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One Picture, Two Journeys
It's 1990—21 years after the on-screen murder of Captain America and his friend Billy in the classic film, Easy Rider.
Now, inspired by a newfound truth and an old photograph, young Rand Garret sets out on America’s legendary Route 66 in search of a missing father. A thousand miles and days of riding yield nothing. But then, about to turn home, Rand encounters a man living with crippling memories of a father he wishes he’d never known. The confrontation erupting between the two of them gives Rand the answer to a lifelong question and leaves the stranger at peace for the first time.
Now, inspired by a newfound truth and an old photograph, young Rand Garret sets out on America’s legendary Route 66 in search of a missing father. A thousand miles and days of riding yield nothing. But then, about to turn home, Rand encounters a man living with crippling memories of a father he wishes he’d never known. The confrontation erupting between the two of them gives Rand the answer to a lifelong question and leaves the stranger at peace for the first time.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 13, 2019
28 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 2, 2019
A good page turner for a lazy morning. Likeable characters who I enjoyed being in the road with. Glad I didn't read Goodreads spoiler description beforehand.
July 10, 2019
I gave this 3 stars because I found the initial one third of the writing lacked lustre. Thankfully I kept reading and the writing for me improved 10 fold and the story tightened up and the tension in the book really improved. I really enjoyed the last three quarters of the book and wish the beginning had been as good.
May 27, 2019
Book Review: One Picture Two Journeys by Tommy Gibbs
Published April 2019 by Tacky Rooster
180 pages
Available on Amazon.com
Genre: Fiction
Reviewers note: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Can I say, Wow! What a fantastic book. From the first page to the last Tommy Gibbs pulls you in and takes you along for a wild ride. Part travelogue, part mystery, part journey of discovery, this book, set in 1990 follows a motorcycle loving young college student determined to find the identity of a long lost father. From the deserts of Arizona to the swamps of Louisiana we ride along, wingman to Rand Garett. Gibbs descriptions bring to life the people and places we encounter in small towns across America and the joy that only a full tank of gas and an open road can bring. Armed with an old photo, taken before Rand’s birth, and led by an unseen force, Rand retraces the path of a father on a trek that culminates in a tiny cajun town near the Atchafalaya Swamp. Through a dramatic series of events, Rand discovers the healing powers of friendship and forgiveness and longed for answers that unlock the past.
The characters are well drawn and spring from the pages. From the roadside clerks to bar room owners they will charm you, make you laugh, make you smile and some will break your heart. Rand is kind, observant, full of spirit, an old soul in a young body with a keen inquisitive mind.
The writing is crisp, well paced, and littered with well placed details that add to the story. When describing the landscape Gibbs waxes lyrical, almost poetic, about the amazing and diverse American countryside.
Congratulations to Tommy Gibbs on this wonderful book. I highly recommend it to both men and women, fans of Americana, the movie Easy Rider, and generally well written fiction.
My rating: 5+ stars
Published April 2019 by Tacky Rooster
180 pages
Available on Amazon.com
Genre: Fiction
Reviewers note: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Can I say, Wow! What a fantastic book. From the first page to the last Tommy Gibbs pulls you in and takes you along for a wild ride. Part travelogue, part mystery, part journey of discovery, this book, set in 1990 follows a motorcycle loving young college student determined to find the identity of a long lost father. From the deserts of Arizona to the swamps of Louisiana we ride along, wingman to Rand Garett. Gibbs descriptions bring to life the people and places we encounter in small towns across America and the joy that only a full tank of gas and an open road can bring. Armed with an old photo, taken before Rand’s birth, and led by an unseen force, Rand retraces the path of a father on a trek that culminates in a tiny cajun town near the Atchafalaya Swamp. Through a dramatic series of events, Rand discovers the healing powers of friendship and forgiveness and longed for answers that unlock the past.
The characters are well drawn and spring from the pages. From the roadside clerks to bar room owners they will charm you, make you laugh, make you smile and some will break your heart. Rand is kind, observant, full of spirit, an old soul in a young body with a keen inquisitive mind.
The writing is crisp, well paced, and littered with well placed details that add to the story. When describing the landscape Gibbs waxes lyrical, almost poetic, about the amazing and diverse American countryside.
Congratulations to Tommy Gibbs on this wonderful book. I highly recommend it to both men and women, fans of Americana, the movie Easy Rider, and generally well written fiction.
My rating: 5+ stars
July 8, 2019
I finished this book right before I left for a road trip, and at so many junctures of the trip this story came to mind. I remembered going on my own motorcycle trips and the wonderful feeling of adventure. I also thought of the characters in the story. When it feels like the characters are real, it is great storytelling. And that is exactly how it feels after reading this book. As the story unwinds, you get elements of history; a flavor of areas of the US, especially Louisiana culture, food and landscape; and you grow to understand the psychological effects hatred, decisions and trauma have on people. It isn't necessary, but if you watch or re-watch the movie Easy Rider, staring Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, and Jack Nicholson, you will see how the author, Tommy Gibbs, has wonderfully woven the two stories together. You don't have to be a motorcyclist to enjoy this story. There are, of course, those adventure elements, but this story is more about someone in search of answers, chance encounters, connections with others, and healing.
June 25, 2019
Journey through Life's challenges
This is the story of lives and memories intertwined. You get two interlinked stories with memories so intricate that it touches the core of your being. Lives changing and meeting exceptional people along the path of self discovery is what encompass this entire story telling. What is delightful in this entire ride is you feel that you are the one taking that journey, meeting the small town people and living the quaint life. You cheer and wait anticipating the transition and magic to unfold.
Though the story line traverses two different timelines and decades it doesn’t lose the gist or hold, over the intended effect. Rand discovers friends and an ending to a long hidden mystery. She gets to go on the path of discovery and forgiveness to all the questions hidden with answers that tug even the readers heart. The Cajun culture and food, a plus on your reading list. If you haven’t been on a vacation this will want you to get your bags packing looking for those memories to be made.
This is the story of lives and memories intertwined. You get two interlinked stories with memories so intricate that it touches the core of your being. Lives changing and meeting exceptional people along the path of self discovery is what encompass this entire story telling. What is delightful in this entire ride is you feel that you are the one taking that journey, meeting the small town people and living the quaint life. You cheer and wait anticipating the transition and magic to unfold.
Though the story line traverses two different timelines and decades it doesn’t lose the gist or hold, over the intended effect. Rand discovers friends and an ending to a long hidden mystery. She gets to go on the path of discovery and forgiveness to all the questions hidden with answers that tug even the readers heart. The Cajun culture and food, a plus on your reading list. If you haven’t been on a vacation this will want you to get your bags packing looking for those memories to be made.
September 2, 2023
Likeable characters and a fast easy read. It felt really weird that I was at the 10% mark before I realised Rand was a 20 year old woman and not the late teen aged boy I had thought she was.
May 23, 2019
Very cool novel, a quick page turner about what happens 21 years in the wake of Easy Rider (so it's set around 1990). With two other editors I helped Tommy Gibbs bring this book into the world, so I've read it a few times. A good summer read, something that will definitely make you itch for the open road and the sort of serendipity that travel accommodates.
July 6, 2019
When I first watched the movie easy rider the music and the motorcycles were the main reason to watch it. Over time it has captured a place in time and history that is no longer here in Louisiana.
The book One Picture, Two Journeys adds to the story and I think it is a better story. Loved it and the description by the writer makes you feel like you are there.
The book One Picture, Two Journeys adds to the story and I think it is a better story. Loved it and the description by the writer makes you feel like you are there.
June 3, 2019
Story with a good heart
This is a nice story. I chose the book because I liked the cover and the idea of a road trip. While it was a bit predictable, it has it's heart in the right place. The ending wasn't entirety in unexpected, it was right.
This is a nice story. I chose the book because I liked the cover and the idea of a road trip. While it was a bit predictable, it has it's heart in the right place. The ending wasn't entirety in unexpected, it was right.
July 5, 2019
A good read. The author has taken the time to consider his language and as a result captures a time and a place that enhances a story that answers questions many of the fans of Easy Rider have pondered for years.
July 5, 2019
Tommy has woven a rich tapestry of a tale that takes us from the long ago and far away to the here and now. It will be even more personal for those who grew up in the "Easy Rider" era. Very entertaining and highly recommended.
July 6, 2019
My history with Tommy goes back to High School. I was excited to hear he had written a book. And what a book. Captures you from the start and never lets you down. A great “sequel” to a great movie. Can’t wait for his second book.
August 19, 2019
This could have been an interesting story. Instead I found it very flat and linear, relying on cliches and the author's specialist knowledge (Harleys, Louisiana) and being a fan of the movie Easy Rider.
The characters are one-dimensional except for Gerard, and we don't meet him until the last quarter when there is finally a story line. I struggled to find a unique personality in the protagonist, Rand. We know the basics about her and there are a few mentions of emotions, but not enough to create a character.
Oh, well, it was a free download.
The characters are one-dimensional except for Gerard, and we don't meet him until the last quarter when there is finally a story line. I struggled to find a unique personality in the protagonist, Rand. We know the basics about her and there are a few mentions of emotions, but not enough to create a character.
Oh, well, it was a free download.
June 13, 2019
Excellent
Well written, taking the reader comfortably through the story, constantly abetting the appetite for more. I was completely engrossed and feel bereft at the end of the book
Well written, taking the reader comfortably through the story, constantly abetting the appetite for more. I was completely engrossed and feel bereft at the end of the book
July 5, 2019
Very enjoyable read. ... to all my brothers & sisters in the wind.... a love story, an educational adventure, a bikers tale like no other, a life lesson...
July 5, 2019
Thrilling! Wanted me to saddle my Harley and ride to Louisiana!
July 9, 2019
The story line hooks you in from the beginning - I started and finished in one day because I couldn't put it down! I really enjoyed it and was captivated thru the entire thing!
July 15, 2019
Easy Read
This was a nice relaxing read. I would have like a little more detail in the climax of the story but still a good read.
This was a nice relaxing read. I would have like a little more detail in the climax of the story but still a good read.
October 29, 2019
Entertaining. A road story with a twist.
July 10, 2019
Interesting story with colorful, believable characters. It may make you wish for such an adventure of your own.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews