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Only the Rain: A Novel
When family man and war veteran Russell loses his job as a quarry worker, his life suddenly seems more like a waking nightmare than a chance to finally live the American dream. Facing bills, a new baby, and a bone-dry bank account, he's got nothing left to lose. Russell comes to the rescue of a naked stranger dancing in the rain, and what was supposed to be a straightforward good deed turns into a spiral of danger. When Russell finds an enticing stash of money in the woman's house, he knows the cash could be his only hope. Taking just a handful will save his family's future.
His "victimless crime" seems to be anything but risky - until the criminals he robbed come looking for their dirty money. Russell's ready to surrender it, but then his daughter gets sick...and he must choose between saving her or giving the devils their due. Someone's going to pay. The question is, how much?
His "victimless crime" seems to be anything but risky - until the criminals he robbed come looking for their dirty money. Russell's ready to surrender it, but then his daughter gets sick...and he must choose between saving her or giving the devils their due. Someone's going to pay. The question is, how much?
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First published December 1, 2017
2541 people are currently reading
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About the author
Randall Silvis
48 books305 followersRandall Silvis is the internationally acclaimed author of over a dozen novels, one story
collection, and one book of narrative nonfiction. Also a prize-winning playwright, a
produced screenwriter, and a prolific essayist, he has been published and produced in
virtually every field and genre of creative writing. His numerous essays, articles, poems and short stories have appeared in the Discovery Channel magazines, The Writer, Prism International, Short Story International, Manoa, and numerous other online and print magazines. His work has been translated into 10 languages.
Silvis’s many literary awards include two writing fellowships from the National
Endowment for the Arts, the prestigious Drue Heinz Literature Prize, a Fulbright Senior Scholar Research Award, six fellowships for his fiction, drama, and screenwriting from the Pennsylvania Council On the Arts, and an honorary Doctor of Letters degree awarded for “distinguished literary achievement.”
collection, and one book of narrative nonfiction. Also a prize-winning playwright, a
produced screenwriter, and a prolific essayist, he has been published and produced in
virtually every field and genre of creative writing. His numerous essays, articles, poems and short stories have appeared in the Discovery Channel magazines, The Writer, Prism International, Short Story International, Manoa, and numerous other online and print magazines. His work has been translated into 10 languages.
Silvis’s many literary awards include two writing fellowships from the National
Endowment for the Arts, the prestigious Drue Heinz Literature Prize, a Fulbright Senior Scholar Research Award, six fellowships for his fiction, drama, and screenwriting from the Pennsylvania Council On the Arts, and an honorary Doctor of Letters degree awarded for “distinguished literary achievement.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews
February 21, 2018
A kindle first pick for me and one in which I was very pleased. I have read his two DeMarco series books and also enjoyed both. A simple story, simply written as a modern day morality tale. A young man, husband, father of two young daughters, wife expecting another, loses his job. Feeling desperate, and though he is at heart a good man, a loving man, does something he comes to regret. Something with a terrible cost, something he needs to put right.
The writing is vivid, flows well as we see all the thought processes of this conflicted man. How can he make this right and keep his family intact? We learn of his past, his closeness to his grandparents who raised him to do right, another thing he has trouble forgiving himself for. I couldn't condone his actions, but understood how he made the decisions he made and why. Found myself rooting for this little family. Loved his remaining grandparent, Pappi, who helps without condemnation. Also, I liked how this author took us back to both these men and their war experiences, advice, action then that they use now. Could it have ended the way it did? I thought so.
The writing is vivid, flows well as we see all the thought processes of this conflicted man. How can he make this right and keep his family intact? We learn of his past, his closeness to his grandparents who raised him to do right, another thing he has trouble forgiving himself for. I couldn't condone his actions, but understood how he made the decisions he made and why. Found myself rooting for this little family. Loved his remaining grandparent, Pappi, who helps without condemnation. Also, I liked how this author took us back to both these men and their war experiences, advice, action then that they use now. Could it have ended the way it did? I thought so.
February 24, 2018
When it rains, it pours!
Captivating with a suspenseful pace that is simply spellbinding. 5 STARS!!
This author's storytelling and characterization had me emotionally involved in this story. I was experiencing feelings about what I might have done or how I may have acted or reacted to the various situations. I found myself asking many questions about the dilemma that the main character Russell set in motion. It takes a special skill to be able to provoke so much emotion in the reader (me)!
A rainy day that won't be forgotten...
Russell has just been fired and he has no savings, could Russell's day get any worse? He has two young daughters and a wife expecting a third. They depend on him for financial security. He is determined not to let them down. He is a family man!
He is on his way home wondering how he is going to break the news to his wife. He is speeding along on his motorcycle in the pouring rain with the weight of his predicament on his shoulders. He passes a cottage and sees a naked lady out dancing in the rain without a care. He passes by, but something doesn't feel right so he decides to go back. Doesn't that seem like the "right" thing to do? The actions and decisions he soon makes will start to spiral out of control.
He can't take what he did back. Why didn't he just look the other way? Keep his eye on the road?
If you're like me and love suspense novels that offer "moral" choices and let you into the "mind" of the character, you will devour this one quickly!
This was my Kindle First Pick for February and I couldn't be happier!!
Captivating with a suspenseful pace that is simply spellbinding. 5 STARS!!
This author's storytelling and characterization had me emotionally involved in this story. I was experiencing feelings about what I might have done or how I may have acted or reacted to the various situations. I found myself asking many questions about the dilemma that the main character Russell set in motion. It takes a special skill to be able to provoke so much emotion in the reader (me)!
A rainy day that won't be forgotten...
Russell has just been fired and he has no savings, could Russell's day get any worse? He has two young daughters and a wife expecting a third. They depend on him for financial security. He is determined not to let them down. He is a family man!
He is on his way home wondering how he is going to break the news to his wife. He is speeding along on his motorcycle in the pouring rain with the weight of his predicament on his shoulders. He passes a cottage and sees a naked lady out dancing in the rain without a care. He passes by, but something doesn't feel right so he decides to go back. Doesn't that seem like the "right" thing to do? The actions and decisions he soon makes will start to spiral out of control.
He can't take what he did back. Why didn't he just look the other way? Keep his eye on the road?
If you're like me and love suspense novels that offer "moral" choices and let you into the "mind" of the character, you will devour this one quickly!
This was my Kindle First Pick for February and I couldn't be happier!!
February 25, 2018
I started off lost in the rainy, grassy lush coulee with three of my Traveling Sisters reading Only The Rain and this turned out to be quite the interesting read for me when we clearly were left lost in different coulees. Often in our sister reads we have different thoughts and views on the books we read and usually I can see both sides of the coulee however for this read I really struggled with my thoughts on this one.
Through an email from our main character Russell to his army buddy Spencer, we learn of a desperate decision referred to as a “victimless crime” from the description of this book that Russell makes, that sets off a chain of events resulting from that decision. This has me asking myself if this could really be considered a victimless crime when these types of criminals are involved. Russell remembers and shares some war stories and I did find that interesting. We all liked the flow of the book and found it an interesting way to really get into Russell’s mind however once in his thoughts things started to go sideways for me. To me, it felt like he was justifying his actions to some very serious moral decisions and explaining how bad he felt about the things he did or didn’t do. I went from enjoying this one to being annoyed.
There are some good dynamics here in this story and we all agreed we loved the tender relationship Russell had with his grandparents and that added a nice touch to the story we all enjoyed. We all loved Pop, such an interesting, strong, witty and wise character. I felt the dynamics between Russell and his wife Cindy was just too much drama there. I listened to some of this one and had to switch to reading it when this became too annoying for me.
Things did start to pick up for me with the ending and things turned exciting and I was satisfied with the ending but it didn’t save this one for me. I still recommend this one as my TS really enjoyed this one and were left in the rain in the lush coulee. For me, I was left annoyed soaking wet in the barren coulee.
Published January 1, 2018
Thank you, NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Randall Silvis for a copy to read and review.
All of our Traveling Sisters Reviews can be found on our sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
Through an email from our main character Russell to his army buddy Spencer, we learn of a desperate decision referred to as a “victimless crime” from the description of this book that Russell makes, that sets off a chain of events resulting from that decision. This has me asking myself if this could really be considered a victimless crime when these types of criminals are involved. Russell remembers and shares some war stories and I did find that interesting. We all liked the flow of the book and found it an interesting way to really get into Russell’s mind however once in his thoughts things started to go sideways for me. To me, it felt like he was justifying his actions to some very serious moral decisions and explaining how bad he felt about the things he did or didn’t do. I went from enjoying this one to being annoyed.
There are some good dynamics here in this story and we all agreed we loved the tender relationship Russell had with his grandparents and that added a nice touch to the story we all enjoyed. We all loved Pop, such an interesting, strong, witty and wise character. I felt the dynamics between Russell and his wife Cindy was just too much drama there. I listened to some of this one and had to switch to reading it when this became too annoying for me.
Things did start to pick up for me with the ending and things turned exciting and I was satisfied with the ending but it didn’t save this one for me. I still recommend this one as my TS really enjoyed this one and were left in the rain in the lush coulee. For me, I was left annoyed soaking wet in the barren coulee.
Published January 1, 2018
Thank you, NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Randall Silvis for a copy to read and review.
All of our Traveling Sisters Reviews can be found on our sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
January 22, 2019
4.5 Stars.
OMGOSH......Such a surprisingly great read, but please oh please, DO NOT spoil it by reading the book summary. Gives waaaaaay TMI!
"Is it possible to hate something you did, and to hate yourself for doing it and yet still be glad you did it?" It does for one man in ONLY THE RAIN.
Russell loves his pregnant wife, two sweet daughters AND grandfather Pops who raised him, but definitely not his nasty father-in-law; and although they live paycheck to paycheck, all is well....until he receives some devastating news.
Tension continues to build throughout the telling of this story as Russell (Rusty to some) reveals what he did in present time, and in reflections of the past as he speaks to his dear friend Spence via email. With shame and disgust, Spence is the only one with whom he can share his secret....what he did....for now.
As Russell's life continues to spiral out of control, the misery he feels now continues to bring back horrors of his past causing paranoia and a domino effect of catastrophes that all lead to....the reckoning.
One fine novella, less than 200 pages. (loved the voice of Pops!) Recommend!
December 3, 2017
Diamond studded five gold stars.
Very glad that I chose this book, Amazon First Read December novel.
Russell is Iraq veteran, grandfather is Vietnam veteran and they know what other needs. Love, support and understanding of family. Russell writes everything about himself and what is going on to his sergeant, even the things he couldn't tell his wife. Touching, though provoking story. Rainy days will remind me this novel.
Very glad that I chose this book, Amazon First Read December novel.
Russell is Iraq veteran, grandfather is Vietnam veteran and they know what other needs. Love, support and understanding of family. Russell writes everything about himself and what is going on to his sergeant, even the things he couldn't tell his wife. Touching, though provoking story. Rainy days will remind me this novel.
February 21, 2018
4.5 marvelously written stars
There are some books you read because they have gotten so much hype you just can't pass them up.There are some books you read because a friend, or a family member recommends them. Then there are books you read just for the beauty of the writing, the ease in which he author tells his or her story, the emotions that stir inside you are you turn the pages. Only the Rain is one of those books. It comes at you slowly, pulling you into the story of a young veteran, a father, a husband who finds himself in the middle of a problem created because he loves his family and needs to protect and provide for them
Russell, the main character in this tale finds money stashed in a meth house. He takes it, a victimless crime really, and that money is so needed by him and his family. Russell has just lost his job, has two young daughters, and a wife who is expecting baby number three. How could he not take the money? And yet, Russell struggles with his conscience, struggles with the impact of what he has done, and when the meth dealers come after him, his life and family are in jeopardy. Russell has a grandfather, the man who raised him, who is the impetus behind the man that Russell is and wants to be. He also have the memory of a man who was the leader of his company while serving in the army overseas.
Told with tenderness and a certain amount of grit, this story was wonderfully done and had this reader rooting for Russell, his family , and Pops.
Thank you to Randall Silvis who provided this reader with hours of reading pleasure and to the publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this awesome book.
There are some books you read because they have gotten so much hype you just can't pass them up.There are some books you read because a friend, or a family member recommends them. Then there are books you read just for the beauty of the writing, the ease in which he author tells his or her story, the emotions that stir inside you are you turn the pages. Only the Rain is one of those books. It comes at you slowly, pulling you into the story of a young veteran, a father, a husband who finds himself in the middle of a problem created because he loves his family and needs to protect and provide for them
Russell, the main character in this tale finds money stashed in a meth house. He takes it, a victimless crime really, and that money is so needed by him and his family. Russell has just lost his job, has two young daughters, and a wife who is expecting baby number three. How could he not take the money? And yet, Russell struggles with his conscience, struggles with the impact of what he has done, and when the meth dealers come after him, his life and family are in jeopardy. Russell has a grandfather, the man who raised him, who is the impetus behind the man that Russell is and wants to be. He also have the memory of a man who was the leader of his company while serving in the army overseas.
Told with tenderness and a certain amount of grit, this story was wonderfully done and had this reader rooting for Russell, his family , and Pops.
Thank you to Randall Silvis who provided this reader with hours of reading pleasure and to the publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this awesome book.
December 2, 2017
Even as I clicked the purchase button, I wondered if I had made an error. My cursor hovered over the “Cancel Order” link as I pondered if I really wanted to take a chance on another thriller that would probably turn out to be just another washed clean, milquetoast, unbelievable story that would never make sense in the real world.
Fortunately, I never canceled the order and “Only the Rain” was a thriller on every level.
Author Randall Silvis allows the main character Russell to tell the story of what happened through a written one-sided conversation with his ex-service buddy, Spence. This phases the retelling into what might normally be relayed over the course of an evening of beers beers, and brings a natural flow to the book. It also enables readers to easily place themselves emotionally into the action.
There are so many things I liked about this book. The plot was entirely believable, right down to the unexpected ending. The author continued to ratchet up the intensity throughout the entire book, building slowly until the climax. The story moved quickly, and I never found myself bored with what was going on. The main characters are fleshed out, allowing us to understand their motivations. Most importantly, this book definitely qualifies as a thriller.
All of us have gotten tangled in unfortunate situations at one time or another, and when we think back, the first consideration is why did we ever get involved in the first place. This makes it easy to understand Russell’s thinking, including his subsequent decisions as he attempts to make his way through life’s minefield in order to achieve safety for himself and his family. I’m happy my last decision was not to hit the cancel button. Five stars.
Fortunately, I never canceled the order and “Only the Rain” was a thriller on every level.
Author Randall Silvis allows the main character Russell to tell the story of what happened through a written one-sided conversation with his ex-service buddy, Spence. This phases the retelling into what might normally be relayed over the course of an evening of beers beers, and brings a natural flow to the book. It also enables readers to easily place themselves emotionally into the action.
There are so many things I liked about this book. The plot was entirely believable, right down to the unexpected ending. The author continued to ratchet up the intensity throughout the entire book, building slowly until the climax. The story moved quickly, and I never found myself bored with what was going on. The main characters are fleshed out, allowing us to understand their motivations. Most importantly, this book definitely qualifies as a thriller.
All of us have gotten tangled in unfortunate situations at one time or another, and when we think back, the first consideration is why did we ever get involved in the first place. This makes it easy to understand Russell’s thinking, including his subsequent decisions as he attempts to make his way through life’s minefield in order to achieve safety for himself and his family. I’m happy my last decision was not to hit the cancel button. Five stars.
May 19, 2019
From the internationally acclaimed author and gifted storyteller, a master of complicated human souls— Randall Silvis bring readers his latest, ONLY THE RAIN —a gripping and emotional story of an ordinary man faced with a split second decision, leading to dire consequences.
One which could change the course of his life and those near and dear to him.
A short book (read in one sitting), A remarkable heart-rendering blending of literary, drama, mystery, suspense, and psychological thriller. Most importantly, as with all Randall Silvis’ books, THOUGHT-PROVOKING and INSIGHTFUL.
The author's lyrical prose is "spellbinding" drawing you into the raw and emotional world of his characters. A given—numerous highlighted, bookmarked, pages and passages.
Told in the form of email entries written from a man searching for answers to his good friend and Army buddy from Iraq, Spencer. (has been six years since he has seen him), the story unravels.
“Thing is, there’s just too much I have to tell somebody, and nobody else I can tell it to.”
Back from Iraq, Russell Blystone is an average guy. A former soldier still haunted with dreams and nightmares from the war. The horrific experiences continue to make him feel helpless and guilty. He continues to fight his demons even back home, attempting to live a regular life.
“Personally, I’ve come to believe that theories are of small value when it comes to actually living your life, to making all the hard decisions you have to make and then dealing with the consequences of those decisions.”
Russell now has a family. A wife (Cindy), and two daughters (Dani and Emma). Another baby on the way. He has a secret. He must tell someone. The computer is his only outlet and email communication (even though he may not send).
He is too ashamed to tell his wife and his Pops. Pops and Gee, the grandparents who raised him after his mother died. Gee passed on a year ago, and now Pops is living at Brookside Manor, an independent living facility. They are very close.
He got himself into this mess, and he has to get out.
Pops is strong, funny, witty, wise, and caring. (loved his character). He has a smile that lights up a room. Russell cannot tell Pops what he has done. Russell loves his Pops and respects him. (enjoyed the interaction with other residents).
Pops and Gee would be ashamed of him. However, if he cannot figure a way out of this, he may have no other choice but to tell Pops. Pops, also a veteran from the Vietnam War understands the horrors of war. However, will he be so understanding of his most recent actions?
Cindy, Russell’s wife (a bank teller) has not had a comfortable life. A drug dealing abusive low-life dad (Donnie) and mother, Janice. She managed to escape. However, he continues to try to worm his way back into their lives. They keep their children away from him.
Here is where the nightmare began:
Russell and Cindy finally have their home and trying to live a healthy family life. He has just lost his job at the plant which is being shut down. He does not want to tell his wife yet since she worries so much.
Due to her past and the current pregnancy, he wants to try and find another job before he causes her more stress. He wants her to feel safe and secure. He still has a few weeks to wrap up the situation before the Chinese take over.
In the blink of an eye, his life would go from secure and hopeful to being one step away from homeless. Without health insurance, the mortgage, utilities, taxes, and a family of four to feed.
With Cindy's bank job, the income would be of little help without his salary. He is stressed. He cannot let his family down. With minimal jobs in the area, he must keep this a secret until he lands another job.
It is raining one day, and he is on his motorcycle. Due to the traffic, he takes a different route. He passes a worn down house when he sees a woman dancing naked in the rain with Gregg Allman music playing loudly in the background.
She seems to have fallen, and a pit bull is chained nearby. Out in the middle of nowhere. He must make a decision. To keep going on the slippery road, or turn around and stop to help the girl.
At first, he decides to keep going, but then again he thinks she needs help. He turns around. He helps someone who does not want help.
Always spells TROUBLE.
The girl seems to be strung out on drugs. When he stops and carries her inside, she is wet and muddy and appears to be alone. He tells her she needs to get in the shower. She is in the other room, and when he pulls back the shower curtain, he sees four cardboard boxes with duct tape. He lifts off the lid and sees bundles of cash.
A drugged woman trying to seduce him, and cash. Fear, panic, excitement. Should he leave it, or take it. Most likely the money was from drug dealing. Who would know if he grabbed it? Just one box. The money would help him pay the bills until he found another job. It would save his family.
This one impulsive decision would haunt him. He was no better than a typical thief. Shame. Grief. Fear. Disgust. The war before and the battle waging within him now. A strong need to feel loved and safe. Thinking about the same decisions he made during the battles in Iraq.
Why did he take the money and what was he going to do with it? His daughter gets sick, and he has to use the money to pay the hospital bill. Now what?
Then the worst happens. His boot prints. The drug dealers. He needs more than Spence. He needs his Pop. He has to tell him. To help figure a way out. A strategy. Pop's storage unit.
Now the drug dealers are on his trail, and his low life father in law Donnie is involved. In a race against time, he has placed his family, his Pops, and himself in the middle of impending danger. A race against time.
What is his exit strategy? He needs to be the kind of husband and father Pops had been. What about plans A, B, and C. The Domino Catastrophe Theory. The dominoes do not stop falling.
An ordinary man struggling, trying to do the right thing during childhood, college, adulthood, the army, marriage, and parenthood. Stealing the money involved his entire family in one way or another. He lost his job and when he saw the money he thought this was the answer.
Secrets and lies always have a way of snowballing. The day of reckoning. The McClain brothers are an extension of Iraq. As if the same war.
“Is it possible to hate something you did and to hate yourself for doing it, yet still be glad you did it?”
With gut-wrenching intensity, action-packed ONLY THE RAIN draws you into a realistic world of one man’s choices and consequences. Crossing ethical lines in order to save his family. A man, struggling with his inner demons.
What makes this story so absorbing (in addition to the correspondence to Spence), his friend— is the heartwarming and intricate relationship between Pops and Russell.
Life. “You gain, you lose. You win you fail. You spin, you die."
“Spin and die, To live a butterfly again.”
I adore Randall Silvis’ writing style. In addition to the digital copy, also purchased the audiobook, narrated by Eric G. Dove for an engaging performance.
I became an instant fan of the author when I first read (Ryan Marcus Mystery Series #1) Two Days Gone. (fabulous).
Top Books of 2017!
If you enjoy sophisticated and intelligent thrillers with a literary flair, highly recommend this author. There is another author who is one of my favorites,T. Greenwood. These two authors have a remarkable talent for storytelling. Both authors have a rare gift of making you fall magically in love with their words. Also, check out her upcoming book (Aug 2018) Rust & Stardust.
If you enjoyed ONLY THE RAIN, recommend James Hankins’ Shady Cross and Dennis Lehane's Since We Fell.
JDCMustReadBooks
Highly Recommend.
One which could change the course of his life and those near and dear to him.
A short book (read in one sitting), A remarkable heart-rendering blending of literary, drama, mystery, suspense, and psychological thriller. Most importantly, as with all Randall Silvis’ books, THOUGHT-PROVOKING and INSIGHTFUL.
The author's lyrical prose is "spellbinding" drawing you into the raw and emotional world of his characters. A given—numerous highlighted, bookmarked, pages and passages.
Told in the form of email entries written from a man searching for answers to his good friend and Army buddy from Iraq, Spencer. (has been six years since he has seen him), the story unravels.
“Thing is, there’s just too much I have to tell somebody, and nobody else I can tell it to.”
Back from Iraq, Russell Blystone is an average guy. A former soldier still haunted with dreams and nightmares from the war. The horrific experiences continue to make him feel helpless and guilty. He continues to fight his demons even back home, attempting to live a regular life.
“Personally, I’ve come to believe that theories are of small value when it comes to actually living your life, to making all the hard decisions you have to make and then dealing with the consequences of those decisions.”
Russell now has a family. A wife (Cindy), and two daughters (Dani and Emma). Another baby on the way. He has a secret. He must tell someone. The computer is his only outlet and email communication (even though he may not send).
He is too ashamed to tell his wife and his Pops. Pops and Gee, the grandparents who raised him after his mother died. Gee passed on a year ago, and now Pops is living at Brookside Manor, an independent living facility. They are very close.
He got himself into this mess, and he has to get out.
Pops is strong, funny, witty, wise, and caring. (loved his character). He has a smile that lights up a room. Russell cannot tell Pops what he has done. Russell loves his Pops and respects him. (enjoyed the interaction with other residents).
Pops and Gee would be ashamed of him. However, if he cannot figure a way out of this, he may have no other choice but to tell Pops. Pops, also a veteran from the Vietnam War understands the horrors of war. However, will he be so understanding of his most recent actions?
Cindy, Russell’s wife (a bank teller) has not had a comfortable life. A drug dealing abusive low-life dad (Donnie) and mother, Janice. She managed to escape. However, he continues to try to worm his way back into their lives. They keep their children away from him.
Here is where the nightmare began:
Russell and Cindy finally have their home and trying to live a healthy family life. He has just lost his job at the plant which is being shut down. He does not want to tell his wife yet since she worries so much.
Due to her past and the current pregnancy, he wants to try and find another job before he causes her more stress. He wants her to feel safe and secure. He still has a few weeks to wrap up the situation before the Chinese take over.
In the blink of an eye, his life would go from secure and hopeful to being one step away from homeless. Without health insurance, the mortgage, utilities, taxes, and a family of four to feed.
With Cindy's bank job, the income would be of little help without his salary. He is stressed. He cannot let his family down. With minimal jobs in the area, he must keep this a secret until he lands another job.
It is raining one day, and he is on his motorcycle. Due to the traffic, he takes a different route. He passes a worn down house when he sees a woman dancing naked in the rain with Gregg Allman music playing loudly in the background.
She seems to have fallen, and a pit bull is chained nearby. Out in the middle of nowhere. He must make a decision. To keep going on the slippery road, or turn around and stop to help the girl.
At first, he decides to keep going, but then again he thinks she needs help. He turns around. He helps someone who does not want help.
Always spells TROUBLE.
The girl seems to be strung out on drugs. When he stops and carries her inside, she is wet and muddy and appears to be alone. He tells her she needs to get in the shower. She is in the other room, and when he pulls back the shower curtain, he sees four cardboard boxes with duct tape. He lifts off the lid and sees bundles of cash.
A drugged woman trying to seduce him, and cash. Fear, panic, excitement. Should he leave it, or take it. Most likely the money was from drug dealing. Who would know if he grabbed it? Just one box. The money would help him pay the bills until he found another job. It would save his family.
This one impulsive decision would haunt him. He was no better than a typical thief. Shame. Grief. Fear. Disgust. The war before and the battle waging within him now. A strong need to feel loved and safe. Thinking about the same decisions he made during the battles in Iraq.
Why did he take the money and what was he going to do with it? His daughter gets sick, and he has to use the money to pay the hospital bill. Now what?
Then the worst happens. His boot prints. The drug dealers. He needs more than Spence. He needs his Pop. He has to tell him. To help figure a way out. A strategy. Pop's storage unit.
Now the drug dealers are on his trail, and his low life father in law Donnie is involved. In a race against time, he has placed his family, his Pops, and himself in the middle of impending danger. A race against time.
What is his exit strategy? He needs to be the kind of husband and father Pops had been. What about plans A, B, and C. The Domino Catastrophe Theory. The dominoes do not stop falling.
An ordinary man struggling, trying to do the right thing during childhood, college, adulthood, the army, marriage, and parenthood. Stealing the money involved his entire family in one way or another. He lost his job and when he saw the money he thought this was the answer.
Secrets and lies always have a way of snowballing. The day of reckoning. The McClain brothers are an extension of Iraq. As if the same war.
“Is it possible to hate something you did and to hate yourself for doing it, yet still be glad you did it?”
With gut-wrenching intensity, action-packed ONLY THE RAIN draws you into a realistic world of one man’s choices and consequences. Crossing ethical lines in order to save his family. A man, struggling with his inner demons.
What makes this story so absorbing (in addition to the correspondence to Spence), his friend— is the heartwarming and intricate relationship between Pops and Russell.
Life. “You gain, you lose. You win you fail. You spin, you die."
“Spin and die, To live a butterfly again.”
I adore Randall Silvis’ writing style. In addition to the digital copy, also purchased the audiobook, narrated by Eric G. Dove for an engaging performance.
I became an instant fan of the author when I first read (Ryan Marcus Mystery Series #1) Two Days Gone. (fabulous).
Top Books of 2017!
If you enjoy sophisticated and intelligent thrillers with a literary flair, highly recommend this author. There is another author who is one of my favorites,T. Greenwood. These two authors have a remarkable talent for storytelling. Both authors have a rare gift of making you fall magically in love with their words. Also, check out her upcoming book (Aug 2018) Rust & Stardust.
If you enjoyed ONLY THE RAIN, recommend James Hankins’ Shady Cross and Dennis Lehane's Since We Fell.
JDCMustReadBooks
Highly Recommend.
December 2, 2017
I swear, I'm only reading one chapter...Or the whole book at once. Same thing!
...Except the trick's on me, there are no chapters. And reading this whole book in one sitting? Absolutely plausible. Had I not downloaded it before going to work, I absolutely would have read it in one breathless, barely blinking, madly swiping sitting.
Russell is a war vet who tells the story in a series of emails to a friend of his from the military. It's an interesting literary technique that allows him to merge past and present seamlessly, mixing in antecdotes that the friend knows and filling in Russell's back history as well. It rings true, allowing for a more casual, honest tone with a single narrator not wasting space on excessive descriptions of places or people, giving an immediacy and intimacy to the book.
The tale shows one how bad decision leads to more, even to the point of explaining it as the Domino Catastrophe Theory. Russell loses his job, tries to rescue a dancing naked girl who falls in the rain, and is tempted by... No, not the girl - not entirely - but a large box of money. He takes it (not a spoiler, this is in the blurb about the book already) and things get more interesting from there. (Madder, quicker swiping and reading - I'll need to reread to see what I missed in my haste.)
The narration veers between past and present, discussing the events that transpired after the theft as well as reminicing about awful events during the war that they shared. Russell and his wife both have family issues that are mentioned as well and worked cleanly into the plot. Without spoilers, the ending is sound but still leaves unanswered questions.
Kudos to the author, I'll be looking for more of his work.
...Except the trick's on me, there are no chapters. And reading this whole book in one sitting? Absolutely plausible. Had I not downloaded it before going to work, I absolutely would have read it in one breathless, barely blinking, madly swiping sitting.
Russell is a war vet who tells the story in a series of emails to a friend of his from the military. It's an interesting literary technique that allows him to merge past and present seamlessly, mixing in antecdotes that the friend knows and filling in Russell's back history as well. It rings true, allowing for a more casual, honest tone with a single narrator not wasting space on excessive descriptions of places or people, giving an immediacy and intimacy to the book.
The tale shows one how bad decision leads to more, even to the point of explaining it as the Domino Catastrophe Theory. Russell loses his job, tries to rescue a dancing naked girl who falls in the rain, and is tempted by... No, not the girl - not entirely - but a large box of money. He takes it (not a spoiler, this is in the blurb about the book already) and things get more interesting from there. (Madder, quicker swiping and reading - I'll need to reread to see what I missed in my haste.)
The narration veers between past and present, discussing the events that transpired after the theft as well as reminicing about awful events during the war that they shared. Russell and his wife both have family issues that are mentioned as well and worked cleanly into the plot. Without spoilers, the ending is sound but still leaves unanswered questions.
Kudos to the author, I'll be looking for more of his work.
December 1, 2017
I was excited to have the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book on NetGalley.
“Only the Rain” by Randall Silvis is the type of novel that rocks the reader to the core and keeps her turning pages all night long to find out what happens next. Silvis is a gifted storyteller. He breathes life into each of the characters, making them pop from the page. His beautiful prose shines, adding an elegance to the reading experience: “It should be one of the laws of Physics: A body at rest tends to stay at rest until acted upon by a naked lady dancing in the rain.”
The protagonist, Russell, is the kind-hearted person we see in the guy next door and in ourselves. He’s a hard worker, a good father and husband, and a veteran. Russell is relatable and likable despite his flaws. He looks unflinchingly at the good, bad, and ugly decisions he makes throughout the story. The motivations behind his choices are crystal clear and his emotions as he deals with the consequences are raw and real.
The story helps us recall our own weaknesses and sketchy decisions, while providing us with the strength to deal with the consequences of our actions. By following Russell on his journey, the reader can’t help by be affected and extrapolate his situation to her own life.
“Only the Rain” is a keeper shelf book.
“Only the Rain” by Randall Silvis is the type of novel that rocks the reader to the core and keeps her turning pages all night long to find out what happens next. Silvis is a gifted storyteller. He breathes life into each of the characters, making them pop from the page. His beautiful prose shines, adding an elegance to the reading experience: “It should be one of the laws of Physics: A body at rest tends to stay at rest until acted upon by a naked lady dancing in the rain.”
The protagonist, Russell, is the kind-hearted person we see in the guy next door and in ourselves. He’s a hard worker, a good father and husband, and a veteran. Russell is relatable and likable despite his flaws. He looks unflinchingly at the good, bad, and ugly decisions he makes throughout the story. The motivations behind his choices are crystal clear and his emotions as he deals with the consequences are raw and real.
The story helps us recall our own weaknesses and sketchy decisions, while providing us with the strength to deal with the consequences of our actions. By following Russell on his journey, the reader can’t help by be affected and extrapolate his situation to her own life.
“Only the Rain” is a keeper shelf book.
December 14, 2017
Seeing something traumatic changes our world – and it is no longer safe. We can't trust the systems and people we believed we should be able to trust. God – whether or not we are believers – may no longer be a benign and comforting force in the world.
And, when we see ourselves as responsible for morally reprehensible actions – as often occurs with interpersonal trauma like rape or war – we may be unable to trust ourselves: "You can’t endure as much discomfort and downright pain as a soldier does, and you sure as hell can’t witness as much violence and stupidity and cruelty as we did, without it leaving its mark on you" (p. 33)
Randall Silvis is a local author, also someone I've never read (because he's local). I made a mistake. His new novel, Only the Rain, explores how moral values and moral decision-making are damaged by war trauma – and also how we can make sense of that trauma.
I love my computer's delete key, but there is none in life. Make a mistake, even attempt to rectify it, and "I would always be a thief. I would be like the glass deer I broke and then glued back into place. Maybe nobody else ever noticed the damage, but I always knew it was there (p. 54).
In his epistolary to his former sergeant, Russell described one bad day, which was compounded by a series of unfortunate decisions, becoming an extraordinarily bad day, one he would take back – if he could. Russell considered his options, listening to his grandmother's, grandfather's, and sergeant's advice by turns.
Only the Rain explores the complexities of moral decision-making. Silvis does not propose a single cookie-cutter solution, but writes good dialogue, convincing relationships between men and women and between fathers and their daughters, and fascinating stories – even if you sometimes want to smack the narrator's head against a wall and ask him what he was thinking. There was often a wholesomeness to this thriller (of sorts) and a gentle, small wisdom that made me smile. For example:
And, when we see ourselves as responsible for morally reprehensible actions – as often occurs with interpersonal trauma like rape or war – we may be unable to trust ourselves: "You can’t endure as much discomfort and downright pain as a soldier does, and you sure as hell can’t witness as much violence and stupidity and cruelty as we did, without it leaving its mark on you" (p. 33)
Randall Silvis is a local author, also someone I've never read (because he's local). I made a mistake. His new novel, Only the Rain, explores how moral values and moral decision-making are damaged by war trauma – and also how we can make sense of that trauma.
I love my computer's delete key, but there is none in life. Make a mistake, even attempt to rectify it, and "I would always be a thief. I would be like the glass deer I broke and then glued back into place. Maybe nobody else ever noticed the damage, but I always knew it was there (p. 54).
In his epistolary to his former sergeant, Russell described one bad day, which was compounded by a series of unfortunate decisions, becoming an extraordinarily bad day, one he would take back – if he could. Russell considered his options, listening to his grandmother's, grandfather's, and sergeant's advice by turns.
Only the Rain explores the complexities of moral decision-making. Silvis does not propose a single cookie-cutter solution, but writes good dialogue, convincing relationships between men and women and between fathers and their daughters, and fascinating stories – even if you sometimes want to smack the narrator's head against a wall and ask him what he was thinking. There was often a wholesomeness to this thriller (of sorts) and a gentle, small wisdom that made me smile. For example:
Despite everything that’s happened, I still enjoy the rain. But I don’t look at it anymore the way Gee did. She said it’s God’s way of washing everything clean and starting again. Me, I’m not so sure. I guess I believe we don’t get anything like forgiveness in this lifetime, no matter how hard we pray for it. No matter where we hide the bad things we’ve done. Once done, they’re always done. We can try to make something good out of it, which is what I intend to do .... But even so, forgiveness is pretty much out of the question in the here and now. In this vale of tears, as Gee used to call it, all we get is the rain. (pp. 177-178)
December 10, 2017
Good story but ...
I kept having the feeling that this was being told to me by that one friend we all have that takes way too long to get to the point. Other than that it was a very good read.
I kept having the feeling that this was being told to me by that one friend we all have that takes way too long to get to the point. Other than that it was a very good read.
July 8, 2018
ONLY THE RAIN opens with a plot that at first feels disappointingly familiar. A conscientious family man panics when he learns he will be losing his job. How will he support his family? Then he stumbles on a cache of illicit money. He seizes his opportunity. However, this is a Randall Silvis novel, and readers already acquainted with him will not be misled. The plot evolves into a suspenseful, carefully paced narrative which functions as a vehicle for excavating the suppressed anguish of his characters.
The story opens with Russell, a traumatized veteran of the Iraq War, composing a semi-confessional cyber post to Spence, his former plattoon leader. Spence's tough love pragmatism is a vivid presence and without even meeting him we feel the strength of his connection to Russell. The idea of Spence will help Russell keep both past and present feelings of guilt contained while making the loneliness of that containment endurable. Throughout the story Russell will ride a moral pendulum between Spence's imperatives for survival and his grandmother's stalwart religious teachings.
“Silence is the same as a lie” this grandmother used to say. Yet, some silences are necessary. Sometimes the feelings are too complicated and troubling. He cannot share what he saw during the war with his wife Cindy. He conceals their present financial woes from her now, partly out of shame. These are the silences demanded by his sense of masculine identity, something only his grandfather, an ex-marine of the Vietnam War, understands: “'You did things over there you're not proud of,' he said. 'I know you did. I knew it the moment you came home and I looked into your eyes. It was like looking at myself in the mirror, that's how I knew.'” (p.173)
As he struggles to deflect Cindy's questions, the silent lies metastisize into a web of spoken lies.
I found Cindy's role in this story problematic. Her ineffectual worries were understandable but unhelpful. She also has her own secrets. For example, she never explains to Russell why she hates her father, although both Russell and the reader can make a pretty good guess. She does, however, show surprising mettle. Before Russell can intercede when a smarmy lawyer makes lewd advances, Cindy's smiling reply has the sting of a paper cut. It's an incident that leaves both Russell and the reader surprised and pleased.
My favorite character was Russell's grandfather. He is a widower who has finally realized the time has come to leave his home and move into an apartment in a retirement home. His salty tongue and shrewd assessment of human nature insure that we will not regard him with pity. “This old man had been put together with bailing wire and fence posts, and he loved me more than anything else in the world,” an awestruck Russell realizes. (p.147)
This was a moving examination of a man struggling to find catharsis from his past. At the same time, it was an engrossing thriller with a thought-provoking ending. Although Silvis has won many literary awards, he still seems to be one of those “under the radar” authors whose books merit more attention. This book lacked some of the psychological nuance of THE BOY WHO SHOOTS CROWS and TWO DAYS GONE, but continues to expand on his exploration of guilt.
The story opens with Russell, a traumatized veteran of the Iraq War, composing a semi-confessional cyber post to Spence, his former plattoon leader. Spence's tough love pragmatism is a vivid presence and without even meeting him we feel the strength of his connection to Russell. The idea of Spence will help Russell keep both past and present feelings of guilt contained while making the loneliness of that containment endurable. Throughout the story Russell will ride a moral pendulum between Spence's imperatives for survival and his grandmother's stalwart religious teachings.
“Silence is the same as a lie” this grandmother used to say. Yet, some silences are necessary. Sometimes the feelings are too complicated and troubling. He cannot share what he saw during the war with his wife Cindy. He conceals their present financial woes from her now, partly out of shame. These are the silences demanded by his sense of masculine identity, something only his grandfather, an ex-marine of the Vietnam War, understands: “'You did things over there you're not proud of,' he said. 'I know you did. I knew it the moment you came home and I looked into your eyes. It was like looking at myself in the mirror, that's how I knew.'” (p.173)
As he struggles to deflect Cindy's questions, the silent lies metastisize into a web of spoken lies.
I found Cindy's role in this story problematic. Her ineffectual worries were understandable but unhelpful. She also has her own secrets. For example, she never explains to Russell why she hates her father, although both Russell and the reader can make a pretty good guess. She does, however, show surprising mettle. Before Russell can intercede when a smarmy lawyer makes lewd advances, Cindy's smiling reply has the sting of a paper cut. It's an incident that leaves both Russell and the reader surprised and pleased.
My favorite character was Russell's grandfather. He is a widower who has finally realized the time has come to leave his home and move into an apartment in a retirement home. His salty tongue and shrewd assessment of human nature insure that we will not regard him with pity. “This old man had been put together with bailing wire and fence posts, and he loved me more than anything else in the world,” an awestruck Russell realizes. (p.147)
This was a moving examination of a man struggling to find catharsis from his past. At the same time, it was an engrossing thriller with a thought-provoking ending. Although Silvis has won many literary awards, he still seems to be one of those “under the radar” authors whose books merit more attention. This book lacked some of the psychological nuance of THE BOY WHO SHOOTS CROWS and TWO DAYS GONE, but continues to expand on his exploration of guilt.
January 5, 2018
A naked woman dancing in the rain half out of her mind. Shoebox after shoebox filled with money. An Iraq War veteran losing his job at the local plant with a family to feed and another child on the way. It's a story of temptation like Eve with the snake and the apple and what happens when a man in desperate straits - at the end of that string of luck - succumbs and what happens when guilt and fear consume him step after step. All the right ingredients, but the soup tastes a bit flat with the narrative, which takes the form of a long letter to a war buddy, perhaps not fully conveying the tension and excitement.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for a review copy.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for a review copy.
April 9, 2018
An outstanding novel about a young husband/father, an Iraqi war veteran, who, on the day he loses his job, sees a woman on his way home who is dancing in the rain naked. She falls and he thinks she may be hurt. So what he does, despite the best of intentions, and the consequences he faces, are what make up this story, and it a good story, very suspenseful, but it is what he writes about war and the absurdity of it that I thought made the novel a five star story instead of a four, four and a half. Also, I really liked the format in which the novel is written, with the protagonist telling the story to his former commanding officer through a series of emails. I have not read Silvis before but I certainly will again. Another BIG thank you to the teacher (MATT!) who gave me the Kindle Unlimited for Christmas - this is yet another novel I might not have read without it. HIGHLY recommend!
August 20, 2019
I just couldn't get into this one. It was all a bit flat and the chief protagonist seemed awfully indecisive and I just hate too much introspection and and and, not for me.
June 21, 2018
This is the first introduction that I've had to this author. I'm now lining up more of his books to add to my TBR list. I'm giving this 4 stars. I found a bit of the plot to drag a bit meant it didn't quite make it to the 5 start stratosphere for me. But it's a good solid 4 stars.
What I liked: The glimpse into the head of an Iraq War veteran years after he's returned home and still is trying to readjust to life before the war. I felt that these segues into Army life, and the stress involved with never knowing if today will be your last day alive; combined with the onslaught of ugly violence on all sides gave me some insight and more compassion for all of our returning war veterans.
What I liked a little less: The wife. LOL --- I didn't find the character of Cindy to be all that sympathetic or likeable. But Russell loved her, so she must have had more redeeming characteristics than I saw. It was hinted that she might have a dark reason for the rift with her father, so maybe a traumatic or abusive relationship might have turned her into the bit of a pill that I found her to be.
Who I loved: Pops! This guy was fantastic.
This is a slow building thriller that doesn't end with the resolution of the suspenseful part. I liked that. It's an intelligent thriller that gave a voice to veterans returning from deployment who are not heard enough in our society today.
What I liked: The glimpse into the head of an Iraq War veteran years after he's returned home and still is trying to readjust to life before the war. I felt that these segues into Army life, and the stress involved with never knowing if today will be your last day alive; combined with the onslaught of ugly violence on all sides gave me some insight and more compassion for all of our returning war veterans.
What I liked a little less: The wife. LOL --- I didn't find the character of Cindy to be all that sympathetic or likeable. But Russell loved her, so she must have had more redeeming characteristics than I saw. It was hinted that she might have a dark reason for the rift with her father, so maybe a traumatic or abusive relationship might have turned her into the bit of a pill that I found her to be.
Who I loved: Pops! This guy was fantastic.
This is a slow building thriller that doesn't end with the resolution of the suspenseful part. I liked that. It's an intelligent thriller that gave a voice to veterans returning from deployment who are not heard enough in our society today.
December 6, 2017
2.5 STARS
For such a short book, this really seemed to drag, especially the first half. It's written in sort of a stream of consciousness, so there was too much filler to get through to get to the point.
The blurb for this was kind of misleading: "When Russell finds an enticing stash of money in the woman’s house, he knows the cash could be his only hope. Taking just a handful will save his family’s future...but then his daughter gets sick…and he must choose between saving her or giving the devils their due." He doesn't take a "handful", he takes almost $100,000! The kid has strep throat and possible needs a tonsillectomy, it's not like she has cancer.
Russell came across as whiny, everything that was happening to him was his own doing, except for losing his job. He claimed he was willing to flip burgers if it came to it, but it seemed he wanted to spend more time feeling sorry for himself than look for a job. I found it hard to muster up much sympathy for him. And all the lying to his wife, I found it unbelievable that she wasn't more suspicious.
The last quarter of the book, Russell finally has to face the consequences for his actions, and his grandfather (the only character I truly liked in the book) is there to help him. At that point, the pace picked up quite a bit and it was the first time I was really engaged with the story.
For such a short book, this really seemed to drag, especially the first half. It's written in sort of a stream of consciousness, so there was too much filler to get through to get to the point.
The blurb for this was kind of misleading: "When Russell finds an enticing stash of money in the woman’s house, he knows the cash could be his only hope. Taking just a handful will save his family’s future...but then his daughter gets sick…and he must choose between saving her or giving the devils their due." He doesn't take a "handful", he takes almost $100,000! The kid has strep throat and possible needs a tonsillectomy, it's not like she has cancer.
Russell came across as whiny, everything that was happening to him was his own doing, except for losing his job. He claimed he was willing to flip burgers if it came to it, but it seemed he wanted to spend more time feeling sorry for himself than look for a job. I found it hard to muster up much sympathy for him. And all the lying to his wife, I found it unbelievable that she wasn't more suspicious.
The last quarter of the book, Russell finally has to face the consequences for his actions, and his grandfather (the only character I truly liked in the book) is there to help him. At that point, the pace picked up quite a bit and it was the first time I was really engaged with the story.
December 12, 2017
This is an interesting enough diversion for the brief amount of time it takes to read, but it's only ever mediocre at best, and maybe a little bit worse at times. The part with the main character having been in Iraq could have been interesting, but they don't really do anything with it. It seems to be there mostly to pad the length, lest they were forced to sell this as a novella. The way the story resolves itself is the definition of anticlimactic, though I get that sheer excitement wasn't necessarily what they were going for. At the very least, it probably shouldn't have been as predictable as it was.
January 6, 2018
I wanted to like this book, the premise was interesting but the execution was just flat. Russell is impossible to root for with his lying and whining, Cindy is overly sensitive and comes off dimwitted for never questioning his lies, and her parents are self centered junkies that you never truly figure out why she hates her father so much. The only character you find yourself rooting for is the grandfather. The flashbacks to the middle East are substantially more interesting than the actual primary story line. It felt to me like the author could relate to the army storyline, it felt more personal; the alternate story felt more like filler.
January 23, 2020
This was an intense story about a guy whose life starts going off the tracks when he loses his job. On the way home, he sees a naked woman twirling in the rain and falling down. He stops and helps her into the house and that's when he makes some bad decisions. There are some aspects of this story that really seemed a bit far fetched, but for the most part it was believable.
Quotes to remember:
...bad things never happen one at a time. And when they do happen, they seem to pick the very worst minute for it.
Domino Catastrophe Theory...the universe is filled to the brim with bad things waiting to happen, not only the universe of everything but also each one of own own personal universes too. "There's a 50-50 chance that one fuckup, no matter how small, is going to trigger another one...and if that happens, there's a 70-30 chance that the second one will trigger a total clusterfuck."
Quotes to remember:
...bad things never happen one at a time. And when they do happen, they seem to pick the very worst minute for it.
Domino Catastrophe Theory...the universe is filled to the brim with bad things waiting to happen, not only the universe of everything but also each one of own own personal universes too. "There's a 50-50 chance that one fuckup, no matter how small, is going to trigger another one...and if that happens, there's a 70-30 chance that the second one will trigger a total clusterfuck."
February 26, 2018
I did get this as an Amazon first read but then I ordered the audible version to go with it. Great way to fold laundry and other household chores when listening to a good story.
I liked the narrator which really can make or break an audio story.
A good paced story about a split second decision and the consequences of that choice.
I liked the narrator which really can make or break an audio story.
A good paced story about a split second decision and the consequences of that choice.
February 15, 2018
*Used for PopSugar 2018 Reading Challenge prompt "A book with a weather element in the title."
December 19, 2017
"That's what they really did to us, Spence. Every single one of us. Every war they've ever made us fight. They start by shaving our heads, but it's our souls they destroy."
If you're looking for a thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat, you need to check out Only The Rain by Randall Silvis. I couldn't put this book down! It is a quick read, but very well written, action-packed, and heart-pounding suspenseful. I also really enjoyed the realism that was worked into it. The main character, Russell, is likable, a hard worker and family man, but flawed in a very honest and down-to-earth way. His actions (and reactions to the subsequent consequences) are all realistic and believable. It almost feels like reading a true story.
"What makes us act like such animals sometimes, Spence? I don't want to be an animal. I want to be a man. I want to be a good husband and father and somebody who doesn't flinch when he looks at himself in the mirror."
The writing style used in Only The Rain is very unique. The entire book is written from Russell's point of view - not as a typical narrative with chapters and obvious stopping points, but instead as a series of emails to his old war buddy. It is essentially one long stream of consciousness; he only stops an email when he gets interrupted while writing it, and then he picks right back up where he was at the start of the next email. Reading this book was almost like listening to a friend tell a story. I haven't seen this tactic used before, but I was surprised by how much I liked it. It makes it really easy to get caught up in the storytelling and finish the book in one sitting like I did.
I chose Only The Rain as my Kindle First choice for December and I'm glad I did. I would definitely recommend this book.
BLOG: Dorie's Reading Corner
If you're looking for a thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat, you need to check out Only The Rain by Randall Silvis. I couldn't put this book down! It is a quick read, but very well written, action-packed, and heart-pounding suspenseful. I also really enjoyed the realism that was worked into it. The main character, Russell, is likable, a hard worker and family man, but flawed in a very honest and down-to-earth way. His actions (and reactions to the subsequent consequences) are all realistic and believable. It almost feels like reading a true story.
"What makes us act like such animals sometimes, Spence? I don't want to be an animal. I want to be a man. I want to be a good husband and father and somebody who doesn't flinch when he looks at himself in the mirror."
The writing style used in Only The Rain is very unique. The entire book is written from Russell's point of view - not as a typical narrative with chapters and obvious stopping points, but instead as a series of emails to his old war buddy. It is essentially one long stream of consciousness; he only stops an email when he gets interrupted while writing it, and then he picks right back up where he was at the start of the next email. Reading this book was almost like listening to a friend tell a story. I haven't seen this tactic used before, but I was surprised by how much I liked it. It makes it really easy to get caught up in the storytelling and finish the book in one sitting like I did.
I chose Only The Rain as my Kindle First choice for December and I'm glad I did. I would definitely recommend this book.
BLOG: Dorie's Reading Corner
January 5, 2018
-->You can deal with the elephant or be raped by him.
This is one of those books that you start hoping for something simple and quick and you get more than what you bargain for. You find yourself finishing the book and thinking for a bit. Maybe about moral questions, maybe about the war, maybe about yout life... but yet thinking.
The characters of these book sounded way too real and the relashionship of Russel and his wife was just adorable. I found myself letting out small giggles or "aws" now and then because of what he said about his wife.
Plus you get a nice kick of action. Just enough action... Well, I gotta admit that it wasn't my favorite part of the it but it gave a nice kick to the story.
Overall a rather nice book. :)
This is one of those books that you start hoping for something simple and quick and you get more than what you bargain for. You find yourself finishing the book and thinking for a bit. Maybe about moral questions, maybe about the war, maybe about yout life... but yet thinking.
The characters of these book sounded way too real and the relashionship of Russel and his wife was just adorable. I found myself letting out small giggles or "aws" now and then because of what he said about his wife.
Plus you get a nice kick of action. Just enough action... Well, I gotta admit that it wasn't my favorite part of the it but it gave a nice kick to the story.
Overall a rather nice book. :)
December 11, 2017
Only the Boring...
This stream of consciousness novel was predictable and almost a chore to finish. I will note the main character’s wife, Cindy, was just as annoying as any other “dependa” you would encounter on base. And while everyone who has served in the military has a different experience, I’ve never encountered anyone as whiny as Russel, our protagonist, was portrayed. Luckily I downloaded this book free with prime, because I would have kicked myself for paying for this. I’m sure some people would enjoy this novel, but try as I may I could not get behind it.
Pros:
Quick read
Free with prime choice
Cons:
Predictable plot
Flat characters
Unlikable protagonist
This stream of consciousness novel was predictable and almost a chore to finish. I will note the main character’s wife, Cindy, was just as annoying as any other “dependa” you would encounter on base. And while everyone who has served in the military has a different experience, I’ve never encountered anyone as whiny as Russel, our protagonist, was portrayed. Luckily I downloaded this book free with prime, because I would have kicked myself for paying for this. I’m sure some people would enjoy this novel, but try as I may I could not get behind it.
Pros:
Quick read
Free with prime choice
Cons:
Predictable plot
Flat characters
Unlikable protagonist
January 8, 2018
This book really grabs you in the beginning, and I truly enjoyed the first half. The story takes a weird twist in the middle, and leaves the reader with a lot of unanswered questions.
However, as a veteran, I did like how the author brings up the magnitude of emotions a soldier feels after returning to civilian life. It had some very thoughtful moments and I enjoyed the story.
However, as a veteran, I did like how the author brings up the magnitude of emotions a soldier feels after returning to civilian life. It had some very thoughtful moments and I enjoyed the story.
July 20, 2019
Writing to a friend you wish you could see
This would be a great book to read with a high school class, especially a class of kids that may want to go into the service. We all can reflect on how being a soldier is forever, as many of our experiences stay with us forever. My favorite character was Pops and everyone has a Pops of sorts in their life that gives with all their heart.
This would be a great book to read with a high school class, especially a class of kids that may want to go into the service. We all can reflect on how being a soldier is forever, as many of our experiences stay with us forever. My favorite character was Pops and everyone has a Pops of sorts in their life that gives with all their heart.
August 27, 2021
This was a good read.
February 11, 2018
hooked me almost immediately. this thriller will keep you in your chair until you finish reading! this is a one sitting book. be prepared.
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