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Top of Mason
The first novel set in the world of modern professional skateboarding, TOP OF MASON is an adventure story about a young man dealing with a break up and a late-twenties identity crisis, intersecting the worlds of skateboarding, contemporary celebrity, and homelessness. All the characters are fictional, but the story is inspired by Walker Ryan's love for San Francisco and his appreciation for the many unique individuals he's met through skateboarding.
243 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2020
21 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 14, 2021
A very fun first book by a riveting author, Walker Ryan, who manages to sustain the reader’s interests as the main character, Henry struggles to regain his footing following a series of misjudgments and consequent adventures. Very amusing portrayal of an aging skateboarder, as well as street and skater culture without relying on gimmicks or 2 dimensional stereotypes. Given the visual nature of so many of the scenes, it would also make a great film.
February 24, 2021
Hats off to Walker Ryan.
It was awesome to see a piece of pop culture (let alone a novel) that portrays skateboarding and skate culture authentically.
The story had some genuinely funny moments and hooked me during most scenes.
Only critique is the modern vernacular and skate lingo sometimes made the dialogue and relationships feel sort of trivial. Lots of “fuck yea, dude!” type of dialogue. But then again, that’s how skaters talk in 2021 so I can’t say it’s unauthentic.
I hope Walker keeps writing!
It was awesome to see a piece of pop culture (let alone a novel) that portrays skateboarding and skate culture authentically.
The story had some genuinely funny moments and hooked me during most scenes.
Only critique is the modern vernacular and skate lingo sometimes made the dialogue and relationships feel sort of trivial. Lots of “fuck yea, dude!” type of dialogue. But then again, that’s how skaters talk in 2021 so I can’t say it’s unauthentic.
I hope Walker keeps writing!
September 28, 2021
What a surprising read. I’m not going to lie, the first 100 pages of this book might annoy you or piss you off. There were times I didn't find Henry believable, or that things that were happening, weren't earned or were incredibly convenient for him. I almost put the book down and wasn't invested in the character, who honestly, came off as an idiot at times with his decision making and inability to let go of things.
The pacing in the second half of the book is what saved it in my opinion. It actually worked well against the pace and calamity of the first half.
I loved the homage to skateboarding, and as a writer and someone who still loves and tortures themselves in their 30's skateboarding, I could relate to a lot of the material.
I really appreciate Walker for writing this, and looking forward to him writing more.
Not my favorite book by any stretch, but it made me want to get on my board between reads, and overall it was a fun read.
The pacing in the second half of the book is what saved it in my opinion. It actually worked well against the pace and calamity of the first half.
I loved the homage to skateboarding, and as a writer and someone who still loves and tortures themselves in their 30's skateboarding, I could relate to a lot of the material.
I really appreciate Walker for writing this, and looking forward to him writing more.
Not my favorite book by any stretch, but it made me want to get on my board between reads, and overall it was a fun read.
January 22, 2021
This was awesome!
I was probably going to like this book regardless, because I really love and respect the fact that Walker has written a book. (dude's living my dream)
But this story was actually quite engaging, and relatable, from a skater point of view. I hope Mr Ryan continues to write, cause I'd love to read anything else he comes up with. 😁
I was probably going to like this book regardless, because I really love and respect the fact that Walker has written a book. (dude's living my dream)
But this story was actually quite engaging, and relatable, from a skater point of view. I hope Mr Ryan continues to write, cause I'd love to read anything else he comes up with. 😁
December 26, 2020
Awesome Book
Really enjoyed the book and was hooked from the beginning. A must read if you’ve skated before, loved all the references. Well done!
Really enjoyed the book and was hooked from the beginning. A must read if you’ve skated before, loved all the references. Well done!
January 17, 2021
Started off slow but really enjoyed this book . The characters are interesting and it flew by once I got into it. Hope he writes more books on these characters
February 3, 2021
Super cool to see a skater like Walker Ryan writing a book. I enjoyed it. It kept my attention, and I was engaged in the story. I hope Ryan writes more books in the future!
December 16, 2023
I was thoroughly entertained all the way through. I’m turning 30 in a couple of months and as a lifetime lover of skateboarding I rooted for Henry. I grew up visiting San Francisco during Christmas time as a kid. I’ve never had a chance to skate there but the next time I am for sure bringing my board. Walker did very good, I mean, well at keeping me engaged. You’ll experience the lowest of the lows in the tenderloin zone to getting a glimpse into making it big as a pro skater. Walkers descriptions of how Henry felt skating was spot on. I’m stoked to read Off Clark. Thanks again Walker for signing both my copies of your books!
December 22, 2023
3.5 stars
The main character (Henry) kept making the DUMBEST DECISIONs and occasionally pissed me off because of things he said but the character and story definitely embodied skating and the life around it really well.
I liked how the story focused on people at completely opposite ends of the skater spectrum but I also felt like I was reading two or three completely different stories between Henry, Garry and Dev which was weird but also I enjoyed it? Gary and Dev’s characters MADE the story. They were well developed and Devs story was personally my favorite.
I think Henry’s character was a bit bland. His friends basically directed him through all his life decisions and Henry didn’t make any choices of his own for most of the book.
The main character (Henry) kept making the DUMBEST DECISIONs and occasionally pissed me off because of things he said but the character and story definitely embodied skating and the life around it really well.
I liked how the story focused on people at completely opposite ends of the skater spectrum but I also felt like I was reading two or three completely different stories between Henry, Garry and Dev which was weird but also I enjoyed it? Gary and Dev’s characters MADE the story. They were well developed and Devs story was personally my favorite.
I think Henry’s character was a bit bland. His friends basically directed him through all his life decisions and Henry didn’t make any choices of his own for most of the book.
January 13, 2023
Keep in mind, I usually read fantasy. Walker writes a wild tale with plenty of ups, downs and intrigue but I spent most of the time disliking Henry (the main character) and wanted to see more growth in him. The skating sections were a blast to read and an inspiration to get back on the board. I think the book was fine, maybe just not for me.
April 11, 2021
I really wanted to enjoy this one, and I love the idea of a pro skater telling real stories. There are certainly a lot of great stories to be told, real and fictional. Unfortunately, the route Walker Ryan takes here is a mostly pedestrian retelling of the most common stories in skating: the vague junky redemption arc, the glossed-over Nyjah "rise up" arc, and a lot of angsty almost-middle-aged filler. Even though Ryan clearly knows the history and details of the sport and culture, he doesn't come anywhere near telling a story as compelling as most Loveletters or Nine Club episodes. Instead of the mind-blowing narratives we read about in the history of skating, we get a much more mundane slice-of-life.
It's clear Ryan knows skating and the world around it. It's clear he's been somewhat thoughtful about the situations that grow around skate spots and the people who frequent them. He sees some of what skating can mean to people coming to it with different background and hopes. The best parts in the novel are where he is deep in description of tricks, lines, and describing the thrill of skating as only a former-pro skater could. These almost reach levels of wildlife or nature descriptions in other novels, or of the thrill of competition and struggle in high adventure stories.
Unfortunately, in the end, the writing is just not very good. The words on the page are not engaging. The characters lack depth and definition. They rely on slight caricatures and conglomerations of well-known figures in mainstream skating. Even Gary's wackiest exploit doesn't compare to Andy Roy. Dizzy Dev's story is a watered-down version of Nyjah's real story. And Henry Phillip's philosophizing is rank compared to actual words spoken by folks like Mullen and Grosso. If one were going to simply mash together skaters to make a definitive skate philosophy story, the cast of this novel would look very different.
In the end, I think Ryan wanted to tell a "real" story (of life in the big city -- with drugs and hijinks) that used skateboarding in the way that Kids or Mid-90s used the culture. In the end, he has not created as good of a story or presentation as those other works.
It's clear Ryan knows skating and the world around it. It's clear he's been somewhat thoughtful about the situations that grow around skate spots and the people who frequent them. He sees some of what skating can mean to people coming to it with different background and hopes. The best parts in the novel are where he is deep in description of tricks, lines, and describing the thrill of skating as only a former-pro skater could. These almost reach levels of wildlife or nature descriptions in other novels, or of the thrill of competition and struggle in high adventure stories.
Unfortunately, in the end, the writing is just not very good. The words on the page are not engaging. The characters lack depth and definition. They rely on slight caricatures and conglomerations of well-known figures in mainstream skating. Even Gary's wackiest exploit doesn't compare to Andy Roy. Dizzy Dev's story is a watered-down version of Nyjah's real story. And Henry Phillip's philosophizing is rank compared to actual words spoken by folks like Mullen and Grosso. If one were going to simply mash together skaters to make a definitive skate philosophy story, the cast of this novel would look very different.
In the end, I think Ryan wanted to tell a "real" story (of life in the big city -- with drugs and hijinks) that used skateboarding in the way that Kids or Mid-90s used the culture. In the end, he has not created as good of a story or presentation as those other works.
July 12, 2021
Love it
A wild ride from start to finish and I hope he writes more books. Why a word minimum amazon, unnecessary?
A wild ride from start to finish and I hope he writes more books. Why a word minimum amazon, unnecessary?
July 3, 2021
Top of Mason is quickly paced and entertaining, and Walker Ryan packed in more emotional connection than I was expecting. I anticipated a light read centered on a skateboarding career but was pleasantly surprised to find Top of Mason tackling difficult topics in a relatable way. Ryan allows his characters to deal both healthily and unhealthily with self-fulfillment, losing yourself while trying to satisfy expectations of you, emotional trauma, addiction, anger, forgiveness, and selflessness.
Don't worry skaters, Ryan packs plenty of skateboarding prose into the novel. If you're a fan of skateboarding or skater yourself you'll find these scenes well-done. The references to the real world of skateboarding are tucked in nicely as well, but if you're not into that scene you will not find them a burden to the read.
Overall I found it highly enjoyable, and I congratulate the first time author on a fun and thoughtful read.
Don't worry skaters, Ryan packs plenty of skateboarding prose into the novel. If you're a fan of skateboarding or skater yourself you'll find these scenes well-done. The references to the real world of skateboarding are tucked in nicely as well, but if you're not into that scene you will not find them a burden to the read.
Overall I found it highly enjoyable, and I congratulate the first time author on a fun and thoughtful read.
January 7, 2021
I give the book 5 stars by default because it was written by a skateboarder.
It's a bit odd about that a former sponsored skater down on his luck starts smoking crack and selling Fentanyl but hey if nothing else it is amusing.
It's a fun tale but the mixture of skateboard culture and this story have a hard time meshing with one another. I'm on part 3 and so far no mention of Chico Brenes yet? Hoping he shows up at some point in the final act.
It was clever but could use a bit of refinement. Would like to have seen a dive into the character's inner thoughts more and develop him as a character over some sk8er boi who is sad his girlfriend dumped him.
It's a bit odd about that a former sponsored skater down on his luck starts smoking crack and selling Fentanyl but hey if nothing else it is amusing.
It's a fun tale but the mixture of skateboard culture and this story have a hard time meshing with one another. I'm on part 3 and so far no mention of Chico Brenes yet? Hoping he shows up at some point in the final act.
It was clever but could use a bit of refinement. Would like to have seen a dive into the character's inner thoughts more and develop him as a character over some sk8er boi who is sad his girlfriend dumped him.
May 11, 2023
I’d say being into skateboarding drew me into reading this novel by walker Ryan. Its a pretty good novel containing some details that may seem unrealistic at times but thats really how wild the skate culture can be.
January 7, 2022
I will start with a simple admission; I bought this novel as somewhat of a novelty. I was not expecting a whole lot from a book written by a skater. Now, please do not get me wrong, this is not regarding Mr. Ryan's personality, as I do not know him, but grew up skating and most of the guys I knew in the scene I doubt would be able to string together 2 full sentences.
With that being said, I was very impressed with the book. I am a bit of a slow reader, but got this done in 4 days, I just couldn't wait to find out where exactly this story was headed and what was in store for Henry next. As Walker is a skater and this book follows a skater through a turbulent couple weeks, there are some scenes which may set non-skaters off, maybe due to lack of understanding of the scene/tricks, but not so much that I couldn't see a non-skater still being able to fully enjoy this novel.
I am giving this novel a solid 4.5 stars, with the extra 0.5 stars coming from a brief chat I did have with Walker before I purchased the book. He was extremely kind and even gave me a discount on the books (I purchased for myself, the other for a friend). I will certainly be looking forward to his future works in literature, and will remember to stop judging books by their covers (or in this case, writers from their skateboarding day jobs. Side note:Sebo Walker's cover is simple but actually very beautiful).
With that being said, I was very impressed with the book. I am a bit of a slow reader, but got this done in 4 days, I just couldn't wait to find out where exactly this story was headed and what was in store for Henry next. As Walker is a skater and this book follows a skater through a turbulent couple weeks, there are some scenes which may set non-skaters off, maybe due to lack of understanding of the scene/tricks, but not so much that I couldn't see a non-skater still being able to fully enjoy this novel.
I am giving this novel a solid 4.5 stars, with the extra 0.5 stars coming from a brief chat I did have with Walker before I purchased the book. He was extremely kind and even gave me a discount on the books (I purchased for myself, the other for a friend). I will certainly be looking forward to his future works in literature, and will remember to stop judging books by their covers (or in this case, writers from their skateboarding day jobs. Side note:Sebo Walker's cover is simple but actually very beautiful).
January 3, 2023
I felt like a good job was done of creating characters that felt real and relatable. I got taken much deeper into the life and headspace of Henry and the other characters shown how skating is a passion for each of them, but also how they’re all unique in ways off the boards. I appreciate how the vibe of the whole book felt authentic and nothing was romanticized, while the magic of San Francisco and Skateboarding were able to still shine. I Thoroughly enjoyed this read and think it’s so sick a pro skater published a book, good on ya Walker.
January 23, 2022
For readers: A novel that ebbs and flows through the highs and lows of life.
For skaters: A story that exposes the dichotomy of reality for different skaters— a story that often hits home for many.
Walker Ryan beautifully conveys this tale of San Francisco. An excellent novel, and a strong first showing for a burgeoning author.
For skaters: A story that exposes the dichotomy of reality for different skaters— a story that often hits home for many.
Walker Ryan beautifully conveys this tale of San Francisco. An excellent novel, and a strong first showing for a burgeoning author.
December 17, 2022
Great book if you’re a skateboarder or even just a fan. It’s a very accurate story of what it’s like growing old in the industry and the ups and downs that come with aging out and seeing the generation behind you make their move. It also shows how some of our old friends can end up down the wrong path losing their passion and ruining their life from drugs. Great book
August 26, 2021
Such a good read and love the pace of the book. As a skater I especially loved the book, but you do not need to be a skater to enjoy it. It’s a San Francisco crackscapade and suspenseful from top to bottom. Can’t wait for Walkers next book!
January 12, 2022
Really enjoyed this read from Walker. It was difficult to put the book down, as I found myself continually interested in Henry's ever-evolving adventure. Walker did a great job capturing the scene in SF from a skater's point of view without it feeling forced.
February 7, 2023
I found myself fully enveloped in the world and the dynamic characters Ryan created. Rooting for Henry in the first act was a difficult ask but soon enough I found myself fully on board and hoping for Henry to find his way out of these jams and find himself in the process. I’m sad that it’s over.
January 10, 2021
Read because Erik wanted me to. Would have been much cooler if I got the references I’m sure.
August 30, 2022
If you skate you're going to love this book. If you love SF and the bay you're gonna love this book. Basically, if you're cool, you're going to love this book.
October 17, 2022
Biiiig Walker Ryan fan. His first name is like a last name a vice versa
March 24, 2023
Great book. I couldn't put it down. It's good whether or not you like skateboarding.
April 16, 2024
great novel for skaters and non-skaters alike - plenty of great nods to skate history and architecture. absolute big fan! great job walker!!
February 28, 2025
Good book by a great skateboarder.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews