the hope of rekindling a lost love, Hap begins shaping Henry into a contender. Along the way, the trio faces colorful challenges, from training mishaps to media frenzies.
The book reminded me of old school fighting movies with a slow build then the fights. Though some readers may find the pacing deliberate and the dialogue structure unconventional, the heart of the story still delivers: a misfit team chasing one last shot at glory.
If you enjoy a humble old school fighting tale, The Vitamin Kid offers a good read.
It follows a washed up fight promoter named Hap who discovers a young, oversized fighter named Henry. Henry isn’t much for conversation, but he can throw a punch, and that’s all Hap needs to believe he’s found his ticket back to the big time.
With the help of a sidekick, and driven by the hope of rekindling a lost love, Hap begins shaping Henry into a contender. Along the way, the trio faces colorful challenges, from training mishaps to media frenzies.
The book reminded me of old school fighting movies with a slow build then the fights. Though some readers may find the pacing deliberate and the dialogue structure unconventional, the heart of the story still delivers: a misfit team chasing one last shot at glory.
If you enjoy a humble old school fighting tale, The Vitamin Kid offers a good read.
July 30, 2025
I really enjoyed The Vitamin Kid by Harry and Tyler Kirk. What makes this book especially meaningful is that Tyler picked up where his grandfather, Harry, left off—completing the story together across generations. The book itself is clever and lighthearted, packed with quirky characters and a gentle message about making healthy choices without ever feeling heavy-handed. The humor and warmth come through in every page, and you can really feel the heart behind it, especially knowing the family connection. It’s a fun, memorable read, and the story behind the story makes it even more special.
June 7, 2025
First of all, this is one of the most heartwarming books I’ve read. It mixes boxing with real, easy-to-like characters who feel alive and relatable. The story has a good mix of drama, fun, and touching moments that keep you interested. The writing is clear and easy to understand. The characters face problems and small wins that make you really care about them. If you like stories about friendship, challenges, and finding your way, you’ll enjoy this book.
It’s a great story that’s easy to read, tells a full tale, and is perfect for anyone who likes sports stories or stories set in this time period.
It’s a great story that’s easy to read, tells a full tale, and is perfect for anyone who likes sports stories or stories set in this time period.
March 7, 2025
The Vitamin Kid written by Tyler Kirk & Harry Kirk
Book Review: "The Vitamin Kid"
The Vitamin Kid is set against the backdrop of 1920s and 1930s Hollywood, The Vitamin Kid is a masterful tale of ambition, sacrifice, and the dark side of fame. From the very first page I was trapped in the gritty world of Henry “The Vitamin Kid,” a boxer with dreams of greatness who quickly learns that success in the ring comes with a price.
What makes this book so compelling, in my opinion, is not only its nostalgic atmosphere, which vividly captures the essence of a turbulent era in American history, but it is a deeply human relatable story. The author(s) skillfully blend what can only be described as the glitz and glamour of Hollywood with the brutal realities of a career in boxing, exposing the underbelly of the industry and those who wish to 'exploit' the boxers. Henry’s journey is filled with challenges, from corrupt promoters and gambling gangsters to the moral compromises demanded by the lure of wealth and fame. These elements pull you in and keep you hooked, ensuring that The Vitamin Kid is more than just another sports story.
The emotional depth of the narrative is undeniable. As Henry rises through the ranks, as a reader, like I did, you will watch him (playing the movie in your head) wrestle not just with his opponents in the ring but with his own integrity. The pressure to conform, compromise his values, and to balance his personal relationships against the overwhelming demands of success makes for an intensely moving journey. It’s a story about much more than just winning — it’s about finding a way to remain true to oneself when the world is pushing you in every direction.
If you are one of those readers who seek an engrossing, heartfelt read, The Vitamin Kid delivers in every way. The writing is sharp and evocative, drawing anyone who reads this masterpiece into a world of grit, glamour, and heartache. It’s a book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (If I could give six stars I would....)
Book Review: "The Vitamin Kid"
The Vitamin Kid is set against the backdrop of 1920s and 1930s Hollywood, The Vitamin Kid is a masterful tale of ambition, sacrifice, and the dark side of fame. From the very first page I was trapped in the gritty world of Henry “The Vitamin Kid,” a boxer with dreams of greatness who quickly learns that success in the ring comes with a price.
What makes this book so compelling, in my opinion, is not only its nostalgic atmosphere, which vividly captures the essence of a turbulent era in American history, but it is a deeply human relatable story. The author(s) skillfully blend what can only be described as the glitz and glamour of Hollywood with the brutal realities of a career in boxing, exposing the underbelly of the industry and those who wish to 'exploit' the boxers. Henry’s journey is filled with challenges, from corrupt promoters and gambling gangsters to the moral compromises demanded by the lure of wealth and fame. These elements pull you in and keep you hooked, ensuring that The Vitamin Kid is more than just another sports story.
The emotional depth of the narrative is undeniable. As Henry rises through the ranks, as a reader, like I did, you will watch him (playing the movie in your head) wrestle not just with his opponents in the ring but with his own integrity. The pressure to conform, compromise his values, and to balance his personal relationships against the overwhelming demands of success makes for an intensely moving journey. It’s a story about much more than just winning — it’s about finding a way to remain true to oneself when the world is pushing you in every direction.
If you are one of those readers who seek an engrossing, heartfelt read, The Vitamin Kid delivers in every way. The writing is sharp and evocative, drawing anyone who reads this masterpiece into a world of grit, glamour, and heartache. It’s a book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (If I could give six stars I would....)
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews