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Traveller
Jono Riley is an aging bartender and part-time actor struggling to make ends meet in Manhattan. But news of the sudden death of his childhood friend and first true love compels Jono to return home for her funeral. As he journeys to Rhode Island, Jono revisits his shadowy past.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
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477 people want to read
About the author
Ron McLarty
15 books150 followersA native of East Providence, RI—Ron McLarty is a veteran actor, accomplished playwright, prolific audiobook narrator and acclaimed novelist.
McLarty is also noted for his body of work as one of the country’s leading audiobook narrators having done over 100 titles including the narration of books authored by Stephen King, Danielle Steel, Richard Russo, Elmore Leonard, Ed McBain, David Baldacci and Scott Turow, among many others.
He lives in New York City with his wife, the actress Kate Skinner.
McLarty is also noted for his body of work as one of the country’s leading audiobook narrators having done over 100 titles including the narration of books authored by Stephen King, Danielle Steel, Richard Russo, Elmore Leonard, Ed McBain, David Baldacci and Scott Turow, among many others.
He lives in New York City with his wife, the actress Kate Skinner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
February 29, 2020
After finding this author's first book The Memory of Running in my local dollar store and loving it, I ordered his three other titles and have finally gotten myself around to reading this, his second book.
It did not have quite the impact on me that Running did, but it was still a strong four star book for me.
This is a story about Jono Riley, present and past. We first meet him in his present: he is an actor and bartender who has received a letter from one of his school friends, whose sister has just died. This triggers alternating chapters of past and present, and we learn everything there is to know about Jono's childhood in East Providence and his relationship with not only the dead woman but her brother Cubby and two other of Jono's best buddies, Billy and Bobby.
But do we really learn everything?
Does Jono himself know everything?
This was a mystery story on one level but also a look at relationships and expectations from a time now long past, beginning in the early 1960's. I liked Jono and his buddies, and the chapters set in his past were just as compelling as the ones in his present. I thought all of the characters were interesting and their group dynamic was super: the author does a wonderful job of bringing everyone to life.
I took a guess at 'whodunnit' about three-fourths of the way through, an I was right, but until the last few chapters I did not know exactly why. The explanation certainly made sense, and I am frankly surprised that this particular character did not implode much earlier in his life.
A sad note about the author before I finish up here. While I was setting up to read this, I looked him up at Wiki for more information than was on his GR author page. And I was saddened to learn that Ron McLarty passed away on February 8, 2020. The world has lost a great talent.
RIP Mr. McLarty, and thank you.
It did not have quite the impact on me that Running did, but it was still a strong four star book for me.
This is a story about Jono Riley, present and past. We first meet him in his present: he is an actor and bartender who has received a letter from one of his school friends, whose sister has just died. This triggers alternating chapters of past and present, and we learn everything there is to know about Jono's childhood in East Providence and his relationship with not only the dead woman but her brother Cubby and two other of Jono's best buddies, Billy and Bobby.
But do we really learn everything?
Does Jono himself know everything?
This was a mystery story on one level but also a look at relationships and expectations from a time now long past, beginning in the early 1960's. I liked Jono and his buddies, and the chapters set in his past were just as compelling as the ones in his present. I thought all of the characters were interesting and their group dynamic was super: the author does a wonderful job of bringing everyone to life.
I took a guess at 'whodunnit' about three-fourths of the way through, an I was right, but until the last few chapters I did not know exactly why. The explanation certainly made sense, and I am frankly surprised that this particular character did not implode much earlier in his life.
A sad note about the author before I finish up here. While I was setting up to read this, I looked him up at Wiki for more information than was on his GR author page. And I was saddened to learn that Ron McLarty passed away on February 8, 2020. The world has lost a great talent.
RIP Mr. McLarty, and thank you.
April 5, 2010
Ultimately a frustrating read. Not as good as his first book, The Memory of Running. The main character in this story, Jono, is the epitome of an anti-hero, and unfortunately he never quite became a compelling character to me. The biggest problem I had with Traveler is that the main dramatic action that is initially laid out in the beginning of the book simply disappears as the story goes on. It's hard to reveal much more without giving away the plot, but I'm sure anyone that has read this story will agree. The action that motivates Jono to go back home fades from view very quickly, making the reader wonder what Jono's true motivations are.
That's not to say that the rest of the novel is unimpressive. McLarty writes in a very distinct format. One chapter is dedicated to the "present time", the next chapter jumps back in time. This format can at times be disconcerting, but the scenes that travel back in the past stand out as the most memorable parts of the book. McLarty has a real knack for capturing nostalgia.
In the end, I couldn't just get over some of the drawbacks of this book like I could with Memory of Running. McLarty did a great job of tying up the loose ends and making it all fit in the end, but despite a beautiful conclusion, it couldn't salvage the feeling of unease I felt in the middle of the story.
That's not to say that the rest of the novel is unimpressive. McLarty writes in a very distinct format. One chapter is dedicated to the "present time", the next chapter jumps back in time. This format can at times be disconcerting, but the scenes that travel back in the past stand out as the most memorable parts of the book. McLarty has a real knack for capturing nostalgia.
In the end, I couldn't just get over some of the drawbacks of this book like I could with Memory of Running. McLarty did a great job of tying up the loose ends and making it all fit in the end, but despite a beautiful conclusion, it couldn't salvage the feeling of unease I felt in the middle of the story.
April 20, 2015
Not quite as good as The Memory of Running, but it was still very good. It has a similar style and feel to it as MoR.... The lovable, semi-loser today, with his childhood storyline interlaced every other chapter.
Ron McLarty is a professional actor and brings a lot to the table when he narrates his own audio books.
Should be 4.5 stars from me.
Ron McLarty is a professional actor and brings a lot to the table when he narrates his own audio books.
Should be 4.5 stars from me.
November 16, 2009
This book was a look at how the ties that bind can be the ties that cut, the ties that hold us back, and how they eventually set us free. Interesting look at the dying breed of blue collar middle class men. What have we lost in our rush to college education? What happened to OJT? And how do we make peace with the uglier side of life?
May 1, 2008
I've read Ron's previous book and was happy to see this one in the book store...so, I bought it. The storyline goes as follows: A middle-aged guy in NYC half off off off off broadway actor/half bartender returns to his native East Providence,RI for his childhood friend, Marie's funeral. Marie was shot in the back by a mysterious gunman, survived, but ultimately was killed in adulthood by the bullet because it became a "traveller."
Upon his return to East Providence, Ron inevitably runs into old friends and becomes mixed up in attempting to solve the mystery of the gunman (who also shot a few other individuals to death). The ending is unexpectedly great, however, some transition in the writing was a bit awkward; not very smooth. There were also some characters (Ponserelli's for example) who were a bit overdrawn and unbelievable( I'm sure the intention of the author).There was also one point where he mistakenly called a character by another character's name (surprised that the editors didn't catch this). I overall enjoyed the book. I thought the plot was interesting and my favorite character was the gruff but loveable Big Tony. I also enjoyed it because I lived in Providence for 4 years and understand some of the nuances and references. I'd recommend it to anyone from the RI area and/or to folks interested in a solid, good mystery. Summer is coming and this is a great beach read! I am looking forward to more by this author in future.
Upon his return to East Providence, Ron inevitably runs into old friends and becomes mixed up in attempting to solve the mystery of the gunman (who also shot a few other individuals to death). The ending is unexpectedly great, however, some transition in the writing was a bit awkward; not very smooth. There were also some characters (Ponserelli's for example) who were a bit overdrawn and unbelievable( I'm sure the intention of the author).There was also one point where he mistakenly called a character by another character's name (surprised that the editors didn't catch this). I overall enjoyed the book. I thought the plot was interesting and my favorite character was the gruff but loveable Big Tony. I also enjoyed it because I lived in Providence for 4 years and understand some of the nuances and references. I'd recommend it to anyone from the RI area and/or to folks interested in a solid, good mystery. Summer is coming and this is a great beach read! I am looking forward to more by this author in future.
June 11, 2012
Ron McLarty has done it again.
Ron McLarty, author of The Memory of Running, writes of wonderfully human protagonists whose lives and experiences resonate with the reader. Jono Riley is an aging bartender and part-time actor with a wonderful girlfriend and a fear of commitment. The death of Maria D’Agostino—Jono’s childhood friend and first love—compels Jono to return to his childhood neighborhood.
In chapters alternating between present day and the past, McLarty paints a vivid portrait of growing up in an East Providence, Rhode Island neighborhood in the 1960s. The Traveler is the story of a man’s quest to understand how a specific incident in the past creates ripples that travel with a person to effect life even forty years later. Though the description of this book is necessarily vague (it is hard to give a good description without giving anything away) the book is compelling.
I especially enjoyed the details—the way Jono chafes at being defined by his acting rolls, the feel of Jono’s childhood, the love of and for an old friend that doesn’t fade no matter how many years and miles separate them.
Ron McLarty, author of The Memory of Running, writes of wonderfully human protagonists whose lives and experiences resonate with the reader. Jono Riley is an aging bartender and part-time actor with a wonderful girlfriend and a fear of commitment. The death of Maria D’Agostino—Jono’s childhood friend and first love—compels Jono to return to his childhood neighborhood.
In chapters alternating between present day and the past, McLarty paints a vivid portrait of growing up in an East Providence, Rhode Island neighborhood in the 1960s. The Traveler is the story of a man’s quest to understand how a specific incident in the past creates ripples that travel with a person to effect life even forty years later. Though the description of this book is necessarily vague (it is hard to give a good description without giving anything away) the book is compelling.
I especially enjoyed the details—the way Jono chafes at being defined by his acting rolls, the feel of Jono’s childhood, the love of and for an old friend that doesn’t fade no matter how many years and miles separate them.
January 4, 2016
Jono Riley met Marie D'Agostino at a tender age and immediately fell in love with her. Although the feelings were not know as to be mutual, he never stopped hoping that they would spend their life together. Jono loves everything about her, from the way she looks, how she carries herself and everything that is between. Hopes of their relationship blossoming is torn apart when she tragically dies, now Jono must confront his past without her.
Sadly these two characters saved this book from being forgettable. The other characters did not really make an impact, they were just there taking up space. Truthfully I don't even know what role they played, they were just there not contributing anything. The content of this book was very engaging and lyrical, but I skimmed pages towards the conclusion of the book.
Despite my fickle feelings towards the book, I plan to read more books by Mclarty.
Sadly these two characters saved this book from being forgettable. The other characters did not really make an impact, they were just there taking up space. Truthfully I don't even know what role they played, they were just there not contributing anything. The content of this book was very engaging and lyrical, but I skimmed pages towards the conclusion of the book.
Despite my fickle feelings towards the book, I plan to read more books by Mclarty.
June 19, 2016
A neat storyline where a middle-aged actor is drawn to the scene of his youth to untangle a shooting incident. McLarty himself is an actor turned novelist and perhaps this shows. His plotting is a touch confusing and there are simply too many characters to keep track of.
The Rhode Island setting felt authentic but the characters less so. Most were vague sketches only which is why they left no impact.
The climax was plausible but fairly lame and left me wanting a better explanation.
The Rhode Island setting felt authentic but the characters less so. Most were vague sketches only which is why they left no impact.
The climax was plausible but fairly lame and left me wanting a better explanation.
May 19, 2011
I wavered about how to comment on this audio book. As a Portguese-American, child of the 60s, I could definitely relate to the memories and settings (RI, NYC) depicted in Traveler. Ron McLArty was a terririfc reader and the audio was well-paced and nuanced. Ultimately, though, I grew weary of the reminiscing and self-deprecating comments on the part of the main character. The mystery of who shot Marie was telegraphed long before the text actually revealed it.
May 16, 2008
Interesting read -- the protagonist is about my age. The story goes back and forth between significant events during his school years and his life today. Several "mysteries" are answered at the end, but not in neat and "happily ever after way," which would out of sync with the story (and life). Well written and I will definetly watch for other books by him.
July 20, 2009
This is the second book by McLarty that I've read and I am worried that he can only write by alternating chapters between the past and the present. I stayed up nights totally drawn in to this book, only to be kind of disappointed with the ending and left with the desire to rip the last chapter right out of the book because I have no idea what it is doing in there.
September 9, 2007
I absolutely LOVE Ron McLarty as a narrator. If you're going to "read" his works, better to listen to him narrating his stuff. I really enjoyed this story, with the flashbacks to his childhood friendships.
April 6, 2012
Wow. True to life. Life is what you make it and around every corner lies a surprise. I enjoyed all of the Rhode Island references an the author reading his own book because his voice was perfect for the story.
July 10, 2009
This is a book I couldn't put down and didn't want to end. I don't have the vocabulary to praise it enough.
March 4, 2017
This book is a perfect example of how it's the quiet, unassuming characters and books that can grab you and utterly pull you into their world.
Jono Riley is a 50-something small time actor and most-of-the-time bartender in New York City. When he learns of the death of the first girl he ever loved, Marie, he returns to his home town of East Providence. Marie was the older sister of one of Jono's best friends, Cubby. He had two other best friends, Billy and Bobby. The four of them saw each other through some tough times - including shakedowns by the rough wannabe-mobster gang led by the terrible Poochie Ponserelli, the death of Jono's father, Bobby's beatings by his abusive father, and Marie getting shot in the back. She survived, but the doctors chose not to remove the bullet. Now, all these years later, the bullet 'travelled' inside her body and killed her. With Billy dead years ago, Jono returns home to offer his condolences to Cubby and reconnect with him and Bobby. He becomes drawn into the mystery of who shot Marie and later went on to commit a series of murders that plagued the area.
The more he digs, the closer he comes to some difficult truths about the people he grew up with.
McLarty has a real talent for creating semi-loser, thoroughly ordinary characters who are all the more appealing for their semi-loser, ordinary status. Jono's cynical, self-deprecating attitude towards his acting 'career' is funny. His relationship with Renee, a firefighter and thoroughly awesome lady, is unusual in that it's a very slow, gentle kind of love story between two people who have been around the block a few times, and it is very real and sweet at the same time.
The chapters divide between Jono in the present and Jono as a kid and teen, and the incredible closeness between him and his 3 best friends, and with Cubby's family - especially Marie and the family patriarch Big Tony. I was really drawn into their stories and lives. Bobby in particular is intriguing and very complex for a secondary character.
There's quite a bit of profanity in this book but unlike a growing number of authors, McLarty knows how to use it correctly and effectively, he doesn't drop the f-bomb on every page just to make himself or his characters look cool. That is a rare, rare thing.
Great stuff all around. My one small niggle is that Jono has this thing about having a 'big head'. This is probably mentioned at least once each chapter, and in the last 3 pages is mentioned 6 times. I understand this big head thing is a big (heh) part of how Jono views himself, but it's overdone just a little (heh heh) bit. Six times in 3 pages? Too much.
Jono Riley is a 50-something small time actor and most-of-the-time bartender in New York City. When he learns of the death of the first girl he ever loved, Marie, he returns to his home town of East Providence. Marie was the older sister of one of Jono's best friends, Cubby. He had two other best friends, Billy and Bobby. The four of them saw each other through some tough times - including shakedowns by the rough wannabe-mobster gang led by the terrible Poochie Ponserelli, the death of Jono's father, Bobby's beatings by his abusive father, and Marie getting shot in the back. She survived, but the doctors chose not to remove the bullet. Now, all these years later, the bullet 'travelled' inside her body and killed her. With Billy dead years ago, Jono returns home to offer his condolences to Cubby and reconnect with him and Bobby. He becomes drawn into the mystery of who shot Marie and later went on to commit a series of murders that plagued the area.
The more he digs, the closer he comes to some difficult truths about the people he grew up with.
McLarty has a real talent for creating semi-loser, thoroughly ordinary characters who are all the more appealing for their semi-loser, ordinary status. Jono's cynical, self-deprecating attitude towards his acting 'career' is funny. His relationship with Renee, a firefighter and thoroughly awesome lady, is unusual in that it's a very slow, gentle kind of love story between two people who have been around the block a few times, and it is very real and sweet at the same time.
The chapters divide between Jono in the present and Jono as a kid and teen, and the incredible closeness between him and his 3 best friends, and with Cubby's family - especially Marie and the family patriarch Big Tony. I was really drawn into their stories and lives. Bobby in particular is intriguing and very complex for a secondary character.
There's quite a bit of profanity in this book but unlike a growing number of authors, McLarty knows how to use it correctly and effectively, he doesn't drop the f-bomb on every page just to make himself or his characters look cool. That is a rare, rare thing.
Great stuff all around. My one small niggle is that Jono has this thing about having a 'big head'. This is probably mentioned at least once each chapter, and in the last 3 pages is mentioned 6 times. I understand this big head thing is a big (heh) part of how Jono views himself, but it's overdone just a little (heh heh) bit. Six times in 3 pages? Too much.
July 26, 2019
I will definitely read another novel by Ron McLarty. I LOVED "In Memory of Running," which I read several years ago now. And I am glad that I finally picked up "Traveler." Like "In Memory of Running," McLarty creates a human, flawed protagonist that I was totally rooting for.-- Jono Riley. Jono is a good man, loyal to his friends and loving to his girlfriend. All of the other characters are fully drawn and unique human beings, even if they aren't as admirable as Jono. The mystery/plot is excellent as I did not sniff it out before all was revealed at the end. But, best of all, McLarty gives readers a thorough immersion in a particular time and place: a small, Roman Catholic, working-class town outside of Providence, Rhode Island from the 1960s to the early 2000s. Each short chapter (yay!) takes us to another particular time/event in the life of Jono during this time period. The structure is a wee bit disorienting at first, but not for long. I recommend this novel. Only 280 pages.
July 1, 2018
Ron McLarty writes very well. I seem to be the only Goodreader who has not read his ‘memory of running’ novel so there will be no comparison. I enjoyed the journey of Jono’s reflections on his childhood and how different childhood events seem when seen from adulthood. He is jaded and damaged but there is happiness and redemption . The character of Renee was somewhat shallow - but did round off the end of the story. Also the bouncer at the bar - he could have had more weight too. I did like the character of Bobby. Read this book - especially if you know the place where it was set - a place I’ve never been. Rhode Island
January 2, 2024
Traveler by Ron McLarty is my new definition of don't judge a book by its cover. As someone who loves travel, adventure, and books that document these types of stories, that is the story that I was prepared for; however, it is not the story I got.
I would rate this book a 6/10. This mystery meets nostalgia book carefully toes the line between genres and doesn't really establish itself in one or the other until about half way through the book, which made it slightly confusing to read. The layout of jumping between the past and present was also a little jarring, but overall the story itself was interesting and I was happy to have this as my third book of the year.
I would rate this book a 6/10. This mystery meets nostalgia book carefully toes the line between genres and doesn't really establish itself in one or the other until about half way through the book, which made it slightly confusing to read. The layout of jumping between the past and present was also a little jarring, but overall the story itself was interesting and I was happy to have this as my third book of the year.
March 16, 2019
Ron McLarty is a wonderful author. I was surprised when I came across "The Memory of Running" to find it was written by an actor. I think it was a great book and was happy to find a 2nd book by Mr. McLarty.
"Traveler" is also very good. I love the characters and how the story plays out, alternating between the present and the past. The story is a very realistic, heart-felt tale of a group of boys growing up and growing apart, but still being close together.
"Traveler" is also very good. I love the characters and how the story plays out, alternating between the present and the past. The story is a very realistic, heart-felt tale of a group of boys growing up and growing apart, but still being close together.
March 24, 2019
Fluctuated between 3 and 4 stars for me. I liked the characters and much of the story. The authors’ forays into deeper philosophical “what is a life” contemplations were less compelling.
Telling the story of Jono Riley and his band of brothers Cubby, Billy and Bobby in East Providence RI. In alternating chapters we follow the boys from ages 11-18 and currently at age 51. Part mystery but largely coming of age it was very readable mixed with some mired down parts.
Telling the story of Jono Riley and his band of brothers Cubby, Billy and Bobby in East Providence RI. In alternating chapters we follow the boys from ages 11-18 and currently at age 51. Part mystery but largely coming of age it was very readable mixed with some mired down parts.
April 13, 2018
This book was good, but not great. 3 1/2 Stars. Maybe because I absolutely loved Memory of Running...maybe hard to live up to? Idk but I did enjoy it, just not a top favorite. The characters were interesting enough, Story was intriguing. Well written. Very good ending too. I’d be interested to read more by this author.
July 28, 2022
This turned out to be quite a strange book with an unexpected twist at the end. On the downside, it is a bit far fetched in a number of places and some of the details about American places and culture are a bit confusing. On the plus side, it is well written and enjoyable and McLarty is a very good story teller.
April 11, 2020
This is an engaging read with some precise description of a man struggling with who he has become and the switch between his past and the present works effectively. Plot line is engaging but stretches believability a little.
March 20, 2025
Growing up in Rhode Island near East Providence, I could relate to the places he mentioned. All familiar.
The story is well told. He jumps back and forth from his past to the present.
It is a mystery from the title to the ending. I am saving this book to read again and again.
The story is well told. He jumps back and forth from his past to the present.
It is a mystery from the title to the ending. I am saving this book to read again and again.
October 1, 2017
Great book about growing up, knowing yourself and thinking you know those around you, then finding out you didn't
October 17, 2017
Ron McLarty writes clearly and with a sense of understanding for the way people talk and think. I'm only sorry that I didn't discover his work earlier.
November 4, 2017
This ain't no road trip!
March 11, 2018
I picked up this book while visiting a friend. A slow start, but then wham, I couldn't put it down. A quiet mystery with great characters and an interesting ending.
April 29, 2018
I didn't enjoy Traveler quite as much as McLarty's The Memory of Running, but still a good listen.
September 4, 2018
Didn't work for me. :/
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews