What do you think?
Rate this book
Back to the Start
Three strangers, one dire day...and hope for the rest of their lives.
The day he graduated Julliard, I sat in the Hall and silently cried tears of joy. He was so sure, so confident. My little boy was all grown up. Warren was the only person who could make me think twice about my most ardent convictions. He could have done anything he put his mind to and done it with class and brilliance. That was Warren: more talent in his hand then I had in my body. All I ever wanted for him was happiness. And my last thought before I died was just how proud of him I was…I hope he knew the same. My name is Frank Neal and Warren Neal is my son.
There’s a picture of my father in my home. I remember the day it was taken, my seventh grade science fair. My experiment, a balloon rocket to prove propulsion stem activity. It was his idea. When I asked him why, he said “It’s the theory of thrust son, and thrust is exactly how you should start every day of your life!” In contrast, he once declined an offer to be a District Court judge, an appointment of fourteen years with a pension to follow, saying he could never sit anywhere for eight hours a day. That was the dichotomy of my father and I’ve been trying to figure him out ever since. I’m Gene Bonner’s son, Ben.
Her life was so wonderful: a standing reservation at the Ritz for high tea with Nora, black car service to Saks on the Main Line and two weeks at Canyon Ranch spa every winter. Jan was grounded, always grounded. I made sure of that. She had it all, a husband we loved like a son, a beautiful healthy daughter and enough wealth to want for nothing. But there was always something missing within her…a sadness. We rarely discussed it; she was always so outwardly strong. I’m Lea Pickett, Jan London’s mother.
The day he graduated Julliard, I sat in the Hall and silently cried tears of joy. He was so sure, so confident. My little boy was all grown up. Warren was the only person who could make me think twice about my most ardent convictions. He could have done anything he put his mind to and done it with class and brilliance. That was Warren: more talent in his hand then I had in my body. All I ever wanted for him was happiness. And my last thought before I died was just how proud of him I was…I hope he knew the same. My name is Frank Neal and Warren Neal is my son.
There’s a picture of my father in my home. I remember the day it was taken, my seventh grade science fair. My experiment, a balloon rocket to prove propulsion stem activity. It was his idea. When I asked him why, he said “It’s the theory of thrust son, and thrust is exactly how you should start every day of your life!” In contrast, he once declined an offer to be a District Court judge, an appointment of fourteen years with a pension to follow, saying he could never sit anywhere for eight hours a day. That was the dichotomy of my father and I’ve been trying to figure him out ever since. I’m Gene Bonner’s son, Ben.
Her life was so wonderful: a standing reservation at the Ritz for high tea with Nora, black car service to Saks on the Main Line and two weeks at Canyon Ranch spa every winter. Jan was grounded, always grounded. I made sure of that. She had it all, a husband we loved like a son, a beautiful healthy daughter and enough wealth to want for nothing. But there was always something missing within her…a sadness. We rarely discussed it; she was always so outwardly strong. I’m Lea Pickett, Jan London’s mother.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2017
36 people are currently reading
576 people want to read
About the author
C.A. McGroarty
4 books44 followersStruggle, Redemption, Second Chance, Faith, Forgiveness…these are the things I write about.
I write stories that provide inspiration and hope for my readers. My characters know what it’s like to fight for something they believe in, they long for a second chance, they seek redemption and want forgiveness, all the while living life between the edge of reason and failure…sanity and madness.
I write stories about complicated characters with flawed backgrounds. People who have failed or made grave mistakes, yet find the fortitude to get up every day, face their plight and make something of what is left.
I invite you to read my work and in doing so I promise you will always be entertained. My stories provide unique perspective, provoke thought, and ultimately restore people’s faith in human beings.
We all take this ride just once…
I write stories that provide inspiration and hope for my readers. My characters know what it’s like to fight for something they believe in, they long for a second chance, they seek redemption and want forgiveness, all the while living life between the edge of reason and failure…sanity and madness.
I write stories about complicated characters with flawed backgrounds. People who have failed or made grave mistakes, yet find the fortitude to get up every day, face their plight and make something of what is left.
I invite you to read my work and in doing so I promise you will always be entertained. My stories provide unique perspective, provoke thought, and ultimately restore people’s faith in human beings.
We all take this ride just once…
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 20, 2020
This was actually surprisingly decent for a random Netgalley find by an unknown author. A proper character written drama featuring three distinct plotlines and three distinct protagonists (a lawyer missing his family, a waitress missing her life and a washed out actor missing his time in the sun) and their respective turmoils converging all too neatly in the end into something of a Thanksgiving special about the meaning of family and love and chances, second, third and otherwise.
I didn’t quite expect the narrative to turn into such a stirring made for tv special complete with a rousing finale, but that’s where the author took it and, to be fair, it worked. In fact, it probably would have done even more so had it been tailored to Christmas…why not, at least it’s a proper occasion, not the sociopolitically challenged PR disaster of an overeaters familiar celebration.
Set (and published) in a city of brotherlylove disdain, the book does its best to give the place that NYC magic sheen where all things are possible if at the end of the day you just end up at the right bar and meet the right strangers.
The overall tonal balance is slightly confusing, it goes from heavy and dark to almost quaint, but at least it stays away from cute, so that’s done right. Plus it’s well written, features likeable flawed redeemable characters and is an exceptionally quick read, just about 100 minutes for the entire thing. All in all, pretty good for what it was, an indie that can. Optimism is a tough sell these days, but this book really does try its best to look at the puddle and notice the stars. Almost admirable, in a way. Some might even find it inspirational. At any rate, a nice read. Thanks Netgalley.
I didn’t quite expect the narrative to turn into such a stirring made for tv special complete with a rousing finale, but that’s where the author took it and, to be fair, it worked. In fact, it probably would have done even more so had it been tailored to Christmas…why not, at least it’s a proper occasion, not the sociopolitically challenged PR disaster of an overeaters familiar celebration.
Set (and published) in a city of brotherly
The overall tonal balance is slightly confusing, it goes from heavy and dark to almost quaint, but at least it stays away from cute, so that’s done right. Plus it’s well written, features likeable flawed redeemable characters and is an exceptionally quick read, just about 100 minutes for the entire thing. All in all, pretty good for what it was, an indie that can. Optimism is a tough sell these days, but this book really does try its best to look at the puddle and notice the stars. Almost admirable, in a way. Some might even find it inspirational. At any rate, a nice read. Thanks Netgalley.
July 22, 2017
Interesting.....
July 4, 2017
That was actually really good. Random free e-book I picked up just by the short description.
Loved the characters. Loved how these three unrelated people's lives intersect. Love the relatability and emotion of them all.
Wonderful quick read. And I love shedding a few happy tears at the end of a book.
Loved the characters. Loved how these three unrelated people's lives intersect. Love the relatability and emotion of them all.
Wonderful quick read. And I love shedding a few happy tears at the end of a book.
September 4, 2017
Good read
My only complaint is this book was too short. The characters were well depicted and interesting. The story free you in. Each character could be a stand alone story. I will definitely recommend this to friends
My only complaint is this book was too short. The characters were well depicted and interesting. The story free you in. Each character could be a stand alone story. I will definitely recommend this to friends
June 20, 2018
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC. LIFECHANGER!
I don't know how to start. You just have to have had your 70th birthday been in the worst depression of one's life and read this from start to finish. Indescribable. It made me accept what I have been reliving in my mind has not been a massive failure but a good life with -- I just can't describe how it changed how I think about everything.
I don't know how to start. You just have to have had your 70th birthday been in the worst depression of one's life and read this from start to finish. Indescribable. It made me accept what I have been reliving in my mind has not been a massive failure but a good life with -- I just can't describe how it changed how I think about everything.
November 21, 2023
Back to the Start began as a dark and rather heavy story of three failed lives and turned into a story of hope. I wasn't sure I would like it but I'm glad I powered through. We follow a lawyer, waitress, and an actor as they travel from close to rock bottom back into possibilities. Surprisingly well done.
November 29, 2024
I wasn't sure what to think about this novella at first. I was having trouble keeping track of the characters and time lines, but once it all came together, it became a wonderful tale of 3 people in various states of despair randomly meeting in a bar and realizing what it is that they really need out of life.
February 6, 2018
Amazing tangle of fates
I thoroughly enjoyed the composition of the characters and their stories. Their intermingling makes for a great read and thoughtful composition
I thoroughly enjoyed the composition of the characters and their stories. Their intermingling makes for a great read and thoughtful composition
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews