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Thompson Road
A sweeping, coming of age romance set in the Pacific Northwest on the brink of WWII. Rejected by classmate and talented swing dancer Sally Springs, high school quarterback Raleigh Starr remains desperate to win her heart. While walking home on Thompson Road, he catches sight of Mona Garrison dancing at her bedroom window. He is mesmerized.
Determined to dazzle Sally, Raleigh convinces the shy sixteen year old to compete with him in a swing dance contest. After he is swept up in the war, Raleigh realizes too late what Mona has always known: that they are perfect for each other…but he is unaware of the terrible price she has paid for his attention. Thompson Road is a poignant, tender story that reminds us of the power of first love.
Determined to dazzle Sally, Raleigh convinces the shy sixteen year old to compete with him in a swing dance contest. After he is swept up in the war, Raleigh realizes too late what Mona has always known: that they are perfect for each other…but he is unaware of the terrible price she has paid for his attention. Thompson Road is a poignant, tender story that reminds us of the power of first love.
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2015
367 people want to read
About the author
Scott Wyatt
7 books15 followersI was born in Portland, Oregon in 1951 and grew up in Sandpoint, Idaho. I’ve earned degrees from Stanford University and the University of Washington, and have worked—full– or, as currently, part–time—as a lawyer since 1976.
My interest in creative writing predates the start of my first novel, Beyond the Sand Creek Bridge (2012), which was thirty years in the making. At present, I’m pleased to be riding a robust wave of creative energy. It has been a long time coming, but it’s here now, and I feel blessed to have the time and capacity to make the most of it.
As passionate as I am about writing, I am even more passionate about an idea that came to me out of the blue in 1985, following a trip to the former Soviet Union. This is the notion that the moral dimension in human interactions and behaviors—how we treat one another—is shaped as much by “the content of our awareness of other” as by those rules, mores, symbolical thoughts, religious tenets, prescriptions, and what not, that we call our own, or that we embrace throughout our lives. Yes, I know that’s a mouthful! At its core, though, is this idea: that human beings—all of us—are both different and the same (we are made up of both human differences and human “samenesses”); that, when we encounter one another, we are (for very natural reasons) drawn to and mesmerized by the human differences we see in “other” (including some that we share); and that, for a whole host of reasons, we formulate our moral commitments to “other” based exclusively on “difference awareness”: my family, my tribe, my ethnic group, my nation. The content of our awareness of other, in other words, which gives rise to the moral impulse, is difference awareness alone, not a combination of difference awareness and “sameness awareness.” The compassionate impulse, which is the fruit of sameness awareness, is lost.
This is more than can be conveyed adequately in a paragraph. You’ll find this theme developed in Jason McQuade’s closing argument in Beyond the Sand Creek Bridge, and again in “The Sanori Flag Debate,” the appendix to my second novel, Dimension M (2013). It is a dominant theme in my own life, as well. In 1999, I founded the Companion Flag Project to elevate and sustain public awareness of all that human beings have in common, their differences notwithstanding. I have traveled throughout the world introducing the companion flag idea, and the companion flag, a symbol of all that human beings have in common flown below the other flags of the world, has been adopted at schools and universities in over fifteen countries.
I have four children and five grandchildren. My wife, Rochelle Wyatt, is a talented Seattle-area actress. Since 2009, we have lived in a beautiful cabin-like home overlooking Lake Sammamish, fifteen miles east of Seattle in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.
My interest in creative writing predates the start of my first novel, Beyond the Sand Creek Bridge (2012), which was thirty years in the making. At present, I’m pleased to be riding a robust wave of creative energy. It has been a long time coming, but it’s here now, and I feel blessed to have the time and capacity to make the most of it.
As passionate as I am about writing, I am even more passionate about an idea that came to me out of the blue in 1985, following a trip to the former Soviet Union. This is the notion that the moral dimension in human interactions and behaviors—how we treat one another—is shaped as much by “the content of our awareness of other” as by those rules, mores, symbolical thoughts, religious tenets, prescriptions, and what not, that we call our own, or that we embrace throughout our lives. Yes, I know that’s a mouthful! At its core, though, is this idea: that human beings—all of us—are both different and the same (we are made up of both human differences and human “samenesses”); that, when we encounter one another, we are (for very natural reasons) drawn to and mesmerized by the human differences we see in “other” (including some that we share); and that, for a whole host of reasons, we formulate our moral commitments to “other” based exclusively on “difference awareness”: my family, my tribe, my ethnic group, my nation. The content of our awareness of other, in other words, which gives rise to the moral impulse, is difference awareness alone, not a combination of difference awareness and “sameness awareness.” The compassionate impulse, which is the fruit of sameness awareness, is lost.
This is more than can be conveyed adequately in a paragraph. You’ll find this theme developed in Jason McQuade’s closing argument in Beyond the Sand Creek Bridge, and again in “The Sanori Flag Debate,” the appendix to my second novel, Dimension M (2013). It is a dominant theme in my own life, as well. In 1999, I founded the Companion Flag Project to elevate and sustain public awareness of all that human beings have in common, their differences notwithstanding. I have traveled throughout the world introducing the companion flag idea, and the companion flag, a symbol of all that human beings have in common flown below the other flags of the world, has been adopted at schools and universities in over fifteen countries.
I have four children and five grandchildren. My wife, Rochelle Wyatt, is a talented Seattle-area actress. Since 2009, we have lived in a beautiful cabin-like home overlooking Lake Sammamish, fifteen miles east of Seattle in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 11, 2015
This was a goodreads win for which I'm thankful as I can't praise the book enough. It was a wonderful story that took place in 1947 about two young teens who are drawn together with their mutual love of music and dance. The author did a great job relating this story to the reader. I had a clear vision of the main characters and grew very fond of both of them. It starts with them at ages 17 and 15. The 15 year old named Mona comes to live with her aunt and uncle. Due to a learning disability she has been kept back several years which has been more than a burden for her. Raleigh, the boy, is 17 and lives down the road. He befriends Mona after seeing her dance in her room when she thought she was alone. Viewing her dancing, Raleigh decides she needed to teach him how to dance so they would win the yearly dance contest allowing him to impress a certain girl who is interested in someone else. . Enough detail... It's a great book that you should read.
December 29, 2017
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. I'm really excited to read it! It looks like it is going to be a really good read. I'll update my review when I receive and read the book.
January 22, 2019
While the plot premise is solid in this World War II-era coming-of-age story, lawyer-turned-author Scott Wyatt is unable to fully carry off the other elements that are critical to a successful novel. The characters are one-dimensional, the dialogue is so often unrealistic and hokey-sounding that it made me cringe, and the narrative is very jerky, moving from point A to point B in such a rush and in such an odd way that it seemingly gave me whiplash. Worst of all, it is way too melodramatic to be believable.
It's 1941, and high school football quarterback Raleigh Starr sees something he shouldn't, and it totally changes his life. While walking home drunk one evening after landing his father's car in a ditch, Raleigh looks up from Thompson Road and sees through a window a girl dancing in her bedroom. He is totally smitten. But the girl, 15-year-old Mona, is considered "feebleminded." Raleigh befriends and then uses Mona to help him catch the eye of a popular girl at his school, but the plan backfires with severe, lifelong consequences for Mona. Then everything changes when Raleigh goes off to war and the high schoolers grow up.
My greatest complaint with this book is the uneven writing. While much of it is what one would expect from a professional writer, enough of it reads like a high school student's latest creative writing attempt that it creates a jarring disconnect. This is especially evident in the dialogue. And that's unfortunate. A good editor would have made a big difference.
It's 1941, and high school football quarterback Raleigh Starr sees something he shouldn't, and it totally changes his life. While walking home drunk one evening after landing his father's car in a ditch, Raleigh looks up from Thompson Road and sees through a window a girl dancing in her bedroom. He is totally smitten. But the girl, 15-year-old Mona, is considered "feebleminded." Raleigh befriends and then uses Mona to help him catch the eye of a popular girl at his school, but the plan backfires with severe, lifelong consequences for Mona. Then everything changes when Raleigh goes off to war and the high schoolers grow up.
My greatest complaint with this book is the uneven writing. While much of it is what one would expect from a professional writer, enough of it reads like a high school student's latest creative writing attempt that it creates a jarring disconnect. This is especially evident in the dialogue. And that's unfortunate. A good editor would have made a big difference.
January 16, 2019
Good book. Well written.
October 20, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book actually confused me for a while. It’s described as a “coming-of-age” story, which made me think things would be resolved while the protagonists were still young adults (or, at the very least, “new adults”). But the story kept on going, and I realized its scope was far broader. It is a “coming-to-maturity” story, really, and as such, it covers ten years or so of the protagonists’ lives.
Narration: 4 out of 5. Overall, the narration was carried by the dialogue, but I felt it was very effective, with variations based on character. Some of the language was rather strong, though, and that, combined with the content, makes me feel that this book would be inappropriate for a typical young adult readership.
Content: 1 out of 5. I felt like this was the novel’s weakest point. The narration, while being representative of the characters (particularly Raleigh), was so objectifying of the female characters as to border on being strongly offensive. They were constantly being depicted as a bundle of desirable body parts and nothing more, and at one point we witness the beginning of Raleigh’s sexual fantasizing and self-gratification in response to another character’s behavior. (Thankfully, Raleigh does come to maturity and realize there is more to women; at one point, late in the novel, he calls a woman “beautiful” in his thoughts without seeming to see her as a sexual object.)
I also felt that the broad content contributed to my confusion. I found myself unsure of what the story was about until the last fourth of the novel.
The beginning was very young-adult in focus, with everything riding on asking a pretty girl out or in hoping the bullies on the bus leave you alone. Then, WWII begins, and we experience the action of a Japanese air strike and being stationed in the Pacific, juxtaposed with scenes that focus on the marginalization of the feeble minded. To round everything out, there is some legal documentation–added verbatim– a little courtroom drama, and a fair dose of “will-they-won’t-they” as the romantic couple navigates in and out of each others lives.
Characters: 4 out of 5. The characters were very consistent, and following their journeys to maturity was really the driving force behind the novel. Mona was very likable, and highly relatable as the misunderstood young woman whose dreams seem impossible. I found it much harder to like Raleigh. Right from the beginning, he struck me as selfish and obsessive, and I felt he didn’t change until late in the novel. Still, most of the cast of characters felt real and genuine, like they could’ve truly existed at one point.
World Building: 3 out of 5. The world of the story was fairly cohesive, but I didn’t feel it was consistent with history. For example, there was no talk of rationing, even after the war began: people kept driving from place to place as though no war existed. Before the war began, the attitude seemed to correspond more to that held during the fifties and early sixties (reminding me strongly of Grease) than that of the closing years of the depression leading up to the war.
And, though the young people volunteered for service, there didn’t seem to be much corresponding volunteerism among the older generation or the women (save for one girl who worked with the Red Cross). So while it never violated the fictional world, I felt it failed to correspond or represent the real, historical world.
Overall Response: As literary fiction, this reminded me a bit of works like Happy All The Time by Laurie Colwin. The pacing was slow, giving you plenty of time to absorb the various viewpoints and the “life” that these people were living. If you prefer to experience the little moments of literary lives instead of bounding from climax to climax, and you enjoy novels that, as a whole, comment on the nature of the human experience, you might want to give Thompson Road a try.
A complete list of the Writerlea Book Reviews can be found on my blog here.
This book actually confused me for a while. It’s described as a “coming-of-age” story, which made me think things would be resolved while the protagonists were still young adults (or, at the very least, “new adults”). But the story kept on going, and I realized its scope was far broader. It is a “coming-to-maturity” story, really, and as such, it covers ten years or so of the protagonists’ lives.
Narration: 4 out of 5. Overall, the narration was carried by the dialogue, but I felt it was very effective, with variations based on character. Some of the language was rather strong, though, and that, combined with the content, makes me feel that this book would be inappropriate for a typical young adult readership.
Content: 1 out of 5. I felt like this was the novel’s weakest point. The narration, while being representative of the characters (particularly Raleigh), was so objectifying of the female characters as to border on being strongly offensive. They were constantly being depicted as a bundle of desirable body parts and nothing more, and at one point we witness the beginning of Raleigh’s sexual fantasizing and self-gratification in response to another character’s behavior. (Thankfully, Raleigh does come to maturity and realize there is more to women; at one point, late in the novel, he calls a woman “beautiful” in his thoughts without seeming to see her as a sexual object.)
I also felt that the broad content contributed to my confusion. I found myself unsure of what the story was about until the last fourth of the novel.
The beginning was very young-adult in focus, with everything riding on asking a pretty girl out or in hoping the bullies on the bus leave you alone. Then, WWII begins, and we experience the action of a Japanese air strike and being stationed in the Pacific, juxtaposed with scenes that focus on the marginalization of the feeble minded. To round everything out, there is some legal documentation–added verbatim– a little courtroom drama, and a fair dose of “will-they-won’t-they” as the romantic couple navigates in and out of each others lives.
Characters: 4 out of 5. The characters were very consistent, and following their journeys to maturity was really the driving force behind the novel. Mona was very likable, and highly relatable as the misunderstood young woman whose dreams seem impossible. I found it much harder to like Raleigh. Right from the beginning, he struck me as selfish and obsessive, and I felt he didn’t change until late in the novel. Still, most of the cast of characters felt real and genuine, like they could’ve truly existed at one point.
World Building: 3 out of 5. The world of the story was fairly cohesive, but I didn’t feel it was consistent with history. For example, there was no talk of rationing, even after the war began: people kept driving from place to place as though no war existed. Before the war began, the attitude seemed to correspond more to that held during the fifties and early sixties (reminding me strongly of Grease) than that of the closing years of the depression leading up to the war.
And, though the young people volunteered for service, there didn’t seem to be much corresponding volunteerism among the older generation or the women (save for one girl who worked with the Red Cross). So while it never violated the fictional world, I felt it failed to correspond or represent the real, historical world.
Overall Response: As literary fiction, this reminded me a bit of works like Happy All The Time by Laurie Colwin. The pacing was slow, giving you plenty of time to absorb the various viewpoints and the “life” that these people were living. If you prefer to experience the little moments of literary lives instead of bounding from climax to climax, and you enjoy novels that, as a whole, comment on the nature of the human experience, you might want to give Thompson Road a try.
A complete list of the Writerlea Book Reviews can be found on my blog here.
September 24, 2015
This book was sent to me for review by the author, but all opinions expressed are my own. Check out his website at www.scottwyattauthor.com
Thompson Road is an illustration of growing up, and how life sometimes changes even your wildest dreams for yourself. Raleigh Starr is a football star in his high-school days prior to WWII. Spurned by the Sally Springs--a popular and talented dancer in his class--he is determined to do anything he can to win her over. When he accidentally sees Mona Garrison dancing one night, he is captivated and instantly sees her skill as a way to make Sally sit up and take notice of him. There's just one problem though--even though Mona is 15, she has been labeled "slow". He doesn't want to be seen as taking advantage over a handicapped child, but the more he gets to know Mona, the more certain he is that whatever else she may be she is not retarded. When he persuades Mona to practice swing dancing with him and they enter a state fair competition together, it sets the town and their families into an uproar. Sally can't help but notice him, but when the competition is over and done though, he finds himself empty and disappointed in himself. Years and a war pass before Raleigh realizes that he has loved Mona since the first time he saw her.
Whatever else you do, do not write this book off as just another teenage romance. I was expecting it to be something of a teen romance, and that didn't bother me because it was historical and looked good, but it was so much deeper and impressive than any "teen" book I've ever found.
Thompson Road is more than a story about high school. It encompasses decades and it is a story about how choices follow one through life. Bittersweet and touching, Thompson Road illuminates a little-known aspect of social history, while thoroughly tangling up your heartstrings.
I, for one, had no idea how poorly people with dyslexia were looked upon as recently as the 1940s. Dyslexia has only recently begun to be treated as merely requiring different methods of learning. Early in the 1900s, people who may have been dyslexic were simply labeled slow or retarded, and shipped off to whatever mental health asylums were available. Mona's story in Thompson Road is horrifying, just because of that, though there is resolution in the end.
Overall, Thompson Road very successfully accomplished the two main things that I judge all historical fiction by. Firstly, the story itself was well-written, gripping, and believable. Secondly, it called to attention a specific and previously unknown-to-me aspect of history.
I highly recommend this book, particularly if you have any special love of historical fiction, or the bizarre social issues of years gone by.
I loved this book: 5 out of 5 stars
Thompson Road is an illustration of growing up, and how life sometimes changes even your wildest dreams for yourself. Raleigh Starr is a football star in his high-school days prior to WWII. Spurned by the Sally Springs--a popular and talented dancer in his class--he is determined to do anything he can to win her over. When he accidentally sees Mona Garrison dancing one night, he is captivated and instantly sees her skill as a way to make Sally sit up and take notice of him. There's just one problem though--even though Mona is 15, she has been labeled "slow". He doesn't want to be seen as taking advantage over a handicapped child, but the more he gets to know Mona, the more certain he is that whatever else she may be she is not retarded. When he persuades Mona to practice swing dancing with him and they enter a state fair competition together, it sets the town and their families into an uproar. Sally can't help but notice him, but when the competition is over and done though, he finds himself empty and disappointed in himself. Years and a war pass before Raleigh realizes that he has loved Mona since the first time he saw her.
Whatever else you do, do not write this book off as just another teenage romance. I was expecting it to be something of a teen romance, and that didn't bother me because it was historical and looked good, but it was so much deeper and impressive than any "teen" book I've ever found.
Thompson Road is more than a story about high school. It encompasses decades and it is a story about how choices follow one through life. Bittersweet and touching, Thompson Road illuminates a little-known aspect of social history, while thoroughly tangling up your heartstrings.
I, for one, had no idea how poorly people with dyslexia were looked upon as recently as the 1940s. Dyslexia has only recently begun to be treated as merely requiring different methods of learning. Early in the 1900s, people who may have been dyslexic were simply labeled slow or retarded, and shipped off to whatever mental health asylums were available. Mona's story in Thompson Road is horrifying, just because of that, though there is resolution in the end.
Overall, Thompson Road very successfully accomplished the two main things that I judge all historical fiction by. Firstly, the story itself was well-written, gripping, and believable. Secondly, it called to attention a specific and previously unknown-to-me aspect of history.
I highly recommend this book, particularly if you have any special love of historical fiction, or the bizarre social issues of years gone by.
I loved this book: 5 out of 5 stars
September 9, 2015
A series of unfortunate events is how I can describe this novel for the two main characters: Raleigh and Mona. The novel is broken into several imperative years of coming of age and growth between both of the inhabitants of Thompson Road - the first time they met, high school, war times, post-war, and full adulthood. Each of which could be individual stories of their own. Along the way, I could feel the development each of the characters were going through, especially with the unthinkable challenges they faced. Toward the later stages of their story, there were so many times that I exclaimed words of doubt, fear, and anxiety as the punches kept on coming for Raleigh and Mona - a pair that unmistakably pulls sympathy as a major emotion out of us readers.
I do not claim to know about the vernacular during this time period, however there were conversations that seemed close to how we talk in the present. Besides this potential discrepancy, I felt transported to the Pacific Northwest, the county fair, the armed forces station, and of course Thompson Road which provide perfect stages for our characters in the building of their friendship and the potential for so much more. The time in the U.S. before, during, and after WWII adds to the stress and setbacks they both face because of the limitations (but realities) of communication, transportation, education, and diagnoses.
Although there is the feel of a common story of boy meets girl, boy loses girl, etc, I feel that Wyatt was able to break that mold and utilize a different approach - bringing in third person points of view on several characters, providing some back story and moments of clarity and aha! for the readers. Overall, a quick read that packs emotion and connection to humanity and injustices that may still be a reality. It made me think about what actions we take lead to for not just ourselves for others we did not think would be affected. Some values that I hold close are humility, loyalty, authenticity, and integrity - all of which I thought long and hard about after reading the thoughts, words, and actions of Thompson Road.
Read Thompson Road if you like the themes of:
Coming of age
Learning disabilities
World War II
Love
I reviewed this work as an official/professional book review blogger. I received an electronic copy from the author in exchange for a professional review. My opinions are above and appear on my blog incessantbookworm.wordpress.com.
I do not claim to know about the vernacular during this time period, however there were conversations that seemed close to how we talk in the present. Besides this potential discrepancy, I felt transported to the Pacific Northwest, the county fair, the armed forces station, and of course Thompson Road which provide perfect stages for our characters in the building of their friendship and the potential for so much more. The time in the U.S. before, during, and after WWII adds to the stress and setbacks they both face because of the limitations (but realities) of communication, transportation, education, and diagnoses.
Although there is the feel of a common story of boy meets girl, boy loses girl, etc, I feel that Wyatt was able to break that mold and utilize a different approach - bringing in third person points of view on several characters, providing some back story and moments of clarity and aha! for the readers. Overall, a quick read that packs emotion and connection to humanity and injustices that may still be a reality. It made me think about what actions we take lead to for not just ourselves for others we did not think would be affected. Some values that I hold close are humility, loyalty, authenticity, and integrity - all of which I thought long and hard about after reading the thoughts, words, and actions of Thompson Road.
Read Thompson Road if you like the themes of:
Coming of age
Learning disabilities
World War II
Love
I reviewed this work as an official/professional book review blogger. I received an electronic copy from the author in exchange for a professional review. My opinions are above and appear on my blog incessantbookworm.wordpress.com.
March 1, 2016
I think the entire process of reading for pleasure has changed in the past few decades. Readers have become so sophisticated they can pick up a book, read the opening chapter and tells how the book will end. This is the case with Thompson Road. in the hands of masterful writer this really doesn't matter. This is the case with Scott Wyatt. Scott's good writing and compelling, though familiar story captures us and the ending seems less important than the journey.
Scott's third book is that story. A coming of age tale set in the early to mid-twentieth century, Thompson Road compels us to follow that journey as it moves us steadily through a wonderful backdrop of the Pacific Northwest and a small group of fascinating characters. Without car chases, exploding buildings, super powered anti-heroes Scott takes us on a journey of unabashed emotion. Characters we can relate to, maybe even recognize, take us on a journey of adventure, love lost and found all the while remaining folks who might live right next door or we might pass in the grocery aisle. After reading this book you might even look at these everyday people with a different eye. Maybe even the wonder of how they, or you, came to be on this drugstore, this office, this mini-mart at just this time and what their stories might be.
In this day and age when our heroes come to us armed to the teeth crashing through doors instead of opening them, driving shiny cars which can survive a nuclear blast without a scratch and then morph into a small jet plane, the day-to-day heroics of living a life is a pleasant, but just as exciting, departure. It is difficult for me to imagine anyone not getting caught up and I hope you do and tell your friends. Scott Wyatt is an author who deserves a following, a big following. Join me in becoming part of that following.
Scott's third book is that story. A coming of age tale set in the early to mid-twentieth century, Thompson Road compels us to follow that journey as it moves us steadily through a wonderful backdrop of the Pacific Northwest and a small group of fascinating characters. Without car chases, exploding buildings, super powered anti-heroes Scott takes us on a journey of unabashed emotion. Characters we can relate to, maybe even recognize, take us on a journey of adventure, love lost and found all the while remaining folks who might live right next door or we might pass in the grocery aisle. After reading this book you might even look at these everyday people with a different eye. Maybe even the wonder of how they, or you, came to be on this drugstore, this office, this mini-mart at just this time and what their stories might be.
In this day and age when our heroes come to us armed to the teeth crashing through doors instead of opening them, driving shiny cars which can survive a nuclear blast without a scratch and then morph into a small jet plane, the day-to-day heroics of living a life is a pleasant, but just as exciting, departure. It is difficult for me to imagine anyone not getting caught up and I hope you do and tell your friends. Scott Wyatt is an author who deserves a following, a big following. Join me in becoming part of that following.
February 3, 2016
Free book for honest review. juliesbokreview.blogspot.com
Mona is “feebleminded”. That’s what everyone keeps saying, so it must be true. School
is so hard for her. Her aunt and uncle have taken her in because her mother is too sick to
take care of her. Mona’s aunt is very strict with her and won’t let her have friends or do
anything “regular” kids get to do.
Raleigh saves Mona’s kittens from a barn fire when the two of them were very young.
He never forgot how sweet Mona was, even though she was different from any other girl
he knew. When they were teenagers, Raleigh saw Mona dancing in her window one
night as he was walking by and he got it in his head that he would ask Mona to be his
dance partner in an upcoming contest, but how to get around her very controlling aunt so
they could practice?
Their lives went separate ways when Raleigh went off to be a soldier in World War II,
even though they kept in touch for a short time in the beginning of his tour. Something
happened to keep them apart for years, but will love prevail and will they find each other
again?
This was a very true to the period book. The writer captured the angst of the times, and
had me screaming silently for the injustices that Mona went through because she wasn’t
deemed fit to be a member of society. Their story was well written, well thought out, and
very entertaining, even the parts that made me want to scream at some of the characters.
It’s well worth the read.
5 stars
Donna
Mona is “feebleminded”. That’s what everyone keeps saying, so it must be true. School
is so hard for her. Her aunt and uncle have taken her in because her mother is too sick to
take care of her. Mona’s aunt is very strict with her and won’t let her have friends or do
anything “regular” kids get to do.
Raleigh saves Mona’s kittens from a barn fire when the two of them were very young.
He never forgot how sweet Mona was, even though she was different from any other girl
he knew. When they were teenagers, Raleigh saw Mona dancing in her window one
night as he was walking by and he got it in his head that he would ask Mona to be his
dance partner in an upcoming contest, but how to get around her very controlling aunt so
they could practice?
Their lives went separate ways when Raleigh went off to be a soldier in World War II,
even though they kept in touch for a short time in the beginning of his tour. Something
happened to keep them apart for years, but will love prevail and will they find each other
again?
This was a very true to the period book. The writer captured the angst of the times, and
had me screaming silently for the injustices that Mona went through because she wasn’t
deemed fit to be a member of society. Their story was well written, well thought out, and
very entertaining, even the parts that made me want to scream at some of the characters.
It’s well worth the read.
5 stars
Donna
February 28, 2016
THOMPSON ROAD, historical fiction and romance, takes place during three major periods of history from the 1930’s and into the 1950’s, the Depression, World War II, and the peace year’s immediately following the war. Raleigh Starr, a high school junior, meets Mona Garrison, who though she is 15, is still in 4th grade. She has been labeled feebleminded, but when Raleigh gets to know her, he knows she is not. Raleigh has fallen for Sally Springs, a girl in his class who has little interest in him. Raleigh devises a plan involving Mona to get Sally to drop her boyfriend and see that Raleigh is the one for her. The stage is set for a myriad of events that change the lives of everyone concerned.
The author gives us a look at the practice of eugenics at an asylum, a practice that had previously been outlawed. THOMPSON ROAD is a wonderfully written, face-paced story that clearly illustrates how our innocent (and not so innocent) actions can affect others, for the good, and for the bad. Throughout this heartfelt story, we will witness the growth of the characters from the star-crossed teen years to strong individuals who have learned the hard lessons of life.
Scott Wyatt writes a captivating and compassionate story, one that you won’t be able to put down. THOMPSON ROAD is worthy of the highest rating. It is one book anyone who enjoys romance and historical fiction will find unforgettable.
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The author gives us a look at the practice of eugenics at an asylum, a practice that had previously been outlawed. THOMPSON ROAD is a wonderfully written, face-paced story that clearly illustrates how our innocent (and not so innocent) actions can affect others, for the good, and for the bad. Throughout this heartfelt story, we will witness the growth of the characters from the star-crossed teen years to strong individuals who have learned the hard lessons of life.
Scott Wyatt writes a captivating and compassionate story, one that you won’t be able to put down. THOMPSON ROAD is worthy of the highest rating. It is one book anyone who enjoys romance and historical fiction will find unforgettable.
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2016
I liked this book, but I didn't fall in love with it. I almost gave it 4 stars. Almost...until I did!
The early swing dancing rang true (I taught Lindy Hop for several years) and I was hooked at that point. Once Raleigh enlisted and the two main characters were physically separated I began to be less involved, and also got a bit confused as to where he was from time to time. Maybe I wasn't paying close enough attention? Meanwhile, Mona's treatment at the hands of the authorities infuriated me to the point of wanting to put the book down – and THAT's what I call effective writing! So I kept reading.
There are times when the author is quite lyrical in his prose. Those were the times I was most involved in the story also, interestingly. But other times the relationships didn't intrigue me as much as I wanted them to. I could have used more Mona in depth, perhaps.
The author handles the 10-year time span well, and the world seems to evolve in believable fashion. I only wish people and events had grabbed me as much as the music and movement had grabbed Raleigh and Mona in the beginning.
I'd be interested in future works from this author.
The early swing dancing rang true (I taught Lindy Hop for several years) and I was hooked at that point. Once Raleigh enlisted and the two main characters were physically separated I began to be less involved, and also got a bit confused as to where he was from time to time. Maybe I wasn't paying close enough attention? Meanwhile, Mona's treatment at the hands of the authorities infuriated me to the point of wanting to put the book down – and THAT's what I call effective writing! So I kept reading.
There are times when the author is quite lyrical in his prose. Those were the times I was most involved in the story also, interestingly. But other times the relationships didn't intrigue me as much as I wanted them to. I could have used more Mona in depth, perhaps.
The author handles the 10-year time span well, and the world seems to evolve in believable fashion. I only wish people and events had grabbed me as much as the music and movement had grabbed Raleigh and Mona in the beginning.
I'd be interested in future works from this author.
September 10, 2015
Thompson Road by Scott Wyatt is a wonderfully written, fast-paced and heartfelt story of love found and love lost with moments of happiness and grief thrown in for good measure.
The main love story of Raleigh and Mona could happen during any decade, but the time period of the 1930's through the 1950's is a perfect time for the setting of the novel. Not too give too much detail here, Raleigh grows up and lives his life and Mona also goes on to live the life of a mentally challenged young adult with many decisions in life forced upon her by other adults.
Both characters went through so much during the timespan of the novel that I laughed, cried and experienced every emotion in between. The realistic twists and turns that were dished out kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. Many parts of the story had me reaching for tissues, but all in all a highly recommended read.
The main love story of Raleigh and Mona could happen during any decade, but the time period of the 1930's through the 1950's is a perfect time for the setting of the novel. Not too give too much detail here, Raleigh grows up and lives his life and Mona also goes on to live the life of a mentally challenged young adult with many decisions in life forced upon her by other adults.
Both characters went through so much during the timespan of the novel that I laughed, cried and experienced every emotion in between. The realistic twists and turns that were dished out kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. Many parts of the story had me reaching for tissues, but all in all a highly recommended read.
December 7, 2015
I won this book on Goodreads first reads!
Thank you for giving me the chance the read "Thompson Road"! It's a very sweet and tragic tale about growing up and facing the harsh realities of life. It was a heart warming and wrenching story about love and learning for the MC's, Raleigh and Mona.
Besides a few minor mistakes (like Raleigh being referred to as 14 in the first chapter), this book was very enjoyable and sweet.
It's well worth the read.
Thank you for giving me the chance the read "Thompson Road"! It's a very sweet and tragic tale about growing up and facing the harsh realities of life. It was a heart warming and wrenching story about love and learning for the MC's, Raleigh and Mona.
Besides a few minor mistakes (like Raleigh being referred to as 14 in the first chapter), this book was very enjoyable and sweet.
It's well worth the read.
September 12, 2015
Thompson Road is more than a romance. I'm not a fan of romance novels, and I enjoyed this story. Like with Mr. Wyatt's other books, there's social commentary wrapped in an engaging story. I won't give away the plot, but Mr. Wyatt's book exposes an issue from our recent past that we should be less than proud of. Thompson Road is the story of a noble young man figuring it out.
February 6, 2016
I really liked this book but somehow(I am perhaps a luddite) accidentally checked one star. I meant 4 stars. Love mona and raleigh as characters. Made an unlikely love story seem real.
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