Hit and Run: Extended Distribution Version

by Bob Rich

84-year-old Sylvia barely escapes death when a teenage driver plows down six children and a crossing guard, never looking back. Shaken, Sylvia draws his portrait, creating a connection with this 14-year-old boy that allows the police to locate and arrest him. That night, he appears to her through a supernatural process neither understands. Can one woman's belief in the power of love make a difference in the life of one boy who wants to change? Hit And Run, a new novel by Dr. Bob Rich, is something quite rare--actually an example of a new genre of novel. Call it EA for Elderly Adult fiction. Call it whatever you will, I call it a brilliantly told story. The protagonist, one Sylvia Kryz, is clever, humane, and gifted as an artist. And one other thing--late in her life, in her mid-eighties, she comes to recognize she has an incredible gift. Her empathetic nature has blossomed into a supernatural talent to connect with a troubled young man in ways both frightening and wonderful. Five Stars, a simply Must Read for mature adults of all ages. ~ Reviewed by John Klawitter, Hollywood writer/director/producer

287 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2020

About the author

Bob Rich, PhD, is a visitor from a faraway galaxy, where he is an historian of horror. So, Earth is his favorite place in the universe. Nowhere else do sentient beings engage in a game of killing non-combatants (war). Nowhere else are child raising practices designed to harm children. And delicious for an historian of horror: nowhere else is the entire global economy designed to destroy its life support system.
Here on Earth, he is disguised as an Australian storyteller, with 20 published books, six of which, and over 40 short stories, have won awards.
He has retired five times so far. He still works as an editor for several small publishers and a steady stream of writers.
Above all, he is a Professional Grandfather. Anyone born since 1993 is his grandchild. Everything he does strives for a survivable future for them, and one worth surviving in. This means environmental and humanitarian activism: an attempt to change a worldwide culture of greed and aggression into one of compassion and cooperation.
When he was 23, a minister of religion told him he was a Buddhist. On checking, he found his philosophy set out in beautiful words. He decided not to sue the Buddha for plagiarism, as an act of metta (lovingkindness).

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

At fourteen-years-old, Chuck had had enough with the mountains of trash life has dumped on him. His rage ignited and he plowed a stolen vehicle through a group of young children, a cross guard and narrowly missed eighty-four-year-old Sylvia Kryz in the process. It would be Sylvia’s drawing that pointed to young Chuck’s capture, but it would be her compassion and a mysterious supernatural link that may be the only thing to save both Chuck and his young brother from the Hell their lives have been.

Able to communicate mentally, Sylvia will find that underneath the tough veneer, the uneducated boy has a heart of gold, if only he can be given a chance to thrive outside of the cesspool that was his life.

HIT AND RUN by Bob Rich is a tale of the pain and self-hate of one teen in crisis that society forgot to take care of. Out of sight, out of mind, until an elderly woman gives him what he craves, a chance, an ally, someone who believes in him.

Do you believe in miracles or things happening for a reason? There is a reason that Charlie and Sylvia connected beyond the normal plane of existence. Can Sylvia prove to both Charlie and the world around him that he has value, that he has heart and that just maybe he is as much a victim as those he killed? Will the love and support of a frail octogenarian give a young teen a push in the right direction? Will her efforts also change the hearts of the society around them both?

Sylvia is an amazing character filled with decades of life experiences and the wisdom to look beyond the surface without fear of going against the grain of the world around her. I’m not sure Bob Rich could have created a better spokesperson for caring and compassion, for valuing the wisdom of those who years of life experiences. She had the strength to stand alone, something that seems lost in today’s mentality that craves acceptance or condemns without offering up a possible solution.

My heart went out to Charlie and his young brother, Tommy, both innocents who never knew real love or security or even boundaries.

Emotionally gut-wrenching, uplifting and powerfully charged, HIT AND RUN was clearly created from the very soul of its author and Bob Rich has a story that should be on every reader’s shelf and in every library. It is a story of love and the power it gives for change and for hope for a better future, leaving the past behind. The world needs more Sylvias, maybe there would be fewer Chucks.

I received a complimentary copy from Bob Rich and I cannot thank him enough!

Publisher: Writers Exchange E-Publishing (May 30, 2018)
Publication Date: May 30, 2018
Genre: Scifi | Fantasy
Print Length: 333 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Erik Fogg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hit and Run starts with a mad punch right to the gut, reminiscent of A Clockwork Orange in how absurdly surreal -- yet strangely compelling -- it is. But then it takes a wildly unexpected turn.

Instead, it is a book about questioning the very nature of good and evil. To what extent are we good or evil by nature, by nurture, or by choice? And then one begins to question the nature of evil at all -- are the 'evil' merely sick (in the truest sense) and in need of help? Can the sickness that lies in each of us -- greater or smaller -- be ever cured?

It is a book that shows rather than tells: it grips you in the story and explores its themes using the story rather than by taking breaks to preach at you (think War and Peace as the contrast). It is through seeing absolutely radical human kindness and strength -- that we know is within our reach if we cultivate the wisdom and compassion inside ourselves -- that we are led to question what we know about good and evil, about justice and retribution, and about the capacity to heal.

[Magdalena]

Sylvia Kryz or Aunt Sylvia as she comes to be called, is no ordinary old woman. After witnessing a terrible incident where 6 children and a crossing guard were deliberately hit and killed by a young man in a vehicle, she begins to have graphic nightmares. After meeting with Dr Vlad Stavrou, the psychologist sent by Victims’ Services, Sylvia’s nightmares begin to be supplanted by a psychic connection with the driver of the vehicle, and through her exceptional memory and drawing skills she is able to lead police to the killer. Charlie turns out to be only fourteen years old, and badly abused, and Sylvia begins to develop an affinity with Charlie that goes back further than she can begin to imagine. This affinity has a snowball effect not just on Charlie’s and Sylvia’s life but on the lives of all the people around Sylvia, including the grieving families of victims.

Throughout the book the first person narration remains lively and engaging. The reader is pulled into the story from the opening line, and the story progresses quickly, as we follow the uncanny connection between Charlie and Sylvia. The characters are well-drawn and in spite of a hefty dose of the paranormal, are quite believable, even in their dramatic transformation. The book is built on a strong and clear message, which is a vitally important one that remains absolutely relevant: compassion and understanding is the only way to conquer hate and fear. Rich presents this message through the actions of Sylvia, showing just how powerful this counter-intuitive sympathy is in changing hearts and therefore changing society.

Hit and Run blurs genre boundaries and pulls in in a very wide range of influences including the paranormal, spiritual practices, philosophy (eastern and western), religion (also eastern and western), presenting a coming-of-age tale with the pace and plot of a mystery. The book is full of psychology, as you might expect from Rich, a former psychologist, and a likely model for Dr Stavrou. The transformation of Charlie and his younger brother Tommy is fairly extraordinary, but Rich manages the arc well, drawing on a spiritual tradition and sense of empathy that is brought into the book subtly.

Sylvia is a wonderful character and it’s a delight to find a heroine who is older, drawing on her innate wisdom and capability to heal everyone she comes in contact with, while solving any number of problems around her. Sylvia is not only deeply perceptive, but also a good cook who seems to provide a continual supply of homemade biscuits and fresh brewed leaf tea. Her approach is not only affirmative in the context of the story, but also serves as a parable for the reader too, gently reminding us that hatred begets hatred and that even the most hateful of characters have something that is fueling the anger. Hit and Run is an inspiring story with an important message that will appeal to readers of all ages.

[Max Overton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most normal people feel horrified and sickened by a senseless crime, particularly one committed against defenceless children. The crime in Bob Rich’s book ‘Hit and Run’ is one such act of savagery and one that cries out for justice. Where this story differs from the usual crime and punishment tale, however, is in the thoughts and actions of one old lady who witnessed the deaths and came near to becoming a victim herself. Rather than give in to a desire for vengeance against the heartless perpetrator, she is moved to forgive the young man and try to understand his motivation.

What follows is a startling account of what can happen when good people decide to show love instead of the all too easy desire for vengeance and retribution. Forgiveness is not an easy path to follow, and several members of the community are reluctant to show mercy to the young man who wantonly killed so many young children. It is a cliché that ‘no man is an island unto himself’ but like it or not we are each of us alone in our thoughts and inner torments -- but what if we were not? Young Charlie Debnall, his character warped and twisted by horrific circumstances and a terrible upbringing, finds his ‘island’ connected by a causeway to the old lady he almost killed -- Sylvia Kryz. This connection opens up possibilities that he had never imagined and leads to him turning his life around and taking the first steps on the long road to becoming a worthwhile member of society.

This is a simple story yet also a complex one with a wide array of characters on both sides of the ledger. Some people actively work against Charlie’s rehabilitation; others refuse to even give him a chance, but a growing number believe in the possibility of change and it is heartening to see the gradual blossoming of a mind stunted by terrible circumstances. ‘Hit and Run’ is a story of hope in a world where it sometimes seems as if civilisation is crumbling around us.

[Jan Sikes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible for a hell-bent teenager to turn himself around?
In this story, we see a drug crazed, typical inner city youth, tired of being alive at the age of fourteen. He is angry at the world and determined to take a lot of innocent people out with him. When Charlie Debnall drives an out of control car into a group of elementary school children as they attempt to cross the street, it unleashes a chain of events which eventually lead to total and complete transformation from the inside out. Not only are school children and the crossing supervisor brutally murdered, but aging Sylvia Kraz, also attempting to cross the street with the aid of her wheelie walker, narrowly misses her demise at the hands of Charlie.
Sylvia gets a good glimpse of Charlie’s face, making eye contact, as he speeds by leaving carnage in his wake. With her uncanny artistic abilities, she sketches his face then experiences Charlie appearing to her in her bedroom through mental telepathy. Her drawing of his face leads to his arrest and yet the visits continue. Sylvia’s psychologist assists her in working through her traumatic brush with death and guides her into a past life regression which establishes her connection to Charlie. When Sylvia agrees to help look after Charlie’s little brother, Tommy, a bond of trust is formed.
Over the course of the story, we see a collage of characters all woven together with one goal in mind and that is to help Charlie and his little brother, Tommy, break the pattern of abuse and learn to be good decent humans. What they don’t realize is that they are all growing and learning in the process of helping the boys.
This is a touching story which brings to light paranormal activity and past life connections and how those connections continue to weave through each lifetime.
A fascinating read, that keeps you turning one page after the other, and holding your breath when Charlie “stuffs up”, as he calls it.
This is a great story with a message of hope and inspiration. Love wins.

[Robert Eggleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting and Empowering. Hit and Run is an interesting and uplifting story written in a simple declarative style that’s well-suited to the imaginary diary of a most unlikely spiritual leader. Without understanding the paranormal phenomenon, Sylvia, the elderly hero, communicates with pure hatred by employing unconditional love, thereby defeating the evil that had infected a community of vengeful victims.

The first scene is powerful and could possibly trigger a reader’s moral anger, but as the author implements sound psychological practice true to his profession, reader anger subsides and surprisingly leads to empathy. This story does a great job of using fiction to speak truth about intergenerational violence and its hopeful remediation.

At first, I found the modification of profanity true to the colloquial voice of some characters objectionable. I suppose that the technique was used to tone down violation of comfort zones, especially the “F Word.” I got used to it and read the profanity as was intended by the characters. No biggie.

While reading, I found some of the back story needless, but after I let the story digest for a couple of days I realized that I was engaged and wanted to know what would happen next in the story, perhaps in too big of a hurry. The back stories did contribute to how each character processed hatred toward acceptance – examples of individualized barriers to pursuits of happiness. This is not an action packed, pure escapist novel and does require processing time after reading it to achieve maximum impact. And, that seems to be the overall purpose – impact on one’s thinking about love and hate, a psychological treatment plan for those who need it the most – everybody. Thanks.

I recommend Hit and Run as a perfect read for those stuck in skepticism and negativity, and who are willing to invest a little time to work toward inner peace. As such, I give it five stars.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Midst of Tragedy Comes a Hopeful and Redemptive Story

Dr. Rich’s latest book Hit & Run is a compelling read right from the opening paragraph to its final word. It tells the story of an enraged and out of control 14 year old boy named Chuck (Charles) who purposely runs over and kills 6 innocent children, as well as their crossing supervisor. Fortunately, he narrowly missed an 84 year old woman named Sylvia who becomes the most pivotal character in the story. Ironically, it is Sylvia who is able to establish a paranormal relationship with the young perpetrator. This leads us on an unexpected journey toward healing and redemption that not only benefits the boy, but also the families that have suffered unfathomable loss, and the greater community.

The beauty of Dr. Rich’s writing is that he comes at it from a psychological and societal perspective. In fact, Dr. Rich is a retired psychologist. His professional wisdom and narrative sensibilities shines through his writing. This is especially true through the engrossing and developing dialogue between Sylvia and Charles, as well as how the psychologist Dr. Vlad is able to provide needed counseling to help others deal with the very real impact of trauma and loss on their lives.

This novel is a testament to the power of love, and Sylvia becomes our ultimate guide.

All who have their lives touched by Sylvia’s loving spirit eventually learn compassion for others… even those who have been so hurt that they have experienced profound anger, despair, and hatred. Hit & Run is a story well worth reading in that it helps us to embrace love over hate, thereby raising our social consciousness.

Jay S. Levy, MSW, LICSW

Author of the following books available on Goodreads:
Homeless Narratives & Pretreatment Pathways (2010)
Pretreatment Guide for Homeless Outreach & Housing First (2013)
Cross-cultural Dialogues on Homelessness (2018) - Edited by Jay S. Levy with Robin Johnson

[J.Q. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hit And Run by Dr. Bob Rich demonstrates how the world would be a much better place if we could stop the “endless cycle of hate begets hate, vengeance leads to vengeance, and violence feeds on itself.” The premise of the story of 84-year-old Sylvia Kryz helping a troubled 14-year-old boy, Charlie, is a call-out to readers to consider if “love can turn hate into love.” She spearheads a movement to help the boy who intentionally ran over elementary age school children and the crossing guard and killed them, narrowly missing Sylvia, and then drove off.
What a heinous act! Who in the world could ever forgive this malicious behavior? Who could defend Charlie’s wanton destruction of lives?
Sylvia could. Accepting there are people in this world like Sylvia was difficult for me. She took his side once she learned about Charlie’s upbringing and understood the motive for his behavior. I especially enjoyed the paranormal visits to Sylvia by Charlie. Suspend your disbelief and accept it because those scenes really make the story sparkle. The author included a lot of detail in the book about the legal steps needed to defend Charlie and about Sylvia’s family to deepen the reader’s bond with Sylvia. As I read, I questioned if this book was based on a true story. Could there be real people like Sylvia? Sylvia’s actions inspire readers. But did her heroic efforts prove that love is greater than hate? Not telling. Grab this novel and hang on for an emotional roller-coaster ride through the pages.

[Stan Skrabut · Rating 5 out of 5]

About a month ago, Bob Rich asked me to review his book, Hit and Run . After a very brief review of what type of book it was, I decided to review it. Very quickly into the book, I was both pleasantly surprised and hooked. While it is a fiction book, Rich weave a significant amount of psychology into it. There was also a touch of the supernatural. I really enjoyed the story and was eager to dive back into it every chance I could. Read more

[Andreas Laurencius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Bob's stories are the ones your family wants to read even if you aren't a big fan of spirituality, as they bring to you the beauty and the ugly sides of life in such simple, artistic, and definitely touching story lines.

This novel was set in Australia and follows a great-grandmother named Mrs. Kryz who, despite the short time she has, helped the lives of many children and possibly saved those of the next generations.

And also, one can learn so much from Dr. Bob's prose style; it is structured and natural while still succeeding in preserving the intensity and capturing the emotion of the characters and eventually the moral of the story.

Lovely, simply lovely, and I'm not just talking about the life of the main character.

[Florence Weinberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Florence Weinberg review of Hit and Run
Dr. Bob Rich has produced, in Hit and Run, a deeply psychological work with paranormal aspects. His belief in reincarnation is also crucial to the plot, especially in the early phases. Dr. Rich portrays the influence of a crippled old lady on a young monster from the slums, Charlie Debnall, who had run over and killed six very young school children and their Street Crossing Guard, barely missing the old lady. She helps the police identify and capture the culprit, but then, rather than treating him with hatred and fear, old Sylvia begins to reform him, partly through their telepathic meetings, partly through the intervention of the wise psychologist, Dr. Vlad. Sylvia’s influence permeates the entire community affected by Charlie’s murderous act, until grief and loathing are turned into compassion and love. The community works together to redeem Charlie, and their efforts are wonderfully successful. The author assures us that such successes have happened--are happening--in the real world, and the reader is uplifted, knowing that, despite our usual cynicism, such rescues are possible. This book is a paean of praise to light in the darkness, to the power of love to conquer all. It is a call to go forth and do likewise.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely phenomenal read which, unusually for me, I read in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. It is the type of read that you start and think oh boy this is going to be good right from page one.

Dr. Rich writes with knowledge about psychology and how people react in situations and it gives his characters a truly realistic feel without bogging the 'fiction' down with 'tech talk'. Each of the characters seem to actually walk off the page and be bringing the story to life in a hugely visual way for the reader and this immerses you in a read that cannot help but raise questions about how we each react in a situation or how would we react.

Throughout this compelling, easy read set around a harrowing subject matter the story never wavers nor does it ever appear unrealistic.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough - it is one of the best books I have ever read.

I won an e-copy of this book

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fiction work has obviously been a labour of love for Dr. Rich. It is a deeply philosophical and psychological study of two people who are poles apart but thrown together through an unimaginably awful tragedy. Dr. Rich sees hope where others see hopelessness, it is part of his life philosophy and it is encapsulated here in “Hit and Run.” J.R.McRae

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why do people do what they do? If you only read one book a year, I encourage you to read this one. I read an ARC earlier this year and this voluntary review is my own opinion.

[Joan Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Hit and Run, an intriguing Speculative Fiction story of how an elderly woman helped inspire change for the better in the life of a young boy who deliberately killed children and a crossing-guard in a school zone. The story wove through the ups and downs of how after changing, people will fall back into their old patterns. I love the different speech patterns of the characters in the story. Charlie and Aunt Silvia grab your heartstrings and don’t let go.

This is Bob Rich’s best work that I’ve read.

[Michael Thal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silvia Kryz, an eighty-four year old Australian woman, witnesses the mass slaughter of a crossing guard and “six lovely little children, none over seven.” Steps away from being killed by the murderous vehicle, she survives, a huge plus for the killer.

Charles Debnall, angry at life and everyone living, is responsible for the carnage. Raised by an alcoholic mother and abusive boyfriends, Charles doesn’t go to school, is dependent on alcohol and drugs, and has a vocabulary that would make a nun blush. He was named Chuck by his mother because, “I made mother chuck all through pregnancy.”

Amazingly, a psychic link between Charles and Silvia is formed soon after the massacre. At first Mrs. Kryz is appalled by the murdering teen appearing in her mind any time of day or night. Through the assistance of psychologist Vlad Stavrou, Silvia works through the shock of her experience and provides therapeutic love to a child that never experienced a caring soul during his short fourteen years of life.

Dr. Bob Rich’s novel, Hit and Run, is told from Silvia Kryz’s first person point of view. In the novel, the author shows the miracles that can happen when a community comes together to support a psychologically depressed teen.

Rich’s book is inspiring and contains a strong believable plot and well-defined characters. The setting for the story came up short in this reviewer’s mind. More description of the city and Australian countryside would have added an extra coat of texture to this otherwise finely crafted novel. Its subject matter is rarely seen in literature and is opt to warm any reader’s heart.

[Trisa Hugo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about forgiveness and restitution. It is about the lives of a group of people with different challenges, brought together by a terrible incident that changed the lives of all concerned. They each had their own challenges that they either had to experience or overcome. A number of spiritual concepts woven into the daily lives of people made it a very touching story, without ever given the idea of preaching. We all have seen or known the characters, they are your neighbour, a friend or family member, someone you wish you knew and a few you are glad you have never met.

It is clear that the book is written from a place deep inside a wise soul with a lot of life experience.

It was very clever to have the old woman drawing the scene in the first chapter, to bring the reader right into the action, to set the theme with the criminal in her dream.

This books comes at a very appropriate time. It could give a lot of people food for thought regarding forgiveness and a way forward, after traumatic experiences and to teach us that we are all damaged in a way, but with love and compassion as an example, we are able to change our destination.

A book well written and it kept my attention right to the end. I read it slowly, did not want to miss subtle detail. My only objection would be too many characters who appeared towards the end.

[Margaret Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret Goodman review Hit and Run
Dr. Bob Rich's novel, "Hit and Run" was so interesting that I could not put it down. I started reading it late in the evening, and, throwing common sense to the winds, stayed up all the night reading it.

The story of redemption and of how love conquers hate was inspiring. Watching the language of Charles and Tommy go from containing many expletives to being more civilized and seeing how they learned and recovered from each relapse was worthwhile. And they were not the only people in the book to be rescued from hate.

The book was refreshingly realistic about how people in authority, such as clergy, bureaucrats, and police, were a mixture of good and bad. It also showed how difficult it is to get through a bureaucracy, even when the intentions of everyone involved are blameless.

Sylvia Kryz was a jewel of compassion who always had baked goods and a pot (jug?) of tea to share. This reviewer aspires to be so compassionate.

Finally the book gave me a little insight into Australian life. Sadly the criminals are just as bad as in the United States. At least they don't have the easy access to guns that United States people do. In the States, Bruce would have had a gun.

Margaret Goodman, retired computer programmer in the United States, AKA Trumpistan.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Bob Rich’s novel Hit and Run is a well-written, fascinating book that thoroughly examines the psychology of both the criminal mindset and the victim mindset. Can a victim forgive a criminal for a crime, in particular a violent crime with tragic consequences? Is it possible for a violent criminal to truly reform? These questions and more are addressed in this book, enabling the reader to view complicated issues from a myriad of angles and perspectives.

Rich’s characters are fleshed out and realistic. Sylvia and Charlie are compelling standouts as the main characters, but the supporting characters are equally as captivating. The plot twists and turns keep the reader guessing at exactly what the outcome will be. Will justice prevail? But more importantly, what is justice? Everything that happens feels possible and believable, including the telepathic link between the two main characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it. If you enjoy crime stories, psychology, or thought-provoking tales in general, this book will not disappoint.

Miranda Miller
Editing Realm
www.editingrealm.com

[Sandra Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Bob Rich has proposed an interesting premise in this story of extreme compassion and forgiveness in the midst of tragedy. The character of Sylvia Kryz, the elderly woman whose unusual compassion for Charlie, the young perpetrator of a deliberate act of violence that resulted in her injury and the deaths of six children, is at first difficult to believe. But as the story progresses you are not only drawn to Mrs. Kryz but you also begin to see Charlie as she sees him; a victim of a violent upbringing who with love and patience can be helped. Charlie's turnaround at times seems too quick but is balanced with drawbacks that temper the plausibility. By the end of the novel you are rooting for him along with Mrs. Kryz and the parents of his victims, as he awaits his fate from the courts. This story will make you rethink how we incarcerate criminals, especially young offenders and question the possibilities of more human and compassionate rehabilitation programs.

Sandra Warren, Author
We Bought A WWII Bomber

[D.M Langdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hit and Run by Dr. Bob Rich is a very engaging book about intergenerational disadvantage, trauma and abuse and a lovely story of redemption and the power of love and forgiveness, with much life wisdom between the pages! Words of wisdom such as, for example: "Hate begets hate, vengeance only leads to vengeance, violence feeds on itself. Only love can stop the endless cycle. Only love can turn hate into love.” (pg.32), really jump off the pages.
There were believable characters and flowing, realistic dialogue, with the story moving along at a good pace. Interesting themes of reincarnation, paranormal connections, cross-generational mentoring, and the harsh lessons of life and the importance of community were woven throughout.
I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

Reviewed by D.M. Langdon 31-01-2022

[Trevor Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hit and Run reviewed by Trevor Tucker
Hit and Run is an inspirational and insightful demonstration that “good will prevail over wrong doings”... and that genuine respect for others has its origins in self respect.

At first, I was almost put off by the many home visits by family, relatives, victims and friends, but soon realised that without them, the story could not have emerged as powerfully and emotionally as it does. Bob’s characters are real, despite their number, and the way they each deal with the aftermath of so much death, is amazing writing.

[Jay Kerk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hit & Run is a fast-paced, action-packed story.
Bob Rich directly takes you into the depth of a well written real-life situation where things change and can never go back to normal. Accidents happen within a fraction of a second but they have a lifetime impact on all people involved; victims and their families, witnesses, and culprit.

Reading hit and run makes you change your perspective about guilt and innocence. The connection Sylvia makes is a testament to the power of love that is much needed in today's world.

thank you for the author for the advanced reader copy in exchange of an honest review.

[Tony Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a good book, although the title tells me little about what to expect. I think something like, "The Road to Second Chances is Paved with Landmines", would make more sense, and might attract the kind of reader who needs to read it.

The story was well-written and kept me hooked. It shows what can happen when people care enough to break the downward spiral. It shows tragedy, anger, and hatred, but then, kindness, forgiveness, and then some mistakes and action, followed by more prejudice and action, and... I don't want to spoil the ending.

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of a maltreated child who carries out a terrible act but repents and changes his ways. It is told through the eyes of a wise old lady who has a strange connection with the young boy. Heartwarming in parts, shocking in others; very readable all the way through. I would have given it five stars but for two things: the ending seemed rushed; and the author's refusal to spell out rude words, which, as these appear often throughout, I found highly distracting.

[Aimee Nikolov · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author Dr Bob Rich describes in this novel a situation that is tragic - a young boy killing many people in a car accident , but presents to the readers the possibility of change through love. The book masterfully describes the connexion between the characters and shows much deeper relationship.

[Gabriella Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story. It's compelling.