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Peter Pan Man #2
The Gym
"A humorous and thought-provoking foray into the author's Neverland and the search for his destiny." -Sublime Book Review
"Sola flawlessly laces many memorable, timely, and poignant themes (love, jealously, betrayal, heartbreak, and many more) throughout this book. 4 out 4 stars! -Online Book Club
It was five years later. Peter Pan Man still struggled to look forward as regret held him captive in the shadows of his ruined career. Although The Show, his rise-and-fall inspired novel, ushered in the fresh start he craved, it would be a new manuscript, born in the newspaper pages of local business opportunities, which set him on the course he was meant to take. Handed to him in a grocery store by an old man with a meticulous beard and a smile, one advertisement was circled in red pen. It would be a small fitness center in a sleepy and dreamy beachside town that inspired him to write on. After purchasing The Gym, he continued to chase stars while masking the pain, unaware that the moments unfolding was shaping his destiny.
Love can come in the form of escape and intrigue, adventure, and misery. But, like the light that pixie dust can render, love can manifest in coincidence and magic, tenderness and certainty. With the end of a journey and the beginning of a new quest, Peter Pan Man finds the gentle strength in him he never knew existed.
"Sola flawlessly laces many memorable, timely, and poignant themes (love, jealously, betrayal, heartbreak, and many more) throughout this book. 4 out 4 stars! -Online Book Club
It was five years later. Peter Pan Man still struggled to look forward as regret held him captive in the shadows of his ruined career. Although The Show, his rise-and-fall inspired novel, ushered in the fresh start he craved, it would be a new manuscript, born in the newspaper pages of local business opportunities, which set him on the course he was meant to take. Handed to him in a grocery store by an old man with a meticulous beard and a smile, one advertisement was circled in red pen. It would be a small fitness center in a sleepy and dreamy beachside town that inspired him to write on. After purchasing The Gym, he continued to chase stars while masking the pain, unaware that the moments unfolding was shaping his destiny.
Love can come in the form of escape and intrigue, adventure, and misery. But, like the light that pixie dust can render, love can manifest in coincidence and magic, tenderness and certainty. With the end of a journey and the beginning of a new quest, Peter Pan Man finds the gentle strength in him he never knew existed.
382 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2020
45 people are currently reading
2657 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
February 13, 2022
I had read this only because I had seen and enjoyed book #1, The Show on GR's. This continuation, however, is a totally different and unexpectantly freaking delightful story. I either have to lower my rating on The Show or give this modern-day fairytale six stars. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
August 13, 2020
The Gym is not typically a book I would read but after working out in The Gym I decided to give it a whirl. Let me begin by saying Sola's description of the boutique fitness center is quite accurate. And the "odd" mural is real! LOL. I was in Melbourne Beach for two weeks and can also say the infamous restaurants became a "must see" for me. The Mansion was first on my list. But honestly, I was only interested in these places because the book was engaging and entertaining. The story turned out to be one the best I have read in a long time. Relevant themes and so much wit. Finally, on my last day I met the author, who is the character in his books, and asked him how much of this is fiction. He only smirked a mischievous smirk and thanked me graciously for reading his latest fairy tale. Five Stars.
September 8, 2023
I was obviously there when my husband wrote this book, through all the ups and downs - the editing and then quick re-editing. I'm proud that I wrote the back cover for the book. Recently, I re-read it. It is very true that love winds its path in ways you would never predict or expect it to.
*Honestly, he turned out to be a real asshole. I put my best toward everything, but, man …. wow. Just wow.
*Honestly, he turned out to be a real asshole. I put my best toward everything, but, man …. wow. Just wow.
July 8, 2022
I won an autographed copy of The Gym.
At the very least this is a semi-autobiographical novel by Lawrence H. Sola told in first-person fictional form.
The author is the protagonist Larry/Peter Pan Man. He’s a flawed, reckless, witty writer who ruined his career in book one but really didn’t crash and burn. The often intoxicated funny man literally tripped into an old fitness center which becomes his sequel: A search for destiny.
Hilarity ensues from the onset as Larry ends up in series of sexual adventures looking for his love: Tinker Bell! The parallels of the characters to the original Peter Pan novel are uncanny. The story has depth. Witty dialogue. And is a delightfully entertaining continuation of this Pan Man’s rather relatable life.
At the very least this is a semi-autobiographical novel by Lawrence H. Sola told in first-person fictional form.
The author is the protagonist Larry/Peter Pan Man. He’s a flawed, reckless, witty writer who ruined his career in book one but really didn’t crash and burn. The often intoxicated funny man literally tripped into an old fitness center which becomes his sequel: A search for destiny.
Hilarity ensues from the onset as Larry ends up in series of sexual adventures looking for his love: Tinker Bell! The parallels of the characters to the original Peter Pan novel are uncanny. The story has depth. Witty dialogue. And is a delightfully entertaining continuation of this Pan Man’s rather relatable life.
August 21, 2023
This was awesome!
No spoilers, but I loved Allie ❤ Girl, and my heart ached for Maya the Mermaid until I realized where Peter Pan Man's pixie dust was leading him. ✨
Sorry, I'm babbling. It's just that I have no idea how a man my father's age could've written a book loosely (or not so loosely) based on his life that I adored, but I did. The magical whimsy sprinkled into this serious story had me turning 330+ pages long into the night as I then searched for his second star to the right! 💖 If you're looking for an adventurous romance with a happily ever after ending, this is for you!
No spoilers, but I loved Allie ❤ Girl, and my heart ached for Maya the Mermaid until I realized where Peter Pan Man's pixie dust was leading him. ✨
Sorry, I'm babbling. It's just that I have no idea how a man my father's age could've written a book loosely (or not so loosely) based on his life that I adored, but I did. The magical whimsy sprinkled into this serious story had me turning 330+ pages long into the night as I then searched for his second star to the right! 💖 If you're looking for an adventurous romance with a happily ever after ending, this is for you!
February 23, 2021
Guess who’s back/Back again/Larry’s back/Tell a friend”— Eminem, paraphrased 😉
It’s September 2015 and our hero, Larry Sola, appears to have survived the fallout from the events portrayed in “The Show”. The ending of the first book left us with some cliffhangers, many of which are answered in this installment. Larry is nearing 50 yrs of age and has become the new owner of a gym full of quirky members and staff. You may wonder how he is coping with the trauma of his separation from his wife, his doomed love for Wendy, his meteoric fall from career heights....?
Sex. Larry is being a total Slutty McSlutterton. 😀
And wine, of course. You know that saying, “Wine, women and song?”
Larry is having sex with young, hot women with perfect bodies and pitch perfect singing voices! In one amusing scene, he channels Ben Stiller’s character from the movie “There’s Something About Mary” 😂
Seemingly a stereotypical, mid life crisis response to everything, right?
And yet, no! Because it turns out that Larry is a romantic at heart and craves an intense emotional connection within a relationship. Problem is, just as we saw with Wendy in “The Show”, he tends to sabotage himself by becoming involved with women who are already in relationships with other men.
Enter “The Dark One”, the aspect of Larry’s personality that embraces hedonism and self destruction. Occasionally, he fights this inner demon. Other times, he takes a more gentle approach, acknowledging its existence and begging it to keep a low profile. Other themes contained here are Fate vs Self-Determination, Redemption, Faith. There’s a character reminiscent of Bud Fox from the first book, whose envy is acidic and needs a hard, swift kick to the scrotum. And there are definitely some weird chicks Larry goes on dates with. 😝
I will leave you with two of my favorite lines from the book:
Larry wondering about Maya:
“How could her nipples be so hard and her lips so soft and sad?”
Larry to Linda re: the pluses in their dating relationship:
“Well, let’s focus on the positive. I don’t do meth or steroids.”
PS: I ❤️Allie Girl and hope she is well.
It’s September 2015 and our hero, Larry Sola, appears to have survived the fallout from the events portrayed in “The Show”. The ending of the first book left us with some cliffhangers, many of which are answered in this installment. Larry is nearing 50 yrs of age and has become the new owner of a gym full of quirky members and staff. You may wonder how he is coping with the trauma of his separation from his wife, his doomed love for Wendy, his meteoric fall from career heights....?
Sex. Larry is being a total Slutty McSlutterton. 😀
And wine, of course. You know that saying, “Wine, women and song?”
Larry is having sex with young, hot women with perfect bodies and pitch perfect singing voices! In one amusing scene, he channels Ben Stiller’s character from the movie “There’s Something About Mary” 😂
Seemingly a stereotypical, mid life crisis response to everything, right?
And yet, no! Because it turns out that Larry is a romantic at heart and craves an intense emotional connection within a relationship. Problem is, just as we saw with Wendy in “The Show”, he tends to sabotage himself by becoming involved with women who are already in relationships with other men.
Enter “The Dark One”, the aspect of Larry’s personality that embraces hedonism and self destruction. Occasionally, he fights this inner demon. Other times, he takes a more gentle approach, acknowledging its existence and begging it to keep a low profile. Other themes contained here are Fate vs Self-Determination, Redemption, Faith. There’s a character reminiscent of Bud Fox from the first book, whose envy is acidic and needs a hard, swift kick to the scrotum. And there are definitely some weird chicks Larry goes on dates with. 😝
I will leave you with two of my favorite lines from the book:
Larry wondering about Maya:
“How could her nipples be so hard and her lips so soft and sad?”
Larry to Linda re: the pluses in their dating relationship:
“Well, let’s focus on the positive. I don’t do meth or steroids.”
PS: I ❤️Allie Girl and hope she is well.
October 25, 2021
Loved this story
I was a little hesitant after reading some of the reviews but so glad I decided to read this book. It was one I had to read and keep reading all the way to the end. Took me all day! Loved the ending and the suspense in the last few chapters kept me guessing. Great book!
I was a little hesitant after reading some of the reviews but so glad I decided to read this book. It was one I had to read and keep reading all the way to the end. Took me all day! Loved the ending and the suspense in the last few chapters kept me guessing. Great book!
March 9, 2022
I felt this book before I finished the first chapter.
Yes, the story starts dark, but Sola's attention to detail develops the story and sucks you into his life because it is so damn relatable. I can't remember getting a male POV as I did him, but I enjoyed this serious, funny, silly, and ultimately heartwarming search for his destiny.
Yes, the story starts dark, but Sola's attention to detail develops the story and sucks you into his life because it is so damn relatable. I can't remember getting a male POV as I did him, but I enjoyed this serious, funny, silly, and ultimately heartwarming search for his destiny.
January 18, 2022
This is a well crafted story about starting over and believing in your dreams. A much needed read during these troubling times.
June 11, 2021
I was asked to read this novel for an honest review only after informing the author I wasn't his target audience. Ah, but the competitive fires inside him ignited, and he insisted.
Suddenly, I’m intrigued.
The four most common personality traits found among “Alpha Dogs” are being highly competitive, witty, charismatic, and reckless.
Sola is all of the above, and his novel proves it.
The Gym is a 335-page witty ride in which the protagonist (Sola) charms women and acts recklessly in the name of love. In this adventure, he chased stars along with a forty-two-year-old mother of two named Allison Tinke. For those of you who don't realize he is also Peter Pan Man, I'll spell out TINKER BELL. That's not a joke. And I'm not even going to give him shit about it because, in the end, this salesman sold me. Much of this is clever. The characters were relatable, and the messages served up are worthy of re-reading. Although this novel would be better shortened, it was a surprisingly decent read. My overall rating: 3.5 stars
Suddenly, I’m intrigued.
The four most common personality traits found among “Alpha Dogs” are being highly competitive, witty, charismatic, and reckless.
Sola is all of the above, and his novel proves it.
The Gym is a 335-page witty ride in which the protagonist (Sola) charms women and acts recklessly in the name of love. In this adventure, he chased stars along with a forty-two-year-old mother of two named Allison Tinke. For those of you who don't realize he is also Peter Pan Man, I'll spell out TINKER BELL. That's not a joke. And I'm not even going to give him shit about it because, in the end, this salesman sold me. Much of this is clever. The characters were relatable, and the messages served up are worthy of re-reading. Although this novel would be better shortened, it was a surprisingly decent read. My overall rating: 3.5 stars
January 7, 2021
For those who have not read The Show, it's simply an entertaining story, told in a very appealing narration. Book 2 - The Gym has similarities only because of the author/protagonist. The storyline has little to do with fitness and much to do about rebooting a life at 50 determined to live happily ever after. I’m no romantic, but I have to admit it teased me into turning the pages until I was “Hooked!”
July 28, 2021
A real page turner...!!!
I was hooked from the start!
The story is very engaging, and the characters well thought-out. I could relate to the "darkness" in my own life and the struggles I've faced with depression. The author is definitely spot on.
A well written book that I highly recommend!
I was hooked from the start!
The story is very engaging, and the characters well thought-out. I could relate to the "darkness" in my own life and the struggles I've faced with depression. The author is definitely spot on.
A well written book that I highly recommend!
December 17, 2021
Let me start this by saying Sola wants you to feel his pain. And I did. But I’m glad I kept reading. The early dates made this book. During the final days of his relationship with Maya I began cringing with each text. But also reflected a bit on some old relationships and realized I got this guy. I didn’t expect that!
This was a clever and touching read.
This was a clever and touching read.
June 29, 2020
Overall Rating = 3.83
Storyline & Concept = 4
Writing & Delivery = 4
Editorial = 3.5
The Gym is a sequel to The Show, set five years after the original, and features the main character, Larry, who is trying to rebuild his life after losing his career and wife. He buys a fitness center in a quiet beachside town and searches for the woman who will help him fulfill his true destiny.
This novel was submitted as an action adventure story but would find itself more comfortable as a humor or romance genre; it covers both categories equally. It also seems to be, at least partially, biographical. The author has twisted names and events to follow the Peter Pan theme that began with the first in the series, and he makes it difficult to distinguish between fiction and reality. This adds to the appeal of the story, which delves into the traits of the eclectic characters using snappy dialogue and the amusing antics that take place at the gym.
Sublime Line: “A humorous and thought-provoking foray into the author’s Neverland and the search for his destiny.”
Storyline & Concept = 4
Writing & Delivery = 4
Editorial = 3.5
The Gym is a sequel to The Show, set five years after the original, and features the main character, Larry, who is trying to rebuild his life after losing his career and wife. He buys a fitness center in a quiet beachside town and searches for the woman who will help him fulfill his true destiny.
This novel was submitted as an action adventure story but would find itself more comfortable as a humor or romance genre; it covers both categories equally. It also seems to be, at least partially, biographical. The author has twisted names and events to follow the Peter Pan theme that began with the first in the series, and he makes it difficult to distinguish between fiction and reality. This adds to the appeal of the story, which delves into the traits of the eclectic characters using snappy dialogue and the amusing antics that take place at the gym.
Sublime Line: “A humorous and thought-provoking foray into the author’s Neverland and the search for his destiny.”
July 8, 2021
Forget about the plot twists! How about the 250-page tease!? I'm sorry but after all the starts and stops with Lucy/Linda, I thought she’d be the one. But then after the storm, our Pan Man protagonist catches up with her, and poof the girl of his dreams appears in a flurry of pixie dust??? Can you say Tinker Bell??? I removed a star because my head is fucking spinning. On a separate note, I loved the brief moments of erotica but are we really supposed to believe he didn't also sleep with Allie Girl? Ugh, my head is killing me! There are empty wine bottles all over my apartment and I'm hungover.
I have to re-visit this. And probably read it again.
I have to re-visit this. And probably read it again.
August 25, 2020
I was a beta-reader for the second edition of The Gym and can honestly say this amazing story is now tighter and edited for the appeal it deserved. The story is that special. I believe it will released in October.
August 14, 2020
I read book 2 first and had to buy book 1. Although this new(ish) book series was recommended to me
I wasn't fully convinced I would finish it. Quickly, I realized I not only would finish (fast) but was "hooked." The characters are relatable and the storyline is relevant. Not just to those of us starting over. In short, I felt a connection to Larry's (the author/Peter Pan Man) vulnerable state. During the darkest chapters he seemed sincere and flawed and real. I got sucked into this story about life and love and now am currently reading The Show. Mr. Sola I am a new fan. Good stuff!
I wasn't fully convinced I would finish it. Quickly, I realized I not only would finish (fast) but was "hooked." The characters are relatable and the storyline is relevant. Not just to those of us starting over. In short, I felt a connection to Larry's (the author/Peter Pan Man) vulnerable state. During the darkest chapters he seemed sincere and flawed and real. I got sucked into this story about life and love and now am currently reading The Show. Mr. Sola I am a new fan. Good stuff!
June 11, 2021
I gave this one a whirl because I love Peter Pan. I didn't expect much. Nothing against the author, just my experience with sequels. This continuation is no tease, though. This page-turner was fun yet compelling. It was obvious that it was inspired by Sola’s life and written with heart and soul. The details of this moment in time (2017) brought me right back to that year. The songs and news and even the mention of iPhones and Androids painted such vivid pictures. Maya the Mermaid had her Andriod as Allie Girl shook her pompoms. I adored Larry's cheerleader friend and related to many of the dates that became the foundation of this well-written tale. I won't spoil the end, but I was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable this read was. I do recommend it.
July 2, 2024
The Gym is the second book in the Peter Pan Man series by Lawrence H Sola. The story picks up five years later when the author is led to a sleepy beach town where he falls in love with a quirky fitness center. As the troubled writer looks to reboot his life, he buys The Gym, and a new adventure begins. The fun fitness center is full of colorful characters and spicy Mermaids. As Larry/Peter Pan Man sets out to find his happily ever after, profound messages about life are delivered with pixie dust. This is a deep story of self-discovery wrapped in the shenanigans of Larry's dates, which were often laugh-out-loud funny. The Gym is a fun, thought-provoking read that will have you believing in his second star to the right.
January 8, 2021
I only recently found out about this memoir type novel. I was a member the summer Sola took over but moved out of the area during his “ugly chapters,” lol! I can verify this is more accurate than this Pan Man is pretending. As Maya stated: it’s barely fictionalized. I can see this guy sitting in his office hungover. Lol! I also recall Allie and the Ripper as well as the Christina character. The laughter and wine were constants. This story brought me back. Fictionalized or not, it is a cool book. Cheers!
April 21, 2021
The character of Peter Pan was derived from dark origins and not Disney magic. Lawrence H. Sola’s modern spin of this story is a bit of both. Although his partly autobiographical book #2 begins in a dark place, Sola's imaginary backdrop will keep any Disney fan engaged. His novels have energy that is a direct result of his life, and his story had me smiling while contemplating mine. 4.5 stars.
May 29, 2021
I think I can say with certainty that The Gym by Lawrence H Sola is the type of book that most people can relate to. We all suffer through bouts of doubt and fear while secretly craving a happily-ever-after. Even if much of this is drawn from real life, I commend the author for being comfortable enough in his skin to admit it and impressed enough to leave this review. I highly recommend this inspirational and entertaining continuation and look forward to his next adventure. Cheers!
May 13, 2021
A sequel rarely impresses me more than the original, but Sola’s continuation of The Show is a clever, witty, and surprisingly thought-provoking novel. A master at dialogue, I often laughed aloud as The Gym's storyline repeatedly surprised me. It is apparent that the author is comfortable in his skin, and his modern-day fairy tale is well worth the read because of it. Great book!
May 25, 2021
The Gym Peter Pan Man, #2 is one of the best stories I have read this year. Hold onto your dreams and believe. The second star to the right burns brightest in the darkest of nights. Give this one a try. It is worth it.
October 19, 2021
Magnificent read.
A life reboot with an imaginary backdrop that becomes reality. Clever.
A life reboot with an imaginary backdrop that becomes reality. Clever.
August 11, 2020
This continuation of The Show is tilted The Gym but has little to do with fitness. First off, our favorite hero, the flawed Peter Pan Man, flies on without Wendy or his wife. What's an adventure without Wendy, you ask? One that introduces a Tink, ya silly goose! As this new chapter of his life begins, Larry, buys a fitness center desperately trying to find a happily-ever-after. The first 200 pages of wine, women, and song turn out to be significant experiences that alter his life and therefore the storyline. I felt his pain and also felt a connection to some of the women he dated. The Linda/Lucy character was a perfect example of a woman starting over after a long marriage. I literally screamed out loud during the Irma chapter! Without ruining the ending I will say this book was easy to lose yourself in and left me amused and hopeful.
August 17, 2022
Peter Pan Man #2 will transport you through dream states, modern day struggles, silly slapstick, relatable darkness, and dating scenes that will have you laughing out loud. As this magical continuation turns into a search for Larry’s destiny it was easy to see myself in him. I get this guy.
Sola writes with alluring directness while mastering dialogue. His wit reminded me of Hank Moody. His boyish charm Peter Pan. His imagination Walt Disney.
Highly recommended to those of you caught between reality and you’re wildest dreams. Second star to the right and straight on til morning!
Sola writes with alluring directness while mastering dialogue. His wit reminded me of Hank Moody. His boyish charm Peter Pan. His imagination Walt Disney.
Highly recommended to those of you caught between reality and you’re wildest dreams. Second star to the right and straight on til morning!
November 2, 2022
I wouldn't consider myself romantic, but Sola layers so many subtle messages of the heart that I got sucked in. The story starts with the author/protagonist/Peter Pan Man, in a dark place. He lost Wendy, his wife, his career, and his money while fighting through the darkness that taunts him. There was humor, witty dialogue, fantastic characters, and a quirky fitness center. That is the backdrop where Sola begins this new chapter of his life focused on a search for his destiny: Allison Tinke - Tinker Bell. This was clever and worth a read! Five stars!
September 10, 2023
Sola's fictionalized life story shifts to a sleepy beachside town in Florida. Larry - the Peter Pan Man, is starting over as the owner of a quirky fitness center that is a perfect backdrop for this fifty-year-old coming-of-age story. The dating scenes are laugh-out-loud hilarious, and this quest to find his Tinker Bell is pure determination with a capital D! This isn't only relatable entertainment. It's a thought-provoking read that leaves you smiling.
June 29, 2024
The Gym (Peter Pan Man, #2): I recall thinking this was a fun summer read, so I gave it another whirl. I found the storyline to be fun and humorous the first time. The second time, I realized the book is a remarkable blend of self-discovery and profound life lessons. It's a heartwarming story that follows "Larry" as he navigates life after his career and marriage setbacks. The dates were worth another go by themselves - and the chapter where Larry/Peter Pan Man has to jump off Maya the Mermaid's balcony had me laughing out loud.
She let out a nervous chortle, hit me, and whispered, "Go out on the balcony and finish getting dressed!"
"And then what...come back in and yell surprise?"
The dialogue is so hilarious that I could hear the guy. The characters are relatable, and the author is quite witty. Overall, this is a fun and meaningful read that was thought-provoking and really entertaining. This is a book all should read....and revisit again. Trust me. Life. Really good.
She let out a nervous chortle, hit me, and whispered, "Go out on the balcony and finish getting dressed!"
"And then what...come back in and yell surprise?"
The dialogue is so hilarious that I could hear the guy. The characters are relatable, and the author is quite witty. Overall, this is a fun and meaningful read that was thought-provoking and really entertaining. This is a book all should read....and revisit again. Trust me. Life. Really good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews