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Duck
When the ringing school bell signals an air raid drill at Hill Elementary, Thomas Lingonberry is the only student who follows protocol, climbing under his desk and curling into a ball to protect himself from the Red Menace. Everyone else races outside thinking it’s a fire drill. This wouldn’t have mattered but for the fact that a Martin B-26 Marauder carrying two improperly-attached bombs was passing overhead at the very same time.
Duck is a novelette that recalls pivotal moments in Thomas Lingonberry’s life, beginning with the events of April 16, 1957 - the day he earned the nickname “Bomb Boy.” It's a coming-of-age story about those things that are out of our control - like bombs, bullies, and love.
Duck is a novelette that recalls pivotal moments in Thomas Lingonberry’s life, beginning with the events of April 16, 1957 - the day he earned the nickname “Bomb Boy.” It's a coming-of-age story about those things that are out of our control - like bombs, bullies, and love.
Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 4, 2017
This is a coming-of-age, coming-of-understanding, coming-of-forgiveness novella—and a really quite good one. The tale starts with the improbable, yet somehow perfectly realistic situation of an unexploded bomb crashing into a school and ending up on a young student's desk during a drill. This student happened to be under his desk at the time because he was the only one who did the drill correctly. Perfect, I thought. That's *exactly* how life happens.
Even given the improbable yet perfect opening scenario, "Duck" didn't feel as manipulative nor as discomfitting as some coming-of-age stories do (to me). Much of the credit for that probably goes to the author's writing style, which is engaging yet somehow comforting. I had no idea what the tale was about or what sort of things I'd be encountering, so I read tentatively at first. By the time I was done, my journey of growing confidence and trust as the reader felt like a part of the story.
Even given the improbable yet perfect opening scenario, "Duck" didn't feel as manipulative nor as discomfitting as some coming-of-age stories do (to me). Much of the credit for that probably goes to the author's writing style, which is engaging yet somehow comforting. I had no idea what the tale was about or what sort of things I'd be encountering, so I read tentatively at first. By the time I was done, my journey of growing confidence and trust as the reader felt like a part of the story.
January 30, 2017
Just what you need. It just might be.
Words can be healing. They can be magic. And they don't need to be many to be both. This smoothly well written collection will inspire ... I'd say hope, but we f*#&%ing hate that word!
Words can be healing. They can be magic. And they don't need to be many to be both. This smoothly well written collection will inspire ... I'd say hope, but we f*#&%ing hate that word!
August 19, 2023
Another American male author laments his life
Why do American men perceive any moment of reflection from childhood and convince themselves they have “a coming of age “ story ? This was yet another conceited and tritely written book that barely conceals misogyny and self hatred . Boring as mud despite the excellent grammar.
Why do American men perceive any moment of reflection from childhood and convince themselves they have “a coming of age “ story ? This was yet another conceited and tritely written book that barely conceals misogyny and self hatred . Boring as mud despite the excellent grammar.
December 1, 2019
Okay, yes. I wrote this. Is it the best novella in the history of life? Nope. But it's pretty darn good if I say so myself. Especially on second and third reads. I'm still finding little surprises in the characters and I spent loads of time with them while writing and re-writing.
It's essentially a story about growing up, which is something we have all done. Are still doing. There's a little longing, some heartache, a hint of bitterness, a dusting of humor and a tease of hope. Maybe you'll relate to those things. Then again, maybe you won't. That's the beauty of stories - what resonates with one person might bring a shrug from another. Anyway, four stars seems about right. I'm happy with this story, but I know I can do better.
It's essentially a story about growing up, which is something we have all done. Are still doing. There's a little longing, some heartache, a hint of bitterness, a dusting of humor and a tease of hope. Maybe you'll relate to those things. Then again, maybe you won't. That's the beauty of stories - what resonates with one person might bring a shrug from another. Anyway, four stars seems about right. I'm happy with this story, but I know I can do better.
March 22, 2014
You know it's gonna be good when you break open a book on your iPhone while waiting for your son to finish using the bathroom in Home Depot and in the three minutes it takes him to come back out you're already so absorbed you've forgotten where you are.
I'm not sure what I expected, but what I got was enormous. I feel like someone opened up my veins and poured an entire life into them in just a couple of hours. I feel dizzy.
You could not possibly in a thousand years regret the meager sum of a single dollar to enjoy this story. It's brilliant written, bold yet subtle, and filled with characters that are so charming and bizarre and imperfect and full I'm having a very difficult time coping with the fact that they don't actually exist.
Highly, highly recommended.
I'm not sure what I expected, but what I got was enormous. I feel like someone opened up my veins and poured an entire life into them in just a couple of hours. I feel dizzy.
You could not possibly in a thousand years regret the meager sum of a single dollar to enjoy this story. It's brilliant written, bold yet subtle, and filled with characters that are so charming and bizarre and imperfect and full I'm having a very difficult time coping with the fact that they don't actually exist.
Highly, highly recommended.
April 14, 2014
Duck is a short story about Thomas Lingonberry, a young boy growing up in 1950′s USA who’s life changes when a bomb lands on his desk. We follow Thomas on his journey of love and discovery, as the fallout from that day resonates through. It is a wonderful and warmly written coming-of-age tale.
Stephen Parolini draws you into a world which while alien to someone of my age and nationality was also strangely familiar. He brings to life beautifully the memory of young love and my only complaint was that it ended. Highly recommended.
Review first published on www.authordylanhearn.wordpress.com
Stephen Parolini draws you into a world which while alien to someone of my age and nationality was also strangely familiar. He brings to life beautifully the memory of young love and my only complaint was that it ended. Highly recommended.
Review first published on www.authordylanhearn.wordpress.com
March 21, 2014
Duck is a story about love, loss and forgiveness. About finding yourself along the way.
Although it is a short story, it is well written, it has a unique voice and a pace that draws you in.
Give it a try and you will not regret it.
Although it is a short story, it is well written, it has a unique voice and a pace that draws you in.
Give it a try and you will not regret it.
July 7, 2014
Short, sweet, and beautiful
poetic, thoughtful, endearing.
Duck is all these things and more. I even got teary-eyed, with a remembrance to forgive and let go of some strongly held beliefs from my past.
poetic, thoughtful, endearing.
Duck is all these things and more. I even got teary-eyed, with a remembrance to forgive and let go of some strongly held beliefs from my past.
March 11, 2015
A wonderful tale of family
It's amazing how much Stephen Parolini conveyed in this short novel... The complications of family relationships, the confusions of first love, and the workings of the heart. Worth a read!
It's amazing how much Stephen Parolini conveyed in this short novel... The complications of family relationships, the confusions of first love, and the workings of the heart. Worth a read!
June 19, 2014
Wish this short story had been longer!
Read
September 10, 2016got taken in by the description and all the good reviews. So, I'll say only that it was not my cup of tea and I feel it does not deserve to be rated.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews