What do you think?
Whiskey Devil
Bobby Trask is a twelve-year-old kid in a bad place. His father is an abusive drunk with muddled religious views, and his mother, as hard as she tries to defend her son, only ever ends up delaying the inevitable. Things take a turn for the worse one Friday when Bobby brings home a black eye from school. The following day his father brings him out into the woods on a mission to do “God’s Work” and bring him into adulthood.
A coming of age story about the sins of a father and a boy’s chance to absolve himself from them.
A coming of age story about the sins of a father and a boy’s chance to absolve himself from them.
- GenresShort Stories
Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2013
About the author
Christian Galacar
9 books400 followersChristian Galacar grew up in Ipswich, Massachusetts, a small suburb north of Boston. He attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he received a BBA degree in Finance.
He still resides in Massachusetts with his wife and is always working on his next book.
To receive updates on future releases and other announcements, subscribe by email here: www.christiangalacar.com
He still resides in Massachusetts with his wife and is always working on his next book.
To receive updates on future releases and other announcements, subscribe by email here: www.christiangalacar.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 24, 2014
An OK Short story
Rating: 3/5
This is a short story about a small family. It is narrated by the little boy. The story tells about the drinking problem of a father and how it affects his relationship with his wife and his son. The story is short and to the point but I wish it had some more depth to it. What happens to the family? Read it so you know it.
Rating: 3/5
This is a short story about a small family. It is narrated by the little boy. The story tells about the drinking problem of a father and how it affects his relationship with his wife and his son. The story is short and to the point but I wish it had some more depth to it. What happens to the family? Read it so you know it.
May 27, 2019
Excessive and descriptive accounts of abuse does a horror story not make
November 28, 2019
Another solid short story by a talented author. Deals a lot with very complicated issues. The ending will give you something to think about.
May 7, 2020
Good read
I didn't like the idea of killing the dog. I have 2 of them and they are my best friends. But it was pretty neat how the man got his comeuppance, I guess you could call it karma. A nice quick read.
I didn't like the idea of killing the dog. I have 2 of them and they are my best friends. But it was pretty neat how the man got his comeuppance, I guess you could call it karma. A nice quick read.
December 11, 2019
Enjoyed It!
I couldn’t read a certain part as it pertained to an animal and, as odd as I may seem, I have no stomach for animal cruelty yet I can read the most macabre stories of the horrors that humans can be capable of. I Absolutely LOVED GILCHRIST! And WHISKEY DEVIL is well written and an enjoyable short story. I am the newest fan of Christian Galacar!
I couldn’t read a certain part as it pertained to an animal and, as odd as I may seem, I have no stomach for animal cruelty yet I can read the most macabre stories of the horrors that humans can be capable of. I Absolutely LOVED GILCHRIST! And WHISKEY DEVIL is well written and an enjoyable short story. I am the newest fan of Christian Galacar!
January 13, 2020
A short coming of age story about a boy and his drunken, abusive father. Dark and disturbing, but pointed in how families suffer at the hand of alcoholism. Be warned there is animal abuse in here, and it very nearly made me just put the story away altogether. But I'm glad I finished it.
August 14, 2014
Hu hu dù bị hớ hàng vụ bạn Sam nhưng nhìn tổng thể cuốn này rất thực tế và kết thúc rất thỏa đáng.
March 2, 2019
I learned to kill a man one cold December morning in 1972.
Bobby Trask is only 12 years old and is already buried so deeply into an abusive life, matching his father mar his mother Maggie's gorgeous face, and terrorizing him since the moment he was conceived. A hatred brimming within his eyes, as night after night he comes home later and later, the scent of booze on his lips always intensifying. Standing up for a girl, Sissy Caldwell from a well know bully seemed to be the striking point in Bobby's life, as he lands a black eye, one his father was infuriated by. Determined to turn him into a man, he drags his son deep into the woods one icy morning, bringing along the beloved golden retriever Sam, where he is gutted and lain out in front of Bobby. It's that moment something breaks in him, and he utters I hate you! to his father for the first time, shocking them both. After pulling the trigger on Sam, Dom, his father falls into an abandoned well, becoming gravely injured and stuck. But help would never arrive from his haunted son.
But like the calm before a storm, the stillness didn't last.
Returning home, he watches the beautiful transformation of his mother, the petrified soul blossoming into one filled with smiles and gleeful laughter, unaware of her dying husband a few hundred feet away. Bobby seemed relentless to share that secret, leaving him buried for 4 days before returning to the scene of the crime, taking this secret in stride, while his mother never batted and eye or asked about the mysterious disappearance. This was the lesson he learned...
He'd taught me to fear something I loved...
Bobby Trask is only 12 years old and is already buried so deeply into an abusive life, matching his father mar his mother Maggie's gorgeous face, and terrorizing him since the moment he was conceived. A hatred brimming within his eyes, as night after night he comes home later and later, the scent of booze on his lips always intensifying. Standing up for a girl, Sissy Caldwell from a well know bully seemed to be the striking point in Bobby's life, as he lands a black eye, one his father was infuriated by. Determined to turn him into a man, he drags his son deep into the woods one icy morning, bringing along the beloved golden retriever Sam, where he is gutted and lain out in front of Bobby. It's that moment something breaks in him, and he utters I hate you! to his father for the first time, shocking them both. After pulling the trigger on Sam, Dom, his father falls into an abandoned well, becoming gravely injured and stuck. But help would never arrive from his haunted son.
But like the calm before a storm, the stillness didn't last.
Returning home, he watches the beautiful transformation of his mother, the petrified soul blossoming into one filled with smiles and gleeful laughter, unaware of her dying husband a few hundred feet away. Bobby seemed relentless to share that secret, leaving him buried for 4 days before returning to the scene of the crime, taking this secret in stride, while his mother never batted and eye or asked about the mysterious disappearance. This was the lesson he learned...
He'd taught me to fear something I loved...
February 2, 2018
I quite enjoy short stories because it's easy to find time to listen in one sitting. This is an interesting story, it's got surprising depth considering how short it is. The relationships in the book are well developed and show the complexities of human interactions.
A quick and enjoyable listen, the narrator did a good job but sounded too adult considering they are voicing the thoughts of a 12 year old boy. The pace and tone of the narration were a good match for the story.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
A quick and enjoyable listen, the narrator did a good job but sounded too adult considering they are voicing the thoughts of a 12 year old boy. The pace and tone of the narration were a good match for the story.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
November 12, 2018
Hard luck and trouble
This Christian Gilacar story hits hard, like a swift kick to the gut or a punch to the jaw. There’s a lot of that in “Whiskey Devil”—violence, of the kind the title demon can bring out. However, it’s mainly about a boy forced by circumstance to grow up real fast. There is one element involving a dog, something I never want to see or read, although I recognize it’s importance and relevance to the story.
This Christian Gilacar story hits hard, like a swift kick to the gut or a punch to the jaw. There’s a lot of that in “Whiskey Devil”—violence, of the kind the title demon can bring out. However, it’s mainly about a boy forced by circumstance to grow up real fast. There is one element involving a dog, something I never want to see or read, although I recognize it’s importance and relevance to the story.
July 3, 2018
A sorrowful story.
I have recently enjoyed and championed Galacar’s writings,Gilchrist and Cicada Spring. But this short story,was too hurtful and sad for my enjoyment. A good but sorrowful story,that shows the premature emergence of a young boy to that of a hardened man,that’s foreshadowed by his abusive father.
I have recently enjoyed and championed Galacar’s writings,Gilchrist and Cicada Spring. But this short story,was too hurtful and sad for my enjoyment. A good but sorrowful story,that shows the premature emergence of a young boy to that of a hardened man,that’s foreshadowed by his abusive father.
January 29, 2019
Beachgirl@LUV
Just found these books by Christian Galacar and I really like this authors style!It is very hard to put a book of his down after starting to read it! His story will bring the reader in and hold on till the last page then you will want more! I have found consistent enjoyment in every book I have read by Christian Galacar!
Just found these books by Christian Galacar and I really like this authors style!It is very hard to put a book of his down after starting to read it! His story will bring the reader in and hold on till the last page then you will want more! I have found consistent enjoyment in every book I have read by Christian Galacar!
April 6, 2020
Dear Writer,
I read your story while taking a break from making face masks not for Halloween and am realizing I now have the time to create those awesome costumes I haven't gotten around to! Meanwhile, my husband has taken to drinking Corona . . . Well, you keep doin' what you do & I'll get back at it, too. Peace
I read your story while taking a break from making face masks not for Halloween and am realizing I now have the time to create those awesome costumes I haven't gotten around to! Meanwhile, my husband has taken to drinking Corona . . . Well, you keep doin' what you do & I'll get back at it, too. Peace
January 20, 2018
Whiskey Devil by Christian Galacar was a good quick read. Bobby is twelve years old and has to witness and few his fathers abusive ways. His mother continues to make excuses for his father. Things change when Bobby gets a black eye from school. This was a good quick read.
November 16, 2018
Very good quick read. I just discovered this author this month and have finished reading all his offered books . I am a fan. This is the first time I gave a review but I felt a need to let people know about this writer.
January 22, 2020
Like Hemingway, but not
Just as in the Nick Adams stories, an adolescent boy goes hunting in the woods with his father. However, the relationship between this boy and his father is very different than that described by Mr. Hemingway.
Just as in the Nick Adams stories, an adolescent boy goes hunting in the woods with his father. However, the relationship between this boy and his father is very different than that described by Mr. Hemingway.
April 24, 2020
A very good story
I liked this short story very much, but I tend to enjoy this sort of work. This is the second piece I've read from Mr. Galacar, very much enjoyed both, and look forward to reading more
I liked this short story very much, but I tend to enjoy this sort of work. This is the second piece I've read from Mr. Galacar, very much enjoyed both, and look forward to reading more
May 25, 2020
Excellent and fast read
I’ll say very little so as not to spoil, but even in such a short story, the characters stand out. You care deeply for them quickly making the story that much more powerful. It’s dark and an amazing twist on coming of age stories.
I’ll say very little so as not to spoil, but even in such a short story, the characters stand out. You care deeply for them quickly making the story that much more powerful. It’s dark and an amazing twist on coming of age stories.
August 11, 2020
Another good read by this author
This is my second story by this author. I enjoyed how he adapted the language pattern for the demographic area. His endings always very thought provoking.
This is my second story by this author. I enjoyed how he adapted the language pattern for the demographic area. His endings always very thought provoking.
August 27, 2020
Solid story
A good short story. I'm unhappy about the dog but other than that it was great.
Solid story, gets to the point. Correctly addresses consequences and sadly shows what happens to some people because of their childhood.
A good short story. I'm unhappy about the dog but other than that it was great.
Solid story, gets to the point. Correctly addresses consequences and sadly shows what happens to some people because of their childhood.
January 29, 2021
How to become a man...
This is a great story. While it may be short, it is full of love/hate, bleakness/hope, anger/joy, life/death and a boy's journey into manhood. Highly recommend.
This is a great story. While it may be short, it is full of love/hate, bleakness/hope, anger/joy, life/death and a boy's journey into manhood. Highly recommend.
December 22, 2023
Great Short Story
Fast paced, and at times it's hard to read/listen without cringing, which I totally dig. Every book by Christian Galacar has been outstanding narration by John York.
Fast paced, and at times it's hard to read/listen without cringing, which I totally dig. Every book by Christian Galacar has been outstanding narration by John York.
July 16, 2018
Heavy
For a short story this one really hit hard. It truly shows the fear of living with someone who drinks way too much.
For a short story this one really hit hard. It truly shows the fear of living with someone who drinks way too much.
August 24, 2019
It was ok.
As short stories go, this one was ok. This is the second book I’ve read from this author that reminds me of Stephen King. This made me think of Deloris Claiborne.
As short stories go, this one was ok. This is the second book I’ve read from this author that reminds me of Stephen King. This made me think of Deloris Claiborne.
April 4, 2020
The writing is good and it definitely deals with real life abuse. But I did not need to read any dog getting murdered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2020
Payday, someday!
The old man got what he deserved. Hopefully the 12 year old will come out ok and not follow the whiskey trail of his disgusting father.
The old man got what he deserved. Hopefully the 12 year old will come out ok and not follow the whiskey trail of his disgusting father.
November 4, 2020
I really liked this book.
It was way to short. Very suspenseful though. All of your books are great and I can't wait to read the next o e.
It was way to short. Very suspenseful though. All of your books are great and I can't wait to read the next o e.
November 29, 2019
Echoes of King
Christian definitely has his own voice, but there are echoes of Stephen King here. Good stuff! I will continue to read what this gentleman writes.
Christian definitely has his own voice, but there are echoes of Stephen King here. Good stuff! I will continue to read what this gentleman writes.
October 19, 2022
I'm relieved that this was a short story since the intensity and horror were almost too much for me. Like Gilchrist, Galacar's characters and themes are too realistic to brush off as make-believe. It felt like I was reading a true crime story which left me wondering if was more autobiographical than fiction.
March 14, 2019
Galacar is an outrageously talented writer. And, honestly, his shorts are somehow even better than his full length novels if you can believe it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews