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Once Upon a Time in Detroit: A Story of Redemption and Romance
Standing on the corner of Eight Mile Road and Woodward Avenue were three homeless men, lifelong victims of their own self-sabotage. Like the Detroit Red Wings, their time had come to do or die. When the 1997 NHL playoffs began, it had been 42 years since the Detroit Red Wings lifted Lord Stanley's Cup. For nearly half a century, the would-be Heroes of Hockeytown were dismissed as perennial losers. By 1997, the franchise was at a gut-check crossroad. Their atonement could only be gained by winning a championship. That same year, the three homeless men would seek redemption and romance.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2025
About the author
A.C. Sherman
3 books43 followersA. C. Sherman was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He loves to travel. Among his favorite destinations are Helsinki, Toronto and Chicago.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 11, 2026
A sincere thank you to the author for sending a gift copy of Once Upon a Time in Detroit, with a request for my honest review. It was a pleasure reading Sherman’s new book.
This story follows the lives of three men in Detroit, struggling to move on from the past. Sherman touches on themes of mental illness and the injustices to unhoused persons, but generally focuses on love and loyalty between friends. The characters were interesting and engaging, and I would have liked to have known more of their backstories. Overall, it was a heartwarming story of “Detroiters helping Detroiters”, and a reminder that “love can conquer the past”. This is a compelling and quick read about determination and hope. I would recommend!
This story follows the lives of three men in Detroit, struggling to move on from the past. Sherman touches on themes of mental illness and the injustices to unhoused persons, but generally focuses on love and loyalty between friends. The characters were interesting and engaging, and I would have liked to have known more of their backstories. Overall, it was a heartwarming story of “Detroiters helping Detroiters”, and a reminder that “love can conquer the past”. This is a compelling and quick read about determination and hope. I would recommend!
January 11, 2026
Disclaimer - The author kindly provided me with a free copy of the book, which I read and discussed live on stream. This review reflects my genuine thoughts after finishing it.
The book follows the stories of several different homeless men during the lead up to the Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup run in 1997. The story moves quickly, following the different men as they dealt with their lives. There are lots of different moving pieces but the author does a great job of bringing the different details back around towards the end of the story, proving that they did not just brings things in for fluff.
Some of the aspects dealing with the characters romances moved a little more rapidly than is feasible in real life but worked well in the context of a shorter novel. Overall, the story was engaging, well written and kept me and my audience entertained throughout the read.
If you have an opportunity to pick up the book and give it a read, I don't think you will be disappointed!
The book follows the stories of several different homeless men during the lead up to the Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup run in 1997. The story moves quickly, following the different men as they dealt with their lives. There are lots of different moving pieces but the author does a great job of bringing the different details back around towards the end of the story, proving that they did not just brings things in for fluff.
Some of the aspects dealing with the characters romances moved a little more rapidly than is feasible in real life but worked well in the context of a shorter novel. Overall, the story was engaging, well written and kept me and my audience entertained throughout the read.
If you have an opportunity to pick up the book and give it a read, I don't think you will be disappointed!
August 26, 2025
Once Upon a Time in Detroit follows three men as they struggle to survive while navigating life without stable housing. All three share the absence of nurturing father-son relationships in their past either through emotional abuse, neglect, or complete estrangement.
At the center of the story is Mickey, who is relentlessly haunted by his father’s mistreatment. He imagines his father as a ghostly figure that shadows his steps, driving him toward destructive choices. One of Mickey’s most chilling reflections captures the depth of his pain: “The only way I could disappoint my father… was if I succeeded.” It is a sentiment that echoes the experiences of many who grew up in harsh and abusive environments.
Yet, despite mistakes and setbacks, Mickey and the other men remain determined to fight for a better life. This is a good read for readers who enjoy stories of survival, perseverance, and hope.
At the center of the story is Mickey, who is relentlessly haunted by his father’s mistreatment. He imagines his father as a ghostly figure that shadows his steps, driving him toward destructive choices. One of Mickey’s most chilling reflections captures the depth of his pain: “The only way I could disappoint my father… was if I succeeded.” It is a sentiment that echoes the experiences of many who grew up in harsh and abusive environments.
Yet, despite mistakes and setbacks, Mickey and the other men remain determined to fight for a better life. This is a good read for readers who enjoy stories of survival, perseverance, and hope.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews