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Wild World
Independent Press Award Winner 2018 for Debut Fiction!
"A deftly crafted and inherently engaging read from cover to cover, Wild World is an extraordinary and impressively entertaining read from beginning to end ..." --Midwest Book Review
"(Wild World) is so very pertinent to our time that reading it brings into sharp focus those flaws in our present political condition: change is not only possible, but inevitable." --San Francisco Review of Books
"Wild World is a crime novel, a love story and a mystery all rolled into one... well written and keeps your attention." --Peace Corps Journal
"An intricate and captivating read throughout.... with the kind of narrative twists that prove wholly addictive...Wild World proves an extraordinarily powerful debut from Peter Rush." --Book Viral
Peter S. Rush brings the '70s to vivid life in his stunning and timely debut novel .
Set against the backdrop of the protest era of the early 1970s, Wild World is a gripping novel about one tenacious young man whose fervor for social justice holds unexpected consequences for his own life.
In the spring of 1970, Steve Logan, like thousands of other college students across America, takes to the streets to protest authority and the Vietnam War. Fueled by a strong sense of moral justice, he wants to make the world better--a belief his girlfriend Roxy, a medical student, passionately shares. Weeks before his graduation, Steve's life is upended when National Guard troops kill four students at Kent State University. Then, he meets a reform-minded cop who convinces Steve that to change the system, he has to get involved.
Eager to make a difference, Steve decides to give up law school and join the city's police department. While the rookie cop with an Ivy League degree knows that change is difficult, the reality of fighting the establishment soon overwhelms him. His education makes him an outsider, and his honesty makes him a threat to the corrupt cops who use the power of their badge to inflict brutality and extort. His college friends think he's a traitor to the cause and even Roxy, the woman he loves, has begun to pull away.
But Steve isn't going to give up. Devising a dangerous plan to radically shake up the system, he begins to collect the evidence to take the corrupt cops down . . . unless they take him out first.
"A deftly crafted and inherently engaging read from cover to cover, Wild World is an extraordinary and impressively entertaining read from beginning to end ..." --Midwest Book Review
"(Wild World) is so very pertinent to our time that reading it brings into sharp focus those flaws in our present political condition: change is not only possible, but inevitable." --San Francisco Review of Books
"Wild World is a crime novel, a love story and a mystery all rolled into one... well written and keeps your attention." --Peace Corps Journal
"An intricate and captivating read throughout.... with the kind of narrative twists that prove wholly addictive...Wild World proves an extraordinarily powerful debut from Peter Rush." --Book Viral
Peter S. Rush brings the '70s to vivid life in his stunning and timely debut novel .
Set against the backdrop of the protest era of the early 1970s, Wild World is a gripping novel about one tenacious young man whose fervor for social justice holds unexpected consequences for his own life.
In the spring of 1970, Steve Logan, like thousands of other college students across America, takes to the streets to protest authority and the Vietnam War. Fueled by a strong sense of moral justice, he wants to make the world better--a belief his girlfriend Roxy, a medical student, passionately shares. Weeks before his graduation, Steve's life is upended when National Guard troops kill four students at Kent State University. Then, he meets a reform-minded cop who convinces Steve that to change the system, he has to get involved.
Eager to make a difference, Steve decides to give up law school and join the city's police department. While the rookie cop with an Ivy League degree knows that change is difficult, the reality of fighting the establishment soon overwhelms him. His education makes him an outsider, and his honesty makes him a threat to the corrupt cops who use the power of their badge to inflict brutality and extort. His college friends think he's a traitor to the cause and even Roxy, the woman he loves, has begun to pull away.
But Steve isn't going to give up. Devising a dangerous plan to radically shake up the system, he begins to collect the evidence to take the corrupt cops down . . . unless they take him out first.
288 pages, Paperback
Published August 31, 2017
42 people are currently reading
1746 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 21, 2018
Book Reviewed by Clive on www.whisperingstories.com
Wild World has been my third Vietnam War themed book in the last few weeks. This is probably because the radical students of the sixties and the early seventies are now retiring and finding the time to write books inspired by their experiences.
The book had me singing before I had opened it and it kept me singing until the end. The title of the book and of each chapter are song titles from the period, made famous by artists such as Cat Stevens, Dylan and the Stones. Additionally the book is peppered with cultural references to the period reflecting either good research or, more likely, the personal experience of the author.
Peter S Rush writes in an efficient and clear manner, much as you would expect from a former journalist. It was extremely easy to read and follow, the story kept moving and I finished the book in a matter of days. The strength of this book is in the settings, not in the plot which was fairly straightforward. Once the protagonist Steve had made the unexpected decision to become a policeman I felt that the story followed a fairly predictable path.
I understand that the author at one time also worked as a police officer so one would expect some truth in the suggestions of corruption within the US police. Was it really that bad? Please tell me that Rush has used some license to enrich the tale. Alongside the police corruption Rush includes many inequalities that existed at that time and sadly most of those issues are still prevalent today.
Wild World may not become a classic but it will entertain you. It will also give you a good insight to life around 1970. I have awarded four stars.
Wild World has been my third Vietnam War themed book in the last few weeks. This is probably because the radical students of the sixties and the early seventies are now retiring and finding the time to write books inspired by their experiences.
The book had me singing before I had opened it and it kept me singing until the end. The title of the book and of each chapter are song titles from the period, made famous by artists such as Cat Stevens, Dylan and the Stones. Additionally the book is peppered with cultural references to the period reflecting either good research or, more likely, the personal experience of the author.
Peter S Rush writes in an efficient and clear manner, much as you would expect from a former journalist. It was extremely easy to read and follow, the story kept moving and I finished the book in a matter of days. The strength of this book is in the settings, not in the plot which was fairly straightforward. Once the protagonist Steve had made the unexpected decision to become a policeman I felt that the story followed a fairly predictable path.
I understand that the author at one time also worked as a police officer so one would expect some truth in the suggestions of corruption within the US police. Was it really that bad? Please tell me that Rush has used some license to enrich the tale. Alongside the police corruption Rush includes many inequalities that existed at that time and sadly most of those issues are still prevalent today.
Wild World may not become a classic but it will entertain you. It will also give you a good insight to life around 1970. I have awarded four stars.
August 19, 2022
Yuk this man knows 0 about women.
February 17, 2018
“Is this the start of the revolution?”
New York author Peter S. Rush earned his Bachelor of Arts in International Relations Brown University and his Masters in Creative Writing from the University of Florida. He has served as a newspaper reporter, a magazine editor, a Peace Corps volunteer, and a police officer. Now he is currently CEO of a global management firm - and writing, beginning with this debut novel WILD WORLD – a vibrant work of importance
Though word has spread quickly about this excellent new artist and the timely novel that asks the reader to recall the Vietnam War and its consequences, distilling the many facets of this book is best shared in the media reports from critics and interviews from his own site.
The story is told from the vantage of a Brown University student turned police officer (reflections from the author’s history) who uses the Kent State student killings as the springboard to change the system. ‘You can’t change a system unless you understand it and are part of it. In May 1970, Steve Logan is a senior at Brown University, deeply in love with his girlfriend Roxy, and on his way to law school at Georgetown. Then the news hits; four students have been killed by National Guardsmen at Kent State. As Brown’s campus roils with protests, Steve meets a New York City police officer taking on corruption in the force. Steve is inspired by his example - a person making a real difference. Looking for a way to stay with Roxy in Providence, RI, he decides to join the police force and change the system from within. But he soon realizes that his idealism is no match for the hard reality of life as a cop and he must make the most difficult choice of his life: should he do the right thing, despite the costs? This is a time of protests to the Vietnam War and a burgeoning feminism movement accompanied by a soundtrack to the era with references from Janis Joplin, The Beatles, Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors and more. Steve and Roxy fall deeper in love as they spend the summer together. However, as Steve begins active duty, he witnesses cops being paid to look the other way while crimes are committed. He also sees fellow officers exercise their power to oppress the vulnerable and escalate incidents to violence. At the same time, Roxy is increasingly dismayed by their changing relationship. Steve’s rotating shifts mean he is away at odd hours and they see less and less of each other. Steve must focus on the one thing he has left, his chance to make a difference. An assignment to type up some false reports arouses his suspicions to a larger conspiracy that goes far beyond the force. With the Captain and the rest of the officers either indifferent or hostile towards him, and unable to turn to Roxy or anyone at Brown for assistance, Steve realizes just how high the stakes are and how much it will cost him. He must now find a way to change the system and fight for the love of his life without compromising his principles.
Yes, this is a fictional resetting of history, but it is so very pertinent to our time that reading it brings into sharp focus that flaws in our present political condition: change is not only possible, but inevitable. Peter Rush is a sensitive and powerful writer whose future in American literature seems secure with the publication of this debut novel. Highly Recommended
New York author Peter S. Rush earned his Bachelor of Arts in International Relations Brown University and his Masters in Creative Writing from the University of Florida. He has served as a newspaper reporter, a magazine editor, a Peace Corps volunteer, and a police officer. Now he is currently CEO of a global management firm - and writing, beginning with this debut novel WILD WORLD – a vibrant work of importance
Though word has spread quickly about this excellent new artist and the timely novel that asks the reader to recall the Vietnam War and its consequences, distilling the many facets of this book is best shared in the media reports from critics and interviews from his own site.
The story is told from the vantage of a Brown University student turned police officer (reflections from the author’s history) who uses the Kent State student killings as the springboard to change the system. ‘You can’t change a system unless you understand it and are part of it. In May 1970, Steve Logan is a senior at Brown University, deeply in love with his girlfriend Roxy, and on his way to law school at Georgetown. Then the news hits; four students have been killed by National Guardsmen at Kent State. As Brown’s campus roils with protests, Steve meets a New York City police officer taking on corruption in the force. Steve is inspired by his example - a person making a real difference. Looking for a way to stay with Roxy in Providence, RI, he decides to join the police force and change the system from within. But he soon realizes that his idealism is no match for the hard reality of life as a cop and he must make the most difficult choice of his life: should he do the right thing, despite the costs? This is a time of protests to the Vietnam War and a burgeoning feminism movement accompanied by a soundtrack to the era with references from Janis Joplin, The Beatles, Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors and more. Steve and Roxy fall deeper in love as they spend the summer together. However, as Steve begins active duty, he witnesses cops being paid to look the other way while crimes are committed. He also sees fellow officers exercise their power to oppress the vulnerable and escalate incidents to violence. At the same time, Roxy is increasingly dismayed by their changing relationship. Steve’s rotating shifts mean he is away at odd hours and they see less and less of each other. Steve must focus on the one thing he has left, his chance to make a difference. An assignment to type up some false reports arouses his suspicions to a larger conspiracy that goes far beyond the force. With the Captain and the rest of the officers either indifferent or hostile towards him, and unable to turn to Roxy or anyone at Brown for assistance, Steve realizes just how high the stakes are and how much it will cost him. He must now find a way to change the system and fight for the love of his life without compromising his principles.
Yes, this is a fictional resetting of history, but it is so very pertinent to our time that reading it brings into sharp focus that flaws in our present political condition: change is not only possible, but inevitable. Peter Rush is a sensitive and powerful writer whose future in American literature seems secure with the publication of this debut novel. Highly Recommended
Read
October 9, 2017Woodstock meets Serpico. Wild World tells the story of a man coming of age as the Hippie Generation came to a close with peace and love being blasted away by cold hard bullets as the Kent State shootings stunned a generation. Rather than "tune in, drop out," idealistic Ivy League college graduate Steve decides that he can make a difference in the world by becoming a police officer. From there, his life changes as he grapples with estrangement from his pot smoking college friends and girlfriend Roxie and an often- corrupt hard-edged tour of duty in the Providence Police a Department where he doesn't fit in with having recently been a long haired college student and his disgust at the rampant corruption he finds, which like Al Pacino in Serpico he takes on. At its best, the book has a great narrative voice, easy to follow, realistic, down-to-earth. There are times, however, where the stereotypes of corrupt mean police suffers from a lack of nuance. Thanks to Prior Manor Press for providing a review copy.
February 17, 2023
Despre it’s title, I consider this book to be more about maturity and the transformation of a boy into a grown up man. I have enjoyed Steve’s journey and his struggles. I started reading with the expectations to find a book about Vietnam war and police activities and I found more than that.
July 6, 2018
** I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways **
In the face of the Vietnam War, many college students are protesting fueling the war by drafting more innocent lives into battle. With a recent school protest shooting consuming the news, students of Brown University are thrown into unrest, wondering how they can contribute and be the change they want to see in the world.
One such student, Steve Logan, who was pre-set to study law switched career goals and ventured into law enforcement after sitting in on a lecture regarding one police officer that changed the world from within the establishment. Entering into police work for the city of Providence, Steve is hurled into the reality that the world isn't what he has been seeing sitting atop the Brown college hill. As Steve struggles with the corrupt behavior of many cops he tries to reach out to his college friends and girlfriend for help in explaining what is being experienced. Unfortunately, not all are willing to open their eyes to the injustice that surrounds them.
Likes:
- While many in the police department were corrupt, you did get to witness a few guys that were genuine and honest. Although they do have a livelihood to uphold and often kept their heads down, they didn't add to a lot of the atrocities that drench the novel in corruption.
- Steve made a valiant effort to try to be a good change in the world and only apply the proper amount of restraint when interacting with wrong-doers. I found it easy to second - guess whether Steve was truly making an impact, however I do believe that he tried his hardest to bring justice to an environment that was poisoned with corruption for who knows how long.
- The book illustrates Steve's up-hill battle fought to bring justice to a corrupt department and it was great to see him win in the end. * No Spoilers *
Dislikes:
- Proofread .... dammit! So many grammar and spelling errors throughout the whole novel.
- I am not sure what I anticipated this book to be about, but police corruption was far from it. I guess I thought it would be more about the Vietnam War and the act of protesting.
- It felt like a slower paced novel to me without any real climax. The story line stayed one-note, experiencing spikes of interesting content every so often, which caused me to have a hard time getting through it. I don't know that this was the novel for me.
- Although it does still exist today, much of the police corruption listed throughout the novel is appalling and ghastly. It's difficult to understand the individuals motive for not only acting malicious towards wrong-doers but justifying your actions as right.
- The love interest between Steve & Roxy irritated me something fierce. From using Steve to cheat on her current boyfriend, to cheating on Steve himself when she couldn't handle who he was becoming I found myself grow to hate her character. It's perpetuated that she's "growing" and "becoming a woman" but I find the behavior utterly juvenile and self-serving.
Overall, I found the novel alright. Not overly entertaining for me personally but not dreadful enough for me to give up. If you are interested in reading this novel, understand that it's mostly about police corruption and one honest soul doing his best to counteract it.
In the face of the Vietnam War, many college students are protesting fueling the war by drafting more innocent lives into battle. With a recent school protest shooting consuming the news, students of Brown University are thrown into unrest, wondering how they can contribute and be the change they want to see in the world.
One such student, Steve Logan, who was pre-set to study law switched career goals and ventured into law enforcement after sitting in on a lecture regarding one police officer that changed the world from within the establishment. Entering into police work for the city of Providence, Steve is hurled into the reality that the world isn't what he has been seeing sitting atop the Brown college hill. As Steve struggles with the corrupt behavior of many cops he tries to reach out to his college friends and girlfriend for help in explaining what is being experienced. Unfortunately, not all are willing to open their eyes to the injustice that surrounds them.
Likes:
- While many in the police department were corrupt, you did get to witness a few guys that were genuine and honest. Although they do have a livelihood to uphold and often kept their heads down, they didn't add to a lot of the atrocities that drench the novel in corruption.
- Steve made a valiant effort to try to be a good change in the world and only apply the proper amount of restraint when interacting with wrong-doers. I found it easy to second - guess whether Steve was truly making an impact, however I do believe that he tried his hardest to bring justice to an environment that was poisoned with corruption for who knows how long.
- The book illustrates Steve's up-hill battle fought to bring justice to a corrupt department and it was great to see him win in the end. * No Spoilers *
Dislikes:
- Proofread .... dammit! So many grammar and spelling errors throughout the whole novel.
- I am not sure what I anticipated this book to be about, but police corruption was far from it. I guess I thought it would be more about the Vietnam War and the act of protesting.
- It felt like a slower paced novel to me without any real climax. The story line stayed one-note, experiencing spikes of interesting content every so often, which caused me to have a hard time getting through it. I don't know that this was the novel for me.
- Although it does still exist today, much of the police corruption listed throughout the novel is appalling and ghastly. It's difficult to understand the individuals motive for not only acting malicious towards wrong-doers but justifying your actions as right.
- The love interest between Steve & Roxy irritated me something fierce. From using Steve to cheat on her current boyfriend, to cheating on Steve himself when she couldn't handle who he was becoming I found myself grow to hate her character. It's perpetuated that she's "growing" and "becoming a woman" but I find the behavior utterly juvenile and self-serving.
Overall, I found the novel alright. Not overly entertaining for me personally but not dreadful enough for me to give up. If you are interested in reading this novel, understand that it's mostly about police corruption and one honest soul doing his best to counteract it.
September 16, 2023
Wild World is a fictitious story written by Peter S. Rush that takes place during the Vietnam War in the early 1900s. This book is a coming-of-age narrative with layers of savagery, love, and passion. One of the motivations for Brown University graduate Stephen Logan's desire to join the police department was the shooting of college students at Kent State University. Stephen afterward joined the Providence Police Department with specific goals, one of which was eradicating societal corruption. When Stephen first joined the police department, he quickly understood that the cops operate according to their rules. Stephen is now torn between adhering to his fundamental ideals and conforming to the way of Providence PD; which will it be, Stephen's or their rules? Find out by reading Peter S. Rush's Wild World.
Most of the time, I instinctively avoid literature about cruelty since it is a topic that makes me uncomfortable. But when I saw this book and read the description, it felt different, and I'm curious to discover how Stephen Logan progressed from a recent graduate to a police officer. I must say that the author did an excellent job creating an actual plot for this book. I enjoy reading about the book's character growth.
This book addresses various subjects that society has managed to endure over the years, and it is one of my favorite things about it. With police brutality and corruption as the main topics, Rush emphasizes issues like these: corruption, racism, discrimination, and more. This novel explores themes of justice, love, tenacity, and perseverance. The extraordinary power of justice will inspire readers to defend the moral high ground. But my favorite themes are persistence and tenacity, which are valuable character traits to develop. The two characteristics are amply displayed in Stephen Logan's persona.
This book had a sluggish beginning, and if you're anything like me and get bored with books when they have a sluggish beginning, you might find this book a little frustrating. However, the activities intensified with each chapter, creating a fast track for all the actions in this book.
I couldn't think of anything I didn't enjoy about this book. The dialogue and the characters' maturation were interesting to me. It was enjoyable to read this book and the topics it covered.
Additionally, I found no typographical or grammatical errors in this work; it was exceptionally edited. Thus, I rate Wild World 5 out of 5 stars.
I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and activists because it dates back decades ago and revolves around justice to inappropriate activities in society.
Most of the time, I instinctively avoid literature about cruelty since it is a topic that makes me uncomfortable. But when I saw this book and read the description, it felt different, and I'm curious to discover how Stephen Logan progressed from a recent graduate to a police officer. I must say that the author did an excellent job creating an actual plot for this book. I enjoy reading about the book's character growth.
This book addresses various subjects that society has managed to endure over the years, and it is one of my favorite things about it. With police brutality and corruption as the main topics, Rush emphasizes issues like these: corruption, racism, discrimination, and more. This novel explores themes of justice, love, tenacity, and perseverance. The extraordinary power of justice will inspire readers to defend the moral high ground. But my favorite themes are persistence and tenacity, which are valuable character traits to develop. The two characteristics are amply displayed in Stephen Logan's persona.
This book had a sluggish beginning, and if you're anything like me and get bored with books when they have a sluggish beginning, you might find this book a little frustrating. However, the activities intensified with each chapter, creating a fast track for all the actions in this book.
I couldn't think of anything I didn't enjoy about this book. The dialogue and the characters' maturation were interesting to me. It was enjoyable to read this book and the topics it covered.
Additionally, I found no typographical or grammatical errors in this work; it was exceptionally edited. Thus, I rate Wild World 5 out of 5 stars.
I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and activists because it dates back decades ago and revolves around justice to inappropriate activities in society.
August 4, 2022
The Wild World story starts with the shooting of unarmed college students at Ken State University on May 4, 1970. Brown University students are in upheaval and unsure of how to participate and make a difference in the world. One such student, Steve Logan, who was destined to study law, changed his career plans and entered law enforcement after listening to a presentation about a police officer from within the institution who altered the course of history. When Steve starts working as a police officer for the city of Providence, he is abruptly thrust into the knowledge that the world isn’t as he had been seeing it from the top of the hill at Brown University. As a result of the dishonesty of numerous police officers, Steve tries to connect with his college friends and girlfriend for support. Unfortunately, not everyone is willing to condemn this obvious Injustice. For first-hand information on the unfolding of events, grab a copy of Wild Word by Peter S. Rush.
On to the pros of the book: though many police officers were dishonest, you did see a few that were sincere and honest. I also liked Steve’s hard attempt to be a good change in the world by only using the right level of restraint when dealing with wrongdoers.
Now for the book’s flaws: Roxy, Steve’s girlfriend, really got on my nerves. When you’re in a relationship with someone who is trying to do the right thing for you while simultaneously making a difference in the world, there are some things you just don’t do. I didn’t think she was redeemable since she was simply too childish. I’m not sure what I anticipated this book to be about, but it wasn’t police corruption. I guess I anticipated it to be about the Vietnam War and protesting.
I rate the book 5 stars out of 5. The plot, the character development, the author’s use of language, and his thorough mastery of literary ideas, including suitable grammar and punctuation, are all very satisfying. The book deserves a full-scale rating due to the aforementioned deliverables.
I recommend college students to read The Wild World because it tends to capture the atmosphere of that era’s campuses. The book can also have a significant impact on police officers because it discusses police corruption and can provide them with moral guidance on how to combat it. Teenagers are not excluded from reading the book because the author discusses topics that have a negative impact on them. Both people who remember the early 1970s and those who are interested in learning more about that era can read this work.
On to the pros of the book: though many police officers were dishonest, you did see a few that were sincere and honest. I also liked Steve’s hard attempt to be a good change in the world by only using the right level of restraint when dealing with wrongdoers.
Now for the book’s flaws: Roxy, Steve’s girlfriend, really got on my nerves. When you’re in a relationship with someone who is trying to do the right thing for you while simultaneously making a difference in the world, there are some things you just don’t do. I didn’t think she was redeemable since she was simply too childish. I’m not sure what I anticipated this book to be about, but it wasn’t police corruption. I guess I anticipated it to be about the Vietnam War and protesting.
I rate the book 5 stars out of 5. The plot, the character development, the author’s use of language, and his thorough mastery of literary ideas, including suitable grammar and punctuation, are all very satisfying. The book deserves a full-scale rating due to the aforementioned deliverables.
I recommend college students to read The Wild World because it tends to capture the atmosphere of that era’s campuses. The book can also have a significant impact on police officers because it discusses police corruption and can provide them with moral guidance on how to combat it. Teenagers are not excluded from reading the book because the author discusses topics that have a negative impact on them. Both people who remember the early 1970s and those who are interested in learning more about that era can read this work.
October 31, 2022
The stains of life will forever follow you.
Morality and personal integrity are major communicators for our actions as human beings. Going and putting oneself in danger to prove a point and better society takes a load of confidence. Our main character, Steve, has just that. Change takes courage, and Steve has the determination it takes to initiate a change.
Wild World by Peter S. Rush is filled to the brim with controversial topics and issues that our nation faced in the time of the Vietnam War. I rate this book a four out of five stars.
The book opens with the National Guard going against the people of our own nation, specifically college students. Steve, as a college student himself, takes it into his own hands to make a change. Throughout the novel, we see Steve struggle with cultural “norms” for the communities he chooses to immerse himself in , and as the plot moves along, Steve branches out.
In a way, Wild World could be described as a “coming of age” story, as we see Steve grow into the person he truly wants to be, pursuing his own goals without any distractions. Through this journey, Steve puts himself in many situations face-to-face with things he most likely never pictured himself to be involved in, but he perseveres and pulls through the fight, proving to himself that he can put his mind to anything and achieve it. Focus is key.
The determination that is depicted through the character of Steve is invigorating; reading about what challenges Steve pushed through made me feel like I could amount to all my dreams and wishes. I felt empowered by reading about his personal account with police brutality and protests, as well as systematic oppression.
I recommend this book for those learning about the Vietnam War in school, especially if you’re interested in learning about it from a perspective outside of the fighters or the government. This is a vivid depiction of what life looks like as an individual who is pursuing change in such a dramatic aspect that they must feel the repercussions first before reaching the target goal. Anyone who chooses to open up this world will feel the rush of emotions; anger, lust, sadness, and determination coursed through me while reading along. Corruption is an essential theme, and unlike many other historical fiction novels, there’s not a whole load of action packed scenes, but it’s a more personal account of what life was like in the Vietnam War times as an individual who didn’t agree with the people who had autonomy.
Morality and personal integrity are major communicators for our actions as human beings. Going and putting oneself in danger to prove a point and better society takes a load of confidence. Our main character, Steve, has just that. Change takes courage, and Steve has the determination it takes to initiate a change.
Wild World by Peter S. Rush is filled to the brim with controversial topics and issues that our nation faced in the time of the Vietnam War. I rate this book a four out of five stars.
The book opens with the National Guard going against the people of our own nation, specifically college students. Steve, as a college student himself, takes it into his own hands to make a change. Throughout the novel, we see Steve struggle with cultural “norms” for the communities he chooses to immerse himself in , and as the plot moves along, Steve branches out.
In a way, Wild World could be described as a “coming of age” story, as we see Steve grow into the person he truly wants to be, pursuing his own goals without any distractions. Through this journey, Steve puts himself in many situations face-to-face with things he most likely never pictured himself to be involved in, but he perseveres and pulls through the fight, proving to himself that he can put his mind to anything and achieve it. Focus is key.
The determination that is depicted through the character of Steve is invigorating; reading about what challenges Steve pushed through made me feel like I could amount to all my dreams and wishes. I felt empowered by reading about his personal account with police brutality and protests, as well as systematic oppression.
I recommend this book for those learning about the Vietnam War in school, especially if you’re interested in learning about it from a perspective outside of the fighters or the government. This is a vivid depiction of what life looks like as an individual who is pursuing change in such a dramatic aspect that they must feel the repercussions first before reaching the target goal. Anyone who chooses to open up this world will feel the rush of emotions; anger, lust, sadness, and determination coursed through me while reading along. Corruption is an essential theme, and unlike many other historical fiction novels, there’s not a whole load of action packed scenes, but it’s a more personal account of what life was like in the Vietnam War times as an individual who didn’t agree with the people who had autonomy.
January 12, 2023
If you want to change the world, you should start by changing yourself. Peter S. Rush’s Wild World begins with the Kent University shootings back in 1970 and how it affected the mindset of a college student named Steve Logan. He sees that all of the modern laws and human rights aren't doing enough for society, and that corruption and abuse of power continue to endanger the lives of every civilian in one of the free world's largest countries. After attending a presentation by a policeman who claims that he’s fighting corruption in the police department and how he is doing something real and big for improving society, Steve decides not to continue his education and refuses to go to medical school. He writes up his name for the police academy and tells his friends that he can go to medical school after doing something big against corruption in the police department, not knowing that this decision will change his life in ways he never imagined.
The only thing I loved about [i]Wild World[/i] was that Peter S. Rush never stopped saying how hopeless one man can be in a fight against systematic corruption and how modern ways have weakened the tools for changing the course of society by yourself, although you can still make a miniscule impact. Even the main character, Steve, becomes full of doubts, thinking that is he really the one making changes, or is he actually being changed by the corruption of the government? There is an adage that "to change a system, you must be a part of it," but what if you are already a part of the system and are unaware of it? How deep into the roots of corruption should you go to become capable of destroying it? What if we go so deep that we ourselves convert to being one of the arms of depravity and oppression?
There are a lot of things I didn’t like about this novel, all of which have one thing in common: lack of continuity, meaning how the author fails time after time to build up the backbone of the story in the early chapters. For example, he devotes a chapter to the chemistry between Steve and others in the police academy, and I’m not going to lie, at first it is very promising, but suddenly the chapter ends and the next one is after Steve's graduation from the academy. All that potential for character improvement is gone. Another time this happens is when Steve becomes an undercover teacher for the police, where again there's a lot to work with between Steve and his students, and he sees the chasm of society in them, but suddenly the chapter ends and Steve is out of school. A little bit forward in the story, and the same thing happens with Steve and Roxy’s relationship and the increasing gap between them. Peter S. Rush only uses these chapters to introduce one character or one incident, and he uses them at convenient points in the plot without ever developing them.
I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars since the plot lacks continuity and there are huge gaps between the development of characters. The execution of Steve’s final act against corruption is lazy, and he could have done the same actions if he remained a student or was in the first days of his policeman job, and all the buildup to it seems pointless. The changes in the philosophical point of view of Steve and Roxy after he became a policeman had so much development potential that wasn’t fulfilled. The book was well edited too.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to change society and fight corruption on their own. As an Iranian, I know that corruption and oppression have penetrated every bone of my country, and I have had so many dreams about standing against them by myself, but books like this teach me how the dreams and theories are different from reality, just like Steve and Roxy figured it out.
The only thing I loved about [i]Wild World[/i] was that Peter S. Rush never stopped saying how hopeless one man can be in a fight against systematic corruption and how modern ways have weakened the tools for changing the course of society by yourself, although you can still make a miniscule impact. Even the main character, Steve, becomes full of doubts, thinking that is he really the one making changes, or is he actually being changed by the corruption of the government? There is an adage that "to change a system, you must be a part of it," but what if you are already a part of the system and are unaware of it? How deep into the roots of corruption should you go to become capable of destroying it? What if we go so deep that we ourselves convert to being one of the arms of depravity and oppression?
There are a lot of things I didn’t like about this novel, all of which have one thing in common: lack of continuity, meaning how the author fails time after time to build up the backbone of the story in the early chapters. For example, he devotes a chapter to the chemistry between Steve and others in the police academy, and I’m not going to lie, at first it is very promising, but suddenly the chapter ends and the next one is after Steve's graduation from the academy. All that potential for character improvement is gone. Another time this happens is when Steve becomes an undercover teacher for the police, where again there's a lot to work with between Steve and his students, and he sees the chasm of society in them, but suddenly the chapter ends and Steve is out of school. A little bit forward in the story, and the same thing happens with Steve and Roxy’s relationship and the increasing gap between them. Peter S. Rush only uses these chapters to introduce one character or one incident, and he uses them at convenient points in the plot without ever developing them.
I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars since the plot lacks continuity and there are huge gaps between the development of characters. The execution of Steve’s final act against corruption is lazy, and he could have done the same actions if he remained a student or was in the first days of his policeman job, and all the buildup to it seems pointless. The changes in the philosophical point of view of Steve and Roxy after he became a policeman had so much development potential that wasn’t fulfilled. The book was well edited too.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to change society and fight corruption on their own. As an Iranian, I know that corruption and oppression have penetrated every bone of my country, and I have had so many dreams about standing against them by myself, but books like this teach me how the dreams and theories are different from reality, just like Steve and Roxy figured it out.
January 22, 2023
Questo romanzo analizza la crisi esistenziale di uno studente della Brown University, e i conflitti morali e personali che si ritrova ad affrontare. L'eterna lotta tra ciò che è giusto e ciò che è sbagliato era particolarmente sentita in un periodo come niente meno che gli anni Settanta. Tra la guerra in Vietnam, lo sviluppo del femminismo e le lotte per i diritti civili, la sempre crescente corruzione della polizia e i pregiudizi razziali, la gente si divide in due: da una parte chi fa finta di niente e perciò diventa parte del problema, dall'altra chi invece decide di metterci la faccia e cambiare le cose. Steve, il protagonista di Wild World, fa parte di quest'ultimo gruppo. Sconcertato dalle ingiustizie dilaganti e da uno stato che predica la libertà di parola ma che di fatto è vittima di un sistema marcio e immorale, decide di entrare nel Dipartimento di Polizia di Providence per tentare di cambiare le cose dall'interno. È un ragazzo intelligente e che ha studiato tanto, ed è convintissimo delle sue ragioni, ma presto si rende conto che la radice del problema è ben più difficile da estirpare di quanto uno studente del college possa immaginare.
Trovo che Peter Rush abbia fatto un eccellente lavoro di ricerca, perché è riuscito a trasmettere in pieno il clima che si respirava in quegli anni negli Stati Uniti. I giovani costantemente in ribellione, a protestare nelle piazze contro una guerra in cui non credevano, e con le generazioni precedenti contro. Si parlava costantemente di politica, ovunque, e con chiunque. Ma solo chi di quel sistema era parte integrante poteva davvero fare la differenza. Sono i libri come questi che fanno riflettere e fanno aprire gli occhi su alcune situazioni estremamente radicate nella società ma delle quali non si parla mai abbastanza. Ma il vero punto di forza di questo romanzo sono i personaggi: complessi, articolati, e per questo motivo realistici e credibili. Anche la storia d'amore è molto interessante perché ha uno sviluppo e una crescita, con i suoi alti e bassi. Ciò che era cominciato come una passione travolgente si trasforma ben presto in una relazione tossica e totalmente insostenibile per entrambe. Ed è esattamente così che accade nella vita reale: finché non si risolvono i propri conflitti individuali, sarà difficile costruire dei legami sani, e affidarsi totalmente agli altri sperando che ci salvino spesso è controproducente, ed è motivo di sofferenza. Apprezzo molto il fatto che questo libro faccia leva su questa problematica, nella quale molti si possono riconoscere.
July 7, 2023
In May of 1970, Steve and his friends are facing the reality that the Vietnam War is waiting for them outside of their bubble at Brown University. This realization brings with it uncertainty that makes him, and his friends, start to question their life plans. With the cancelation of the rest of the semester due to the war, Steve begins to see that his dream of competing for the ivy league college lacrosse championships, graduating, and then progressing to law school may not be the path that makes the most sense in the current society. Through collegiate reading, research, and demonstrations, Steve begins to realize that making a difference requires more than theory, and he sets off to take action in a very unexpected way. Wild World by Peter S. Rush follows Steve from his graduation from Brown University, his quest to hold on to his first love, a dalliance in the harsh reality of the world, and finally to his path to personal redemption.
This historical fiction book picks up in the early 1970s after the killing of four students who were protesting the Vietnam War at Kent State University. As college students who were participating in their own demonstrations, this event jolts the characters into the reality that the line between the real world and collegiate ideas is beginning to blur. Throughout the book, Peter Rush slowly shows a progression that all college graduates must face. Theory and ideas that were so clear in the confines of a classroom or lecture hall are not as defined when faced with the complex issues of everyday life. Black and white is an idea that is only found in books.
Rating 4 out of 5
Pros: This was a great story about how reality jades the strong-held beliefs of youth. It includes the euphoria of first love, the depression that results when love ends, the blurring of right and wrong when faced with complex situations, and ultimately the growth that occurs when you realize that failure is a relative term. The book was a great read from cover to cover with complex characters and themes.
Cons: There is some profanity and sexual content in the book which means it is not for all readers. Views on the war may be polarizing for certain readers.
This historical fiction book picks up in the early 1970s after the killing of four students who were protesting the Vietnam War at Kent State University. As college students who were participating in their own demonstrations, this event jolts the characters into the reality that the line between the real world and collegiate ideas is beginning to blur. Throughout the book, Peter Rush slowly shows a progression that all college graduates must face. Theory and ideas that were so clear in the confines of a classroom or lecture hall are not as defined when faced with the complex issues of everyday life. Black and white is an idea that is only found in books.
Rating 4 out of 5
Pros: This was a great story about how reality jades the strong-held beliefs of youth. It includes the euphoria of first love, the depression that results when love ends, the blurring of right and wrong when faced with complex situations, and ultimately the growth that occurs when you realize that failure is a relative term. The book was a great read from cover to cover with complex characters and themes.
Cons: There is some profanity and sexual content in the book which means it is not for all readers. Views on the war may be polarizing for certain readers.
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January 18, 2023Wild World by Peter S. Rush might just be one of my favourite books this year. It explores the existential crisis of a young Brown University graduate in the 1970s and all the moral and personal dilemmas he must face in the outside world. The age-old battle between doing what is right, and doing what is easy, is presented to the reader in an easily palatable format via a relatable protagonist. Mixed in with this are the issues of the Vietnam war, the rise of feminism, eye-watering levels of corruption, and ever-present racial and social prejudices. Steve Logan struggles to find his place in all of this, given his new-found drive for social politics, brought on by the fervour of his girlfriend Roxy. But he soon finds out that the reality is much less easily changed than it seemed in his textbooks.
Even though the story is set more than 40years ago, I found the content still relevant in our society today. It highlights that even though a lot of time has passed, we still face many of the same struggles as our predecessors—food for thought. The book is also well written and edited. The characters are, for the most part, very relatable, and their stories are gripping. With so many valuable life lessons thrown in, it will leave you thinking about it long after you read the last page. Hopefully, we will avoid making the same mistakes again by understanding history.
I could honestly not find anything about this book that I didn’t like in a glaringly obvious way. Some readers might find the writing style too simple, but I think it works well with the book's theme and the characters portrayed. Some of the characters are less likeable than others, but again it is necessary for the storyline and the protagonist’s struggle that he experiences opposition and resistance at some points.
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Although more recent, people who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy this book. For people alive in the 1970s, it will create a vibrant sense of nostalgia and an exciting glimpse into the world their parents grew up in for younger readers. Due to the sexual content, I would not recommend it to the more reserved readers.
Even though the story is set more than 40years ago, I found the content still relevant in our society today. It highlights that even though a lot of time has passed, we still face many of the same struggles as our predecessors—food for thought. The book is also well written and edited. The characters are, for the most part, very relatable, and their stories are gripping. With so many valuable life lessons thrown in, it will leave you thinking about it long after you read the last page. Hopefully, we will avoid making the same mistakes again by understanding history.
I could honestly not find anything about this book that I didn’t like in a glaringly obvious way. Some readers might find the writing style too simple, but I think it works well with the book's theme and the characters portrayed. Some of the characters are less likeable than others, but again it is necessary for the storyline and the protagonist’s struggle that he experiences opposition and resistance at some points.
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Although more recent, people who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy this book. For people alive in the 1970s, it will create a vibrant sense of nostalgia and an exciting glimpse into the world their parents grew up in for younger readers. Due to the sexual content, I would not recommend it to the more reserved readers.
November 1, 2017
You can’t change an institution unless you are willing to become a part of it and work from the inside. That’s what Steve Logan decided to do. In the spring of 1970 he is a senior at Brown University, very much in love with his girlfriend Roxy, a pre-med student, and planning to go to law school in the fall. Then he hears about Kent State, four student demonstrators killed by the National Guard.
Inspired by a campus appearance by a New York City police officer who is fighting corruption on the force, and unwilling to leave Roxy on her own. She has recently lost both her father and sister recently. Steve decides to join the local Providence police force and try to change the system from within.
As Steve begins active duty, he witnesses petty corruption such as cops being paid to look the other way, and police brutality, cops escalating the level of violence of an incident rather than just doing their job with the least amount of force required. Meanwhile Roxy and her fellow college students begin to view Steve as representing the enemy, with his uniform, his short hair and his gun.
Caught between two worlds, Steve must find a way to change the system and fight for the love of his life, while not compromising his principles.
Wild World is a crime novel, a love story and a mystery all rolled into one. Set in a college town in the early 1970’s, it is well written and keeps your attention, though I would not classify it as a thriller. Author Peter Rush vividly recreates those times and faithfully captures the mood on campuses around the country during those tumultuous years of protest against the Vietnam War, and demonstrations involving social causes international, national and local.
My one criticism of the book, specifically as a mystery, is that the author does not ever share with readers the details of the larger scale white collar crime committed by police officials and others that Steve ultimately uncovers. I, for one, enjoy the “big reveal” scene of any mystery, so I was disappointed that it did not happen in the novel.
Inspired by a campus appearance by a New York City police officer who is fighting corruption on the force, and unwilling to leave Roxy on her own. She has recently lost both her father and sister recently. Steve decides to join the local Providence police force and try to change the system from within.
As Steve begins active duty, he witnesses petty corruption such as cops being paid to look the other way, and police brutality, cops escalating the level of violence of an incident rather than just doing their job with the least amount of force required. Meanwhile Roxy and her fellow college students begin to view Steve as representing the enemy, with his uniform, his short hair and his gun.
Caught between two worlds, Steve must find a way to change the system and fight for the love of his life, while not compromising his principles.
Wild World is a crime novel, a love story and a mystery all rolled into one. Set in a college town in the early 1970’s, it is well written and keeps your attention, though I would not classify it as a thriller. Author Peter Rush vividly recreates those times and faithfully captures the mood on campuses around the country during those tumultuous years of protest against the Vietnam War, and demonstrations involving social causes international, national and local.
My one criticism of the book, specifically as a mystery, is that the author does not ever share with readers the details of the larger scale white collar crime committed by police officials and others that Steve ultimately uncovers. I, for one, enjoy the “big reveal” scene of any mystery, so I was disappointed that it did not happen in the novel.
August 14, 2022
Wild World by Peter S. Rush begins in May 1970. It is a time when thousands of students across America are holding rallies to protest against the Vietnam War. Steve Logan, a law student and his girlfriend, Roxy Fisher, a medical student, want to make the world a better place to live in. The story begins a few weeks before Steve is due to have his graduation from Brown University. Sitting with his roommates and Roxy in front of the television, they cannot believe what they see. National Guard troops have been called out to a protest by students at Kent State University. The guards are armed and end up killing four students. After meeting a reform-minded police officer, Steve is convinced that getting involved is the only way to change things. He postpones law school and joins the city's police department. Steve is different to other rookie police. He has a good degree, and he is inherently honest. These make him an outsider, and a target for corrupt police, the reality of fighting the establishment soon overwhelms him. His college friends think he is a traitor to the cause, and even Roxy, the woman he loves, has begun to pull away. Devising a plan to shake up the system radically, Steve begins to collect evidence to bring the corrupt police down. Steve's life will never be the same again!
I loved the fact that Peter S. Rush appears to have named his book after the Cat Stevens song Wild World which was released in 1970, an example from page 62, He turned on a transistor radio, and Cat Stevens sang, "Baby, baby it's a wild world...." I also enjoyed the parts of the book where Steve experiences inner turmoil between his work life and home life when he cannot always go with his instincts but has to play by specific rules to survive, even when they seem wrong. e.g. 'The man had stopped moving, and Steve realized he could be dead. It was under control - he had it under control. Was he responsible for the man's death? Was this police work?' This was very well written, and I could feel Steve's inner turmoil.
This is a great story, written with passion for the subject, but I was disappointed in the number of mistakes. It was as if the book had not been edited or proofread.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. It is a great story, but there are way too many errors to rate it the full 5 stars.
I would recommend this book to older teenagers and adults interested in novels telling American history during the 1970s. The continuous swearing in this book fits with the characterisation but would not be suitable for anyone who dislikes this type of language.
I loved the fact that Peter S. Rush appears to have named his book after the Cat Stevens song Wild World which was released in 1970, an example from page 62, He turned on a transistor radio, and Cat Stevens sang, "Baby, baby it's a wild world...." I also enjoyed the parts of the book where Steve experiences inner turmoil between his work life and home life when he cannot always go with his instincts but has to play by specific rules to survive, even when they seem wrong. e.g. 'The man had stopped moving, and Steve realized he could be dead. It was under control - he had it under control. Was he responsible for the man's death? Was this police work?' This was very well written, and I could feel Steve's inner turmoil.
This is a great story, written with passion for the subject, but I was disappointed in the number of mistakes. It was as if the book had not been edited or proofread.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. It is a great story, but there are way too many errors to rate it the full 5 stars.
I would recommend this book to older teenagers and adults interested in novels telling American history during the 1970s. The continuous swearing in this book fits with the characterisation but would not be suitable for anyone who dislikes this type of language.
April 14, 2019
What I liked?
The book takes us back to the Vietnam War as well as the Kent State shootings and the protest era in general. The author explores this time in our history through fictional characters, their lives, and how they decide to combat this deeply unpopular war. However, despite the fictionalized accounts of characters such as Steve Logan, a student at Brown University who makes the decision to fight the war by protesting from the inside, the emotion is there.
The story overall hit hard. When one of the characters, Roxy, says during the aftermath of one protest “I’m so afraid. What’s going to happen next?” or when Steve Logan wonders if everything he’d learned about his country was wrong because “these were executions like in some Third World dictatorship,” you feel that.
With Steve in particular, you can see him going from confusion to realization that the hate and corruption going on around him is just wrong. Peter Rush writes it all in a way that you hurt just as much as he does.
What I didn’t like?
Roxy, who was Steve’s love interest in the story, really got on my last nerve. There are things that you just don’t do when you’re in a relationship with someone who is trying to do right by you and simultaneously make a difference in the world. She was much too childish for me to find her the slightest bit redeemable.
Overall?
This book won the 2018 Beverly Hills Book Award for Social/Political Change and I can definitely see why. While it doesn’t necessarily build to a specific climax, it is a book that tells the story of a time in history that we’ve seen in documentaries, history books, and the like. But Peter Rush, through this fictionalized account, relays the same historical insight with feeling. It’s lit and I’d recommend giving it a read.
The book takes us back to the Vietnam War as well as the Kent State shootings and the protest era in general. The author explores this time in our history through fictional characters, their lives, and how they decide to combat this deeply unpopular war. However, despite the fictionalized accounts of characters such as Steve Logan, a student at Brown University who makes the decision to fight the war by protesting from the inside, the emotion is there.
The story overall hit hard. When one of the characters, Roxy, says during the aftermath of one protest “I’m so afraid. What’s going to happen next?” or when Steve Logan wonders if everything he’d learned about his country was wrong because “these were executions like in some Third World dictatorship,” you feel that.
With Steve in particular, you can see him going from confusion to realization that the hate and corruption going on around him is just wrong. Peter Rush writes it all in a way that you hurt just as much as he does.
What I didn’t like?
Roxy, who was Steve’s love interest in the story, really got on my last nerve. There are things that you just don’t do when you’re in a relationship with someone who is trying to do right by you and simultaneously make a difference in the world. She was much too childish for me to find her the slightest bit redeemable.
Overall?
This book won the 2018 Beverly Hills Book Award for Social/Political Change and I can definitely see why. While it doesn’t necessarily build to a specific climax, it is a book that tells the story of a time in history that we’ve seen in documentaries, history books, and the like. But Peter Rush, through this fictionalized account, relays the same historical insight with feeling. It’s lit and I’d recommend giving it a read.
June 1, 2025
Wild World is a novel that pulses with the raw energy of a transformative era. Peter S. Rush doesn’t just set his debut in the early 1970s, he fully immerses the reader in it. From the first page, I felt like I had stepped into the protest lines, college classrooms, and smoky precincts of a country at a crossroads. The backdrop of the Vietnam War and the Kent State tragedy gives this novel emotional urgency, and Steve Logan’s journey from Ivy League graduate to rookie cop is one of the most original and thought-provoking transformations I’ve read in years.
What struck me most is how vividly Rush portrays the tension between idealism and realism. Steve isn’t just a young man trying to do good, he’s someone grappling with the consequences of idealism in a flawed, resistant world. His inner conflict, his relationship with Roxy, and his evolving understanding of justice all make him a deeply relatable and compelling protagonist. The writing is crisp, the dialogue is sharp, and the pacing never lags. I found myself staying up late to read "just one more chapter."
This is a book that challenges, provokes, and ultimately inspires. In today’s climate of political division and social upheaval, Wild World feels as timely as ever. A phenomenal debut from an author who clearly understands both the weight of history and the power of storytelling.
What struck me most is how vividly Rush portrays the tension between idealism and realism. Steve isn’t just a young man trying to do good, he’s someone grappling with the consequences of idealism in a flawed, resistant world. His inner conflict, his relationship with Roxy, and his evolving understanding of justice all make him a deeply relatable and compelling protagonist. The writing is crisp, the dialogue is sharp, and the pacing never lags. I found myself staying up late to read "just one more chapter."
This is a book that challenges, provokes, and ultimately inspires. In today’s climate of political division and social upheaval, Wild World feels as timely as ever. A phenomenal debut from an author who clearly understands both the weight of history and the power of storytelling.
June 1, 2025
Peter S. Rush has burst onto the literary scene with a novel that is as intelligent as it is emotionally resonant. Wild World is a bold, beautifully written story that does not shy away from the messiness of change personal, political, and institutional.
Set against the backdrop of one of the most turbulent times in American history, the novel feels startlingly relevant today. Steve Logan’s transition from protester to police officer isn’t just a plot twist, it’s a full-blown exploration of what it means to believe in something so deeply that you’re willing to risk everything to see it through. His journey is painful, courageous, and ultimately, unforgettable.
Rush writes with the clarity of a journalist and the insight of a philosopher. The scenes inside the police department filled with tension, corruption, and danger are some of the best I’ve read in modern fiction. There’s a visceral authenticity to the writing that comes from someone who truly understands human nature and systemic failure.
In the end, Wild World is not just about one man’s fight. It’s about all of us, and the choices we make when faced with injustice. This is a rare book: gripping, thoughtful, and deeply humane. I can’t recommend it enough.
Set against the backdrop of one of the most turbulent times in American history, the novel feels startlingly relevant today. Steve Logan’s transition from protester to police officer isn’t just a plot twist, it’s a full-blown exploration of what it means to believe in something so deeply that you’re willing to risk everything to see it through. His journey is painful, courageous, and ultimately, unforgettable.
Rush writes with the clarity of a journalist and the insight of a philosopher. The scenes inside the police department filled with tension, corruption, and danger are some of the best I’ve read in modern fiction. There’s a visceral authenticity to the writing that comes from someone who truly understands human nature and systemic failure.
In the end, Wild World is not just about one man’s fight. It’s about all of us, and the choices we make when faced with injustice. This is a rare book: gripping, thoughtful, and deeply humane. I can’t recommend it enough.
May 18, 2025
Peter S. Rush’s Wild World is a thought-provoking novel that skillfully captures the challenges of fighting for social justice in a flawed system. The book not only explores the personal transformation of Steve Logan as he grapples with his own ideals versus the system he’s now part of but also paints a vivid and dynamic picture of the early 1970s, a time of political unrest and activism. The pacing is tight, the stakes are high, and the twists are sharp, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish. What makes this novel particularly unforgettable is how Rush navigates the layers of the story Steve’s activism, his relationship with Roxy, and his battle against police corruption. These elements create a rich and layered narrative that speaks to timeless themes of personal integrity, loyalty, and the cost of standing up for what you believe in. Rush has delivered a remarkable debut that will leave readers thinking long after the final page is turned. Wild World is a timely and powerful read that resonates with the world we live in today, making it not only an engaging story but an essential one.
May 23, 2025
Peter S. Rush’s Wild World is a masterclass in historical fiction, fusing political unrest, personal conviction, and emotional complexity into a novel that resonates long after the final page. Set in the early 1970s, it transports readers to intense upheaval and transformation, following Steve Logan as he dares to walk the razor’s edge between idealism and realism.
What truly impressed me was Rush’s ability to make the political deeply personal. Steve's decision to join the police force is a bold, conflicted act of rebellion against both the establishment and his peers is portrayed with such nuance and authenticity. It made me question what real activism looks like and whether working inside a broken system is truly more powerful than fighting it from the outside. The writing is evocative and cinematic, with the protest scenes, in particular, pulsing with tension and atmosphere.
This novel doesn’t flinch from hard truths. It challenges you to consider how far you’d go for justice and how much you’d risk to change the world. Wild World is a rare read that entertains, enlightens, and inspires. Absolutely unforgettable.
What truly impressed me was Rush’s ability to make the political deeply personal. Steve's decision to join the police force is a bold, conflicted act of rebellion against both the establishment and his peers is portrayed with such nuance and authenticity. It made me question what real activism looks like and whether working inside a broken system is truly more powerful than fighting it from the outside. The writing is evocative and cinematic, with the protest scenes, in particular, pulsing with tension and atmosphere.
This novel doesn’t flinch from hard truths. It challenges you to consider how far you’d go for justice and how much you’d risk to change the world. Wild World is a rare read that entertains, enlightens, and inspires. Absolutely unforgettable.
May 29, 2025
Peter S. Rush’s Wild World is more than a novel. It’s a compelling time capsule of one of the most politically turbulent periods in American history. From the moment I opened the book, I was swept into the raw energy of the early 1970s: a time of protests, shifting values, and the desperate desire to remake the world. What sets Wild World apart is how seamlessly it weaves this historical backdrop with deeply human emotion and a razor-sharp plot. Steve Logan is a protagonist for the ages. His decision to walk away from law school to become a cop out of sheer moral conviction is both admirable and heartbreaking. He is torn between the world he came from and the one he is trying to fix. Rush paints this conflict with incredible emotional depth, turning what could have been a political message into a deeply personal journey. With every chapter, you can feel Steve’s idealism being tested by systemic corruption, by betrayal, and even by love. This is a story that matters. It challenges us to consider what real change costs and who is brave enough to pay it. Rush's debut is timely, intelligent, and absolutely gripping.
May 29, 2025
Wild World is one of the most emotionally honest and intellectually stimulating novels I’ve read in years. Peter S. Rush has created a character in Steve Logan who is equal parts dreamer, rebel, and tragic hero. Set in the crucible of the early 1970s, the novel captures the fever pitch of national unrest in the wake of Vietnam, civil rights movements, and institutional distrust. Yet it does so with a sharp focus on one man’s personal battle one that resonates on a deeply human level.
The strength of the novel lies in its duality: it’s a gripping crime drama and a tender love story, a political thriller and a coming of age tale. Steve’s relationship with Roxy is as central to the plot as his fight against corrupt law enforcement. Their love is complex and real, full of shared values but also painful divergence. Rush writes with both cinematic flair and psychological depth. There were moments I had to put the book down just to reflect on the larger implications about courage, complicity, and what it means to truly make a difference.
If you’re looking for a novel that engages your heart and your mind, look no further. Wild World is an unforgettable debut.
The strength of the novel lies in its duality: it’s a gripping crime drama and a tender love story, a political thriller and a coming of age tale. Steve’s relationship with Roxy is as central to the plot as his fight against corrupt law enforcement. Their love is complex and real, full of shared values but also painful divergence. Rush writes with both cinematic flair and psychological depth. There were moments I had to put the book down just to reflect on the larger implications about courage, complicity, and what it means to truly make a difference.
If you’re looking for a novel that engages your heart and your mind, look no further. Wild World is an unforgettable debut.
May 18, 2025
Peter S. Rush's Wild World is an unmissable debut that grabs your attention from the first page and doesn’t let go. With a captivating plot, filled with suspense, emotional depth, and unexpected twists, this novel kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The story masterfully explores the tension between Steve Logan’s idealistic visions of social change and the harsh, often disillusioning realities he faces while working in law enforcement. His relationship with Roxy adds a heartfelt layer of complexity, grounding the political and action-driven elements in real human emotion. The themes of political unrest, corruption, and the battle for social justice are explored in a way that feels both timeless and urgent. As relevant now as they were in the 1970s, these themes will resonate deeply with readers who care about the world today. Wild World is a novel that combines heart and substance, blending action and emotional depth into a narrative that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.
May 23, 2025
Wild World is the rare kind of novel that defies easy classification. Is it a love story? A crime drama? A political coming-of-age tale? The answer is all of the above, and that’s exactly what makes it such an engrossing and rewarding read.
Peter S. Rush writes with the confidence and precision of a seasoned author. His portrayal of Steve Logan, a young man willing to infiltrate the very system he once protested, is nothing short of brilliant. Steve's journey is fraught with danger, betrayal, and personal sacrifice, but also moments of hope and revelation.
I was especially struck by the realism of the dialogue and the grit of the police scenes. Rush clearly did his research, and it shows. But what impressed me most was the emotional core of the story Steve’s unwavering belief that change is possible, even when the cost feels unbearable.
This is a book for thinkers, dreamers, and doers. If you've ever questioned whether one person can make a difference, let Wild World remind you that yes, they can.
Peter S. Rush writes with the confidence and precision of a seasoned author. His portrayal of Steve Logan, a young man willing to infiltrate the very system he once protested, is nothing short of brilliant. Steve's journey is fraught with danger, betrayal, and personal sacrifice, but also moments of hope and revelation.
I was especially struck by the realism of the dialogue and the grit of the police scenes. Rush clearly did his research, and it shows. But what impressed me most was the emotional core of the story Steve’s unwavering belief that change is possible, even when the cost feels unbearable.
This is a book for thinkers, dreamers, and doers. If you've ever questioned whether one person can make a difference, let Wild World remind you that yes, they can.
May 23, 2025
Few novels manage to balance heart-pounding action with emotional insight as gracefully as Wild World. From the first page, I was hooked by the story of Steve Logan a man who dares to change the system from the inside, risking everything in the process.
Peter S. Rush has crafted more than a political novel. He’s created a deeply personal narrative about what it means to stand for something, even when it costs you the people you love. Steve’s relationship with Roxy is handled with sensitivity and depth, providing a poignant counterpoint to the corruption and violence he faces as a cop.
The setting is rich and atmospheric. You can feel the tension in the air the fear, the hope, the unrest. It’s a vivid portrait of the '70s that feels startlingly relevant today. I found myself underlining passages, rereading sections, and thinking about the story long after I finished it.
Wild World is not just a great read, it’s an important one. If you care about justice, change, and the power of storytelling, don’t miss this book.
Peter S. Rush has crafted more than a political novel. He’s created a deeply personal narrative about what it means to stand for something, even when it costs you the people you love. Steve’s relationship with Roxy is handled with sensitivity and depth, providing a poignant counterpoint to the corruption and violence he faces as a cop.
The setting is rich and atmospheric. You can feel the tension in the air the fear, the hope, the unrest. It’s a vivid portrait of the '70s that feels startlingly relevant today. I found myself underlining passages, rereading sections, and thinking about the story long after I finished it.
Wild World is not just a great read, it’s an important one. If you care about justice, change, and the power of storytelling, don’t miss this book.
October 17, 2022
Wild World by Peter S. Rush is a historical fiction set in the 1970s and is about Steve Logan, a college student, protesting the authority and the Vietnam war. His intentions are pure, and wanting peace is no crime, but when four students at Kent State University are killed by the National Guard troops, Steve understands that he has to get involved in order to make a change.
Steve gives up law school and joins the city’s police department, and never looks back. As you read along, Steve’s personality and character are understood more, and you get to bond with his thoughts and intentions. His determination is what carries the story forward, and it signifies the essence of the story.
The book is filled with mystery, crime, and love. The concept of the story and its historical facts are accurate, and this adds to the authenticity of the tale. I recommend it to those who enjoy war-related stories and history.
Steve gives up law school and joins the city’s police department, and never looks back. As you read along, Steve’s personality and character are understood more, and you get to bond with his thoughts and intentions. His determination is what carries the story forward, and it signifies the essence of the story.
The book is filled with mystery, crime, and love. The concept of the story and its historical facts are accurate, and this adds to the authenticity of the tale. I recommend it to those who enjoy war-related stories and history.
December 19, 2021
I was intrigued by this novel. It takes place in the area where I grew up and during a time period that I know. The story is one of a man who is idealistic and wants to make a difference in the world. This leads him to join the police force rather than going to law school. What he discovers as an officer forms much of the basis for the novel.
The story begins with the shootings at Kent State. From its impact on Steve, readers follow him as he makes his way in life. They will also spend time with his girlfriend, a medical student.
This is a novel that can be read by those who remember the early 70s and those who want to know more about that time. The world currently feels upended but this novel reminds readers that there are often difficult times and difficult decisions to be made.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The story begins with the shootings at Kent State. From its impact on Steve, readers follow him as he makes his way in life. They will also spend time with his girlfriend, a medical student.
This is a novel that can be read by those who remember the early 70s and those who want to know more about that time. The world currently feels upended but this novel reminds readers that there are often difficult times and difficult decisions to be made.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
December 17, 2017
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. The story takes place near a college campus during the 1970s. This time frame includes the Vietnam War and an era of college campus protests. Steve Logan has graduated from Brown University. He is planning to attend law school, but then changes his mind and joins the police department, determined to overturn the system and make the world a better place.
In the beginning, I didn't like the story. It lacked depth and the author's style seemed stilted. Mid book, there was a definite change in style and depth of story. I was drawn in and I am glad I kept reading.
I recommend this book fully.
In the beginning, I didn't like the story. It lacked depth and the author's style seemed stilted. Mid book, there was a definite change in style and depth of story. I was drawn in and I am glad I kept reading.
I recommend this book fully.
January 4, 2022
I don't know what I was expecting so maybe I had unrealistic goals, but I did not find this book compelling. I was excited to read this because it was about the beautiful, quirky Rhode Island, where I live. I bought this at books on the square and loved how full circle this find was.
I appreciate the storyline and how I could paint the scene, seeing Steve tread carefully through Providence. I feel if the point was to expose corruption then it could have been more mission oriented, with many missed opportunities of the city Goverment's shady dealings and relationships with organized crime.
Overall it was fine. Truthfully I probably just expected more because I'm local.
I appreciate the storyline and how I could paint the scene, seeing Steve tread carefully through Providence. I feel if the point was to expose corruption then it could have been more mission oriented, with many missed opportunities of the city Goverment's shady dealings and relationships with organized crime.
Overall it was fine. Truthfully I probably just expected more because I'm local.
May 18, 2025
Peter S. Rush's Wild World is a mesmerizing journey into the heart of the 1970s protest era. With masterful storytelling, Rush not only brings to life the raw energy of political unrest but also weaves a compelling narrative about one man’s fight for justice in the face of corruption. Steve Logan’s journey from passionate protester to rookie cop is both poignant and relatable. Rush’s ability to craft such intricate characters and push them through morally complex situations makes this novel a standout. The way he explores the tension between idealism and reality is thought-provoking and impossible to put down. A must-read for anyone interested in history, politics, and personal sacrifice!
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