Booted

by Richard Bader

“Booted” tells the story of a man who’s down on his luck, but through a case of (possibly) mistaken identity gets a shot at redemption. All he needs to do is find a woman who might be dead, recover an heirloom that might have vanished, and convince an eccentric family that makes exquisite hiking boots to let him run their century-old business. And it all takes place on a landscape so cold it could freeze your nose off.



Note: I am the author of this book.

264 pages, Paperback

Published December 15, 2020

About the author

I live and write in Towson, Maryland. My short fiction has been published by the r.kv.ry Quarterly, the Burningword Literary Journal, the Piltdown Review, and National Public Radio, among others. I am the co-author of "Blueprint," a memoir of former Olympic swimmer Katie Hoff, and the author of the novel "Booted" (Adelaide Press), published in December 2020.

Reviews

[Catherine Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever, twisty, and fast paced novel with a subtle and wry humor throughout. I never knew what to expect in the life of the unassuming Baltimorean with the next page. Every character Victor meets becomes either endearing or alarming and seems to both complicate and enlarge his life. Victor's observant but cynical interpretations of the life he navigates kept me smiling if not out loud chortling. Great and fun read.

[Lauren B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story is important, but compelling characters and beautiful, witty writing are equally important. Luckily, Richard Bader's Booted excels in all three of these areas. Victor Barstow's journey is joyful, action-packed, surprising, and so very cold. Throughout the novel, it's unclear if he is amazingly lucky or amazingly unlucky, and the process answering that question is full of laughs, interesting characters, twists, turns, and some outdoor adventuring. Read it. Just read it.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

We need more novels like this!!!!!!!

I read "Booted," on the recommendation of a friend since it's published by a small press. Such a shame because it deserves a prominent place in contemporary literature. The story is part spoof, part caper and part wry observation of current attitudes and at times it is laugh out loud funny. What a voice this writer has. I urge more people to read and comment on this genius work that reminded me of why I love John Irving and Tom Robbins.

[Tyson Peveto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Booted was a fun, enjoyable read. The storyline demanded quick reading even though there were never cheap cliffhangers or any other overused devices. I felt the bitter cold of the setting, and was quickly and unexpectedly invested in a fictional boot company’s future. I look forward to reading future Richer Bader novels!

[Paul Kruis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book. A fun story well told. Style is fresh and direct. Interesting characters presented with an underlying sheen of humor. Main character's flaws serve to push the story forward nicely. Plus this is the author's first novel - am excited to see what will follow.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Booted, the debut novel by Richard Bader, to be an engaging and enjoyable romp. It follows Victor Barstow’s quixotic mid life effort to salvage his stalled career as his life becomes tangled with a cast of colorful characters. This book is an extremely satisfying page turner.

[Kenneth Wharry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always enjoy a good story with multiple plots, and an unforeseen ending. This is definitely one of them! Recommended!