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As Good As Can Be
A novel about the wayward son of an alcoholic army officer. As his dysfunctional family moves from one military base to the next, Dave Knight develops a give-a-damn attitude and an ironic sense of humor.
In high school, he becomes the class clown and is accepted by other delinquents. He joins them in a series of escapades, some dangerous, others funny, and a few that would be worthy of jail time should the troublemakers be caught.
After barely graduating, Dave’s drafted into the army and sent to guard a nuclear weapons depot in Korea. There he runs afoul of his sergeant and must scramble to avoid dishonorable discharge.
In high school, he becomes the class clown and is accepted by other delinquents. He joins them in a series of escapades, some dangerous, others funny, and a few that would be worthy of jail time should the troublemakers be caught.
After barely graduating, Dave’s drafted into the army and sent to guard a nuclear weapons depot in Korea. There he runs afoul of his sergeant and must scramble to avoid dishonorable discharge.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2020
5 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 20, 2020
The title almost rivals the content, and that isn’t a compliment. The most enticing part of the book is the cover. That’s it. What follows is a jumble of stories, never finished, alcohol, smoking, dope and drugs. While that should provide for a tempting tale, it falls flat. And the ending has to be one of the worse I’ve come across in a long time.
So what’s this about? Good question. Knight is married to Bobbie. They have five children, Mellissa, Dan, Dave, Marie and Pearl. He’s a Lt. Colonel in the US Army Signal Corps. While he appears to be a bright person, he’s a raging alcoholic. You figure this out in the first chapter. He’s a harsh disciplinarian and beats his children accordingly. The family moves around the country and even Germany. Nothing new here. Army family. Oh, and when the parents are away and sometimes, when they’re not, these five kids fight each other like hell. Yeah, that was enjoyable
The story revolves around Dave, who is a half-hearted, low ambition, alcoholic, dope smoking bum. We find out he is not good at math time and time again. Enough! In the end, other than reading, he has no ambition. He struggles through Junior High and High School, skating by when he isn’t drinking or smoking dope. He’s the kid who spends his summers in school and still struggles. In high school, he’s in ROTC and almost manages to screw that up. The kid is a bum. And believe it or not, his Dad, who he despises, gets him to join the Army instead of defecting to Canada after receiving his draft card to avoid Vietnam. Yep, he’s a screw-up in the Army. Hid dad gets him posted to South Korea. And this goes on for endless chapters.
The only child that appears to make some thing of himself is Dan. We don’t know what happens to Pearl or Marie. Mellissa dies in a single car accident. Oh, she’s an alcoholic too along with Marie. His mom Bobbie dies. Of what, we don’t know.
That about sums it up.
A good editor would be able to clean this mess up and make a good solid story. The overuse of name tags was maddening.
Three star push
So what’s this about? Good question. Knight is married to Bobbie. They have five children, Mellissa, Dan, Dave, Marie and Pearl. He’s a Lt. Colonel in the US Army Signal Corps. While he appears to be a bright person, he’s a raging alcoholic. You figure this out in the first chapter. He’s a harsh disciplinarian and beats his children accordingly. The family moves around the country and even Germany. Nothing new here. Army family. Oh, and when the parents are away and sometimes, when they’re not, these five kids fight each other like hell. Yeah, that was enjoyable
The story revolves around Dave, who is a half-hearted, low ambition, alcoholic, dope smoking bum. We find out he is not good at math time and time again. Enough! In the end, other than reading, he has no ambition. He struggles through Junior High and High School, skating by when he isn’t drinking or smoking dope. He’s the kid who spends his summers in school and still struggles. In high school, he’s in ROTC and almost manages to screw that up. The kid is a bum. And believe it or not, his Dad, who he despises, gets him to join the Army instead of defecting to Canada after receiving his draft card to avoid Vietnam. Yep, he’s a screw-up in the Army. Hid dad gets him posted to South Korea. And this goes on for endless chapters.
The only child that appears to make some thing of himself is Dan. We don’t know what happens to Pearl or Marie. Mellissa dies in a single car accident. Oh, she’s an alcoholic too along with Marie. His mom Bobbie dies. Of what, we don’t know.
That about sums it up.
A good editor would be able to clean this mess up and make a good solid story. The overuse of name tags was maddening.
Three star push
April 16, 2020
Dave Knight is an army brat, and grew up in a household with a drunken military father, and often either pregnant or ill mother. All over the US, the family was dragged whenever his father was told he was being posted somewhere else. Texas, Georgia, DC, Germany. New schools, new bases, new people but always the same household environment.
Dave and his siblings were raised as typical kids in the 50's and 60's. Mother ran the household, and father brought home the bacon. There was scuffing, and fighting and all too often police were called. The kids, for having a military often were out of hand. Was it because of the constant moving? The need to fight to create attention for themselves?
Often feeling as though he is just drifting along this life he has been handed, Dave finds himself often in trouble or being questioned on his actions. He doesn't really care for school, has no drive to go to college and learns he likes beer and alcohol just like his father.
Time and time again, Dave seems to be able to skirt the law. He gets a call from a girl he had seen a few times, and hasty decisions are made. Then when they are setting into life, Dave gets a letter, he is being drafted. Dave finally does not have a choice in life, and is standing in line with all the others who had received the same letter.
After a few weeks, Dave decides to call his father up and tell him he's done. He is not cut out for this, and is leaving. His father, being career military works some magic and gets Dave moved to somewhere, where he will be safe but still being a part of the military, so off to Korea Dave goes.
Thank you to the author, William A Glass for sending me an arc of his book. I really enjoyed reading about life and the military in the 60's & 70's. I would say anything who enjoyed reading The Glass Castle or To The Moon and Back should read this book!
Dave and his siblings were raised as typical kids in the 50's and 60's. Mother ran the household, and father brought home the bacon. There was scuffing, and fighting and all too often police were called. The kids, for having a military often were out of hand. Was it because of the constant moving? The need to fight to create attention for themselves?
Often feeling as though he is just drifting along this life he has been handed, Dave finds himself often in trouble or being questioned on his actions. He doesn't really care for school, has no drive to go to college and learns he likes beer and alcohol just like his father.
Time and time again, Dave seems to be able to skirt the law. He gets a call from a girl he had seen a few times, and hasty decisions are made. Then when they are setting into life, Dave gets a letter, he is being drafted. Dave finally does not have a choice in life, and is standing in line with all the others who had received the same letter.
After a few weeks, Dave decides to call his father up and tell him he's done. He is not cut out for this, and is leaving. His father, being career military works some magic and gets Dave moved to somewhere, where he will be safe but still being a part of the military, so off to Korea Dave goes.
Thank you to the author, William A Glass for sending me an arc of his book. I really enjoyed reading about life and the military in the 60's & 70's. I would say anything who enjoyed reading The Glass Castle or To The Moon and Back should read this book!
March 24, 2021
When I first got into As Good As Can Be, it was certainly something.
The main character, Dave Knight, has siblings who beat him up, an alcoholic father, and an overall not-so-good life. After moving from military base to military base, Dave stops caring and starts becoming a delinquent.
The writing style of this story is engaging and slow-paced.
We learn a lot about the life and military in the '60s and the '70s.
Dave's character is kind of problematic, though I'm not sure anyone can blame him. The kid's led a pretty hard life.
One of the main problems I had with this book is that it was confusing to spot the real reason behind the plot. It's mostly just about Dave's life, shined with a depressing light. The ending wasn't exactly the best either.
Regardless, I still think this is a great read if you want to learn about dysfunctional families, life/military in the '60s/'70s, being a delinquent, etc. It helped educate me and made me understand many dark themes.
I would recommend this one!
The main character, Dave Knight, has siblings who beat him up, an alcoholic father, and an overall not-so-good life. After moving from military base to military base, Dave stops caring and starts becoming a delinquent.
The writing style of this story is engaging and slow-paced.
We learn a lot about the life and military in the '60s and the '70s.
Dave's character is kind of problematic, though I'm not sure anyone can blame him. The kid's led a pretty hard life.
One of the main problems I had with this book is that it was confusing to spot the real reason behind the plot. It's mostly just about Dave's life, shined with a depressing light. The ending wasn't exactly the best either.
Regardless, I still think this is a great read if you want to learn about dysfunctional families, life/military in the '60s/'70s, being a delinquent, etc. It helped educate me and made me understand many dark themes.
I would recommend this one!
April 15, 2020
Disclaimer: I was very kindly sent a copy of this novel by William A. Glass the author in exchange for an honest review.
Dave Knight was born into a large family that consisted of a mother, a father and four siblings, Melissa, Marie, Dan and Perle. His father, Lieutenant Colonel Knight is in the military and has a bit of a drinking problem. His mother Bobbie is always suffering from some headache or other and seems to spend a lot of time lying down in darkened rooms. Due to Knight's career in the military the family move quite frequently from one compound to the next. It is also the 1950's, and Dave's first few years in school reading novels instead of learning go largely unnoticed. His love for reading will be the only constant in his life.
William A. Glass' novel is an ambitious and riveting story about a life. The seemingly ordinary life of a boy who grows up during the threat of nuclear war, blatant racism, and sexism and the looming tragedy that would occur in Vietnam. Dave's story is told with precision and a regimentation akin to his life as the son of a very strict military man. No detail is left unsung and even though Glass' descriptions may at times seem to go above and beyond the call of duty, it is this dedication that lends the novel its charm.
As we follow Dave's journey through middle school on the military bases in and around the United States, Tehran and even Germany, his experiences in high school and eventually his first job as a desk clerk in an apartment building it is easy to fall for his 'devil may care' attitude. In most moral dilemmas Dave Knight sits firmly on the fence, and often finds himself on the wrong side of the law, but in the most charming way possible. A quiet and unassuming young man who seems to lack ambition, and often finds himself following the crowd. In school he found himself in trouble with the teachers quite frequently, was often involved in fights and later became involved with the hippie crowd after high school. It was then the 1960's and Dave along with a lot of people from that era were experimenting with psychedelic drugs and enjoying the laid-back scene. It is also during this time that he meets his wife Cindy, and despite their parents disapproval they get married at a very young age.
As the Knight children became older and slowly started moving away from home they were no longer close, and it is not until a terrible tragedy befalls the family that Dave became involved in his family's lives again. His father is still drinking heavily, and it is becoming clear that his mother is extremely ill. It is not unreasonable to question our love for our protagonist. Is Dave a likeable character? I think what is most important is that the characters in this novel do not simply 'get better' nor do they see the error of their ways. They are as human as is possible in a work of 'fiction' and it is refreshing to realize that there is simply no moral high ground to be found. They are all simply just doing the best they can in a time when social conventions were very different to what they are today. That being said there is an undeniable tenderness that seeps through every step in Dave's journey.
When Dave is called up to go to Vietnam he is fortunate through Lt. Col Knight's influence to end up in the much safer landmass of Korea where he works as an armed guard at a massive nuclear weapons depot. Several chapters are spent on his time in Seoul and the daily lives of a group of misfits and the struggles of living on a military base with little routine other than late nights spent in guard towers, drinking beer and playing card games. All the while Dave is writing letters to his young bride, and burying his face in a paperback at every possible opportunity.
As Good As Can Be is a novel that I struggled to put down. This is quite rare for me, and I often wonder what it is that makes us so completely hooked on the outcome of a novel. Is it the plot, the lengthy descriptions or the characters that keep us reading long past our bedtime? My own answer to this question has always been the characters. The characters urge me on to the next chapter, and Dave Knight is not a character that I will forget quickly. Dave Knight is one of those rare characters who is so damn ordinary he has unwittingly become extraordinary. Glass is a magnificent story teller, and I am hoping that he will continue to write stories about ordinary people living their lives because he is really quite good at it.
Dave Knight was born into a large family that consisted of a mother, a father and four siblings, Melissa, Marie, Dan and Perle. His father, Lieutenant Colonel Knight is in the military and has a bit of a drinking problem. His mother Bobbie is always suffering from some headache or other and seems to spend a lot of time lying down in darkened rooms. Due to Knight's career in the military the family move quite frequently from one compound to the next. It is also the 1950's, and Dave's first few years in school reading novels instead of learning go largely unnoticed. His love for reading will be the only constant in his life.
William A. Glass' novel is an ambitious and riveting story about a life. The seemingly ordinary life of a boy who grows up during the threat of nuclear war, blatant racism, and sexism and the looming tragedy that would occur in Vietnam. Dave's story is told with precision and a regimentation akin to his life as the son of a very strict military man. No detail is left unsung and even though Glass' descriptions may at times seem to go above and beyond the call of duty, it is this dedication that lends the novel its charm.
As we follow Dave's journey through middle school on the military bases in and around the United States, Tehran and even Germany, his experiences in high school and eventually his first job as a desk clerk in an apartment building it is easy to fall for his 'devil may care' attitude. In most moral dilemmas Dave Knight sits firmly on the fence, and often finds himself on the wrong side of the law, but in the most charming way possible. A quiet and unassuming young man who seems to lack ambition, and often finds himself following the crowd. In school he found himself in trouble with the teachers quite frequently, was often involved in fights and later became involved with the hippie crowd after high school. It was then the 1960's and Dave along with a lot of people from that era were experimenting with psychedelic drugs and enjoying the laid-back scene. It is also during this time that he meets his wife Cindy, and despite their parents disapproval they get married at a very young age.
As the Knight children became older and slowly started moving away from home they were no longer close, and it is not until a terrible tragedy befalls the family that Dave became involved in his family's lives again. His father is still drinking heavily, and it is becoming clear that his mother is extremely ill. It is not unreasonable to question our love for our protagonist. Is Dave a likeable character? I think what is most important is that the characters in this novel do not simply 'get better' nor do they see the error of their ways. They are as human as is possible in a work of 'fiction' and it is refreshing to realize that there is simply no moral high ground to be found. They are all simply just doing the best they can in a time when social conventions were very different to what they are today. That being said there is an undeniable tenderness that seeps through every step in Dave's journey.
When Dave is called up to go to Vietnam he is fortunate through Lt. Col Knight's influence to end up in the much safer landmass of Korea where he works as an armed guard at a massive nuclear weapons depot. Several chapters are spent on his time in Seoul and the daily lives of a group of misfits and the struggles of living on a military base with little routine other than late nights spent in guard towers, drinking beer and playing card games. All the while Dave is writing letters to his young bride, and burying his face in a paperback at every possible opportunity.
As Good As Can Be is a novel that I struggled to put down. This is quite rare for me, and I often wonder what it is that makes us so completely hooked on the outcome of a novel. Is it the plot, the lengthy descriptions or the characters that keep us reading long past our bedtime? My own answer to this question has always been the characters. The characters urge me on to the next chapter, and Dave Knight is not a character that I will forget quickly. Dave Knight is one of those rare characters who is so damn ordinary he has unwittingly become extraordinary. Glass is a magnificent story teller, and I am hoping that he will continue to write stories about ordinary people living their lives because he is really quite good at it.
June 2, 2020
As Good As Can Be' by William A. Glass is not only a novel, but a snapshot of mid-century America through the eyes of a young man. Dave Knight is the son of an Army officer who is brought back to America with his family after living in Iran for most of the first five years of his life. Little Dave comes from a big family, with a father, a mother and four siblings so getting attention as a child most often comes in the form of acting out. Becoming a bit of a problem child, Dave barely scrapes his way through high school and is just getting his life together when he is drafted into the Vietnam war.
There is nothing I love more than a period novel and there just don't seem to be enough mid-20th century ones out there, so this was an exciting read for me. The look at the 1950's and 1960's was so nostalgic and warmhearted that I have to assume William A. Glass has as much love for that time period as I do. Of course, things take a slightly darker turn when Dave goes to Vietnam, but the juxtaposition of the country entering the war and ending it's 1950's hay-day as a metaphor for growing up was so well executed and brilliantly done.
This is a commendably written novel and one that I will be thinking about for a long time to come. Glass writes skillfully and with just enough emotion to keep you invested in the characters and desperate to see what happens next. When Dave finally began to settle down and become an adult I found myself saying 'aww' out loud because I almost felt that I'd watched him grow up throughout the book. Not too many books stir that type of emotion within me. I highly recommend this one for your next read!
There is nothing I love more than a period novel and there just don't seem to be enough mid-20th century ones out there, so this was an exciting read for me. The look at the 1950's and 1960's was so nostalgic and warmhearted that I have to assume William A. Glass has as much love for that time period as I do. Of course, things take a slightly darker turn when Dave goes to Vietnam, but the juxtaposition of the country entering the war and ending it's 1950's hay-day as a metaphor for growing up was so well executed and brilliantly done.
This is a commendably written novel and one that I will be thinking about for a long time to come. Glass writes skillfully and with just enough emotion to keep you invested in the characters and desperate to see what happens next. When Dave finally began to settle down and become an adult I found myself saying 'aww' out loud because I almost felt that I'd watched him grow up throughout the book. Not too many books stir that type of emotion within me. I highly recommend this one for your next read!
June 15, 2020
When I received this book I was very excited to have the chance to read it. It immediately grabbed me, and I didn’t want to put it down. I love how the author makes you feel like you are taken back to the 1950s and right there with him during his struggles. Being in a military family was hard enough let alone having a military father such as his. You will root for William during his hard times. While not wanting to put the book down, AND once you are done you will feel a bit of sadness that it is all over. The author has deemed this book as “Rated R” for profanity-so be advised.
April 14, 2020
As Good As Can Be is a cheeky, enjoyable read. I'll admit I was worried this would be a bit darker than it was. The opening line made me laugh, and after the first chapter I was excited to read the rest of the book. Not your typical historical fiction, but that's not a bad thing! Following Dave and his family is a ride you don't want to miss.
March 9, 2021
This book is interesting, intriguing, entertaining, realistic, and is sure to strike a familiar chord as it resonates with many readers.
I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to think of this book, but as an Army Brat myself (we moved every 6-9 months) and having my own daddy issues to boot, I was curious to see how this book would play out. This story spans over several decades with a focus on the 50’s-70’s time period. This book follows the Knight family and their adventurous, but at times complicated and quarrelsome life in the U.S. Army. As with most active military families, the Knights, are bounced around the world from base to base. Sometimes, even traveling to many unknown, and often unsafe countries. Then, add in a father with both an alcoholic addiction and an aggressive temper; a mother who is often sick in bed; and five siblings all vying for attention – not much stirring needed to set this time bomb off. While this book features the entire Knight family, the main focus is on their son, Dave, and his difficult, rocky upbringing. Dave struggles in school with a learning disability that nowadays most professionals are trained to easily spot and help children not only understand their disadvantage, but also guide them to overcome their disorder. Dave was not so lucky. He was often viewed as rebellious, rambunctious, uncontrolled, weak, lazy, and incompetent. It didn’t take long for Dave’s acting out to get him roped in with the other “troublemakers,” and labeled as so. Dave’s struggles only continue to progress in a downward spiral in both his home life and school life. Be sure to buckle in for this bumpy, emotionally charged ride!! Glass engagingly tells the story of hard times and dark days but offers hope that there is still light at the end of the tunnel.
This book features an array of interesting, compelling characters that are both well described and spotlessly captured.
This book included strong historical content with extensive military knowledge and etiquette. It is clear Glass is very familiar and well-versed with such tactics as he was able to easily convey these procedures throughout the story. This truly added an authentic, realistic layer to an already stimulating read.
This book effortlessly connects with a wide range audience. Whether you grew up during the same era, were part of a military family, had an alcoholic parent, had an ailing parent, had a learning disability, or just simply felt misunderstood and were the black sheep of the family – this book will be easy to connect with and relate to.
I have to admit this book seemed a bit on the longer side at 403 eBook pages. However, not only does this book stretch across several decades, but it also covers a wide range of topics, events, and thousands of miles as the Knight family deploys across the globe.
At this time, this book is not part of a book series. Therefore, this book can be read as a standalone.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it! I think all historical fiction fans and coming of age readers will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Warning!! Please note this book contains violence, alcohol addiction, drug references, adult language, and other adult content**
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations**
I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to think of this book, but as an Army Brat myself (we moved every 6-9 months) and having my own daddy issues to boot, I was curious to see how this book would play out. This story spans over several decades with a focus on the 50’s-70’s time period. This book follows the Knight family and their adventurous, but at times complicated and quarrelsome life in the U.S. Army. As with most active military families, the Knights, are bounced around the world from base to base. Sometimes, even traveling to many unknown, and often unsafe countries. Then, add in a father with both an alcoholic addiction and an aggressive temper; a mother who is often sick in bed; and five siblings all vying for attention – not much stirring needed to set this time bomb off. While this book features the entire Knight family, the main focus is on their son, Dave, and his difficult, rocky upbringing. Dave struggles in school with a learning disability that nowadays most professionals are trained to easily spot and help children not only understand their disadvantage, but also guide them to overcome their disorder. Dave was not so lucky. He was often viewed as rebellious, rambunctious, uncontrolled, weak, lazy, and incompetent. It didn’t take long for Dave’s acting out to get him roped in with the other “troublemakers,” and labeled as so. Dave’s struggles only continue to progress in a downward spiral in both his home life and school life. Be sure to buckle in for this bumpy, emotionally charged ride!! Glass engagingly tells the story of hard times and dark days but offers hope that there is still light at the end of the tunnel.
This book features an array of interesting, compelling characters that are both well described and spotlessly captured.
This book included strong historical content with extensive military knowledge and etiquette. It is clear Glass is very familiar and well-versed with such tactics as he was able to easily convey these procedures throughout the story. This truly added an authentic, realistic layer to an already stimulating read.
This book effortlessly connects with a wide range audience. Whether you grew up during the same era, were part of a military family, had an alcoholic parent, had an ailing parent, had a learning disability, or just simply felt misunderstood and were the black sheep of the family – this book will be easy to connect with and relate to.
I have to admit this book seemed a bit on the longer side at 403 eBook pages. However, not only does this book stretch across several decades, but it also covers a wide range of topics, events, and thousands of miles as the Knight family deploys across the globe.
At this time, this book is not part of a book series. Therefore, this book can be read as a standalone.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it! I think all historical fiction fans and coming of age readers will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Warning!! Please note this book contains violence, alcohol addiction, drug references, adult language, and other adult content**
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations**
February 2, 2021
Glass’s deft novel paints a picture of the troubled life of his young protagonist who in the face of learning disability and his father’s harsh discipline develops a give-a-damn attitude and an ironic sense of humor.
From a young age, the Knights know there is something wrong with their older son. It’s hard to discipline Dave, and he is extremely slow when it comes to learning stuff at school except for reading. As the family moves from one military base to other, including Iran, Dave becomes immune to his father’s harsh disciplinary ways who sees his son as nothing but an absolute failure. High school throws him into the company of other delinquents, and the boys more than often find themselves engaging in dangerous escapades. After graduating, Dave is drafted into army, but with his panache for getting in trouble, he finds himself on the radar of his Sergeant.
Told in third-person omniscient and spanning over more than two decades, the story is strongest when it focuses on the dysfunctionality that rules the Knights lives and how it slowly affects Dave, pushing him on the edge. Glass’s writing is fluid and dialogue sharp while his entertaining storytelling keep the pages turning. He slowly and tantalizingly draws out the details as Dave struggles with his father’s strict discipline and his own delinquencies.
The narrative detailing young Dave’s struggles in school, his inability to concentrate on his studies, and his troubled relationship with his father (with his fascination for all things trouble, he finds himself facing wrath of his father more than too often) evokes sympathy.
The chapters chronicling Dave’s high school life and his humorous, occasionally dangerous escapades with the other boys are fun. One of the main strengths of Glass’s writing is his ability to deepen the emotional complexity of each character’s actions with deeply realized backstory. In narrating Dave’s story, he brings out Bobby, Lieutenant Colonel Knight, and Melissa’s characters to life.
While failure, punishment, and disdain of his father dominate Dave’s life, his own give-a-damn attitude and his ability to form a meaningful connection with others help ease the pain. The ending is heartfelt, and though the narrative detailing mundane details of Knight family’s everyday life could have been shorter, readers will adore the memorable Dave and appreciate Glass’s fine rendering of the Knights’ dysfunctional family life.
Rich with drama and intrigue, the book makes for a page-turner.
From a young age, the Knights know there is something wrong with their older son. It’s hard to discipline Dave, and he is extremely slow when it comes to learning stuff at school except for reading. As the family moves from one military base to other, including Iran, Dave becomes immune to his father’s harsh disciplinary ways who sees his son as nothing but an absolute failure. High school throws him into the company of other delinquents, and the boys more than often find themselves engaging in dangerous escapades. After graduating, Dave is drafted into army, but with his panache for getting in trouble, he finds himself on the radar of his Sergeant.
Told in third-person omniscient and spanning over more than two decades, the story is strongest when it focuses on the dysfunctionality that rules the Knights lives and how it slowly affects Dave, pushing him on the edge. Glass’s writing is fluid and dialogue sharp while his entertaining storytelling keep the pages turning. He slowly and tantalizingly draws out the details as Dave struggles with his father’s strict discipline and his own delinquencies.
The narrative detailing young Dave’s struggles in school, his inability to concentrate on his studies, and his troubled relationship with his father (with his fascination for all things trouble, he finds himself facing wrath of his father more than too often) evokes sympathy.
The chapters chronicling Dave’s high school life and his humorous, occasionally dangerous escapades with the other boys are fun. One of the main strengths of Glass’s writing is his ability to deepen the emotional complexity of each character’s actions with deeply realized backstory. In narrating Dave’s story, he brings out Bobby, Lieutenant Colonel Knight, and Melissa’s characters to life.
While failure, punishment, and disdain of his father dominate Dave’s life, his own give-a-damn attitude and his ability to form a meaningful connection with others help ease the pain. The ending is heartfelt, and though the narrative detailing mundane details of Knight family’s everyday life could have been shorter, readers will adore the memorable Dave and appreciate Glass’s fine rendering of the Knights’ dysfunctional family life.
Rich with drama and intrigue, the book makes for a page-turner.
March 24, 2021
As Good as Can Be by William A. Glass
As Good as Can Be is a novel so well written that readers will feel they have taken a trip back in time to witness the unfolding of a memorable but everyday character’s life. We start in the 1950s and follow along with the protagonist for a couple of decades.
Dave Knight is troubled as a child and tries to cope within the bounds of his equally-troubled family. The author of this story, William A. Glass, has written Dave and the other supporting characters with a realistic touch. These characters are far from perfect, and Glass does not hide this. He tells it like it was. Dave clashes with the values of his parents, who were clearly racist. Also, Dave, as well as his younger siblings, drinks a lot, following in the footsteps of their alcoholic, military father. Sometimes this drinking leads to tragedy.
As feels true to the era, Dave’s mother is suffering in silence. We barely see that something is very wrong in her life. Glass has only touched upon this and other terrible events; for example, when Dave’s sisters experience sexual harassment. The author does not go into depth with some things I would have loved for him to explore further, but it adds to the mystique of the time.
Themes of family, values, war (Dave gets drafted into the Vietnam War), friendship, drug and alcohol abuse, military life, right versus wrong (which is sometimes ambiguous in the context of the scene), and other intriguing themes such as honesty and communication underlie the novel and give it depth. We delve into Dave’s psychology and his choices as his family moves from place to place. Those place details are plentiful and effective at putting a reader in the scene.
As for the plot, it is not really that kind of story. Reading it, it felt like watching a vintage television show. Plenty of daily, mundane vignettes are interesting, making for more of a story line than a plot. Some scenes were dramatic, including the first scene where the mother gets in trouble in the Middle East and is threatened with being stoned to death as a punishment, to the death of others. Some scenes are mellower but charming or make one cringe. The suspense might be in how Dave is going to get out of his mess after mess.
The writing itself is clear and down-to-earth. There are many descriptive details, which have the effect of making readers understand what life was really like then, and we see that people weren’t all alike in one era or another.
Subtle humor appears now and again, as Dave does daring and stupid things. How will he get out of it this time? The dialogue is quite authentic and offers insights into the characters. For anyone who likes and appreciates vintage and true-to-form stories, you won’t be disappointed with this talented author.
As Good as Can Be is a novel so well written that readers will feel they have taken a trip back in time to witness the unfolding of a memorable but everyday character’s life. We start in the 1950s and follow along with the protagonist for a couple of decades.
Dave Knight is troubled as a child and tries to cope within the bounds of his equally-troubled family. The author of this story, William A. Glass, has written Dave and the other supporting characters with a realistic touch. These characters are far from perfect, and Glass does not hide this. He tells it like it was. Dave clashes with the values of his parents, who were clearly racist. Also, Dave, as well as his younger siblings, drinks a lot, following in the footsteps of their alcoholic, military father. Sometimes this drinking leads to tragedy.
As feels true to the era, Dave’s mother is suffering in silence. We barely see that something is very wrong in her life. Glass has only touched upon this and other terrible events; for example, when Dave’s sisters experience sexual harassment. The author does not go into depth with some things I would have loved for him to explore further, but it adds to the mystique of the time.
Themes of family, values, war (Dave gets drafted into the Vietnam War), friendship, drug and alcohol abuse, military life, right versus wrong (which is sometimes ambiguous in the context of the scene), and other intriguing themes such as honesty and communication underlie the novel and give it depth. We delve into Dave’s psychology and his choices as his family moves from place to place. Those place details are plentiful and effective at putting a reader in the scene.
As for the plot, it is not really that kind of story. Reading it, it felt like watching a vintage television show. Plenty of daily, mundane vignettes are interesting, making for more of a story line than a plot. Some scenes were dramatic, including the first scene where the mother gets in trouble in the Middle East and is threatened with being stoned to death as a punishment, to the death of others. Some scenes are mellower but charming or make one cringe. The suspense might be in how Dave is going to get out of his mess after mess.
The writing itself is clear and down-to-earth. There are many descriptive details, which have the effect of making readers understand what life was really like then, and we see that people weren’t all alike in one era or another.
Subtle humor appears now and again, as Dave does daring and stupid things. How will he get out of it this time? The dialogue is quite authentic and offers insights into the characters. For anyone who likes and appreciates vintage and true-to-form stories, you won’t be disappointed with this talented author.
April 21, 2020
I was in a Georgetown pub 37 years ago when the author of this book came in. The bartender happened to look up and immediately reached for the Wild Turkey bottle. Bill came to the bar, downed his whisky, and began talking to me. I looked into his eyes and thought, "This guy is going to take a lot of work." Boy, was that an understatement!
I rarely approve of anything Bill does, but in the case of 'As Good As Can Be', I must admit it's a wildly entertaining read. If you pick it up, you won't be sorry. :)
His long-suffering wife,
Bettina
I rarely approve of anything Bill does, but in the case of 'As Good As Can Be', I must admit it's a wildly entertaining read. If you pick it up, you won't be sorry. :)
His long-suffering wife,
Bettina
August 9, 2020
While my family was not military, I grew up outside of a large navy base. Most of my friends were military dependents and lived the kind of transient life Glass describes in his coming-of-age novel. For anyone with an interest in the human side of the military of the 50s-early 70s, this is a great book to read. The descriptions of post-war military service on the Korean peninsula, during a time when all focus was on Vietnam, are also very enlightening.
June 3, 2020
William A Glass - As Good As Can Be – Reviewed 5/4/20 – Read 4/26-27/20
Family Life sets the mold for adulthood, easy-going, and stay out of trouble.
Growing up moving from base to base, never really making friends, and always having to make new ones, Dave Knight grows to have a devil may care attitude for life. Dave’s father is an officer of some importance and is moved often to set up special projects on other bases. Having a large family, but not close to any. Dave’s older sister is definitely not the sisterly type, wanting to kill Dave at any time, but settling for just beating him up often. Mainly Dave, just mouths off because he really does not care if he gets into trouble or not. Reaching high school he takes the blame for one of his escapades with a couple of buddies, knowing that his dad had been transferred again. After high school, Dave is drafted and ends up in Korea, guarding nuclear weapons. Again, his attitude keeps him close to staying in trouble. After a fray with his sergeant, Dave works to keep from getting a dishonorable discharge.
What did I like? Having grown up in the 1950s this book really grabbed me. Having two bases in the town made it a good chance that a girl would run into boys from military families at some time or another. I happen to have had four boyfriends. Four because they moved so often. Most of them were transferred after their dad’s had finished training. Two of them shared a lot of the things that went on at home and one of them was so close to Dave’s life. I could never understand (at that time) how he could be so carefree with no thoughts of the future. Not wanting to further his education and just wanted to get through high school by the skin of his teeth. I think this book kinda cleared up some of those girlish thoughts that I had. Of course, it has been years since I had even thought about that time in my life…
What will you like? The writing style is an easy read with lots of descriptions and details. You can see the research on every page. Definitely can tell that the author knew the ins and outs of military life and the 1950s. I was impressed with the minor details that many would have missed about the times. A complicated life for the children of the military family, not knowing what the future brings or when it will get there. Excellent characters, precise in the moods of each, from the parents down to the smallest child. Drinking every night was characteristic of the times. It was something that almost every family had done at some point in their lives. I married a military guy and for a few years went from base to base. I guess I was lucky in one way, we did not have children till he was out of the military. An excellent read that will open your eyes to the chaos that was a very prevalent factor in military families.
• File Size: 1282 KB
• Print Length: 410 pages
• Publication Date: April 14, 2020
• ASIN: B086MB11FZ
• Genre: War Fiction, Coming of Age Fiction
Family Life sets the mold for adulthood, easy-going, and stay out of trouble.
Growing up moving from base to base, never really making friends, and always having to make new ones, Dave Knight grows to have a devil may care attitude for life. Dave’s father is an officer of some importance and is moved often to set up special projects on other bases. Having a large family, but not close to any. Dave’s older sister is definitely not the sisterly type, wanting to kill Dave at any time, but settling for just beating him up often. Mainly Dave, just mouths off because he really does not care if he gets into trouble or not. Reaching high school he takes the blame for one of his escapades with a couple of buddies, knowing that his dad had been transferred again. After high school, Dave is drafted and ends up in Korea, guarding nuclear weapons. Again, his attitude keeps him close to staying in trouble. After a fray with his sergeant, Dave works to keep from getting a dishonorable discharge.
What did I like? Having grown up in the 1950s this book really grabbed me. Having two bases in the town made it a good chance that a girl would run into boys from military families at some time or another. I happen to have had four boyfriends. Four because they moved so often. Most of them were transferred after their dad’s had finished training. Two of them shared a lot of the things that went on at home and one of them was so close to Dave’s life. I could never understand (at that time) how he could be so carefree with no thoughts of the future. Not wanting to further his education and just wanted to get through high school by the skin of his teeth. I think this book kinda cleared up some of those girlish thoughts that I had. Of course, it has been years since I had even thought about that time in my life…
What will you like? The writing style is an easy read with lots of descriptions and details. You can see the research on every page. Definitely can tell that the author knew the ins and outs of military life and the 1950s. I was impressed with the minor details that many would have missed about the times. A complicated life for the children of the military family, not knowing what the future brings or when it will get there. Excellent characters, precise in the moods of each, from the parents down to the smallest child. Drinking every night was characteristic of the times. It was something that almost every family had done at some point in their lives. I married a military guy and for a few years went from base to base. I guess I was lucky in one way, we did not have children till he was out of the military. An excellent read that will open your eyes to the chaos that was a very prevalent factor in military families.
• File Size: 1282 KB
• Print Length: 410 pages
• Publication Date: April 14, 2020
• ASIN: B086MB11FZ
• Genre: War Fiction, Coming of Age Fiction
May 6, 2020
This is an interesting and complex character-driven novel about a young man and his journey toward finding himself. Dave Knight is a rebel. He has been since the day that he was born. From the age of 5 years old, when he ran away from his teacher every time she tried to get him to sit in the corner, to his high school days when he stole a car and drove it over state lines, Dave has always been a troublemaker.
Once Dave grows into a man, he meets a woman that he loves and wants to settle down with but soon he is drafted into the Vietnam War and his life changes once again. In some ways, I felt like this was a book about that exact thing: the changes that come our way as we go through life.
I saw myself reflected in Dave and the way that he had to deal with so many changes in so short of a time that he almost got immune to it. However, Dave was a complex character, and one that I would say was somewhat morally gray (in the way that all irascible young men are) and that created some of the problems that he dealt with as well.
William A. Glass's writing was impeccable. It was obvious that he must have put a lot of work into getting the settings of the different countries and different parts of America just right. I felt like this type of book could only come from an author who is well-traveled himself and has seen much of the world. I'm so interested to see what he will come up with for his next book!
This is one that I would recommend to anyone who loves a book with a bit of international flavor, a bit of nostalgia and a love of memoirs and biographies. Although this is not one of those, it does read like one in many ways, which I found very enjoyable.
Once Dave grows into a man, he meets a woman that he loves and wants to settle down with but soon he is drafted into the Vietnam War and his life changes once again. In some ways, I felt like this was a book about that exact thing: the changes that come our way as we go through life.
I saw myself reflected in Dave and the way that he had to deal with so many changes in so short of a time that he almost got immune to it. However, Dave was a complex character, and one that I would say was somewhat morally gray (in the way that all irascible young men are) and that created some of the problems that he dealt with as well.
William A. Glass's writing was impeccable. It was obvious that he must have put a lot of work into getting the settings of the different countries and different parts of America just right. I felt like this type of book could only come from an author who is well-traveled himself and has seen much of the world. I'm so interested to see what he will come up with for his next book!
This is one that I would recommend to anyone who loves a book with a bit of international flavor, a bit of nostalgia and a love of memoirs and biographies. Although this is not one of those, it does read like one in many ways, which I found very enjoyable.
May 8, 2020
An interesting and complex character-driven novel about a young man and his journey toward finding himself.
Dave Knight is a rebel. He has been since the day that he was born. From the age of 5 years old, when he ran away from his teacher every time she tried to get him to sit in the corner, to his high school days when he stole a car and drove it over state lines, Dave has always been a troublemaker.
Once Dave grows into a man, he meets a woman that he loves and wants to settle down with but soon he is drafted into the Vietnam war and his life changes once again.
In some ways, I felt like this was a book about that exact thing: the changes that come our way as we go through life.
I saw myself reflected in Dave and the way that he had to deal with so many changes in so short of a time that he almost got immune to it.
However, Dave was a complex character, and one that I would say was somewhat morally gray (in the way that all irascible young men are) and that created some of the problems that he dealt with as well.
William A. Glass's writing was impeccable. It was obvious that he must have put a lot of work into getting the settings of the different countries and different parts of America just right. I felt like this type of book could only come from an author who is well-traveled himself and has seen much of the world. I'm so interested to see what he will come up with for his next book!
This is one that I would recommend to anyone who loves a book with a bit of international flavor, a bit of nostalgia and a love of memoirs and biographies. Although this is not one of those, it does read like one in many ways, which I found very enjoyable.
Dave Knight is a rebel. He has been since the day that he was born. From the age of 5 years old, when he ran away from his teacher every time she tried to get him to sit in the corner, to his high school days when he stole a car and drove it over state lines, Dave has always been a troublemaker.
Once Dave grows into a man, he meets a woman that he loves and wants to settle down with but soon he is drafted into the Vietnam war and his life changes once again.
In some ways, I felt like this was a book about that exact thing: the changes that come our way as we go through life.
I saw myself reflected in Dave and the way that he had to deal with so many changes in so short of a time that he almost got immune to it.
However, Dave was a complex character, and one that I would say was somewhat morally gray (in the way that all irascible young men are) and that created some of the problems that he dealt with as well.
William A. Glass's writing was impeccable. It was obvious that he must have put a lot of work into getting the settings of the different countries and different parts of America just right. I felt like this type of book could only come from an author who is well-traveled himself and has seen much of the world. I'm so interested to see what he will come up with for his next book!
This is one that I would recommend to anyone who loves a book with a bit of international flavor, a bit of nostalgia and a love of memoirs and biographies. Although this is not one of those, it does read like one in many ways, which I found very enjoyable.
June 2, 2020
A coming of age novel for the ages! A lot of secret and misunderstood things can go on in a young boy's head and heart. I've always been one to say that rebellious and rambunctious boys are usually just misunderstood and begging for attention. This book is about one such boy who becomes a man and then a soldier. Dave Knight grew up with an Army officer father in the 1950's, living in many places all over the world and leaving a reputation wherever he went.
At the beginning of the book, Dave's family live in Iran until his mother accidentally hits and kills an Iranian man with her car. In order to protect the family and avoid retribution from the local people, the Knight's leave Iran and return to America, upending 5 year old Dave's life. Whether or not this or other contributing factors (like his father's alcoholism) led to Dave's rebelliousness as a teenager is up in the air. Either way the boy goes through quite a phase as a young adult. Stealing cars, getting into fights and getting in trouble with his high school teachers, Dave has more than one run in with police and only begins to mend his wicked ways when he is drafted into the Vietnam War.
As I am sure happened with many real life young men during that time, Dave finds that the life of a soldier grounds him and he soon finds a wife and settles down. Without spoiling anything, the ending gave me a warm feeling in my chest and a little tear in my eye. I really felt like I got to know and appreciate Dave as a character who was just crying out for love in all the wrong ways. 'As Good As Can Be' is as good as it gets!
At the beginning of the book, Dave's family live in Iran until his mother accidentally hits and kills an Iranian man with her car. In order to protect the family and avoid retribution from the local people, the Knight's leave Iran and return to America, upending 5 year old Dave's life. Whether or not this or other contributing factors (like his father's alcoholism) led to Dave's rebelliousness as a teenager is up in the air. Either way the boy goes through quite a phase as a young adult. Stealing cars, getting into fights and getting in trouble with his high school teachers, Dave has more than one run in with police and only begins to mend his wicked ways when he is drafted into the Vietnam War.
As I am sure happened with many real life young men during that time, Dave finds that the life of a soldier grounds him and he soon finds a wife and settles down. Without spoiling anything, the ending gave me a warm feeling in my chest and a little tear in my eye. I really felt like I got to know and appreciate Dave as a character who was just crying out for love in all the wrong ways. 'As Good As Can Be' is as good as it gets!
May 25, 2020
I'm participating in a blog tour for this book in May 2020. Click here to read my full review along with an extra long excerpt, a giveaway, and a list of links to the other stops on the tour:
https://www.ettria.com/?p=5048
I found this book utterly fascinating, despite how it was missing a lot of what you usually expect in a book. I kept expecting disaster to strike at any minute. There were, in fact, some disastrous moments, but not nearly as many as there could have been.
The main character is young Dave Knight. Dave’s father is a lieutenant colonel (later a full colonel) in the army. He is also an alcoholic, but this does not appear to have any adverse effect on his career as he continues to be transferred to various posts around the world and promoted, finally ending up in the Pentagon. His social drinking habits seem to fit right in with his peers.
Dave and his brother and sisters seem to like nothing better than to fight, especially with each other. None of them ever seems to talk seriously to each other about anything. Dave himself, and his younger sisters, eventually take up their father’s drinking habits. When Dave gets married, and later when he is drafted, I hoped he would finally begin to grow up. But though his marriage miraculously seemed to hold together rather well considering the circumstances, emotional maturity seems to elude Dave throughout his youth. Even the sad scene of his mother’s death, while it highlights for Dave just how dysfunctional his family is, doesn’t seem to make much of an impact on his lifestyle.
https://www.ettria.com/?p=5048
I found this book utterly fascinating, despite how it was missing a lot of what you usually expect in a book. I kept expecting disaster to strike at any minute. There were, in fact, some disastrous moments, but not nearly as many as there could have been.
The main character is young Dave Knight. Dave’s father is a lieutenant colonel (later a full colonel) in the army. He is also an alcoholic, but this does not appear to have any adverse effect on his career as he continues to be transferred to various posts around the world and promoted, finally ending up in the Pentagon. His social drinking habits seem to fit right in with his peers.
Dave and his brother and sisters seem to like nothing better than to fight, especially with each other. None of them ever seems to talk seriously to each other about anything. Dave himself, and his younger sisters, eventually take up their father’s drinking habits. When Dave gets married, and later when he is drafted, I hoped he would finally begin to grow up. But though his marriage miraculously seemed to hold together rather well considering the circumstances, emotional maturity seems to elude Dave throughout his youth. Even the sad scene of his mother’s death, while it highlights for Dave just how dysfunctional his family is, doesn’t seem to make much of an impact on his lifestyle.
March 15, 2021
This book seems to touch on a subject close to almost any reader. The only readers I would exclude would be children and people who do not tolerate violence, strong language, and other adult content. To give you an idea...I am an adult (well, most times) and while the previously mentioned subjects aren’t my favorite to read, I felt they blended in with the story and did not offend me.
Now about the story. As I said I felt it fit almost any reader and what I meant by that is most of us could identify with something in this book. It is true that those of us born in the 50’s to the 70’s might feel as if we are living in real time. But I think the issues are those that we’ve all either experienced or known someone who dealt with one of them. That makes this a very intense read. I might add if I had a criticism, this was an awfully long story. Not a slow story. Slow and long have quite different meanings. I’m not even sure what could be cut but it did seem a little long to me.
Glass made his characters so defined that I could see one of each of them in the small town I grew up in or those whom I have known since. It’s almost an autobiography for everyone. I’m taking license with the word autobiography, but I’m just certain there is something in this book that touches each person.
This seems to be a debut novel for William A. Glass. If so, it’s a heck of a start.
Now about the story. As I said I felt it fit almost any reader and what I meant by that is most of us could identify with something in this book. It is true that those of us born in the 50’s to the 70’s might feel as if we are living in real time. But I think the issues are those that we’ve all either experienced or known someone who dealt with one of them. That makes this a very intense read. I might add if I had a criticism, this was an awfully long story. Not a slow story. Slow and long have quite different meanings. I’m not even sure what could be cut but it did seem a little long to me.
Glass made his characters so defined that I could see one of each of them in the small town I grew up in or those whom I have known since. It’s almost an autobiography for everyone. I’m taking license with the word autobiography, but I’m just certain there is something in this book that touches each person.
This seems to be a debut novel for William A. Glass. If so, it’s a heck of a start.
May 13, 2020
'Good As Can Be' is a clever, fast-paced novel the reader is more likely to gulp down several chapters at a time rather than sip and ruminate over for a long stretches. You will especially relish the witty and sometimes earthy dialogue.
This is probably a thinly disguised autobiography of the reckless youth of a bright but unfocused youth and his overbearing father who will remind some readers of "The Great Santini."
As an equally misdirected army brat (albeit of a more sober father) it was easy to relate to this generation gap portrait. Anyone who grew up in a military family or who ever served will appreciate the trials and tribulations of the central character, "Dave." I found that this story hit very close to home, but fortunately my experience growing up in an army family was nowhere near as turbulent as "Dave's" Still I found this to be an authentic, well researched, engaging story.
This is probably a thinly disguised autobiography of the reckless youth of a bright but unfocused youth and his overbearing father who will remind some readers of "The Great Santini."
As an equally misdirected army brat (albeit of a more sober father) it was easy to relate to this generation gap portrait. Anyone who grew up in a military family or who ever served will appreciate the trials and tribulations of the central character, "Dave." I found that this story hit very close to home, but fortunately my experience growing up in an army family was nowhere near as turbulent as "Dave's" Still I found this to be an authentic, well researched, engaging story.
May 17, 2021
At first, I was interested in the setting. Too many kids (five of them) in this family. Dave Knight’s father is an alcoholic army officer and the wife is trying to hold it all together.
I liked the start but wasn’t sure where this book was going. I would call it a coming-of-age novel but it’s more like lots of stories that never fully tie together. So that’s why I kind of lost interest about halfway into the book.
Mostly you have this large dysfunctional family moving around a lot just as one would expect from an Army family. The kids fight each other a lot.
The only child that appears to make something of himself is Dan even if he was slacking the entire time. We’re not sure what happens to all his siblings. We know one dies and his mother passes away.
So at times the story works for me and other times not so much.
https://theworldisabookandiamitsreade...
I liked the start but wasn’t sure where this book was going. I would call it a coming-of-age novel but it’s more like lots of stories that never fully tie together. So that’s why I kind of lost interest about halfway into the book.
Mostly you have this large dysfunctional family moving around a lot just as one would expect from an Army family. The kids fight each other a lot.
The only child that appears to make something of himself is Dan even if he was slacking the entire time. We’re not sure what happens to all his siblings. We know one dies and his mother passes away.
So at times the story works for me and other times not so much.
https://theworldisabookandiamitsreade...
July 7, 2020
As Good As Can Be is a highly entertaining coming of age tale that reads like a memoir.
The story focuses on protagonist, Dave Knight although it really could be considered a memoir of an entire family told by one of the children.
We begin in post WWII America and get a look at how the “Greatest Generation,” coped with the war. Glass expertly touches upon topics such as: child abuse, PTSD, alcoholism, sexism and drug use as well as many other subjects as we move through the late 40’s into the 50’s and early 60’s.
What might make an interesting follow-up to this novel is a second book written by one of Dave’s children as they come of age in the 70’s and 80’s.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction and memoirs you won’t be disappointed.
The story focuses on protagonist, Dave Knight although it really could be considered a memoir of an entire family told by one of the children.
We begin in post WWII America and get a look at how the “Greatest Generation,” coped with the war. Glass expertly touches upon topics such as: child abuse, PTSD, alcoholism, sexism and drug use as well as many other subjects as we move through the late 40’s into the 50’s and early 60’s.
What might make an interesting follow-up to this novel is a second book written by one of Dave’s children as they come of age in the 70’s and 80’s.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction and memoirs you won’t be disappointed.
May 19, 2020
As Good As Can Be was a pretty good debut by William A. Glass. I was intrigued reading about Dave’s life. I enjoyed watching him grow throughout the book and learning how he grew up in the military life during the 1960s. It was quite the journey and adventure. To me, it felt like I was reading a memoir instead of a fictionalized account. The author definitely knew how to draw in the reader.
I am giving As Good As Can Be four and a half stars. I would recommend it for readers who enjoy Military Historical Fiction.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I am giving As Good As Can Be four and a half stars. I would recommend it for readers who enjoy Military Historical Fiction.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
June 16, 2020
This was quite a change of pace for me! I really enjoyed reading about Dave and his challenges between growing up in a military family and having to move around so often from base to base.
Reading a coming of age story about a young man was very intriguing. The 1950’s was super interesting to learn about, especially from Dave’s point of view.
I have learned I am enamored with military stories.
His collision of military, Coming-of-age and mid-century America is flawless!
William A. Glass has painted a picture so vivid I have the desire to learn more about these subjects!
A great writer always does this!
Reading a coming of age story about a young man was very intriguing. The 1950’s was super interesting to learn about, especially from Dave’s point of view.
I have learned I am enamored with military stories.
His collision of military, Coming-of-age and mid-century America is flawless!
William A. Glass has painted a picture so vivid I have the desire to learn more about these subjects!
A great writer always does this!
March 26, 2024
I met the author and purchased this book one afternoon in Savannah, Georgia. I wasn't really sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. I love the storyline and how the things that happen in the book are/can be real-life experiences. I have three brothers and one sister, so the story with all the siblings was very real to me. I purchased another of his books that day called Off Broadway, and I am about to start reading that one now. If this next book is as good as I felt the first one was, I will be adding a new author to my "Favorite Authors" list. Thank you for your storytelling Mr. Glass.
February 12, 2025
I had the pleasure of meeting William in Fernandina Beach FL at a festival. I was immediately interested in his work. Upon starting this book, I will admit that I did not know if I would like it, but I got into the story and found at times I couldn’t put it down. Young Dave’s life was rough and being a special education teacher I had him pegged with more problems than he deserved. In the end he makes his horrible life good. Great read
July 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! As soon as I got it I was able to read it right away and found that I could not put it down! I’m usually not a huge fan of memoir style novels or books but this one was very different. William A. Glass has a way of writing that is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. I really enjoyed the Rob and the greedy wait he described the characters that made you feel like you really knew them and were growing up along with them. I have already recommended this book to many of my friends and I will continue to do so. I highly recommend this book and suggest everyone should read it!!
October 2, 2023
Truly disappointing—not sure worth finishing which is not my style, but don’t like wasting time. Reminded me of Great Santini but not very good.
September 26, 2024
Interesting plot, just didn't like writing style.
July 30, 2025
Great book for people who love historical fiction but would recommend for 8th grade and up
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews