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Third Wheel
Third Wheel is a coming-of-age thriller about a misguided teen who struggles to fit in with a pack of older, cooler troublemakers in the suburbs of a desert boomtown.
Brady Wilks thought he would find a new home in Las Vegas, but struggles with his identity and finding a place where he belongs, even at home. Eventually, he forges a brotherly bond with an older teenage neighbor, Mick. But when Mick invites a low-level drug dealer into their pack, Brady soon discovers that choices have consequences and threaten the lives of those he cares about.
Desolate and gritty, Third Wheel is a triumphant debut novel by Richard R. Becker, and Brady Wilks is a remarkable protagonist. The novel follows his transformation from a naive newcomer into a root-worthy underdog in a story that explores the complexities of belonging, betrayal, and self-discovery.
Third Wheel has received six literary awards as both a thriller and a coming-of-age novel, including second place in The BookFest Awards, 2023. This is the author's first novel and third book.
Brady Wilks thought he would find a new home in Las Vegas, but struggles with his identity and finding a place where he belongs, even at home. Eventually, he forges a brotherly bond with an older teenage neighbor, Mick. But when Mick invites a low-level drug dealer into their pack, Brady soon discovers that choices have consequences and threaten the lives of those he cares about.
Desolate and gritty, Third Wheel is a triumphant debut novel by Richard R. Becker, and Brady Wilks is a remarkable protagonist. The novel follows his transformation from a naive newcomer into a root-worthy underdog in a story that explores the complexities of belonging, betrayal, and self-discovery.
Third Wheel has received six literary awards as both a thriller and a coming-of-age novel, including second place in The BookFest Awards, 2023. This is the author's first novel and third book.
- GenresComing Of Age
Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2023
3 people are currently reading
3877 people want to read
About the author
Richard R. Becker
4 books60 followersRichard R. Becker is an award-winning American author whose gripping stories blend resilience and moral complexity. His upcoming novel, Born on Monday (2025), promises a thrilling tale of small-town sins that will leave readers breathless.
His debut novel, Third Wheel (August 2023), soared into Amazon’s top 100 thriller and suspense literary fiction novels, earned a Kirkus Reviews feature, and won seven awards, including Literary Thriller of the Year by the Artisan International Book Excellence Awards. His debut collection, 50 States (2021), born from a challenge to write one story a week for 50 weeks, topped Amazon’s literary short story charts for three months and secured multiple honors, including first place in the Spring 2022 BookFest Awards.
Raised in Milwaukee by his grandparents after his father’s tragic death, Richard overcame poverty, club feet, and his grandmother’s cancer. These challenges infuse his work with emotional depth. After relocating to Las Vegas, he worked diverse jobs (fast food, retail paint, muralist, stage foreman, and convenience store clerk among them) to fund his education at Whittier College and the University of Nevada, Reno, where he shifted from psychology to journalism, with an emphasis in advertising.
A seasoned writer, Richard founded Copywrite, Ink., a 35-year-old communications firm, and invested 20 years of teaching at UNLV. An active community volunteer, he serves on the Las Vegas Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. Richard enjoys acting, hiking, photography, and time with his wife and two adult children.
His debut novel, Third Wheel (August 2023), soared into Amazon’s top 100 thriller and suspense literary fiction novels, earned a Kirkus Reviews feature, and won seven awards, including Literary Thriller of the Year by the Artisan International Book Excellence Awards. His debut collection, 50 States (2021), born from a challenge to write one story a week for 50 weeks, topped Amazon’s literary short story charts for three months and secured multiple honors, including first place in the Spring 2022 BookFest Awards.
Raised in Milwaukee by his grandparents after his father’s tragic death, Richard overcame poverty, club feet, and his grandmother’s cancer. These challenges infuse his work with emotional depth. After relocating to Las Vegas, he worked diverse jobs (fast food, retail paint, muralist, stage foreman, and convenience store clerk among them) to fund his education at Whittier College and the University of Nevada, Reno, where he shifted from psychology to journalism, with an emphasis in advertising.
A seasoned writer, Richard founded Copywrite, Ink., a 35-year-old communications firm, and invested 20 years of teaching at UNLV. An active community volunteer, he serves on the Las Vegas Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. Richard enjoys acting, hiking, photography, and time with his wife and two adult children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 2, 2023
Whether you are fourteen in 1982 or today, it can be a tough age to be. You want to act all grown up but don’t have the knowledge to make grown up decisions. But it all turns back to the grownups, the people who are supposed to be parents, but are not. In Third Wheel by Richard R. Becker, life for this teenager was difficult. Getting his head around the fact that his mother didn’t really care made it that much harder.
I will be honest, at first, I wasn't a big fan of Brady, but as the story developed, I got to know him. Being the youngest in the small circle of friends, he faced decisions no fourteen-year-old is supposed to make. His maturity level was greater than his mother gave him credit for. Raised by a grandmother, I can understand why.
"It hadn't always been this way. My indoctrination into the family was served up as a summer vacation, except nobody told me there wasn't an end date. My grandmother was losing her battle with cancer, and presenting a permanent move as a summer vacation seemed like an easier transition for me when I was ten."
What really turned me was when his mother placed a good dose of fear in him. Though I am a big supporter of discipline, this line of fear was unnecessary and created more problems. If she took the time to listen, she would have realized that. In doing so, she did more harm than good. She forced him to change his way of thinking, which propelled him into the next phase of his life.
"Funny how your entire life can be turned upside down in a matter of days or weeks, or months. When I lived with my grandmother, I used to daydream about being part of a regular family, living with and loved by my mother. Now all I could think about was escaping the pain of it, daily reminders that I was living with a regular family but didn't belong to one."
The loneliness and bitterness seeped through the pages, but he moved forward. Finding his own feet in a hard world.
Growing up in Las Vegas added another dimension to this story. Drug deals and illegal weapons added to the growing suspense. Mixed that with teenager hormones and wise cracks and you have the perfect recipe for a mess waiting to happen. His friends were way too clever for their age, and I didn’t like their treatment of Brady at all. They were the “bad” in news. With every poor decision they made, Bradly got entangled in a web that led to more problems. He didn't know how to solve them.
When Brett passed away, it added another layer of lies and suspense to this story. A story that pulls at the heartstrings at every turn of the page. Brady’s character grew quickly. He had to, otherwise things could have been worse.
“Sometimes I lay awake and think about it, asking myself how much of what happened was my fault. It was easy to blame Alex and Mick, but I was right there along for the ride, hoping that one payday would provide me a way out.”
If this was real life, I would have had hopes for him. The Brady in 2023 would be a mature man that would know how to help his children. Maybe be a teacher because of the lesson he had learned back in 1982.
The writer’s writing style is fluent and clear, which draws you into the story. Being inside the mind of Brady and telling it from his perspective gave you a good understanding of his thoughts and the reasons for his actions.
What I didn’t like about the story was the many back flashes. At times, it was killing the flow of the story. Less of it would have helped to move it along. Otherwise, a wonderful story, I would recommend.
I will be honest, at first, I wasn't a big fan of Brady, but as the story developed, I got to know him. Being the youngest in the small circle of friends, he faced decisions no fourteen-year-old is supposed to make. His maturity level was greater than his mother gave him credit for. Raised by a grandmother, I can understand why.
"It hadn't always been this way. My indoctrination into the family was served up as a summer vacation, except nobody told me there wasn't an end date. My grandmother was losing her battle with cancer, and presenting a permanent move as a summer vacation seemed like an easier transition for me when I was ten."
What really turned me was when his mother placed a good dose of fear in him. Though I am a big supporter of discipline, this line of fear was unnecessary and created more problems. If she took the time to listen, she would have realized that. In doing so, she did more harm than good. She forced him to change his way of thinking, which propelled him into the next phase of his life.
"Funny how your entire life can be turned upside down in a matter of days or weeks, or months. When I lived with my grandmother, I used to daydream about being part of a regular family, living with and loved by my mother. Now all I could think about was escaping the pain of it, daily reminders that I was living with a regular family but didn't belong to one."
The loneliness and bitterness seeped through the pages, but he moved forward. Finding his own feet in a hard world.
Growing up in Las Vegas added another dimension to this story. Drug deals and illegal weapons added to the growing suspense. Mixed that with teenager hormones and wise cracks and you have the perfect recipe for a mess waiting to happen. His friends were way too clever for their age, and I didn’t like their treatment of Brady at all. They were the “bad” in news. With every poor decision they made, Bradly got entangled in a web that led to more problems. He didn't know how to solve them.
When Brett passed away, it added another layer of lies and suspense to this story. A story that pulls at the heartstrings at every turn of the page. Brady’s character grew quickly. He had to, otherwise things could have been worse.
“Sometimes I lay awake and think about it, asking myself how much of what happened was my fault. It was easy to blame Alex and Mick, but I was right there along for the ride, hoping that one payday would provide me a way out.”
If this was real life, I would have had hopes for him. The Brady in 2023 would be a mature man that would know how to help his children. Maybe be a teacher because of the lesson he had learned back in 1982.
The writer’s writing style is fluent and clear, which draws you into the story. Being inside the mind of Brady and telling it from his perspective gave you a good understanding of his thoughts and the reasons for his actions.
What I didn’t like about the story was the many back flashes. At times, it was killing the flow of the story. Less of it would have helped to move it along. Otherwise, a wonderful story, I would recommend.
August 19, 2023
I loved this book! I couldn't put it down.
The crazy parties. The real life struggles. The fights and action. Those are the things that keep you reading. But it's Brady's desire to belong and his crush on Cheryl that makes this real. So good!
The crazy parties. The real life struggles. The fights and action. Those are the things that keep you reading. But it's Brady's desire to belong and his crush on Cheryl that makes this real. So good!
August 23, 2023
1982, Las Vegas. Fourteen-year-old newcomer Brady Wilks is desperate to belong. His unloving mother and stepfather always make him feel like an interloper, blemishing their perfect family. So, he sought kinship with his next-door neighbor, Mick, and their other friend, Brett. But friendships and alliances are tested when the tight-knit group is taken over by Alex, an unrelenting tyrant who seems to have it out for Brady. Still, Brady wants to appease Alex. Even if that means getting entangled in nefarious activity, including working with drug cartels, and the mob, and escaping near-fatal encounters. When a deal goes wrong, the boys are shaken and determined to piece together a believable story to tell the police. If Brady wants to break free of Alex’s clutches, he must do it alone.
“Third Wheel” by Richard R. Becker is a sobering coming-of-age thriller that follows a root-worthy underdog. Emotionally driven and raw, the book illustrates how Brady is forced to grow up too fast by being thrust into crime, advocating for himself, and carrying a burden much too heavy for his shoulders. Readers will sympathize with Brady’s precarious family life and the urgency to belong in a world hell-bent on rejecting him.
The author painted a poignant picture of a young man who was ultimately alone in the world. Brady was in over his head and sinking. A nurturing parent couldn’t soften his troubles because his mother was an unstable gaslighter who blamed Brady for everything. Thinking back on my troubled teen years, I couldn’t even fathom being rejected by the person who brought me into the world—the one who was supposed to love me unconditionally. Brady lived with this reality every day. The author did an excellent job of illustrating the damaging effects of an unloving parent through Brady’s internal dialogue.
Amidst feelings of familial displacement, Brady sought to belong in another destructive environment. There was an unspoken pecking order within the friend group, and Brady was clearly at the bottom. But he was somehow able to rise, and the author successfully highlighted the young man’s ability to rely on his street smarts and courage to ensure self-preservation. The brilliant character development was the shining star in this coming-of-age novel.
Readers who love young adult stories, particularly ones that are gritty with multilayered characters, will love “Third Wheel.” Infused with suspense and crime, and sprinkled with themes of identity and friendship, the book has something for everyone. Five stars!
“Third Wheel” by Richard R. Becker is a sobering coming-of-age thriller that follows a root-worthy underdog. Emotionally driven and raw, the book illustrates how Brady is forced to grow up too fast by being thrust into crime, advocating for himself, and carrying a burden much too heavy for his shoulders. Readers will sympathize with Brady’s precarious family life and the urgency to belong in a world hell-bent on rejecting him.
The author painted a poignant picture of a young man who was ultimately alone in the world. Brady was in over his head and sinking. A nurturing parent couldn’t soften his troubles because his mother was an unstable gaslighter who blamed Brady for everything. Thinking back on my troubled teen years, I couldn’t even fathom being rejected by the person who brought me into the world—the one who was supposed to love me unconditionally. Brady lived with this reality every day. The author did an excellent job of illustrating the damaging effects of an unloving parent through Brady’s internal dialogue.
Amidst feelings of familial displacement, Brady sought to belong in another destructive environment. There was an unspoken pecking order within the friend group, and Brady was clearly at the bottom. But he was somehow able to rise, and the author successfully highlighted the young man’s ability to rely on his street smarts and courage to ensure self-preservation. The brilliant character development was the shining star in this coming-of-age novel.
Readers who love young adult stories, particularly ones that are gritty with multilayered characters, will love “Third Wheel.” Infused with suspense and crime, and sprinkled with themes of identity and friendship, the book has something for everyone. Five stars!
September 13, 2024
The story follows 14-year-old Brady, who lives with his difficult and emotionally abusive mother. He finds solace with his next-door neighbour, Mick, and their mutual friend Brett. Together, they lose themselves in the fantasy game of Dungeons and Dragons. However, when Brett moves away, Mick invites Alex into the group. Alex drags them into a world of drugs and violence, and Brady struggles to find his way as Alex uses every opportunity to undermine and belittle him.
Despite all that is thrown his way, Brady is a loyal and caring friend. It is hard not to root for him as he is the underdog in all aspects of his life. The author does a fantastic job with character development, and Brady quickly took my heart, I just wanted to give him a big hug.
This is a story about a teenage boy trying to find his way in a brutal and uncaring world. It is about family, friendship, love, loyalty, finding who you are, and what you are capable of in a world that grinds you down. It is a gritty portrayal of where our choices might take us. Above all, it is about the complexity of trying to be good in a world full of bad.
I thought the story was well written and was done in such a realistic and well observed way. Each character had their place, and the dialogue was natural. The pacing was good, and I couldn't put the book down as the story sucked me in. I was rooting for Brady and wanted to see Alex's demise!
I will definitely look out for more books by this author.
With thanks to Black Tide Book Tours (Henry ROI PR) and the author for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest opinion, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
Despite all that is thrown his way, Brady is a loyal and caring friend. It is hard not to root for him as he is the underdog in all aspects of his life. The author does a fantastic job with character development, and Brady quickly took my heart, I just wanted to give him a big hug.
This is a story about a teenage boy trying to find his way in a brutal and uncaring world. It is about family, friendship, love, loyalty, finding who you are, and what you are capable of in a world that grinds you down. It is a gritty portrayal of where our choices might take us. Above all, it is about the complexity of trying to be good in a world full of bad.
I thought the story was well written and was done in such a realistic and well observed way. Each character had their place, and the dialogue was natural. The pacing was good, and I couldn't put the book down as the story sucked me in. I was rooting for Brady and wanted to see Alex's demise!
I will definitely look out for more books by this author.
With thanks to Black Tide Book Tours (Henry ROI PR) and the author for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest opinion, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
December 22, 2023
This Could Be Me or You
I related to this story in so many ways. Highly recommend this for young adults and older adults as well. Relatable no matter your age. Great read.
I related to this story in so many ways. Highly recommend this for young adults and older adults as well. Relatable no matter your age. Great read.
September 15, 2023
Richard R. Becker writes this accelerating coming-of-age thriller entitled Third Wheel. The novel follows the story of Brady Wilks, a teenager who moves to Las Vegas for a fresh start, but it won´t be as easy as he thought it would be. New relationships will endanger him and those he loves the most. Choose your friends and enemies wisely, Brady!
I really enjoyed this book; the plot starts slow and builds up captivating the reader until the last pages. It's an easy-to-read story, with a variety of characters and complications that blend perfectly, making this book a hard one to forget.
Overall, a great choice for people looking for a short, down-to-earth story. Definitely recommended!
I really enjoyed this book; the plot starts slow and builds up captivating the reader until the last pages. It's an easy-to-read story, with a variety of characters and complications that blend perfectly, making this book a hard one to forget.
Overall, a great choice for people looking for a short, down-to-earth story. Definitely recommended!
November 19, 2023
There was so much I loved about this book, and nothing with which I could find fault. A perfectly balanced story with characters so real you could reach and touch them, and a captivating story line perfect for its intended audience. There was no holding back in this tale of young people tempted into a world of drugs and crime, only to find themselves way out of their depth. In particular, I loved the ending and how the author, without undue sentiment, without exaggeration, brings the story to a satisfactory, realistic and utterly convincing conclusion. The whole tale is told in sparse and captivating prose and with authentic dialogue. Yep, I loved this book. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
November 19, 2023
A dark and gritty coming-of-age novel I thoroughly enjoyed.
The story of Brady Wilks, who is an outcast in his own home and a third wheel among his older friends, follows the young protagonist through events no teenager should experience. Set in 1982 Las Vegas, Brady’s reckless choices lead to dire encounters with members of a drug cartel and the mob—raw events that are unflinchingly told.
Well-written, fast-paced, rife with danger. and unsentimental is its narration, I found the book hard to put down. Adolescent angst, first love, betrayal, and violence are portrayed in compelling detail. The book is full of life lessons, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.
The story of Brady Wilks, who is an outcast in his own home and a third wheel among his older friends, follows the young protagonist through events no teenager should experience. Set in 1982 Las Vegas, Brady’s reckless choices lead to dire encounters with members of a drug cartel and the mob—raw events that are unflinchingly told.
Well-written, fast-paced, rife with danger. and unsentimental is its narration, I found the book hard to put down. Adolescent angst, first love, betrayal, and violence are portrayed in compelling detail. The book is full of life lessons, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.
August 19, 2024
Third Wheel is a beautiful coming-of-age thriller written by Richard R Becker. The story is set in 1982 in Las Vegas. Brady is the third wheel here; a 14-year-old boy who was living happily with his grandmother who loved to have him around. But cancer succumbed to her life and Brady was forced to live with his unloving mother and step father. Brady’s mother was a grade A narcissist who made sure all her words hurt Brady and made a habit to put him down whenever she got an opportunity. Due to this he found happiness and peace within his friends Mick and Brett who were his neighbours. Brett moves away with his family that left Brady and Mick alone in Vegas. Eventually Mick gets along with the wrong crowd, and pulls Brady into it. Alex was bad news and Mick’s new best friend. While Mick worshipped Alex, Brady saw Alex as who he really is and Alex hated this. Alex was a big-time drug dealer and they all got caught in his web. Alex humiliated Brady regularly, but Brady suffered it all as he didn’t want to leave his friend alone with this crowd. But things take a wrong turn one day and all their life changes.
When I started reading this book I saw Brady as a normal troubled teenager but as the story went by, I started to really see Brady, a young teenager who was struggling to fit in. Brady never got into any fights unless and until someone attacked him. He was a loving and noble kid, but none of his friends or family saw it. All Brady needed was a shoulder to lay and relax, but no one around him was there to do that. Richard R Becker, wrote the character Brady so beautifully. While reading this book I was able to feel all the emotions that Brady went through and I really wanted to hug Brady and tell him that everything is going to be alright. I was not able to put this book down, I finished it in a day. Thank you Richard, for creating such a beautiful story and introducing Brady to me.
When I started reading this book I saw Brady as a normal troubled teenager but as the story went by, I started to really see Brady, a young teenager who was struggling to fit in. Brady never got into any fights unless and until someone attacked him. He was a loving and noble kid, but none of his friends or family saw it. All Brady needed was a shoulder to lay and relax, but no one around him was there to do that. Richard R Becker, wrote the character Brady so beautifully. While reading this book I was able to feel all the emotions that Brady went through and I really wanted to hug Brady and tell him that everything is going to be alright. I was not able to put this book down, I finished it in a day. Thank you Richard, for creating such a beautiful story and introducing Brady to me.
November 8, 2023
Third Wheel by Richard R. Becker
Reviewed By: Sara Hailstone
Content Warning (Drugs, Language, Violence)
Richard R. Becker presents a tenacious coming-of-age YA novel with Third Wheel. The novel pulls us back to 1982 through the troubled youthful eyes of Brady Wilks, a 14-year-old who has just moved to Las Vegas in a time before the geography has exploded. In enduring a dysfunctional home life with his mother and struggling with the death of a grandmother who raised him, Brady becomes attached to a circle of older teens who will soon drag him into an episode of violence and threat of life. Cast in a cloud of drugs, guns and cartels, the boys soon find themselves in over their heads. The reader can be held in suspension wondering what will inevitably become of Brady.
A debut novel by Becker -released in August 2023- the text has received more than a dozen 5-star reviews and has become the finalist for the 2023 Global Book Awards. Becker is an award-winning American author. Known for his collection of literary fiction and psychological thrillers, a piece -50 States- that began as a ‘one story a week’ became a bestseller in 2022. His short story companion piece -Ten Threads- was published as a Kindle exclusive. Becker is also a journalist and has written hundreds of articles, and has appeared in the Denver Post, Los Angeles Times and publications for Simon & Schuster and Paramount Communications. To add to an impressive portfolio, Blecker has previously taught at the University of Nevada for 20 years.
Third Wheel is a novel for underdogs. Threaded through in a bildungsroman concept of maturation and a fight for life, Brady is truly positioned as a transformational protagonist. Readers can navigate the youth’s disputes with family members and struggling with isolation and feeling like an outsider. An underlying theme of the consequences of forcing belonging would make this read a great discussion piece for a mature classroom.
Readers can enjoy delving into the culture of Las Vegas pre-commercialism and walk a thin thread of drug deals amongst a desert landscape. Becker’s writing is fluid entering the reader seamlessly into Brady’s tumultuous world. There is room for discussion as to the tone of the book’s ending that could add another layer of discussion for book circles and classroom dialogue.
Third Wheel takes its place in the genre of young adult fiction with conviction. With a suspenseful plotline and a range of depth amongst characters, I see many readers enjoying this novel.
I leave the novel applying the life mechanisms of 1980s culture and what youth face today. What would become of Brady? The imagination of his lifeline extends beyond the text.
Thank you to Richard R. Becker, Copywrite, Ink. and Coffee and Thorn for the complimentary copy in request for an honest review!
November 29, 2023
This is a nostalgic and unrelenting story of growing up in the 80’s and getting yourself into very adult scrapes as you try and navigate what it means to leave childhood behind.
The main character, Brady, hasn’t ever had anything easy. He lost his gran (the only seemingly stable adult influence in his life) to illness and finds himself living back with his narcissistic mum, uninterested step-dad, and annoying sister in Las Vegas. The light in his days comes from his best friend Mickey, they casually deal drugs to other kids and Mickey’s house is a sanctuary for Brady. Mickey’s parents both work nights so they can maintain some semblance of a stable relationship - this means the house is empty for regular parties. Then the boys get in over their head and everything changes.
This is an engrossing and dark book, that really shows how people on the cusp of adulthood respond to situations - unrequited love has as much impact as dealing with a cartel, both seeming a significant as each other in terms of the effect they’ll have on the rest of your life.
As the story continues, you get glimpses of the men that Brady and Mickey will become. The event that struck me as the one that would have the most long-term impact on both isn’t actually one of the more terrible things that happen, it could almost be seen as a minor plot point, but the treatment of it by the author is clever in giving the hints as to what it leaves the boys thinking and feeling.
Even amongst all the horror of events that most of us won’t have gone through in adolescence, there are plenty of relatable scenes that will transport you back to endless summers with the friends you thought you’d have for life.
The main character, Brady, hasn’t ever had anything easy. He lost his gran (the only seemingly stable adult influence in his life) to illness and finds himself living back with his narcissistic mum, uninterested step-dad, and annoying sister in Las Vegas. The light in his days comes from his best friend Mickey, they casually deal drugs to other kids and Mickey’s house is a sanctuary for Brady. Mickey’s parents both work nights so they can maintain some semblance of a stable relationship - this means the house is empty for regular parties. Then the boys get in over their head and everything changes.
This is an engrossing and dark book, that really shows how people on the cusp of adulthood respond to situations - unrequited love has as much impact as dealing with a cartel, both seeming a significant as each other in terms of the effect they’ll have on the rest of your life.
As the story continues, you get glimpses of the men that Brady and Mickey will become. The event that struck me as the one that would have the most long-term impact on both isn’t actually one of the more terrible things that happen, it could almost be seen as a minor plot point, but the treatment of it by the author is clever in giving the hints as to what it leaves the boys thinking and feeling.
Even amongst all the horror of events that most of us won’t have gone through in adolescence, there are plenty of relatable scenes that will transport you back to endless summers with the friends you thought you’d have for life.
October 4, 2023
A Gritty Tale of Adolescence
Third Wheel by Richard R. Becker takes us on a nostalgic journey to 1982 Las Vegas, where a young protagonist named Brady Wilks grapples with the complexities of life in a Mob-built town. As a newcomer from Cleveland, Brady’s struggle to find his place in this eccentric 24-hour city forms the heart of the novel.
One of the standout features of Third Wheel is the narration. Brian Callanan truly steals the show, adding depth and emotion to the characters and the story. I’m glad he didn’t try and make Brady into a little kid through his performance – in my opinion, the way he acted wouldn’t have mixed with a childish voice. Their performance enhances the overall experience and makes it highly engaging.
Going into this audiobook with little prior knowledge of the plot, I was pleasantly surprised by the narrative. Becker presents the world through the eyes of “I feel older than 14-year-old” Brady. The portrayal of young love and budding emotions was handled with sensitivity, providing a refreshing contrast to the gritty backdrop of the novel.
The dynamics within the group of “friends” Brady becomes entangled with are expertly crafted, infusing tension and anxiety into each scene. Becker skillfully portrays the complexities of teenage relationships and the way they evolve over time. Also giving us a peek behind the curtain into how kids can get swept up into the seedy underbelly. The “favor” owed by one character adds an intriguing twist to the story, keeping the reader guessing about its ultimate resolution.
One aspect that might divide readers is the book’s ending. The story concludes somewhat abruptly, leaving room for interpretation. While some may find this open-ended approach thought-provoking, others might have preferred a more conclusive resolution. Personally, I wish there had been a bit of a longer epilogue, but I think I get why Becker just ended it.
I didn’t want to devote the time my brain wanted — the one character who stands out, albeit in a negative way, is Brady’s mother. Her actions and behavior make her easily hateable, adding layers of conflict to Brady’s already challenging life. She was a monster and it makes me hope that Brady is able to break the cycle and get away from her as quickly as he can.
Third Wheel is a compelling coming-of-age novel that delves into themes of belonging, betrayal, and forging one’s own path. Richard R. Becker paints a vivid picture of 1982 Las Vegas, and Brady Wilks is a transformative protagonist who navigates this world with resilience. While the audiobook’s narration shines, the open-ended conclusion may leave some readers craving more closure. Despite this, the book is an enjoyable and engaging read, and it effectively captures the complexities of adolescence and the pursuit of identity amidst adversity.
Third Wheel by Richard R. Becker takes us on a nostalgic journey to 1982 Las Vegas, where a young protagonist named Brady Wilks grapples with the complexities of life in a Mob-built town. As a newcomer from Cleveland, Brady’s struggle to find his place in this eccentric 24-hour city forms the heart of the novel.
One of the standout features of Third Wheel is the narration. Brian Callanan truly steals the show, adding depth and emotion to the characters and the story. I’m glad he didn’t try and make Brady into a little kid through his performance – in my opinion, the way he acted wouldn’t have mixed with a childish voice. Their performance enhances the overall experience and makes it highly engaging.
Going into this audiobook with little prior knowledge of the plot, I was pleasantly surprised by the narrative. Becker presents the world through the eyes of “I feel older than 14-year-old” Brady. The portrayal of young love and budding emotions was handled with sensitivity, providing a refreshing contrast to the gritty backdrop of the novel.
The dynamics within the group of “friends” Brady becomes entangled with are expertly crafted, infusing tension and anxiety into each scene. Becker skillfully portrays the complexities of teenage relationships and the way they evolve over time. Also giving us a peek behind the curtain into how kids can get swept up into the seedy underbelly. The “favor” owed by one character adds an intriguing twist to the story, keeping the reader guessing about its ultimate resolution.
One aspect that might divide readers is the book’s ending. The story concludes somewhat abruptly, leaving room for interpretation. While some may find this open-ended approach thought-provoking, others might have preferred a more conclusive resolution. Personally, I wish there had been a bit of a longer epilogue, but I think I get why Becker just ended it.
I didn’t want to devote the time my brain wanted — the one character who stands out, albeit in a negative way, is Brady’s mother. Her actions and behavior make her easily hateable, adding layers of conflict to Brady’s already challenging life. She was a monster and it makes me hope that Brady is able to break the cycle and get away from her as quickly as he can.
Third Wheel is a compelling coming-of-age novel that delves into themes of belonging, betrayal, and forging one’s own path. Richard R. Becker paints a vivid picture of 1982 Las Vegas, and Brady Wilks is a transformative protagonist who navigates this world with resilience. While the audiobook’s narration shines, the open-ended conclusion may leave some readers craving more closure. Despite this, the book is an enjoyable and engaging read, and it effectively captures the complexities of adolescence and the pursuit of identity amidst adversity.
September 11, 2023
Gritty story
Las Vegas in the early '80s was not always a pretty and glittering town. For some, the vulnerable and poor especially it proves to be a Breaking Point or a proving ground. The main character in this book is a young boy who falls in with the wrong crowd in search for a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose, and ultimately a home. However what he finds is much more dangerous and possibly deadly. This book was a fantastic novel especially because of the fact that it is a first time novel from this author. You don't often find books that deal with such sensitive topics, are so well written, and have a satisfying ending from first time offers. So this is very well done.
Las Vegas in the early '80s was not always a pretty and glittering town. For some, the vulnerable and poor especially it proves to be a Breaking Point or a proving ground. The main character in this book is a young boy who falls in with the wrong crowd in search for a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose, and ultimately a home. However what he finds is much more dangerous and possibly deadly. This book was a fantastic novel especially because of the fact that it is a first time novel from this author. You don't often find books that deal with such sensitive topics, are so well written, and have a satisfying ending from first time offers. So this is very well done.
October 8, 2023
The fascinating book “Third Wheel” written by Richard R. Becker explores Brady Wilks' life, his difficult past, the obstacles he faces, his precarious situation and his struggles to belong and find his identity.
This coming-of-age drama is absolutely captivating and this is mainly due to the great author’s writing style. His thrilling and creative narrative vividly and accurately transports readers to Las Vegas in 1982.The settings are fully described, the characters are well-rounded and the dialogue flows smoothly through all the conversations.
I loved this book and can't wait for more to come! It’s an absolute must read for readers who enjoy a well-developed story filled with action, intrigue and unexpected twists.
This coming-of-age drama is absolutely captivating and this is mainly due to the great author’s writing style. His thrilling and creative narrative vividly and accurately transports readers to Las Vegas in 1982.The settings are fully described, the characters are well-rounded and the dialogue flows smoothly through all the conversations.
I loved this book and can't wait for more to come! It’s an absolute must read for readers who enjoy a well-developed story filled with action, intrigue and unexpected twists.
September 11, 2023
“Third Wheel” is an amazing thriller by the awarded author Richard R. Becker. This dark and intriguing novel is set in Las Vegas in 1982. The book tells the story of Brady Wilks, a teenage transplant from the Midwest who is trying to find his identity and his place in life in the sin city. It is a truly reflection of the teenage age, where adolescents immerse themselves in obscure worlds and relationships trying to find their own path and personality. The ideas of friendship, betrayal, justice and loyalty are present throughout the novel creating a mysterious atmosphere and making it impossible to put the book down. Everyone will find something to appreciate in this thought-provoking story.
September 11, 2024
A big thank you to @henryroi.pr for the ebook for review.
'We rode the cloud for a few more miles before the living room lights at my house came into view, and all those little troubles started to find their way back into my life.'
First published in August 2023 this coming of age thriller follows 14 year old Brady Wilks and his troublesome life in Las Vegas.
I went into this story expecting a typical bad boy getting mixed up in fights and drugs but Brady is a much deeper character than that & we get a novel of psychological issues, dysfunctional family, isolation and the need to belong, the wrong kind of friends, crime & guns, drugs & knives, teenage romance and suspense.
Brady invites our sympathies. His beloved grandmother has died and he's had to move to Vegas to live with his mum's new family.
They don't really want him and his mother blames him for any troubles as well as taking almost sadistic pleasure in disciplining and controlling him.
Of course this just forces him to stray further from the right path.
He's initially tried fitting in with making friends with the slightly older boy next door and a small group of them get into gaming nights of Dungeons and Dragons.
But even with this camaraderie Brady is very much the third wheel being the youngest and this distance widens when Alex joins the group.
Alex is into drugs. Selling as well as using. Mild ones at first but then cocaine and then there's a chance of making some real money with a heroin deal out in the desert.
Brady knows it's wrong but he can't help tagging along.
To say the deal goes sideways is a massive understatement and it's at this point that the action and thriller aspects ramp up.
The teenage love is not your usual romance. Brady is completely smitten with the beautiful Cheryl. Problem is she's a few years older, something she doesn't initially realise due to his height.
A relationship with its own problems but the growing friendship is sweet and shows another side of Brady's personality.
Well written with great characters and intriguing plot.
A triumph!
'We rode the cloud for a few more miles before the living room lights at my house came into view, and all those little troubles started to find their way back into my life.'
First published in August 2023 this coming of age thriller follows 14 year old Brady Wilks and his troublesome life in Las Vegas.
I went into this story expecting a typical bad boy getting mixed up in fights and drugs but Brady is a much deeper character than that & we get a novel of psychological issues, dysfunctional family, isolation and the need to belong, the wrong kind of friends, crime & guns, drugs & knives, teenage romance and suspense.
Brady invites our sympathies. His beloved grandmother has died and he's had to move to Vegas to live with his mum's new family.
They don't really want him and his mother blames him for any troubles as well as taking almost sadistic pleasure in disciplining and controlling him.
Of course this just forces him to stray further from the right path.
He's initially tried fitting in with making friends with the slightly older boy next door and a small group of them get into gaming nights of Dungeons and Dragons.
But even with this camaraderie Brady is very much the third wheel being the youngest and this distance widens when Alex joins the group.
Alex is into drugs. Selling as well as using. Mild ones at first but then cocaine and then there's a chance of making some real money with a heroin deal out in the desert.
Brady knows it's wrong but he can't help tagging along.
To say the deal goes sideways is a massive understatement and it's at this point that the action and thriller aspects ramp up.
The teenage love is not your usual romance. Brady is completely smitten with the beautiful Cheryl. Problem is she's a few years older, something she doesn't initially realise due to his height.
A relationship with its own problems but the growing friendship is sweet and shows another side of Brady's personality.
Well written with great characters and intriguing plot.
A triumph!
October 21, 2024
Richard R. Becker's Third Wheel is an evocative and gritty portrayal of friendship, loss, and resilience. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, the story follows protagonist Brady Wilks as he navigates a maze of choices and circumstances that echo long after the pages turn. What stood out most to me was Becker’s ability to capture the raw, unfiltered reality of growing up and the weight of decisions made at a young age.
The characters feel so authentic that you might forget they exist only within the book’s world. Brady’s journey, in particular, struck a chord—his sense of longing and attempts to reconcile with his past are deeply relatable and poignant. Becker has a talent for depicting the small moments that shape lives, and his writing style is both sharp and reflective.
While some parts of the narrative move at a slower pace, it’s all in service of building a sense of authenticity and depth. If you’re a fan of coming-of-age stories with a nostalgic yet powerful twist, Third Wheel is definitely worth picking up. Becker has crafted a story that lingers, asking you to reflect on your own life’s turning points.
The characters feel so authentic that you might forget they exist only within the book’s world. Brady’s journey, in particular, struck a chord—his sense of longing and attempts to reconcile with his past are deeply relatable and poignant. Becker has a talent for depicting the small moments that shape lives, and his writing style is both sharp and reflective.
While some parts of the narrative move at a slower pace, it’s all in service of building a sense of authenticity and depth. If you’re a fan of coming-of-age stories with a nostalgic yet powerful twist, Third Wheel is definitely worth picking up. Becker has crafted a story that lingers, asking you to reflect on your own life’s turning points.
September 12, 2024
I honestly don’t know if I would have picked up this book but I am so glad I did because I could not put it down. The story follows Brady who is 14 and growing up in Las Vegas and trying to find his place in the world when his friends consider him a child and his parents don’t seem all too happy to have him. This book perfectly captures all the complexities of growing up and although I would not be friends with Brady I loved seeing his growth. My only critique of the book was at times i felt the author explained things that I felt were common knowledge (I have played D&D before and have in heard the expression rolling a nat (natural) 20 before but maybe thats just me). This book really is the perfect coming of age story with a Goodfellas vibes which I really enjoyed. Brady is a complex and well written character so even if you don’t relate to his life experiences you will enjoy this book!
Read
September 11, 2023Fun read
I enjoyed reading this book about teenagers running around and getting into trouble during the 80s in Las Vegas. The drama was a little over the top, with bullies and fighting happening around every corner, but I guess that's the world of teenage drug dealers. It's a cool coming of age story about a group of friends and the dynamics caused by their varied personalities. The main character, Brady, is the youngest, and always trying to keep up and puff himself up to feel as tough and cool as his older friends. And as always in these coming-of-age stories, he's dealing with a troubled home and of course, girls. Good story and I'd recommend it. I really liked the setting of hot and dry old school Vegas as the backdrop for these kids.
I enjoyed reading this book about teenagers running around and getting into trouble during the 80s in Las Vegas. The drama was a little over the top, with bullies and fighting happening around every corner, but I guess that's the world of teenage drug dealers. It's a cool coming of age story about a group of friends and the dynamics caused by their varied personalities. The main character, Brady, is the youngest, and always trying to keep up and puff himself up to feel as tough and cool as his older friends. And as always in these coming-of-age stories, he's dealing with a troubled home and of course, girls. Good story and I'd recommend it. I really liked the setting of hot and dry old school Vegas as the backdrop for these kids.
November 1, 2023
THIRD WHEEL by Richard R Becker
A Book Review by AZP
November 2023
A reflection came into my mind when I finished reading the book:
When one is born into this world, it is not his or her choice to be born and be raised in a family or community with a silver spoon or on a mere hand-to-mouth footing. Everyone wishes to be loved and cared for unconditionally. Everyone hopes for a meaningful, safe, and humane existence.
In this book, the theme, the plot, and the characters, especially the main protagonist are all memorable. They linger in the mind. I find myself so driven to reach out to the characters and yet so helpless as well to do something about the situation. And so, I choose my way - the path of acceptance. Acceptance because we live in a real world around us that is not perfect. The good, the bad, and the better aspects continuously co-exist, roll into one, and are unfolding and chaotic.
The narratives are vividly woven, raw, and emphatic. Their effect on me is enduring.
Significant scenes of the book drive me into many felt emotions, wonderment, and ponderance. Sometimes I muttered words of disbelief! On other pages, as my reading progressed, I laughed and then cried, and so on and so forth.
Though the book is presenting that the movement and progression of the world and things are beyond an individual’s control, it however successfully asserts that one has always had a choice and that choice is potent enough to make a change and difference.
A coming-of-age book set in the 80s, it is intensely conveyed, credibly presented, and full of life lessons to hold on to. A tale that is worth the time and courage to read.
A Book Review by AZP
November 2023
A reflection came into my mind when I finished reading the book:
When one is born into this world, it is not his or her choice to be born and be raised in a family or community with a silver spoon or on a mere hand-to-mouth footing. Everyone wishes to be loved and cared for unconditionally. Everyone hopes for a meaningful, safe, and humane existence.
In this book, the theme, the plot, and the characters, especially the main protagonist are all memorable. They linger in the mind. I find myself so driven to reach out to the characters and yet so helpless as well to do something about the situation. And so, I choose my way - the path of acceptance. Acceptance because we live in a real world around us that is not perfect. The good, the bad, and the better aspects continuously co-exist, roll into one, and are unfolding and chaotic.
The narratives are vividly woven, raw, and emphatic. Their effect on me is enduring.
Significant scenes of the book drive me into many felt emotions, wonderment, and ponderance. Sometimes I muttered words of disbelief! On other pages, as my reading progressed, I laughed and then cried, and so on and so forth.
Though the book is presenting that the movement and progression of the world and things are beyond an individual’s control, it however successfully asserts that one has always had a choice and that choice is potent enough to make a change and difference.
A coming-of-age book set in the 80s, it is intensely conveyed, credibly presented, and full of life lessons to hold on to. A tale that is worth the time and courage to read.
September 15, 2023
An Unflinching Look at Adolescence
"The Third Wheel" is a powerful and captivating book. It resonates with the challenges of adolescence, a time we have all been through but sometimes struggle to remember. Through the characters Brady Wilks and Mick, the novel rekindles those adolescent experiences and emotions.
What makes this book stand out is its unflinching honesty. It refrains from romanticizing the less appealing aspects and mistakes that are often made during this stage of life.
This novel encompasses the entire spectrum of adolescent existence: from the raw emotions and exhilarating highs to the inevitable lows, along with the dynamics of youth, action, and the complexities of drug use. It is a gripping and absorbing read, vividly portraying youth in all its splendor and chaos. This book offers a powerful insight into this stage, making it an unforgettable literary journey.
"The Third Wheel" is a powerful and captivating book. It resonates with the challenges of adolescence, a time we have all been through but sometimes struggle to remember. Through the characters Brady Wilks and Mick, the novel rekindles those adolescent experiences and emotions.
What makes this book stand out is its unflinching honesty. It refrains from romanticizing the less appealing aspects and mistakes that are often made during this stage of life.
This novel encompasses the entire spectrum of adolescent existence: from the raw emotions and exhilarating highs to the inevitable lows, along with the dynamics of youth, action, and the complexities of drug use. It is a gripping and absorbing read, vividly portraying youth in all its splendor and chaos. This book offers a powerful insight into this stage, making it an unforgettable literary journey.
December 20, 2023
Interesting read
September 12, 2023
gripping
“Third Wheel” by Richard Becker is a powerful book. Being a teenager is definitely not easy, we have all been through that. But sometimes, it’s easy to forget what it felt like. Through Brady Wilks and Mick, it will become an easy thing to remember what it was like to go through such a turmoil. What I liked about this book is that it is very straight to the point and it doesn’t try to romanticize certain “ugly” things and mistakes people commit in those phases of life.
This book contains it all; harsh feelings and emotions, ups and downs, action and drugs. I can definitely recommend reading this as it is very gripping.
“Third Wheel” by Richard Becker is a powerful book. Being a teenager is definitely not easy, we have all been through that. But sometimes, it’s easy to forget what it felt like. Through Brady Wilks and Mick, it will become an easy thing to remember what it was like to go through such a turmoil. What I liked about this book is that it is very straight to the point and it doesn’t try to romanticize certain “ugly” things and mistakes people commit in those phases of life.
This book contains it all; harsh feelings and emotions, ups and downs, action and drugs. I can definitely recommend reading this as it is very gripping.
August 22, 2024
I picked up this book because the author is coming to bookstore for a signing. At first, I thought this might not be too good because the writing is much different than other books I’ve read. It’s more YA. But the story is told from one kids perspective over a summer in the 80’s. He gets mixed up with some bad friends and how he deals with it. At the end, the one line sums it up “They (kids) don’t know they can stand up for what’s right.”
November 17, 2023
Spoilers: Richard R. Becker’s previous book, 50 States, was an ambitious and ultimately successful endeavor in which he wrote an anthology of fifty stories that were set in each state. His drive to capture the setting, dialect, and character of each state and its residents was perfection beyond comparison.
Becker's next work, Third Wheel, is a bit less ambitious but still a brilliant work. It begins as a nostalgia piece of 80’s kids living their best days during a time of music videos, shopping malls, and Dungeons and Dragons. Instead it becomes a much darker and grittier take involving greed, corruption, violence, and murder.
In 1982, teenager Brady Wilkins moved with his family from the Midwest to suburban Las Vegas. Brady feels out of place in Party Town and joins a group of friends including older boys, Mick and Brett in playing Dungeons and Dragons. After Brett moves away, Mick draws in another kid, Alex, into their inner circle. Unfortunately, Alex's interests lie less in the realms of fantasy with paladins, clerics, thieves, and wizards and more in the real world of gangsters, dealers, addicts, and criminals. Alex becomes involved in drug dealing and then gets his friends into the scheme. Suddenly, Brady finds his close network of friends are not the people that he thought they were.
The book is a definite change of tone. It begins light-hearted with a strong tinge of nostalgia. I actually lived in Las Vegas from 1989-90 (while my father worked at Nellis Air Force Base. Yes, that Nellis, conspiracy buffs!) so it's actually very easy for me to picture the setting and time period.
The first few chapters seem to imply a fun romp with high school hijinks and plenty of details to remind any 80’s kid. If you were a D&D player, the references and descriptions of game play will be fun to read through.
We also see the wild parties when the parents are gone. When underage drinking and drug taking flows freely, the hook ups are plentiful, the cops are a phone call away, and someone's parent arrives at literally the worst moment. It's a tried and true staple of any coming of age story particularly one set during the rad consumerist spoiled spirit of the 80’s.
Brady is the typical kid who is on the outside of this group. He enjoys the D&D games and the parties but he's on the outer fringes of the in crowd. He sees other kids acting more daring and wilder than he does. He is often just the hanger on and after thought, the one that the cooler kids “forget” to pass the joint to and probably think he should just stay home. He isn't geeky enough to be a nerd and not wild enough to be a stoner. Brady's just there.
During these early chapters, there are hints of a dark undercurrent because of Alex. During the D&D games, he declared that fantasy games are stupid and knows where they can have some real fun. Then he starts lecturing them about Church of Satan founder, Anton LaVey more to shock his friends than actually following any of LaVey’s teachings. At the parties, he gives his friends hard drugs instead of the usual pot almost as if testing the effects on them. He then gets Brady and Mick into drug dealing to the point that when Brett returns to the group, he barely recognizes his old friends.
Once the drug dealing and criminal activity becomes prominent, lighthearted nostalgia ends. Third Wheel becomes a dark gritty crime drama. What was once fun and games and a way to relieve boredom becomes a means to get money, respect, and to survive.
Brady falls into Alex’s world feet first. At first, it's exciting and shakes up his world but the more he falls in, the more he loses parts of himself-friends, love interests, family, and parts of his identity.
There is a point in the book where the dark undercurrents become overcurrents. Violence ensues and everything that Brady once did, thought, and believed is called into question. He is left to face the real consequences of what a life can bring and how much he stands to lose.
Third Wheel takes different tones and does both well. It's a comparatively smaller work than 50 States but no less brilliant and powerful.
Becker's next work, Third Wheel, is a bit less ambitious but still a brilliant work. It begins as a nostalgia piece of 80’s kids living their best days during a time of music videos, shopping malls, and Dungeons and Dragons. Instead it becomes a much darker and grittier take involving greed, corruption, violence, and murder.
In 1982, teenager Brady Wilkins moved with his family from the Midwest to suburban Las Vegas. Brady feels out of place in Party Town and joins a group of friends including older boys, Mick and Brett in playing Dungeons and Dragons. After Brett moves away, Mick draws in another kid, Alex, into their inner circle. Unfortunately, Alex's interests lie less in the realms of fantasy with paladins, clerics, thieves, and wizards and more in the real world of gangsters, dealers, addicts, and criminals. Alex becomes involved in drug dealing and then gets his friends into the scheme. Suddenly, Brady finds his close network of friends are not the people that he thought they were.
The book is a definite change of tone. It begins light-hearted with a strong tinge of nostalgia. I actually lived in Las Vegas from 1989-90 (while my father worked at Nellis Air Force Base. Yes, that Nellis, conspiracy buffs!) so it's actually very easy for me to picture the setting and time period.
The first few chapters seem to imply a fun romp with high school hijinks and plenty of details to remind any 80’s kid. If you were a D&D player, the references and descriptions of game play will be fun to read through.
We also see the wild parties when the parents are gone. When underage drinking and drug taking flows freely, the hook ups are plentiful, the cops are a phone call away, and someone's parent arrives at literally the worst moment. It's a tried and true staple of any coming of age story particularly one set during the rad consumerist spoiled spirit of the 80’s.
Brady is the typical kid who is on the outside of this group. He enjoys the D&D games and the parties but he's on the outer fringes of the in crowd. He sees other kids acting more daring and wilder than he does. He is often just the hanger on and after thought, the one that the cooler kids “forget” to pass the joint to and probably think he should just stay home. He isn't geeky enough to be a nerd and not wild enough to be a stoner. Brady's just there.
During these early chapters, there are hints of a dark undercurrent because of Alex. During the D&D games, he declared that fantasy games are stupid and knows where they can have some real fun. Then he starts lecturing them about Church of Satan founder, Anton LaVey more to shock his friends than actually following any of LaVey’s teachings. At the parties, he gives his friends hard drugs instead of the usual pot almost as if testing the effects on them. He then gets Brady and Mick into drug dealing to the point that when Brett returns to the group, he barely recognizes his old friends.
Once the drug dealing and criminal activity becomes prominent, lighthearted nostalgia ends. Third Wheel becomes a dark gritty crime drama. What was once fun and games and a way to relieve boredom becomes a means to get money, respect, and to survive.
Brady falls into Alex’s world feet first. At first, it's exciting and shakes up his world but the more he falls in, the more he loses parts of himself-friends, love interests, family, and parts of his identity.
There is a point in the book where the dark undercurrents become overcurrents. Violence ensues and everything that Brady once did, thought, and believed is called into question. He is left to face the real consequences of what a life can bring and how much he stands to lose.
Third Wheel takes different tones and does both well. It's a comparatively smaller work than 50 States but no less brilliant and powerful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2024
From my inexpert perspective of coming-of-age stories, my inclination is to imagine a rising maturing, with setbacks, ultimately leading to formative growth. In the case of fourteen-year-old Brady Wilks, the first person narrator of Third Wheel by Richard Becker, it's a little different.
For Brady, it's more a joint reconciling of age: an ascent when it comes to his family; a descent from a more mature, albeit unrefined, worldly position when it comes to others. He acts and feels and thinks beyond his years, unafraid to challenge older kids and adults, mentally and physically, despite his slight frame. He even attracts a girl, Cheryl, who's nearly four years his elder.
Yet in many ways he's still a little kid, especially with his exacting and often harsh mother, in whose presence he tends to cower. But behind her back he's as much a (often poor) liar and troublemaker as his small time drug peddling pals, frequently escaping out his bedroom window to party or engage in other activities of varying legality.
He doesn't have to venture far because the best parties occur at the house of Brady's next door neighbour and best friend Mick, whose parents' night shifts leave their house primed for exploitation by this group of teens. They're all at least a year older than Brady and many have cars. They also aren't as overtly concerned about age image, even though they still share Brady's avid affection for Dungeons and Dragons.
One exception is Alex, too cool for D&D, and a real bad seed who's several levels more extreme than all the others. He's a recent friend of Mick's, a replacement of another boy, Brett, who'd recently moved away in their closer three-friend hierarchy. Which means keeping Brady relegated to the title of the book: Third Wheel. Worse, Alex's disdain for Brady is strong and he only reluctantly includes Brady with the other boys in a drug deal that promises to bring in more money than their parents make.
To Brady's delight, Brett does return for a visit in time to participate in the transaction that will take place during the dark hours in the desert. This becomes the action apex of the novel and of what is an unusually eventful summer for Brady. One in which he navigates getting an older girlfriend from whom he conceals his age, heated arguments with his mother, fights and altercations involving guns, and even a mob encounter.
Through the betrayals and lies (his own and others'), Brady experiences a wide spectrum of emotions between sorrow and elation, all along struggling to assert himself as older, or just old enough. Being treated as too young is an easily pushed button for the likes of Alex, which only blunts his appreciation for the people who care about him to whom he can be dismissive.
It's a rich story with a lot of characters, some of whom are similarly experience a coming-of-age. I did find I had to suspend my disbelief at times to accept so much happening with Brady, but not more than one would expect in YA fiction.
The story takes place in Las Vegas in 1982, although the city and The Strip, act more as a backdrop. Brady came from Ohio and sees it as the ugliest city in daytime and at night the prettiest, but otherwise seems to have no attachment to it. Other than the climate and proximity of the desert for some scenes, the setting is a suburbia that's common to many cities.
It was compelling watching Brady reconcile his age. The plot proceeds at an appropriate pace, quickening when it should, slowing when the drama needs extra focus. The simple consistently strong prose helps. It truly sounds like a maturing fourteen-year-old plausibly sharing his experiences and discoveries in a Holden Caulfield way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For Brady, it's more a joint reconciling of age: an ascent when it comes to his family; a descent from a more mature, albeit unrefined, worldly position when it comes to others. He acts and feels and thinks beyond his years, unafraid to challenge older kids and adults, mentally and physically, despite his slight frame. He even attracts a girl, Cheryl, who's nearly four years his elder.
Yet in many ways he's still a little kid, especially with his exacting and often harsh mother, in whose presence he tends to cower. But behind her back he's as much a (often poor) liar and troublemaker as his small time drug peddling pals, frequently escaping out his bedroom window to party or engage in other activities of varying legality.
He doesn't have to venture far because the best parties occur at the house of Brady's next door neighbour and best friend Mick, whose parents' night shifts leave their house primed for exploitation by this group of teens. They're all at least a year older than Brady and many have cars. They also aren't as overtly concerned about age image, even though they still share Brady's avid affection for Dungeons and Dragons.
One exception is Alex, too cool for D&D, and a real bad seed who's several levels more extreme than all the others. He's a recent friend of Mick's, a replacement of another boy, Brett, who'd recently moved away in their closer three-friend hierarchy. Which means keeping Brady relegated to the title of the book: Third Wheel. Worse, Alex's disdain for Brady is strong and he only reluctantly includes Brady with the other boys in a drug deal that promises to bring in more money than their parents make.
To Brady's delight, Brett does return for a visit in time to participate in the transaction that will take place during the dark hours in the desert. This becomes the action apex of the novel and of what is an unusually eventful summer for Brady. One in which he navigates getting an older girlfriend from whom he conceals his age, heated arguments with his mother, fights and altercations involving guns, and even a mob encounter.
Through the betrayals and lies (his own and others'), Brady experiences a wide spectrum of emotions between sorrow and elation, all along struggling to assert himself as older, or just old enough. Being treated as too young is an easily pushed button for the likes of Alex, which only blunts his appreciation for the people who care about him to whom he can be dismissive.
It's a rich story with a lot of characters, some of whom are similarly experience a coming-of-age. I did find I had to suspend my disbelief at times to accept so much happening with Brady, but not more than one would expect in YA fiction.
The story takes place in Las Vegas in 1982, although the city and The Strip, act more as a backdrop. Brady came from Ohio and sees it as the ugliest city in daytime and at night the prettiest, but otherwise seems to have no attachment to it. Other than the climate and proximity of the desert for some scenes, the setting is a suburbia that's common to many cities.
It was compelling watching Brady reconcile his age. The plot proceeds at an appropriate pace, quickening when it should, slowing when the drama needs extra focus. The simple consistently strong prose helps. It truly sounds like a maturing fourteen-year-old plausibly sharing his experiences and discoveries in a Holden Caulfield way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 25, 2023
A masterfully crafted story...
"Third Wheel" by Richard R. Becker takes readers on a captivating journey through the intricate tapestry of 1982 Las Vegas. In this city of paradoxes, Brady Wilks, a young transplant from the Midwest, finds himself navigating a reality that's as intriguing as it is contradictory. Set against the backdrop of a 24-hour town constructed by the Mob, where glamour and grit exist side by side, Brady's life unfolds in the dusty suburban outskirts.
Within this world, Brady faces a twofold challenge. He grapples with being an outsider in his blended family, a situation that often leaves him isolated and struggling to find his place. Simultaneously, he's a newcomer in the neighborhood, an unfamiliar face in a community where fitting in seems like an uphill battle.
Amid the complexities of his existence, Brady's life takes a turn when he unexpectedly forges a connection with Mick, an older teenage neighbor, and Brett, Mick's friend. Their camaraderie becomes a lifeline, a source of comfort and belonging that Brady desperately craves. Yet, as life is wont to do, change knocks on their door. Brett's sudden departure reshapes their dynamics, prompting Mick to introduce a new member into their tight-knit group.
This introduction serves as a pivotal point in the story. The group's dynamics shift, leading them into uncharted territories. As they traverse the landscape of cartel-influenced drugs and opportunities that seem too good to pass up, their once-familiar world transforms into something entirely different. The novel masterfully captures the essence of these changes, painting a vivid picture of Brady's journey from innocence to experience, from childhood to adulthood.
At its core, "Third Wheel" is a powerful exploration of multifaceted themes. It delves into the intricate complexities of belonging and betrayal, shedding light on the challenges of breaking away from paths laid out by others. Brady's journey becomes a metaphor for the universal quest to define oneself, even in the absence of role models, and the courage it takes to embrace an uncertain future.
In the midst of the desolate and gritty backdrop, a triumphant tale unfolds. Brady Wilks emerges as a remarkably transformative protagonist, his growth and evolution serving as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Through Becker's skilled narration, the city of Las Vegas itself becomes a character, intricately woven into the fabric of the story.
Richard R. Becker, a four-time award-winning author, once again showcases his unique insight into the human condition. "Third Wheel" isn't merely a novel; it's a compelling narrative that grips readers from the first page and doesn't let go. With its carefully crafted characters, vivid settings, and exploration of life's intricate nuances, this book is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to illuminate the human experience.
For fans of coming-of-age stories, this is a must-read. Very highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.
"Third Wheel" by Richard R. Becker takes readers on a captivating journey through the intricate tapestry of 1982 Las Vegas. In this city of paradoxes, Brady Wilks, a young transplant from the Midwest, finds himself navigating a reality that's as intriguing as it is contradictory. Set against the backdrop of a 24-hour town constructed by the Mob, where glamour and grit exist side by side, Brady's life unfolds in the dusty suburban outskirts.
Within this world, Brady faces a twofold challenge. He grapples with being an outsider in his blended family, a situation that often leaves him isolated and struggling to find his place. Simultaneously, he's a newcomer in the neighborhood, an unfamiliar face in a community where fitting in seems like an uphill battle.
Amid the complexities of his existence, Brady's life takes a turn when he unexpectedly forges a connection with Mick, an older teenage neighbor, and Brett, Mick's friend. Their camaraderie becomes a lifeline, a source of comfort and belonging that Brady desperately craves. Yet, as life is wont to do, change knocks on their door. Brett's sudden departure reshapes their dynamics, prompting Mick to introduce a new member into their tight-knit group.
This introduction serves as a pivotal point in the story. The group's dynamics shift, leading them into uncharted territories. As they traverse the landscape of cartel-influenced drugs and opportunities that seem too good to pass up, their once-familiar world transforms into something entirely different. The novel masterfully captures the essence of these changes, painting a vivid picture of Brady's journey from innocence to experience, from childhood to adulthood.
At its core, "Third Wheel" is a powerful exploration of multifaceted themes. It delves into the intricate complexities of belonging and betrayal, shedding light on the challenges of breaking away from paths laid out by others. Brady's journey becomes a metaphor for the universal quest to define oneself, even in the absence of role models, and the courage it takes to embrace an uncertain future.
In the midst of the desolate and gritty backdrop, a triumphant tale unfolds. Brady Wilks emerges as a remarkably transformative protagonist, his growth and evolution serving as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Through Becker's skilled narration, the city of Las Vegas itself becomes a character, intricately woven into the fabric of the story.
Richard R. Becker, a four-time award-winning author, once again showcases his unique insight into the human condition. "Third Wheel" isn't merely a novel; it's a compelling narrative that grips readers from the first page and doesn't let go. With its carefully crafted characters, vivid settings, and exploration of life's intricate nuances, this book is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to illuminate the human experience.
For fans of coming-of-age stories, this is a must-read. Very highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.
October 12, 2023
Life in Las Vegas was very different from life in the Midwest, where Brady Wilks had previously lived. Brady has a lot of navigating to do in this new city. Fitting in with his newly blended family was difficult enough. Making friends was also tough for him because he was a newcomer to a new location. Brady moved in next door to Mick, an older teen. Brady and his family met Mick's family in person at a summer get-to-know-you barbecue thrown by Mick's parents.
Mick and Brady quickly became fast friends, and then best friends. Brady's little group of friends included himself, Mick, and Brett. Brett's move to West Virginia altered the group's bond. Mick welcomed Alex as a new member of the gang. Their friend group took an unexpected turn. What effect will the addition of a new member have on the group? Will this strengthen or weaken the friend group? To learn more, read Richard Becker's Third Wheel.
A good deal of relatability and nostalgia are present in this novel. I can't say for sure, but based on my experience, I assume that most readers have experienced a friendship betrayal at least once in high school or even in their lifetime. I was able to completely comprehend Brady's point of view. Even while having friends is crucial, there are some people we should think twice about including in our circle of acquaintances. The members of Brady's friend group have various personalities, each of them being unique from the other. The characters' personalities gave a good balance to the book's plot.
The opening page of chapter one brought the plot to life. The narrative approach Becker used in this book made me feel as though I had just entered a room where Third Wheel was being shown on the TV. I adore how the plot developed with each individual appearing to have their unique thoughts. If a character had a furrow on their face or even a smirk, Becker's writing style powerfully reflected the feelings of these people. I appreciate that Becker didn't include a lot of background information about the key characters in the first chapter, but what was included was just enough to capture the reader's interest.
The reality of life, including all of its flaws, was depicted in this book. I initially couldn't comprehend why Brady would choose to put up with all of the things he had to put up with for the sake of friendship. I quickly bit my lip in recognition as to why he was acting the way he was. The book gives more information as you read it. One of this book's best qualities, in my opinion, was its vulnerability. Teenagers, children, and adults can all learn valuable lessons about betrayal and social acceptability from this novel.
Furthermore, I found nothing disagreeable in this work; I appreciate how detailed it is and the idea Becker depicted in this book. In addition, there were no errors in this work, as it was exceptionally edited. Therefore I rate Third Wheel 5 out of 5 stars.
I recommend Third Wheel to both elderly and young readers because of the topic this book has covered and the lessons it will teach them.
Mick and Brady quickly became fast friends, and then best friends. Brady's little group of friends included himself, Mick, and Brett. Brett's move to West Virginia altered the group's bond. Mick welcomed Alex as a new member of the gang. Their friend group took an unexpected turn. What effect will the addition of a new member have on the group? Will this strengthen or weaken the friend group? To learn more, read Richard Becker's Third Wheel.
A good deal of relatability and nostalgia are present in this novel. I can't say for sure, but based on my experience, I assume that most readers have experienced a friendship betrayal at least once in high school or even in their lifetime. I was able to completely comprehend Brady's point of view. Even while having friends is crucial, there are some people we should think twice about including in our circle of acquaintances. The members of Brady's friend group have various personalities, each of them being unique from the other. The characters' personalities gave a good balance to the book's plot.
The opening page of chapter one brought the plot to life. The narrative approach Becker used in this book made me feel as though I had just entered a room where Third Wheel was being shown on the TV. I adore how the plot developed with each individual appearing to have their unique thoughts. If a character had a furrow on their face or even a smirk, Becker's writing style powerfully reflected the feelings of these people. I appreciate that Becker didn't include a lot of background information about the key characters in the first chapter, but what was included was just enough to capture the reader's interest.
The reality of life, including all of its flaws, was depicted in this book. I initially couldn't comprehend why Brady would choose to put up with all of the things he had to put up with for the sake of friendship. I quickly bit my lip in recognition as to why he was acting the way he was. The book gives more information as you read it. One of this book's best qualities, in my opinion, was its vulnerability. Teenagers, children, and adults can all learn valuable lessons about betrayal and social acceptability from this novel.
Furthermore, I found nothing disagreeable in this work; I appreciate how detailed it is and the idea Becker depicted in this book. In addition, there were no errors in this work, as it was exceptionally edited. Therefore I rate Third Wheel 5 out of 5 stars.
I recommend Third Wheel to both elderly and young readers because of the topic this book has covered and the lessons it will teach them.
September 6, 2023
"Third Wheel" by Richard R. Becker is a gritty and captivating coming-of-age novel set against the backdrop of Las Vegas in 1982. In this evocative tale, Becker skillfully weaves together the complexities of teenage life, the allure of a 24-hour town built by the Mob, and the universal quest for identity and belonging.
The story follows Brady Wilks, a teenager who has recently relocated from the Midwest to the dusty suburban outskirts of Las Vegas. As an outsider in a town where everyone seems to know everyone else's business, Brady grapples with the paradoxical existence of a city that never sleeps, yet where he often feels isolated and out of place. Becker excels at portraying the stark contrast between the glittering façade of Las Vegas and the desolate reality of its suburban fringes.
At the heart of the narrative is Brady's journey towards self-discovery and acceptance. He struggles with fitting into his blended family and yearns for genuine connection. It's through his chance encounter with Mick, an older teenage neighbor, and his friend Brett, that Brady begins to find a sense of belonging. These characters are richly developed, and their relationships are both authentic and relatable. The camaraderie that develops between them serves as the emotional core of the story.
However, the novel takes a dark turn when Brett unexpectedly leaves town, leaving a void in the trio's friendship. Mick invites a new member into their circle, leading to the dissolution of their childhood innocence. This transformation is not only a powerful commentary on the fragility of adolescent bonds but also on the influence of external factors, such as drugs and the allure of a potentially life-altering deal.
Becker's prose is both poetic and raw, evoking a strong sense of time and place. He paints a vivid picture of 1980s Las Vegas, from its neon-lit streets to its seedy underbelly. The author's attention to detail immerses the reader in the era, making the setting a character in its own right.
"Third Wheel" explores themes of betrayal and the difficult choices one must make when seeking autonomy and an uncertain future. Brady's evolution throughout the novel is both poignant and authentic, and readers will find themselves rooting for him as he navigates the challenges of adolescence and Las Vegas's shadowy underbelly.
Richard R. Becker's debut novel is a triumph. His unique insight into the human condition shines through, creating a story that is both gripping and thought-provoking. "Third Wheel" is a compelling exploration of the struggles of youth, the allure of rebellion, and the enduring quest for identity and belonging. This novel is a must-read for anyone who appreciates masterful storytelling and unforgettable characters. With this debut, Becker has established himself as a talented author with a promising future in the literary world.
The story follows Brady Wilks, a teenager who has recently relocated from the Midwest to the dusty suburban outskirts of Las Vegas. As an outsider in a town where everyone seems to know everyone else's business, Brady grapples with the paradoxical existence of a city that never sleeps, yet where he often feels isolated and out of place. Becker excels at portraying the stark contrast between the glittering façade of Las Vegas and the desolate reality of its suburban fringes.
At the heart of the narrative is Brady's journey towards self-discovery and acceptance. He struggles with fitting into his blended family and yearns for genuine connection. It's through his chance encounter with Mick, an older teenage neighbor, and his friend Brett, that Brady begins to find a sense of belonging. These characters are richly developed, and their relationships are both authentic and relatable. The camaraderie that develops between them serves as the emotional core of the story.
However, the novel takes a dark turn when Brett unexpectedly leaves town, leaving a void in the trio's friendship. Mick invites a new member into their circle, leading to the dissolution of their childhood innocence. This transformation is not only a powerful commentary on the fragility of adolescent bonds but also on the influence of external factors, such as drugs and the allure of a potentially life-altering deal.
Becker's prose is both poetic and raw, evoking a strong sense of time and place. He paints a vivid picture of 1980s Las Vegas, from its neon-lit streets to its seedy underbelly. The author's attention to detail immerses the reader in the era, making the setting a character in its own right.
"Third Wheel" explores themes of betrayal and the difficult choices one must make when seeking autonomy and an uncertain future. Brady's evolution throughout the novel is both poignant and authentic, and readers will find themselves rooting for him as he navigates the challenges of adolescence and Las Vegas's shadowy underbelly.
Richard R. Becker's debut novel is a triumph. His unique insight into the human condition shines through, creating a story that is both gripping and thought-provoking. "Third Wheel" is a compelling exploration of the struggles of youth, the allure of rebellion, and the enduring quest for identity and belonging. This novel is a must-read for anyone who appreciates masterful storytelling and unforgettable characters. With this debut, Becker has established himself as a talented author with a promising future in the literary world.
November 19, 2023
In or Out.
Part of a group or alone in a crowd.
Is FOMO* dictating your actions?
Third Wheel by Richard R Becker is a socio-analytical book in the brilliant guise of a crime fictional setting. It’s a systematic exploration into how far we humans will go to fit in; even if we knowingly become the third wheel; a misfit in a group.
Set in the 80’s in Las Vegas, Third Wheel is the story of 14 year old Brady Wilks as he meanders the crossroads that is his life. His home life is in shambles, with no love lost between him and his mother. He seeks solace in friends, chief among them is his neighbor Mick. A mix of brotherly love and devoted friendship makes Brady take tough calls and do many a myriad thing against his nature from dealing drugs, shooting guns, to dealing with the cartel– all so he can fit in.
“That’s the funny thing about labels. None of them are ever right, but people will tell you to pretend they are.”
As you are drawn into the labyrinth of deception, lies, love and steadfast loyalty that is Brady; it is Becker’s unique narrative style that captivates your attention through and through. It is a book that you just can’t put down. His analogies at times are both surreal, amusing and hard-hitting all at the same time. Take for example his analogy of a raw liver milkshake (yuck!) and life in black and white; about how our choices as a whole define and ultimately change us.
“That’s what happens when you mix black and white. Once mixed, you can never make it black or white again, only different shades of gray. It’s the same thing when you’re talking about milkshakes. None of it is any good. We’re all bad men. We’re all sad men. And it doesn’t change when we get a new milkshake because the sin is still there.”
A resonating part of Third Wheel is also the subject of bullying. From parents (yes we often don’t acknowledge that it exists here) friends, and people we encounter in our day to day life.
“I wasn’t saved. I was enslaved.”
It is here that we start really cheering for Brady as he deals with getting bullied, stands up for himself and people he knows and cares about and slowly and steadily finds his own ‘fit’ in the world. A place where he belongs.
So glad I got this RC. It is a book that I couldn’t put down. I will be waiting to read more of Richard R Becker’s narrative style in the future. Hope you liked my fair and honest review.
Happy Reading:)
*FOMO - Fear of Missing Out
Part of a group or alone in a crowd.
Is FOMO* dictating your actions?
Third Wheel by Richard R Becker is a socio-analytical book in the brilliant guise of a crime fictional setting. It’s a systematic exploration into how far we humans will go to fit in; even if we knowingly become the third wheel; a misfit in a group.
Set in the 80’s in Las Vegas, Third Wheel is the story of 14 year old Brady Wilks as he meanders the crossroads that is his life. His home life is in shambles, with no love lost between him and his mother. He seeks solace in friends, chief among them is his neighbor Mick. A mix of brotherly love and devoted friendship makes Brady take tough calls and do many a myriad thing against his nature from dealing drugs, shooting guns, to dealing with the cartel– all so he can fit in.
“That’s the funny thing about labels. None of them are ever right, but people will tell you to pretend they are.”
As you are drawn into the labyrinth of deception, lies, love and steadfast loyalty that is Brady; it is Becker’s unique narrative style that captivates your attention through and through. It is a book that you just can’t put down. His analogies at times are both surreal, amusing and hard-hitting all at the same time. Take for example his analogy of a raw liver milkshake (yuck!) and life in black and white; about how our choices as a whole define and ultimately change us.
“That’s what happens when you mix black and white. Once mixed, you can never make it black or white again, only different shades of gray. It’s the same thing when you’re talking about milkshakes. None of it is any good. We’re all bad men. We’re all sad men. And it doesn’t change when we get a new milkshake because the sin is still there.”
A resonating part of Third Wheel is also the subject of bullying. From parents (yes we often don’t acknowledge that it exists here) friends, and people we encounter in our day to day life.
“I wasn’t saved. I was enslaved.”
It is here that we start really cheering for Brady as he deals with getting bullied, stands up for himself and people he knows and cares about and slowly and steadily finds his own ‘fit’ in the world. A place where he belongs.
So glad I got this RC. It is a book that I couldn’t put down. I will be waiting to read more of Richard R Becker’s narrative style in the future. Hope you liked my fair and honest review.
Happy Reading:)
*FOMO - Fear of Missing Out
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